The 5-day challenge—a marketing gem that's as engaging as an episode of Bridgerton, but only if done right. You see, the success of your 5-day challenge hinges on more than just the content you deliver. It's about the emails that introduce, sustain, and wrap up the challenge. But how many emails do you actually need for a 5 day challenge? Clue… it's not 5… And how do you tailor them for different audiences?
The Anatomy of a 5-Day Challenge
First things first, let's dissect what a 5-day challenge is. Imagine it as a mini-course, a bite-sized festival of value, delivered over five days. Each day offers a new lesson, a new task, and a new opportunity to engage with your brand. The ultimate goal? To transform your audience from interested onlookers to raving fans, and yes, even customers.
The Magic Number: How Many Emails Do You Need?
Ah, the million-dollar question! While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, a well-crafted challenge usually requires between 8-10 emails. Let's break it down, shall we?
For the Loyal Legion: Existing Audience Members
- The Teaser Email: About a week before your challenge, send a teaser email. Think of it as the trailer for an upcoming blockbuster film. Intrigue but don't give it all away.
- The Invitation Email: Three to four days before D-Day, roll out the red carpet and invite them to join the challenge. Make them feel like VIPs because, well, they are!
- The Welcome Email: A day before the challenge kicks off, set the stage. Give them a sneak peek of what's to come but keep some cards close to your chest.
- Daily Challenge Emails (Days 1-5): These are your bread and butter. Each email should be a delightful package of value, inspiration, and a dash of suspense for the next day.
- The Wrap-Up Email: Once the challenge is over, it's time for a virtual high-five. Congratulate them on their journey and tease the next exciting step.
For the New Recruits: New Audience Members
- The Welcome to the List Email: The moment they hit ‘subscribe,' make them feel at home. A warm welcome sets the tone for a fruitful relationship.
- The Introduction Email: A day or two later, introduce the upcoming challenge. Make it sound like the golden ticket they've been waiting for.
- The Invitation Email: Similar to your existing audience, but with a sprinkle of extra context to make them feel included.
- The Welcome Email: A day before the challenge, set the stage just like you did for your existing audience.
- Daily Challenge Emails (Days 1-5): The core of your challenge remains the same, but perhaps add a glossary for any jargon. Remember, they're still getting to know you.
- The Wrap-Up Email: Congratulate them, make them feel proud, and guide them to the next adventure.
The Psychology Behind the Emails
Now, let's add a sprinkle of psychology to make these emails irresistible. The “Teaser Email,” for example, leverages the “curiosity gap.” This is the mental itch that humans get when they know a little but want to know more (source).
Warming Up the Loyal Legion
Your existing audience is like an old friend. You've got history, inside jokes, and shared experiences. Use this to your advantage. Personalise your emails with their first name, and perhaps reference past challenges or content they loved. Rekindle that warm, fuzzy feeling of mutual admiration.
Nurturing the New Recruits
For your new audience, think of your emails as a series of friendly handshakes and introductory chats. Use social proof like testimonials or case studies to build credibility. Remember, you're still in the “getting to know each other” phase, so tread thoughtfully.
Best Practices to Swear By
- Segment Your Email List: Not all subscribers are created equal. Use segmentation to tailor your message.
- Timing is Everything: Research shows that Tuesdays and Thursdays are the best days to send emails (source).
- Clear Call-to-Actions: Make it glaringly obvious what you want them to do next. Click here, read this, watch that—guide them, my friends!
Examples to Light Your Way
- The Teaser Email: Subject line: “Unlock a Mystery with Us: Something Big is Coming!”
- The Welcome Email: Include a personal video message. It's like a warm hug but through the screen.
Your Next Steps
So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to crafting a 5-day challenge email sequence that not only educates but also entertains. It's not just about the challenge; it's about the journey you take your audience on. A journey filled with value, sprinkled with psychology, and wrapped in a warm, welcoming tone. Now, go forth and turn those casual subscribers into your brand's biggest cheerleaders!
Sarah x
