how-to-use-an-email-p-s-to-drive-more-clicks

How to Use an Email P.S. to Drive More Clicks

To break through the email clutter, capturing attention and establishing a robust presence can be more effective and crucial than before. While the body of your email includes the vital details, the final line you write could make a huge difference. The P.S. (short for Postscript) is a concise, often neglected component of email writing that can improve your message. Moreover, you can look forward to boosting engagement and leaving a memorable impression.

A person receives more than 120 emails every day on average. So, your subscribers are more inclined to scan emails rather than read them. However, there is one section that makes your email stand out in a crowded inbox – the PS in email. Hands down!

The P.S. or postscript is an exceptionally powerful yet often overlooked tool for email optimisation. The fact remains unquestionable that subject lines and snippets drive an individual to open your email. But the P.S. statement not only motivates them to respond to the email but also to act. That’s the beauty of a postscript in email!

Without further ado, let’s delve into why a short, punchy postscript is always read and how you can boost click-through rates and, ultimately, drive more revenue for your business.

What is P.S. in Email?

what-is-p-s-in-email

The P.S. meaning in email is a short, secondary message used to focus on a separate thought. An acronym of postscript, people generally use P.S. for adding succinct information that is not part of the email content. Using it in email can help you drive readers to take the desired action, send reminders, or make special offers.

For example, “P.S. Don’t forget to attend the morning meeting tomorrow.”

As one of the most significant components of an email, P.S. has originated from the conventional form of letter writing. This is where a postscript contains information that was neglected or added after the main message was drafted. 

Many business professionals and marketers have been extensively relying on using this popular tool for various reasons. The postscript in email captures attention and gives a signature touch to the message, although emails allow effortless editing.

Where Does P.S. Go in an Email?

Here’s the standard structure of an email containing P.S. at the end:

When people used letters, the postscript, or P.S., was used after the signature. As they began using emails, they emphasised the importance of placing the P.S. after the closing line of the email. This gave a more prominent touch to the message. 

Listed below is the standard structure of an email comprising P.S. at the end:

  • Main Body: It’s the space containing the email’s primary content.
  • Closing Line: It is an amiable way to end an email and show appreciation to readers. 
  • Signature: In addition to your name, the signature includes contact details, such as your company and email address.
  • P.S. in Email: It acts as an additional note or reminder and comes after the signature in the email. A brief, customised postscript can encourage readers to take immediate action. Moreover, it sets your information apart from the rest of the email and grabs readers’ attention.
See also  How to Write Subject Lines That Get Opens Every Time

Why Do Readers Focus on the P.S. in Email?

Here’s a list of a couple of reasons why readers focus on the PS in emails:

1. Gives an Exclusivity Feeling

It’s like the P.S. in an email is a little parting thought or something extra just for them. This makes them feel as if they’re getting something unique and special, such as snippets that the main message does not include.

2. Increases Curiosity

As you know, the P.S. comes at the end of an email; it can offer a sneak peek of something new and exciting. For instance, you can unveil a newsletter series focused on email marketing to make the readers stick to your content.

3. Carries an Approachable Tone

The postscript in email is often more cordial and approachable. As a result, it makes the recipient feel close to your brand.

4. A Visual Break

The P.S. is separate from the body of an email. So, it gives readers a visual break. It captures their attention to the specific message.

5. Improves Psychological Impact

The serial position effect suggests that individuals recall the first as well as the last items mentioned in the email. This can be a fantastic way to give a memorable touch to the P.S. section.

6. Highlights of Key Information

Use P.S. to your advantage and write important reminders and offers. Create engaging CTAs (call-to-actions) by using P.S.

Use P.S. in an email properly and like a pro; it can help more people notice the email, even if they just glance through it. You must ensure that it’s appropriately formatted and has the right length.

When Should You Use P.S. in an Email?

A postscript in email can highlight information. However, using it in every email will not work in your favour. That’s because it will overwhelm the recipient and make you lose value. You must include P.S. to focus on crucial information like premium offers or reminders. 

Let’s take a look at the table below demonstrating when to use a P.S. and when not to use it.

