How to Express Urgency in an Email
Here are some ways to express urgency in an email:
Use Time-Sensitive Words to Spark Interest
Create a subject line that will motivate your readers to take action. To do this, you can use active and urgent words to emphasize the limited time left to sign up for the event or purchase the item.
"Only 12 hours left to save big!"
“Hurry and save 15% on dresses for the spring season. Only for a limited time."
There's no better place to find ideas of urgent language for time-sensitive offers than in your mailbox. You might notice that many of the subject lines in your inbox have a countdown timer that gives you the impression that time is running out. You might even worry that you're missing out on something truly great if you don't act fast.
Emphasize Scarcity
Many consumers, both brick-and-mortar stores and their online counterparts, have experienced "fear of missing out" (FOMO). Stressing the possibility that customers won't get another chance to buy your highly sought-after products is a great way to generate a sense of urgency. Try using these time-sensitive phrases and expressions to emphasize scarcity to help create a sense of urgency and encourage the person to act immediately:
"X left in stock"
"Only X available"
"Limited edition"
Use Capital Letters, Exclamation Points, and Emojis
Short phrases can be capitalized. It is not necessary to capitalize the first letter of every word in the subject line unless it is fewer than five words long. All-caps subject lines are more likely to be flagged as spam.
Also, you can emphasize the importance of your message by using exclamation points. You can limit yourself to using no more than one exclamation point in each sentence.
Whenever possible, omit the "!!!!!" sign. Too many exclamation marks in a subject line can make it seem like you're shouting at the person reading it, rather than conveying a sense of urgency.
Add a Deadline
Including a deadline is a simple technique to increase the sense of urgency. Be sure to emphasize that they have limited time. Be sure to mention both the date and time of the deadline in the body of the message and in the subject line. The details will show customers how much time they have. This may be just what you need to create urgency.
Emphasize Any Potential Discount
It's crucial to emphasize the possible savings for your customers if you're hosting a sale. Offering discounts helps generate a sense of urgency because no one wants to miss out on a good deal. It's essential that you highlight the price cut or special offer. So even if they only skim your email subject lines, your readers will be able to quickly grasp the possible savings they stand to gain.
Highlight Your Important Message (Offer, Sale, Etc.)
Choose the strongest color for your primary message's background. Another option is to use a vibrant GIF background. Don't forget that your email's main objective is to get the reader's attention.
Combine, Action-Oriented Phrases
Use active verbs in combination with urgent sentences. By doing so, you can encourage swift action from your subscribers. You can experiment with lengthier CTA buttons or links if your email copy is brief and contains little text.
Aim for a concise call to action (CTA) button even if your email copy is lengthy. Try the following combinations in your email subject lines, email body, or CTA button:
"Hurry! Make a reservation now."
"discounts of up to 50%! Save right now."
Use Repetition to Emphasize Your Message
Repeat the key messages in the email body to create a sense of urgency. You don't have to use the same exact words. However, strategically placing emphasized words throughout the email will do the trick for human psychology.
Provide a Solution to an Issue
Promote your product as a problem-solver. Your subscribers will feel a sense of urgency as a result. If you have the opportunity to save them from a problem, then most definitely do so. Besides, providing a solution can be a great opportunity to mend a broken business relationship. Try using phrases like these:
"Ten days before Christmas. Get your gifts in time for Christmas Eve by placing your order today!
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Take Advantage of High-Demand Items
People are more likely to act rapidly when they are aware that a product is in high demand and likely to sell out shortly. See our suggestions below:
"Don't miss out again! Get it now ."
"Restocked! Grab yours before it runs out."
Examples of Emails with Urgent Subject Lines
Some of the best examples of urgent subject lines are as follows:
Emprada: “Last Chance Extra 20% Off Sale Ends at Midnight”
For Love and Lemons: “ONLY 6 HOURS LEFT TO SHOP THE SALE”
Half United: “4 hrs left// Take $10 off + give double the meals!”
American Eagle Outfitters: “IT’S. YOUR. LAST. CHANCE!”
Body Candy: “50% Off!! FINAL DAY!(coupon inside)”
Nightcap Clothing: “The biggest sale of the year is almost over”
Under Armour: “You Can't Wait Up To 50% Off Outlet Ends Tonight”
Wrapping up
Check and edit your email campaigns as you compose them. The body, subject line, and CTA are all places where you may tweak or improve your content to convey action-oriented words and a sense of urgency. Now that you have a polished urgent email, you can test its effectiveness by sending it to the intended recipients and seeing how they respond.