Email Writer’s Block? 10 Easy Content Ideas for Small Business Owners
If you’ve ever opened your email marketing tool, stared at the blinking cursor, and thought: “I have no idea what to send,” you’re not alone.
Even experienced marketers and successful business owners (whether they sell on Etsy, run a Shopify store, offer consulting, or manage a business) hit the dreaded email marketing writer’s block.
The good news? You don’t need to write a long, perfect message every time. You just need to show up consistently (weekly or monthly) and connect with your audience.
Here are 10 proven email content ideas to keep your brand top of mind, engage your subscribers, and make your email list work for you.
1. What’s New in Your Business
Announce new products, services, restocks, or updates.
Subject Line Ideas:
Just dropped! See what’s new this week
Just launched: Our latest [product/service] is here
Fresh off the press: [Product/Service] you’ll love
Just dropped! ✨ See what’s new this week
Email Message Sample (Copy and Paste):
Hi [First Name],
We’ve been busy behind the scenes, and something brand-new just hit the shop!
Meet [Product Name] — made for [benefit/solution].
Check it out here before it’s gone: [Link]
Here’s to fresh finds,
[Your Name]
[Business Name]
[Website Link]
[Optional: Social media links]
Some Personal Faves from Small and Large Companies:
Company: ThredUp
Subject Line: Just dropped & ready for checkout (not for long tho)
Company: V&A
Subject Line: 📢 An exciting announcement
Company: Healthcare Training Leader
Subject Line: NEW! Flexible Training Plans that Fit Your Needs
Company: Tonia Kendrick
Subject Line: Coming next week!
2. Product Sneak Peek
Show how you make something, prepare a service, or package orders.
Subject Line Ideas:
Here’s what my workspace looks like today
Come see how we make the magic happen
A day in the life at [Your Business]
Behind closed doors: Your sneak peek
Email Message Sample (Copy and Paste):
Hi [First Name],
Ever wonder how your [product/service] comes to life? Today, I’m giving you a quick peek behind the curtain.
From [step 1] to [step 2], every detail is made with care (and maybe a little coffee ☕).
Take a look here: [Link to photos/video]
Enjoy the sneak peek,
[Your Name]
[Business Name]
[Website Link]
[Optional: Social media links]
Some Personal Faves from Small and Large Companies:
Company: Tonia Kendrick
Subject Line: 👀 Here’s a sneak peek. . .
3. Highlight a Best Seller
Feature a customer favorite and include a short story or review.
Subject Line Ideas:
This customer favorite is back in stock!
Our top seller is back (but not for long)
Why customers can’t stop buying this…
Bestseller spotlight: Meet your new favorite
Email Message Sample (Copy and Paste):
Hi [First Name],
You asked, we listened — [Product Name] is officially back in stock!
Why customers love it:
• [Benefit 1]
• [Benefit 2]
• [Benefit 3]
Grab yours while it lasts → [Link]
Cheers,
[Your Name]
[Business Name]
[Website Link]
[Optional: Social media links]
Some Personal Faves from Small and Large Companies:
Company: Toms
Subject Line: ⭐ Best sellers—ALL 25% OFF
Company: Titan
Subject Line: Do you already know our bestsellers?
4. A Quick Tip or How-To
Educate your audience on how to use, care for, or get the most from your product/service.
Subject Line Ideas:
How to make your candle last longer
Pro tip: Make your [product/service] last longer
The easiest way to [achieve desired result]
How to get the most out of your [product/service]
Email Message Sample (Copy and Paste):
Hi [First Name],
Want to get more burn time from your favorite candle?
Here’s how:
Trim the wick to ¼ inch before each use
Let it burn for at least 2 hours the first time
Keep it away from drafts
Little changes = longer-lasting scent.
Enjoy,
[Your Name]
[Business Name]
[Website Link]
[Optional: Social media links]
Some Personal Faves from Small and Large Companies:
Company: RYZE
Subject Line: Pro tip: How to prepare RYZE
Company: PaperPal
Subject Line: How to Effectively Check and Address Plagiarism in Your Paper
Company: Pryor Learning
Subject Line: How to Avoid Bad Communication Habits - Save 20% Now!
5. A Personal Story or Lesson Learned
Share a win, a challenge, or a lesson from running your business.
Subject Line Ideas:
Just sharing…
I almost gave up last year. Here’s what happened next…
I almost didn’t share this…
One mistake that changed everything
Email Message Sample (Copy and Paste):
Hi [First Name],
When I first started [business name], I thought I had to do everything perfectly. Spoiler: I was wrong.
Last year, I [mistake made] — and instead of ruining everything, it led me to [positive outcome].