Use P.S. forAvoid P.S. for
Concise, non-vital information.An essential and lengthy message.
Reigniting customer interest.Replacing key information from the main body.
Focusing on a discount or offer.Vital details the recipient needed upfront.
Adding a personal touch.Unprofessional or informal remarks.
Sharing an appropriate tip or bonus content.Information that must be included in the main body.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing a Highly Effective P.S. in Emails

The P.S. lines written by most people are trash. Not only are they uninspired and disengaged, but they’re also a complete waste of space. A fine P.S. must be written with the same amount of thought and care you devote to writing an impactful subject line. A PS in email is more like a final positioning statement.

Listed below are some do’s and don’ts you should consider when including a P.S. in your email. Use it in a way that makes you appear like an amateur.

Do’s

  1. Do Keep It Short: Include a maximum of two sentences. The power of the PS in email lies in its conciseness. It has to be a quick hook, not a lengthy speech.
  1. Do Have a Single Goal: The P.S. in an email must focus on one thing and nothing else. Reiterate the offer. Add urgency. Mention a secondary link. Choose one. Avoid trying to stuff three diverse ideas into it.
  1. Do Place It After Your Signature: Make sure you add the P.S. at the extreme bottom of the email. This should be after your name and contact details. This section is what makes it stand out to glancers, apart from being a standard format.
See also  How to Create an Effective Email Signature: Best Practices & Examples

The P.S. is, of course, the final word in your email. Use it to make a big impact on readers. 

Don’ts

  1. Don’t Introduce a New Idea: Avoid using the P.S. as a place to begin a new conversation. It must be directly linked to your email’s main topic. Any random P.S. will disconnect your reader from the conversation.
  1. Don’t Apologise for a Long Email: “P.S. Apologies for the lengthy email” – this phrase shows you are a weak writer. It reflects, “I’m too busy or lazy to change my own work, and I don’t give importance to your time.” Try to make your email shorter if it’s long, rather than apologising for it.
  1. Don’t Use It Every Time: The P.S. will lose all its significance if you include it in every email. You don’t want to present it as just another part of the template. Use it when it really matters or makes a significant difference.

What Practices to Consider for Creating the Best Email P.S.

  • Evaluate the Purpose and Placement: You need to know why you’re using the postscript in email. Its placement should always be under your signature.
  • Match the style and content: Keep the P.S. brief and sweet; this technique makes sure you stay on the topic of your email. You’ll also want to focus on a consistent brand tone and voice.
  • Make It Pretty: Use bold or other formatting to grab your readers’ attention in your P.S. section. Font Email. Select the easiest email font to read.
  • Test & Measure Often: Test several P.S. tactics, in addition to monitoring your email metrics. You will get to know what performs better for your audience.
  • Add Value: Make key information you want the audience to remember more important.
  • Be Direct: Using direct language, including “Sign up for the event” or “Click on the given link”, helps you create a perfect P.S. in an email. 
  • Make it Personal: The P.S. lets you add a personal touch to your email. Use the name of the recipient or refer to an earlier interaction.
  • Use Authentic Voice: Don’t sound forceful or authoritative. The message and the tone of the message will be authentic and help build credibility.
  • Try different P.S. messages: Record each message and A/B test them. This will help you to see which version is performing well.

5 Ways to Use the P.S. in Email (to Grab Customer Attention!)

A well-crafted P.S. is highly effective when it comes to adding personality, focusing on an exclusive offer, or giving your reader one last trigger to take action. It not only sparks curiosity but also encourages readers to get more information about your brand. Use the PS in an email to create urgency by adding a limited-time offer, a casual comment, or even a surprise deal.

Listed below are some innovative ways to use P.S. in an email that will help drive more clicks:

1. Emphasise the Main Selling Point

Perhaps the body copy of your email includes all crucial information about your unique selling proposition (USP). But what if the reader moves down to the last text without reading it?

Repeating the selling point in the P.S. section of your email will make it easier for recipients to understand what you’re offering right away – the features and benefits. But keep in mind not to reiterate the same sentence. Instead, focus on how your product or service can help them from a new perspective.

