Steal These Emails and Have the Best Holiday Sale EVER

18 min read

Tired of lackluster print sales? We’re giving away a full series of email templates guaranteed to make this year’s holiday sale the best EVER. (Photos, tips, & templates by: THE YOUNGRENS)


Give Your Clients the Happiest of Holidays

It’s the season for giving gifts and making memories and eating delicious food. Make your clients extra-happy by launching a holiday sale featuring the memories they cherish most – their own.

We asked San Diego photographers Erin and Jeff Youngren about their holiday sale strategy, and email was their unanimous response.

“Our customers’ lives are BUSY, and their inboxes get pretty full! But after testing multiple email methods, we found that sending more emails – with variations on subject, content, and timing – was the most successful way to communicate to the right customer at the right moment. [This approach] produced great results for our holiday sale!”

Copy and paste these email templates, and make this year's holiday sale your best EVER.

Email Made Easy – and Fun!

“For our monthly newsletters to clients, we use Drip.co; but for promotions like our holiday sale, we ALWAYS use ShootProof’s automated emails.

ShootProof’s Email Automations empower your holiday sale with a series of pre-drafted, customized emails that auto-send according to your unique schedule.

Add an automation series to any ShootProof gallery, and the emails in that series will automatically generate with the relevant gallery links, passwords, and visitor information. Here’s how to create your own Email Automations in ShootProof:

“ShootProof helps us target exactly the customers we want to reach. For example, if we want to send an email only to customers with items in their shopping carts, we can select those people with the click of a button.”

steal these emails and have the best holiday sale EVER

Get Started: Make your Holiday Sale Email Calendar

Step 1: Determine your Order Due Date

This is the final day your clients can place an order and still receive their products before the holidays.

Step 2: Determine your email sending schedule – for nine emails!

The dates don’t matter, really. The timing matters. Each email will be triggered to send based on it’s distance from the Order Due Date.

steal these emails and have the best holiday sale EVER

Start Selling With FREE Email Templates

How many emails have you sent in the past to notify clients of your holiday sale? Three? Two?

Just one?

Well, brace yourself, because this nine-email series is going to knock your socks off.

“For those uninitiated into email marketing, the number of emails in this series may seem excessive, but it is a proven formula that delivers results.”

steal these emails and have the best holiday sale EVER

1st Email: – Tell Everyone A Sale Is Coming

Template Type: Email Gallery Link
Subject: Are YOU Ready?
Headline: Are YOU Ready?
Button Text: Shop the Gallery
Trigger Days: 45
Recipients: All Visitors to the Gallery


Holiday Sale Email Template #1:

Hi there!

It’s hard to believe, but there’s no denying it: THE HOLIDAYS ARE UPON US! That’s right – ’tis the season for pumpkin pie, sweater weather, and hitting the sales to put gifts under the tree.

Ohhh… the gifting. Not sure about you, but it can be STRESSFUL to find just the right gift for your friends and family!

Need a gift idea this year? How about a beautiful print from the BEST DAY EVER?! We have gorgeous framed prints and canvas prints that make the PERFECT gift for anyone you hold dear!

We wanted to give you an extra-special early heads-up, because this year we’re throwing our BIGGEST holiday sale EVER! We’re offering 30% off ALL prints!

Our sale begins on November 13th, so NOW is the time to start thinking about which images you want to purchase!

Click the link above, choose your favorite images, and get ready for our BEST EVER Holiday Print Sale!

It’s coming to your inbox for two weeks only: November 13th – November 27th!

Cheers!

Jeff & Erin
The Youngrens

steal these emails and have the best holiday sale EVER

PRO TIP from the Youngrens: Brand Personality

“The more we incorporate our brand personality into our emails, the more likely our clients are to read them. Photographers who use these templates should customize the language to fit their brand and voice – but follow the framework!”


steal these emails and have the best holiday sale EVER

2nd E-mail: – Launch Your Holiday Sale

Template Type: Email Gallery Link
Subject: Cross Holiday Shopping Off Your List!
Headline: Ready, Set, SHOP!
Button Text: Get Started!
Trigger Days: 38
Recipients: All Visitors to the Gallery


Holiday Sale Email Template #2:

The holidays are officially upon us! Do you know what that means? It means our biggest print sale EVER is here!

*much cheering and rejoicing!*

That’s right, friends – TODAY marks the start of our very biggest, very best-est (we’re going to pretend that’s a word…) print sale!

For two weeks only, until November 27th, you can cross your holiday gifts off your list ONE BY ONE!

We have gorgeous framed prints and canvas prints that make the PERFECT gift for one of your loved ones. Or heck – for YOU!

And this year, we’re offering 30% off any prints ordered from your gallery – our biggest sale EVER. You won’t want to miss this one!

But enough from us – go TACKLE your holiday shopping!

Cheers!

Jeff & Erin
The Youngrens

P.S. The 30% discount is automatically applied when you check out. Don’t worry about a coupon code or special link. It’s all done for you!

steal these emails and have the best holiday sale EVER

PRO TIP from the Youngrens: Email Design

You already know that DONE is better than perfect. But what does that mean for an email campaign?

