How do you tell stories in email?
Allow me to show my bias: email is great for storytelling.
You don’t need video to tell stories. People love to read them too.
Here are two ways to get started:
1. Alternate stories with information.
Most drip campaigns are a steady stream of facts—programs, costs, requirements, resources. Try breaking up those informational emails with a story. Something like this:
Don’t just link to the story—tell it right in the email. Pull readers in, make them feel something, let the email be enough on its own.
2. Go old-school: release new content each week.
Even in our binge-watching era, people still love an episode drop (Love Is Blind, anyone?).
Try writing a 12-part email story about a student’s journey through campus life, releasing one chapter each week. If it follows good storytelling principles, readers will be eager to read what happens next.
(If you do this, tell me! I’d love to follow along.)
Don't forget email basics.
People scan emails before they read them. Especially with long form stories, make sure your layout helps them catch the hook:
Use headings and bold text to guide the eye.
Add breaks generously.
Use short sentences and simple language.
If your scannable content does its job, they’ll stay for the story.
Need a framework? The Mailed It! Newsletter Template is built to make long form emails readable and irresistible.
🤖 Bonus hack: Give the Mailed It! GPT a link to your student story and let it write the first draft for you.
This post was originally sent as an email. Subscribe to my newsletter and get the newest questions and answers in your inbox.
