Ever skimmed through an entire email but the P.S at the bottom caught your eye? You're not alone. It's a classic move that has been captivating readers for centuries. This seemingly small addition can transform how your emails are perceived and, more importantly, how they are acted upon.
Whether you're sending a marketing email, a newsletter, a personal note, or a follow-up message, a well-crafted P.S. can create a connection, spark curiosity, and nudge your reader toward taking action. But do you use P.S. effectively without overdoing it?.
This article will define what a P.S. in email means and how to use it strategically to enhance your overall message. In the end, we’ll take a look at the examples that you can use taking inspiration from brands, without feeling excessive or forced.
What does P.S. in email mean?
"P.S." stands for "postscript," a term originating from the Latin word “post scriptum" meaning "written after." The P.S. section is often used to emphasize key points, add personal notes, or reinforce calls to action.
In an email, a typical P.S. might look like this:
Why use P.S. in emails?
The P.S. in an email serves multiple purposes depending on the way, here are the ways you might want to use it:
Adds a personal touch: It can make your message more conversational and personal.
Emphasise on key brand messages: It highlights important points that you want the reader to remember.
Provide a call to action: It offers a compelling opportunity to prompt the reader to take the desired action.
Additional information: It allows you to include additional information that may not be the main topic of your email.
Ways to use P.S. in an email
Here are some unique ways to incorporate a P.S. into your emails:
Add a hook
To make your email more engaging and ensure your key point grabs attention, start with a hook—a sentence or question that piques curiosity or makes the reader want to keep reading. It could be something unexpected, thought-provoking, or directly relevant to the reader’s pain points or needs.
P.S. Did you know that using a P.S. in your emails can increase click-through rates by 20%?
Add a personal touch
To make your emails more engaging and relatable, try adding a personal note in the P.S. section. It’s a simple way to connect with your recipients on a more human level. For example, you could mention something relevant to their interests or bring up a shared experience from a previous conversation. It shows that you’re not just sending a generic message but actually care about them as individuals. This little gesture helps build rapport and makes your communication feel more genuine and personalized.
P.S. I hope your week is going well—looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this.
Give a bonus
When you’re wrapping up your message, it's always a good idea to leave your audience with something valuable. Adding a little bonus at the end, like a P.S. with a free ebook, coupon code, or a helpful resource, can make your message stand out even more. Not only does this create goodwill, but it also gives them an extra reason to engage with you further.
P.S. Here's a free ebook on email marketing best practices—enjoy!
Using P.S. for storytelling or teasing upcoming content
Use the P.S. to hint at future content or tell a brief story. This can pique the reader's curiosity. Think of it like this: After delivering your main message, you can hint at something exciting that’s coming up, maybe a sneak peek into your next project or content, without giving everything away.
P.S. Stay tuned for our next email—we've got a surprise announcement coming!
Create a sense of urgency
Encourage immediate action. You can do this by offering a time-sensitive offer in the P.S. One simple way to do this is by offering a time-sensitive deal in the P.S. section of your message. This could be a special discount, limited-time access to a resource, or an exclusive offer that won't last forever.
P.S. This offer ends tomorrow—don't miss out!
Best practices to use P.S in an email
When using a P.S. in your emails, it's important to follow some best practices to ensure it enhances your message effectively. Here are the key guidelines to keep in mind:
1. Choose your punctuation wisely: Use punctuation that aligns with the tone of your email. A period conveys formality, while an exclamation mark adds enthusiasm. Be deliberate about how your tone is reflected through punctuation.
2. Avoid overuse: Using a P.S. too frequently can lessen its effectiveness. Reserve it for moments when it truly enhances your email.
3. Placement: Always ensure the P.S. comes after your signature. This emphasizes that it is an afterthought or additional remark, rather than part of the main body.
4. Capitalization and punctuation consistency: Whether you choose "P.S." with or without periods, be consistent throughout your communications. This maintains professionalism.
5. Length: Keep your P.S. brief. A lengthy postscript can overwhelm the reader and detract from its role as a quick add-on to the message.
Examples of effective P.S. in marketing emails
After considering the know-how of including P.S. in emails and following best practices, take a look at how brands are effectively using P.S. in their emails in the examples below:
Whimsical
Take a look at the Whimsical newsletter featuring the week's top features and updates. In the P.S., a reassuring note is placed, subtly informing readers that emails will not overwhelm their inbox.
Why it works: Whimsical knows its audience loves short, lighthearted content. The P.S. adds a playful element, enticing readers to engage further without becoming a traditional call to action.
Huckberry
Here’s a promotional email sent by Huckberry encouraging users to upgrade their membership. This method appeals to the reader's sense of exclusivity while adding value to the email. The tone remains friendly and informal, ensuring that readers feel encouraged, rather than pressured, to consider upgrading. This soft approach enhances engagement without overwhelming the audience.
Why it works: Huckberry uses the P.S. to highlight a key upgrade benefit, adding value without a hard sell and providing a compelling reason for users to consider the premium quality.
Notion
This follow-up email by Notion celebrates 100 million signups. The mention of both in-person and online participation options adds flexibility, ensuring that the recipient feels included regardless of location. This approach subtly encourages continued engagement while maintaining a helpful and informative tone, allowing the email to remain focused on the user's journey without being overly promotional.
Why it works: Notion personalizes the P.S. by referencing the user's activity. It adds a helpful touch while subtly encouraging users to continue their journey.
Search engine journal
In this promotional email for a live event by SEJ. The P.S. serves as a gentle reminder, complementing the main content without exerting pressure, making it easier for readers to take action while still feeling accommodated. This approach ensures higher engagement by addressing different user needs.
Why it works: Search Engine Journal uses the P.S. to create a sense of urgency, encouraging quick action. It's a subtle push that complements the main message without feeling overly aggressive.
Buffer
An email caution often sent by Buffer regarding the account details. The P.S. clarifies the situation in a non-intrusive manner, enhancing the email’s overall transparency and reliability, which builds trust with the recipient. This approach ensures that the reader feels informed and reassured without the need for a heavy-handed warning.
Why it works: Buffer uses P.S. to draws attention to a specific problem that might have been overlooked in the main content. It also ties the feature to a relatable use case, enhancing its appeal.
Final word
A P.S. is more than just an afterthought; it's a powerful tool in email communication that can enhance engagement, add a personal touch, and help take action. Whether you're creating a marketing email, a personal note, or a follow-up message, using a P.S. strategically can leave a lasting impression. But like any tool, it's most effective mindfully and with purpose. So, next time you draft an email, consider how a well-placed P.S. can enhance your message—and watch how it enhances your communication.
