Best Emails That Grabbed CMOs Attention in Our Tests

How can you grab a CMO’s attention in a crowded inbox?

Every day, chief marketing officers (CMOs) receive countless emails. From pitches to newsletters, their inboxes overflow with communication from marketers, small business owners, and enterprise teams alike. Yet, very few emails manage to catch their attention or drive action.

If you’re crafting an email marketing campaign for CMOs in 2024, understanding their needs and delivering relevant, high-value content is key. This post will guide you through strategies to create emails that resonate with CMOs and stand out from the noise.

Understanding the CMO’s Inbox

What’s in Their Inbox?

CMOs, or chief marketing officers, are bombarded with emails every day. These include cold email pitches, newsletters, marketing updates, and sales outreach. With so many emails vying for their attention, CMOs prioritize messages that offer immediate value and align with their objectives.

Many emails tend to focus on what the sender wants instead of what the recipient, in this case, the CMO, needs. This disconnect often leads to emails being ignored or deleted. To stand out, your email must address their specific challenges and provide actionable insights.

What Matters Most to CMOs?

CMOs care about results that impact their marketing strategies and overall business goals. Some of their key priorities include:

• Increasing marketing performance and ROI.
• Keeping up with emerging marketing platforms and technology.
• Addressing customer engagement challenges with effective solutions.

Your email should show how your product, service, or idea can solve these pain points. Clear, concise, and tailored communication is essential to earn their attention.

How Personalization Can Help

Personalization can make a world of difference in email marketing. By mentioning the CMO’s company name or addressing a specific challenge their organization faces, you demonstrate that you’ve done your research. Personalized subject lines and content are proven to increase open rates and improve email performance.

Key Principles of Crafting Effective Emails for CMOs

Crafting an email that resonates with CMOs requires precision, strategy, and a focus on their priorities. Here are the foundational principles to help you create emails that stand out:

1. Know Your Audience

Understanding your target audience is the first step. CMOs are results-driven professionals managing marketing efforts across the entire organization. Tailoring your message to their needs can make all the difference.

• Research their company, industry, and recent marketing campaigns.
• Identify their pain points. For instance, are they looking to optimize marketing performance or streamline their digital marketing efforts?

Example: “Hi [Name], I noticed your recent campaign [Campaign Name] and wanted to share insights on how [Solution] could further boost engagement and ROI.”

2. Be Value-Driven

CMOs open emails when they see immediate value. Skip the fluff and get straight to the point. Focus on solutions and how they address their specific challenges.

• Highlight results like improving click-through rates, streamlining email sequences, or enhancing marketing technology.
• Avoid self-promotion. Make the email about them, not you.

Example: “Our platform helped [Company] increase email response rates by 25%. We’d love to explore how we can do the same for your team.”

3. Be Concise

CMOs don’t have time for lengthy emails. A clear structure ensures your message is read and understood quickly.

• Keep your email between 50–125 words.
• Use short paragraphs, bolded text for key points, and bullet lists.

Example Structure:

• Opening: Acknowledge their work or industry challenges.
• Value Proposition: Introduce your solution briefly.
• CTA: End with one clear call-to-action.

4. Focus on Personalization

CMOs appreciate when emails feel tailored, not generic. Personalization shows effort and can significantly improve open rates.

• Personalize the subject line to include their name, company, or industry-specific insight.
• Reference recent achievements or industry trends relevant to their role.

5. Align with Their Goals

CMOs prioritize strategies that elevate their marketing game and drive measurable results. Your email should directly address goals like:

• Enhancing B2B sales outreach.
• Strengthening email marketing strategies.
• Driving engagement through optimized email campaigns.

Crafting the Perfect Subject Line

The subject line is the first thing a CMO sees, making it the deciding factor between opening or ignoring your email. A great subject line catches their attention and hints at the value within the email.

Why Subject Lines Matter

CMOs receive hundreds of emails daily. An engaging subject line can make your message stand out in their crowded inbox. Statistics show that personalized and relevant subject lines tend to perform better, boosting open rates significantly.

Tips for Writing Subject Lines That Work

1. Keep It Short and Specific
   Subject lines with 6-10 words or under 50 characters are ideal. They’re easy to read at a glance, especially on mobile devices.
   • Example: “Boost Your Marketing ROI by 25%”
2. Use Personalization
   Incorporate the recipient’s name, company, or industry focus to grab their attention.
   • Example: “Hi [Name], Insights to Elevate [Company’s] Campaigns”
3. Highlight a Benefit or Solution
   CMOs prioritize results and actionable insights. Show them what they’ll gain by opening your email.
   • Example: “Solutions to Simplify Your Email Marketing in 2024”
4. Incorporate Numbers or Data
   Using numbers makes your subject line more specific and credible.
   • Example: “3 Proven Email Strategies to Engage CMOs”
5. Create Intrigue (Without Being Clickbaity)
   Tease valuable information or solutions in your subject line to spark curiosity.
   • Example: “The Missing Piece in Your Marketing Strategy”

Mistakes to Avoid

• Being Too Generic: Subject lines like “Check This Out” or “Quick Question” rarely resonate with CMOs.
• Overusing Symbols or All Caps: These can make your email look spammy and hurt deliverability.
• Misleading Statements: CMOs value credibility. Don’t promise something your email doesn’t deliver.

Writing an Engaging Email Body

Once your subject line has caught a CMO’s attention, the email body needs to deliver on its promise. A clear, engaging, and actionable email can encourage them to take the next step.

1. Start with a Strong Opening Line

The first line of your email is crucial. It sets the tone and determines whether the recipient continues reading.