“It is a TOTAL myth that emails need to ‘look pretty.’ In our tests, we got a great response rate even when our emails were text-only and contained no images. Don’t get lost in perfecting the visuals. Instead, focus on clearly describing your message.


steal these emails and have the best holiday sale EVER

3rd Email: – Send A Motivation Message

Template Type: Email Gallery Link
Subject: Be one of THOSE people…
Headline: …and drop the holiday stress!
Button Text: Save 30% Instantly!
Trigger Days: 35
Recipients: All Visitors To the Gallery


Holiday Sale Email Template #3:

Wouldn’t it be great to be one of THOSE people? One of those that always has their holiday shopping done WAY ahead of time? (And doesn’t have to run around the stores on Christmas Eve?!?!)

Friends – NOW’S YOUR CHANCE! You, too, can have a taste of that stress-free life! YOU TOO can be the holiday gift expert that everyone envies!

Because this year, we’re offering 30% off all prints from your gallery – our biggest sale EVER! Plus, ALL orders over $100 receive free shipping. Always.

And if you order NOW, your orders include guaranteed holiday delivery! Did you hear that? That’s the sound of relief.

Our biggest-ever sale lasts through November 27th, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to save! Click that grey box above ^^^ and get to saving!

Jeff & Erin
The Youngrens

P.S. We include complimentary retouching on prints 11×14 and larger, so you can rest assured your prints will look their very best!

steal these emails and have the best holiday sale EVER

PRO TIP from the Youngrens: Call-To-Action

Call-To-Action (CTA) examples include:

  • “Select your Favorite photos NOW!”
  • “Follow us on Instagram!”
  • “Buy today and save 30%!”

“We ALWAYS include a call-to-action in our emails. A good CTA invites your customers to prove they’re interested in hearing more.”


Copy and paste these email templates, and make this year's holiday sale your best EVER.

4th Email: – Offer A Little Mid-Sale Encouragement

Template Type: Gallery Expiring Notice
Subject: Holiday Shopping Gotcha Down?
Headline: Finish Your Shopping With a Few Clicks!
Button Text: Shop Now!
Trigger Days: 30
Recipients: All Visitors To the Gallery


Holiday Sale Email Template #4

Feeling that holiday overwhelm? Thinking about what in the world you’ll get everyone for their holiday gifts? We’re here to help!

Have an empty wall in your house? We have gorgeous canvas prints that make a STATEMENT.

Want to share your love with a family member? We have beautiful, professional-quality prints that will say ‘I love you.’

And this year, we’re offering 30% off all prints from your gallery – our biggest sale EVER! From today until November 27th, you can cross holiday gifts off your list ONE BY ONE!

There’s only one week left – and you don’t want to miss this opportunity!

But enough from us – go TACKLE your holiday shopping!

Cheers!

Jeff & Erin
The Youngrens

P.S. The 30% discount is automatically applied when you check out. Don’t worry about a coupon code or special link. It’s all done for you!

Copy and paste these email templates, and make this year's holiday sale your best EVER.

PRO TIP: Here’s how The Youngrens sell without sounding sales-y.

Most artists will say that they really hate selling. But that’s usually only because they’ve forgotten the relationship aspect of the sales process.

Connecting your clients to products they love and want is a service. Learn to sell with grace and enthusiasm, and you’ll find yourself more connected than ever to your clients.


steal these emails and have the best holiday sale EVER

5th Email: Day Before Holiday Reminder

The Youngrens send this email the day before Thanksgiving.

Template Type: Gallery Expiring Notice
Subject: Wrap up your holiday shopping!
Headline: Wrap up your holiday shopping!
Button Text: Start Saving
Trigger Days: 27
Recipients: All Visitors To the Gallery


Holiday Sale Email Template #5:

Have you heard? We’re throwing our BIGGEST EVER PRINT SALE! And friends, there’s still time to join in the savings!

We’re offering 30% off ALL prints from your gallery – that includes canvas prints and our oh-so-classic framed prints!

ALL orders over $100 receive free shipping, all the time. Order NOW for guaranteed holiday delivery!

Our holiday sale ends THIS MONDAY at MIDNIGHT PST!

So don’t delay – click the box above to go to your gallery and start saving!

Cheers!

Jeff & Erin
The Youngrens

P.S. The 30% discount is automatically applied when you check out. Don’t worry about a coupon code or special link. It’s all done for you!


steal these emails and have the best holiday sale EVER

PRO TIP from the Youngrens: Use YOUR Voice

“We maintain a deep focus on our Ideal Clients – who we call Dreamies – and we’ve studied them intently. This helps us write directly to our Ideal Client in a way that sounds like us and connects us to them.

“Imagine sitting down to coffee with your Ideal Client and telling them about your holiday sale. What would you say to make the offer sound awesome? What questions would you answer before they even ask?”


Copy and paste these email templates, and make this year's holiday sale your best EVER.

6th Email: “Only One Day Left!”

There are actually 24 days left. But creating a sense of urgency is part of what makes the Youngren’s approach work!