Sometimes, the “wrong” move can be the best lesson.
Thanks for being part of this journey,
[Your Name]
[Business Name]
[Optional: Social media links]
Some Personal Faves from Small and Large Companies:
Company: Tonia Kendrick
Subject Line: Let’s go behind the scenes
6. Customer Review Spotlight
Feature a positive product or customer review and thank your customers.
Subject Line Ideas:
“This was exactly what I was looking for!”
This review made our week ❤️
The feedback we can’t stop smiling about
Email Message Sample (Copy and Paste):
Hi [First Name],
This review from [Customer Name] made our week:
“[Customer review here]”
We’re so grateful for amazing customers like you.
Want to share your thoughts? You could be featured next! → [Review Link]
With gratitude,
[Your Name]
[Business Name]
[Website Link]
[Optional: Social media links]
Some Personal Faves from Small and Large Companies:
Company: Happy Mammoth
Subject I feel like a new, improved version of me
7. Seasonal Promotion or Discount
Tie your offer to a holiday, new season, or milestone.
Subject Line Ideas:
A little spring surprise inside
Celebrate [holiday/season] with 15% off
This Week Only: Our special [Season] offer
Your Spring sale starts now 🌸
Email Message Sample (Copy and Paste):
Hi [First Name],
Spring is here, and so is your special offer:
🌼 Take 15% off all [product category] — this week only!
Use code SPRING15 at checkout: [Link]
Fresh season, fresh finds.
[Your Name]
[Business Name]
[Website Link]
[Optional: Social media links]
Some Personal Faves from Small and Large Companies:
Company: Personalization Mall
Subject Line: 70% Off Christmas Clearance Ends Soon!
Company: Honey
Subject Line: Elevate your autumn style for up to 40% off
8. Show Your Appreciation
Write a heartfelt appreciation email and include a bonus.
Subject Line Ideas:
You helped us grow — thank you 💛
We couldn’t do this without you 🌟
Email Message Sample (Copy and Paste):
Hi [First Name],
We just wanted to take a moment to say thank you.
Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or just joined our community, your support means the world to us. Every purchase, every email open, every word of encouragement keeps our small business moving forward.
To show our appreciation, here’s [exclusive discount code / free resource / early access link] — it’s our way of saying we see you and we value you.
💌 Your gift: [LINK or CODE]
Here’s to more great moments together.
Gratefully,
[Your Name]
[Business Name]
[Website Link]
P.S. We’d love to hear from you — just hit reply and let us know how we can make your experience even better.
Some Personal Faves from Small and Large Companies:
Company: Happy Mammoth
Subject Line: Thank you for sticking around 🎁 gift inside 🎁
9. Ask a Question or Take a Poll
Invite replies to boost engagement and gather insights.
Subject Line Ideas:
Help me choose the next color drop!
We need your opinion—vote now
Help us choose our next [product/service]
Quick question for you…
Email Message Sample (Copy and Paste):
Hi [First Name],
We’re adding a new color to our [product], and I need your opinion!
Vote here → [Link]
Your feedback shapes what we make next — so thanks in advance!
[Your Name]
[Business Name]
[Optional: Social media links]
Some Personal Faves from Small and Large Companies:
Company: Tonia Kendrick
Subject Line: cast your vote
Company: Premier League
Subject Line: Fan Team of the Season - VOTE NOW 🏆
10. Your Favorites Round-Up
Share tools, resources, podcasts, playlists, or industry inspirations.
Subject Line Ideas:
Obsessed
5 things I’m loving this month 💛
Our current obsessions (and why)
The 7 top picks we can’t live without
Recipe of the Week
Email Message Sample (Copy and Paste):
Hi [First Name],
Here’s what’s been inspiring me lately:
[Item/Resource] — perfect for [reason]
[Item/Resource] — because [reason]
[Item/Resource] — can’t stop using it
[Item/Resource] — hidden gem alert
[Item/Resource] — my new obsession
What’s on your favorites list? Hit reply and share!
[Your Name]
[Business Name]
[Website Link]
[Optional: Social media links]
Some Personal Faves from Small and Large Companies:
Company: Tonia Kendrick
Subject Line: something new to listen to
Company: The Naples Florida Review
Subject Line: 🥖 From Bistro to Bordeaux: French Dining + My Favorite Summer Salads
Final Tip: Done is Better Than Perfect
You don’t have to send a masterpiece every time. What matters is:
Consistency
Authenticity
Speaking like a real person, not a marketing robot
When in doubt, ask yourself: “What would I say to a customer if they were standing in my shop or office right now?”
And remember TEST, TEST, TEST! Do A/B tests to find the winning subject lines and email messages that work best for your brand.
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