10 Creative Personalizations to Use in Email Campaigns

Welcome back, my fellow Clay enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the world of email personalization using AI, a topic close to my heart. Personalizing outreach can be quick, easy, and scalable, but finding inspiration for personalization can sometimes be tricky. That's where this list of ten creative personalization ideas comes in handy. Whether you're new to this or a seasoned pro, these prompts might just spark some fresh ideas for your email campaigns.

1. Shakespearean Sonnet

Why not start with a bit of fun? Imagine using a Shakespearean sonnet to woo potential clients. In this example, I crafted a sonnet to entice connections on LinkedIn to consider my organic growth agency. It's playful, engaging, and maintains the structure of a sonnet while conveying the essence of what we do. You can find all the prompts in the description if you want to give it a try.

2. Prospect Summary

For a more traditional approach, use the prospect's LinkedIn summary to personalize your email. This method involves referencing their summary to craft a compelling first line for your cold email. It's not about writing the whole email but creating a strong opening that shows you've done your homework. Here's an example: "Seeing a recent move to InterContinental's portfolio management group and your involvement in budgeting and decision-making, I believe our expertise in fine-tuning product pages could significantly boost conversion rates and be of immense value."

3. Recommendations

This one's all about providing value upfront. Offer three organic marketing ideas tailored to the prospect's company. It shows you're invested in their success without expecting anything in return. For instance, suggestions might include starting a blog, collaborating with influencers, or launching a user-generated content campaign. These recommendations can demonstrate your expertise and potentially convert prospects into clients.

4. Location-Based Opener

Use local businesses to create a casual, relatable opening. By referencing a nearby cafe or spot, you can break the ice and make your email feel more personal. Remember to focus on where the person lives, not where their company is based. For example, "Hey, I noticed you're from Brooklyn. Have you ever checked out a cool little spot called Quarto?" It's a light-hearted approach that can lead to interesting responses.

5. Website Performance Analysis

If your company deals with website performance, this one's for you. Use Google PageSpeed data to identify areas for improvement on the prospect's site. Highlight issues and suggest solutions in a short, two-to-three sentence snippet. This not only demonstrates your expertise but also offers a clear path to improvement. Just be sure to keep the tone personable rather than robotic.

6. Tech Stack Reference

Understanding the technologies a company uses can be a goldmine for personalization. Use this insight to craft an email that highlights your familiarity with their tools, making it clear that your services align perfectly with their needs. For instance, "I see you use Google Analytics, an excellent tool for tracking website performance and understanding user behavior."

7. Highlighting Benefits

Some prospects might underestimate the power of organic marketing. Use this prompt to succinctly convey a significant benefit that organic marketing can bring to their company. It's a simple yet effective way to open their eyes to the potential impact on their business.

8. Recognizing Company Strengths

Start your email by acknowledging something the company does exceptionally well. It's a great way to show you've done your research and appreciate their strengths. Use the company description to identify a key action they excel at, and keep it under seven words. For example, "Clay.com, sending personalized campaigns."

9. Humor (Use with Caution)

This one's a bit of a wildcard. Crafting a joke related to the company can be risky, but it might pay off if done well. However, AI-generated jokes can sometimes miss the mark, so proceed with caution. Here's an example: "Why did Clay cross the road? Because it heard there was a sales prospect on the other side who hadn't received a personalized AI-powered message yet."

10. Headcount Reference

Use the company's headcount to tailor your message. It's a subtle way to show you've done your research. However, this one works best for smaller companies. For instance, "I noticed that you have around 27 people at Clay. Is anybody on your team working on SEO at the moment?" Be careful with larger companies, as it might come across as sarcastic.

And that's a wrap! I hope these personalization ideas provide some inspiration for your next email campaign. Remember, these prompts are just starting points. Feel free to tweak and adapt them to suit your style and needs. Happy prospecting!