Template Type: Email Gallery Link
Subject: Weekend Plans?
Headline: Let’s Finish Up Your Holiday Shopping!
Button Text: Shop Now & Save!
Trigger Days: 24
Recipients: All Visitors To the Gallery


Holiday Sale Email Template #6

Now is the time, friends!

It’s your chance to take advantage of ALL the savings!

Any order submitted by MIDNIGHT TOMORROW PST will receive 30% off, AUTOMATICALLY!

Yep, you heard us right! Gorgeous canvases, classic framed prints, and MORE – all 30% off! And ALL orders over $100 receive free shipping, all the time.

This is our biggest sale of the year, so don’t miss the opportunity to save! And if you order NOW, your orders are guaranteed with holiday delivery!*

So click that grey box above ^^^ and get to saving!

Cheers!

Jeff & Erin
The Youngrens

P.S. Let us know if you have questions or need assistance with your order. We’re happy to help in any way we can!

steal these emails and have the best holiday sale EVER

PRO TIP from the Youngrens: Be Genuine

“Keep your voice authentic to you and your brand. If you’re a bubbly, happy brand, your emails shouldn’t use formal-sounding language. Write like you talk! Conversely, if you’re a very professional brand, carry that through to your emails.”


steal these emails and have the best holiday sale EVER

7th Email: “The Holiday Sale Ends At Midnight!”

Template Type: Email Gallery Link
Subject: Last call reminder! Sale ends at MIDNIGHT!
Headline: Today’s your day, friends!
Button Text: Shop Now!
Trigger Days: 23
Recipients: Visitors With Favorites


Holiday Sale Email Template #7

It’s your LAST DAY to take advantage of ALL the savings!

Any order submitted by MIDNIGHT TONIGHT PST will receive 30% off, automatically! PLUS, ALL orders over $100 receive free shipping – all the time!

This is our biggest sale of the year, so don’t miss this opportunity to save!

Order NOW for guaranteed holiday delivery!

So click that grey box above ^^^ and get to saving!

Cheers!

Jeff & Erin
The Youngrens

P.S. We’ll be around all day, so if you need help with your order, let us know! Give us a call at ###-###-#### or reply to this email and we’ll make sure to get you taken care of!

steal these emails and have the best holiday sale EVER

PRO TIP from the Youngrens: Products

How do you know what your customers want to buy?

“We ask them! A lot of photographers are afraid of asking their clients what they want, but they are so willing to tell you.

Additionally, we track everything and love looking at our sales history in ShootProof. Our ShootProof reports provide great insight into industry trends!”


Copy and paste these email templates, and make this year's holiday sale your best EVER.

8th Email: Announce the “Final Call”

This isn’t the real final call. But again: you’re creating that sense of urgency!

Template Type: Gallery Expiring Notice
Subject: Last Call: Last Chance for holiday delivery + 30% off
Headline: Just a few hours left!
Button Text: Shop Now!
Trigger Days: 23
Recipients: Visitors with Items In Their Cart


Holiday Sale Email Template #8

Friends, there are only a few hours left!

The clock is ticking toward midnight, but you still have time to take advantage of our Holiday Print Sale!

Order by MIDNIGHT tonight (PST) and receive….
– 30% Savings on ALL prints!
– FREE shipping on orders over $100!
– Delivery in time for the holidays!

How can you resist?

Cheers!

Jeff & Erin
The Youngrens

Copy and paste these email templates, and make this year's holiday sale your best EVER.

PRO TIP: Sense of Urgency

The Youngrens create a sense of urgency with a short holiday sale that takes place during the two weeks prior to Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving). Since most of their clients celebrate Christmas, they batch-set the Order Due Date on all sale galleries to December 20th – the last possible date to receive prints in time for Christmas.

For an inside look at how The Youngrens structure their own holiday sale emails, CLICK HERE!

They’ll explain Trigger Days, Template Types, and MORE!


steal these emails and have the best holiday sale EVER

9th Email: Extend Your Holiday Sale!

Template Type: Gallery Expiring Notice
Subject: Sale Extended!
Headline: We get it…
Button Text: Shop Now!
Trigger Days: 22
Recipients: Visitors with Favorites


Holiday Sale Email Template #9

We know, we know – you WANTED to take advantage of our print sale, but…

It was a holiday weekend… And it was Cyber Monday… And you just didn’t quite get to it.

IT’S ALL GOOD!

We’ve heard from a lot of you who missed the deadline, so we’ve extended our sale through MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!

There’s still a chance for you to take advantage of the savings!

After tonight, we’re closing down the sale and our prices will go back to normal. So don’t waste a minute! Click that grey box above ^^^ and get to saving!

Cheers!

Jeff & Erin
The Youngrens

Copy and paste these email templates, and make this year's holiday sale your best EVER.

Get ready to celebrate!

Tell us: how did YOU customize your own holiday sale email series?

We can’t wait to hear your success stories!

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    Anne is chronically curious. She loves al fresco dining, anthology podcasts, and getting tattooed when she travels. When her dog disappeared in 2022, she built a social media campaign to help find her; Anne got her back 101 days and 18k Instagram followers later!