A confirmation email doesn’t have to be a superfluous piece of information that barely reaps a second glance. Instead, it can be a useful tactic that boosts eCommerce conversion and garners a strategic leg up on the competition. While most of us are used to the prevalent confirmation email boasting a simple “thank you” and an order number, there is no law in the eCommerce handbook stating that these emails must be bare bones. In fact, there are strategic ways to use confirmation emails to your advantage. It all starts with knowing how to effectively use confirmation email templates and content to improve conversion rates and amass more sales. First, let’s start off with the basics. What is a confirmation email?
What Is A Confirmation Email, How Is It Used?
All of us encounter confirmation emails in our daily lives. They are the transaction emails received as evidence of a purchase or a performed action. For example, if you buy a new dog toy for your beloved pet, you’ll instantly receive a confirmation email with an order number and other relevant information.
In marketing and eCommerce, these emails are a valuable tool. There are three ways to use confirmation emails: confirmation that someone has subscribed to your mailing list, a purchase confirmation, or shipping confirmation. Each of these assures customers or subscribers that you’re working on their behalf, making them feel heard and seen. This can be used to your advantage in five simple ways.
#1 Create Brand Recognition
A confirmation email is an easy strategic way to create brand recognition through a confirmation email template. The right template utilizes brand colors, fonts, logos, and tone to make sure that your brand concept is on point in every email. Frequently, a confirmation email is the first email a customer or subscriber will receive from you, thus it is a great time to set the overall tone of your brand and reinforce what you stand for.
#2 Give Opt-In Options
One easy way to use a confirmation email to your advantage is to include “opt-in options.” Opt-in options are invitations to exclusive groups or loyalty programs that your brand provides. For example, many brands offer membership programs that reward points for every dollar spent. These points can be cashed in for coupons or rewards at a later time. The confirmation email is a great place to offer up these opt-in programs and garner repeat customers or readers.
#3 Offer Discounts or Rewards
Even if a customer or reader is not a member of a rewards program, the confirmation email is a major place to tack on a coupon or reward for a future purchase. These are great incentives for first time buyers or readers to keep coming back for more. Marketing strategists have proven that nothing converts a casual browser into a serious buyer faster than a coupon or rewards code. Include a coupon code in your confirmation email template and the rest will come easy.
#4 Invite Them To Follow On Social Media
It goes without saying that social media has a huge influence on consumers. By linking to your social media platforms and inviting customers to follow, you have a guaranteed way to network your brand and broaden your base. An invite can be as simple as a link or as splashy as a GIF. Know your audience and choose the path that’s right for you.
#5 Offer Rewards for Referrals
Finally, an easy way to strategically use confirmation emails is to offer rewards points or discounts for referring a family member or friend. Simply include a link that the customer or subscriber can forward to a family member or friend. When that family member or friend completes a purchase through the provided link, you’ll send the initial subscriber a discount or coupon. That’s a win-win that keeps your network growing and garners plenty of clicks.
