The brands that really stand out are the ones using clever marketing strategies. Think of Amazon or AliExpress, they’ve mastered the art of upselling and cross-selling to boost their profits without much extra cost. Yet, so many online store owners miss out on these opportunities to increase customer value.
If you’re not tapping into cross-selling, you’re probably leaving a lot of potential revenue on the table.
Here’s something worth noting: studies from Invesp show you’re 60-70% more likely to sell to an existing customer than to a new one, where the odds drop to 5-20%. That stat alone makes it pretty clear, cross-selling should be a priority.
One of the easiest ways to do this? Email marketing. But if your emails aren’t optimized for mobile, chances are they’ll be ignored or deleted.
In this piece, we’ll go over how mobile-responsive email templates can help you get the most out of cross-selling. Plus, we’ll include a few examples to get you started.
So, What Exactly Are Cross-Sell Emails?
Cross-sell emails are designed to suggest additional products to customers—things that complement what they’re already buying. For example, if someone’s buying a laptop, you might recommend a laptop sleeve, a wireless mouse, or even an extended warranty. The idea is to offer items that make their main purchase feel more complete.
These emails work for both new and returning customers, offering products based on what they’ve browsed or already added to their cart. By incorporating cross-sell emails into your strategy, you can boost revenue while offering a more personalized shopping experience.
Also read: How to Send an Influencer Outreach E-mail or DM
An Example in Action
A great example of cross-selling is Amazon’s “Customers who bought this also bought” feature. Let’s say you buy a new phone, they’ll likely follow up with an email suggesting things like a case or screen protector. It’s simple, but it works. Not only does it increase their sales, but it also adds value for the customer.
By sending well-timed, carefully crafted cross-sell emails, you can maximize your sales potential while keeping your customers happy.
Why Mobile-Responsive Email Templates Matter for Cross-Selling
71.5% of consumers report they most often check their email on a mobile device. With such a large portion of email opens happening on mobile, marketers must take a mobile-first approach to email design. If your emails don’t look good on a phone, you’re likely missing out on cross-sell opportunities.
Image Source: Email Uplers
Here’s why mobile-responsive emails are crucial for cross-selling:
- Better User Experience
Mobile-responsive emails automatically adjust to fit any screen. This makes it easy for customers to read and engage with your content. If your emails aren’t mobile-friendly, users are less likely to click your cross-sell offers.
- Higher Engagement Rates
Emails optimized for mobile devices tend to see higher engagement. Mailchimp’s research showed that their mobile-friendly email templates led to a rise in unique clicks from 2.7% to 3.1%, a 15% increase in actual clicks. More clicks mean more opportunities for your cross-sell products to be explored and purchased.
- Increased Conversions
A seamless mobile experience leads to better conversion rates. Clear calls-to-action, properly sized images, and easy navigation encourage customers to complete purchases, boosting cross-sell success.
- Capturing On-the-Go Shoppers
Many people check emails while on the move. Mobile-friendly emails help you capture their attention quickly, making it easier for them to explore your cross-sell products on the spot.
- Lower Unsubscribe Rates
Emails that don’t display well on mobile can lead to frustration and higher unsubscribe rates. By ensuring your emails are responsive, you improve customer satisfaction and reduce churn.
With the importance of mobile responsiveness clear, let’s dive into the key elements that make an email template truly mobile-friendly and effective for cross-selling.
Key Elements of a Mobile-Responsive Email Template
Starting with mobile-friendly email templates is an effective way to ensure your cross-sell campaigns look ideal on mobile devices.
Here are a few more quick tips for designing mobile-friendly email templates.
- Single-Column Layout
Stick to a single-column layout around 600 pixels wide. This ensures your emails display properly on mobile screens without causing layout issues or unnecessary scrolling.
- Fluid Grids
Use percentage-based widths instead of fixed pixels. Fluid grids allow your layout to adjust smoothly to different screen sizes, providing a consistent look on any device.
- Optimized Images
Ensure your images are scalable and load quickly. Compress images to reduce file sizes and always include alt text, so your message is clear even if images don’t load.
Also read: How to Approach Bloggers for Guest Posts: Tips for Outreach Experts
- Touch-Friendly Design
Make buttons and links large enough to tap easily, with enough space between them to avoid accidental clicks. Avoid hover-based interactions that don’t work on touchscreens.
- Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs)
Position your CTA buttons in prominent areas, making them large and easy to click (at least 44×44 pixels). Ensure they’re visible without scrolling for quick engagement.