2. Add a Personal Note

When it comes to establishing a connection with customers, a PS in email is one of the most amazing ways to do so. You can provide references to your previous interactions or include specific details to paint a bright picture. For instance, you can include a note about the climate of a town the recipient is soon to travel to. This shows you pay attention to their needs.

See also  What is Email Blast? Strategy, tool & Common Mistakes

The P.S. in an email can amplify the conversation, leading to deeper connections. This is regardless of whether it’s about sending a cordial email to a new connection or order updates.

Let’s explain this further by way of an example:

“P.S. It was a pleasure making your acquaintance at the conference held last week. Let me know if I can be of any assistance.”

Browse more ideas for using P.S. This will help you strengthen personal relationships.

  • P.S. My pet dog broke my smartphone again. This is getting ridiculous.
  • P.S. I wish you the happiest and safest birthday!
  • P.S. Did you watch the new (movie name) lately? I thought I’d ask you since you’re a passionate movie buff.

Humour helps you connect with others, so use it wisely. However, you must understand your recipient’s sense of humour. This will help you avoid coming across as cumbersome. If you’re in doubt, it’s best to avoid using humour. Instead, be friendly.

3. Promote Urgency

Your readers are likely to read the P.S. section in your email marketing campaigns. This is because most glance through them. Boost your PS line email marketing conversion rate rapidly by including limited offers, premium access, or gifts.

The following are some of the various urgency techniques:

  • Direct and Clear: “P.S. Hurry, this offer is valid until midnight.”
  • Create Shortage: “P.S. Only 3 spots left for the conference.”
  • Countdown: “P.S. Our flash sale is going to end in 6 hours.”
  • Create FOMO (fear of missing out): “P.S. Less than 5 items remaining in this size.”
  • Focus on Interest: “P.S. Unlock premium benefits by signing up right now.”
  • Create Desire: “P.S. Be the lucky one to try our new product.”
  • Give a Gift: “P.S. Receive a free gift with your purchase today.”
  • Direct CTA: “P.S. Claim your discount now by clicking here.”
  • Create Expectation: “P.S. Start your free trial today.”

Keep experimenting with various approaches to see what performs better with your audience.

4. Congratulate Your Colleagues or Acquaintances

Did you find out that one of your colleagues was recently promoted? Or, the person you met the day before yesterday started their own company? This is a scenario where a postscript can be useful. It is an amiable way to convey your best wishes to them. A PS in email allows you to add a personal and unforgettable touch to your emails. 

5. Introduce New Products and Services

Are you introducing a new product? Adding a P.S. can attract more eyeballs to the message. For instance, “P.S. Click to find out more about our exciting offers and new products.”

Here is a list of some useful tips that you should consider to make your P.S. worthy:

  • Create Excitement for the New Offers: Stir up interest among your customers and let them know about the new addition in your product line. P.S. Check out our new product line! Coming soon.
  • Focus on a Unique Benefit: Think of how your product/service is solving customer pain points. P.S. Our (product name) can help you with (problem) with (advantages). More soon.” 
  • Make it a limited-time offer: “Urgency can get people to act immediately.” Add a coupon or discount via email. Also, state the deadline to raise curiosity.

Don’t forget that your postscript in the email must integrate seamlessly with the main email copy without overwhelming it. 

Final Thoughts

An effective P.S. can help you capture much-needed attention and drive readers to take immediate action. It adds a personal touch to your message. Consider using one where it proves beneficial in your email marketing campaign. It will make your email messages memorable.

You need to ensure that the P.S. is appropriate and concise for your communication goals. Check your inbox placement today to make sure your well-written postscript and your entire message are reaching your audience efficiently.

FAQs

1. What is a P.S. in an email?

A P.S. in an email is a short, supplementary message positioned at the email’s end below the signature.

2. Can I use a P.S. in formal emails?

Sure thing. You could include a reminder about deadlines in a P.S., or even add a follow-up in formal emails. 

3. Where do I put the P.S. in an email?

A P.S. is placed at the end of the email, which is generally after the signature. However, it’s wise to put it above the signature, as it ensures greater visibility.

4. What should be the length of a P.S. in an email?

A P.S. should be short, one or two sentences.

5. How can I make the P.S. more visually distinctive?

You can use bold typography, shaded text boxes, or visual pointers.