- Web-Safe Fonts
Choose web-safe fonts like Arial or fallback fonts that work across all email clients. This ensures consistent text display.
- Content Hierarchy
Place the most important content at the top of the email. Mobile users often skim, so ensure the key message is immediately visible.
- Testing Across Devices
Always test your emails on multiple devices and email clients to ensure they render correctly and are easy to navigate.
By following these practices, your emails will be mobile-friendly, easy to read, and more likely to convert.
Top 8 Strategies For Creating Cross-sell Emails
- Highlight the Product They’re Interested In
Start by focusing on the product the customer has shown interest in, whether they’ve already purchased it or left it in their cart. In an order confirmation or abandoned cart email, reminding them of the original product provides a smooth segue into offering complementary items.
- Recommend Complementary Products
The core of cross-sell emails is offering relevant additional products. Keep the recommendations focused and limited to a few, ensuring they complement the primary product. Too many options can overwhelm the recipient and cause indecision.
- Make It Part of a Series, Not a One-Time Email
For maximum impact, cross-sell emails should be part of a larger email series. Follow-ups after the initial email help keep your offers top of mind. Use marketing automation tools to schedule emails based on triggers like order confirmations or abandoned carts to improve engagement.
- Craft Compelling Subject Lines
Your subject line is the first thing a customer sees, so make it count. Personalization, urgency, or highlighting specific benefits can boost open rates. Tools like Active Campaign’s Subject Line Generator or Omnisend’s Subject Line Tester can help you create impactful subject lines.
- Personalize the Email Content
Tailor your messaging to match the customer’s preferences and past behavior. Personalization goes beyond just adding their name; it’s about offering products that meet their specific needs, driving better engagement and click-through rates.
- Product Bundling
Product bundling is a powerful way to boost cross-sells. Offer complementary products in a discounted bundle that adds value. For example, bundling a TV with a sound system and HDMI cables at a lower price than buying them individually can make the offer more appealing. You can also offer incentives like free shipping on bundled purchases over a certain amount.
- Leverage User-Generated Content
Social proof can significantly influence buying decisions. Include product reviews, ratings, and testimonials from other customers to add authenticity and trust to your cross-sell emails. Real-life examples of customers using the recommended products make your email more convincing.
- Segment Your Audience
Utilize customer data to segment your audience based on their demographics, shopping habits, or past purchases. This allows you to tailor your cross-sell offers to different segments, resulting in better engagement and conversions.
Examples of Effective Cross-Selling Email Templates
- Order Confirmation Cross-Sell Email
Subject Line: Your (Product)is on its Way! Meanwhile Check Out These Must-Haves
Hey Recipient’s First Name,
Thanks for picking up [Product Name]! We thought you might enjoy these extra goodies to go with it:
(Product 1) – Because [reason it’s a great addition].
(Product 2) – Perfect for [use case or benefit].
Grab them now and enjoy (X%)off!
Cheers,
(Your Brand’s Name)
- Abandoned Cart Cross-Sell Email
Subject Line: Ready to Complete Your Purchase? Check Out These Perfect Matches!
Hi (Recipient’s First Name),
We noticed you left [Product Name] in your cart. Here are a few things we think you’ll love:
(Complementary Product 1) – Just what you need for [benefit].
(Complementary Product 2) – Complements your choice perfectly.
Complete your purchase now and get (X%) off these picks!
Best,
(Your Brand’s Name)
- Post-Purchase Cross-Sell Email
Subject Line: Love Your (Product)? Check Out These Deals!
Hi (Recipient’s First Name),
We hope you’re enjoying [Product Name]! To make your experience even better, check out these handpicked items:
(Related Product 1)- Ideal for [specific use].
(Related Product 2)- Makes [Product Name] even better.
Don’t miss out—get (X%) off today!
Warm regards,
(Your Brand’s Name)
- Personalized Recommendation Email
Subject Line: Perfect Picks for Your Taste!
Hey (Recipient’s First Name),
We’re thrilled you chose [Product Name]! We’ve found a few things that will make your purchase even better:
(Personalized Product 1) – Just for you because [reason].
(Personalized Product 2)- A great match for [Product Name].
Check them out and enjoy (X%) off!
Thanks for being awesome,
(Your Brand’s Name)
Wrapping Up
In summary, mobile-responsive cross-sell emails are essential for driving eCommerce success. By optimizing for mobile, you boost engagement and conversions. Focus on clear offers, personalization, and a user-friendly design. Apply these strategies to enhance your email campaigns and see better results in your sales and customer satisfaction.