• Acknowledge Their Role or Achievement:
  Start with something specific about their company, industry, or a recent success.
  • Example: “I saw your recent announcement about [campaign/news] and was impressed by how it connects with [target audience].”
• Address Their Challenges or Goals:
  Mention a common issue CMOs face and position your solution early.
  • Example: “Many CMOs struggle to streamline their B2B sales outreach while maintaining a high ROI. Here’s how we can help.”

2. Show Immediate Value

CMOs are busy, so get to the point quickly. Highlight how your product, service, or insight can directly address their challenges.

• Use specific, measurable benefits:
  • “Our platform increased click-through rates by 35% for [similar company].”
  • “We help marketing teams save 10+ hours weekly on cold email outreach.”
• Frame your solution as a way to improve their email marketing efforts or optimize their marketing campaigns.

3. Use Social Proof and Data

CMOs trust results and case studies more than generic claims. Include brief evidence of your past successes.

• Mention recognizable brands you’ve worked with or statistics that back your claims:
  • “We’ve partnered with [well-known companies] to improve email marketing performance.”
  • “CMOs using our tool have seen up to a 40% increase in engagement.”

4. End with a Clear and Actionable CTA

Every email should have one goal. Make it clear and simple for the recipient to act.

• Use action-oriented language, such as:
  • “Schedule a quick 15-minute call to explore how we can help.”
  • “Download our free guide to optimizing your email campaigns in 2024.”
• Avoid vague CTAs like “Let me know if this sounds interesting.”

5. Best Practices for Email Body Structure

• Keep paragraphs short (1-2 sentences).
• Use bullet points to highlight key benefits or features.
• Incorporate bold text to emphasize important details.
• Ensure your email design is mobile-friendly for optimal readability.

Sample Email Structure

Subject Line: “How [Company] Improved Marketing ROI by 25%”

Opening Line:
Hi [Name],
I noticed [Company] recently launched a new marketing campaign targeting [specific audience]. It’s clear you’re focusing on [specific goal].

Value Proposition:
We specialize in helping CMOs like you simplify email marketing strategies while improving ROI. For example, our platform increased click-through rates by 30% for [similar company].

Social Proof:
We’ve worked with leading brands, including [Client A] and [Client B], to optimize email campaigns and enhance marketing performance.

CTA:
Would you be open to a quick call next week to explore how we could do the same for [Company]?

Best,
[Your Name]

Visual and Structural Best Practices

CMOs receive countless emails daily, and a cluttered or poorly designed email can quickly lose their interest. A clean and visually appealing structure enhances readability and ensures your message stands out.

1. Keep It Clean and Simple

An overly complicated layout can overwhelm the reader. Prioritize clarity and simplicity to make your email easy to scan.

• Use short paragraphs of 1-2 sentences.
• Break up text with bullet points for key benefits or features.
• Include white space to avoid visual fatigue.

2. Optimize for Mobile Devices

A significant portion of emails are opened on mobile devices. Ensure your email design adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes.

• Use a single-column layout.
• Keep your subject line and preview text concise for mobile displays.
• Use a font size of at least 14px for body text and 20px for headlines.

3. Incorporate Visual Elements

While text is the core of your message, visuals can enhance engagement. Include relevant, professional visuals to support your content.

• Icons and Graphics: Use simple visuals to highlight key points.
• Charts or Infographics: Showcase data or results in an easily digestible format.
• Branding Elements: Add your logo and consistent brand colors to reinforce trust.

4. Highlight the CTA

Your call-to-action should be visually distinct and easy to spot.

• Use a button with contrasting colors for the CTA (e.g., “Schedule a Call” or “Download Now”).
• Ensure the CTA stands out by positioning it prominently, ideally above the fold and again at the end.

5. Test Before Sending

Testing ensures your email looks professional across different devices and platforms.

• Send test emails to yourself and your team.
• Check formatting, links, and visuals on mobile, desktop, and tablet.
• Use tools like Litmus or Email on Acid for comprehensive previews.

6. Accessibility Matters

Make your email inclusive for all recipients by following accessibility best practices.

• Use alt text for images so content is understandable even if images don’t load.
• Ensure sufficient color contrast between text and background.
• Avoid overloading the email with visuals that might slow loading times.

Timing and Frequency of Outreach

Timing and frequency play a significant role in whether your email gets opened or ignored. Reaching a CMO at the right time with an appropriate cadence increases the chances of engagement without overwhelming their inbox.

1. Best Days to Send Emails

Certain days of the week are more effective for email outreach, especially for C-level executives like CMOs.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays: These are often considered the most productive days for professionals, making them ideal for sending important emails.
• Avoid Mondays and Fridays: Mondays tend to be busy with meetings and catching up, while Fridays are often focused on wrapping up tasks for the week.

2. Ideal Times for Sending Emails

Timing your email to align with when CMOs check their inbox is crucial.

• Mid-Morning (10 AM – 11 AM): Many CMOs review their emails after completing initial tasks for the day.
• Early Afternoon (2 PM – 3 PM): Another window when professionals check emails after lunch.
• Test Different Time Zones: If your target audience is global, ensure your email reaches them during their working hours.

3. Frequency of Follow-Ups

Cold email outreach often requires follow-ups to get a response. However, balance is key to avoid coming across as pushy.

• First Follow-Up: Send a reminder 2-3 days after your initial email.
• Subsequent Follow-Ups: Space them out by 4-7 days to allow the recipient time to consider your message.
• Total Outreach Attempts: Limit your outreach to 3-4 emails to avoid overwhelming the recipient.

4. When to Stop or Pivot

If you’ve followed up multiple times with no response, it may be time to stop or switch tactics.

• No Response After 4 Emails: Shift to a different outreach strategy, like connecting on LinkedIn or using video marketing for more personal engagement.
• Analyze Open Rates: If CMOs are opening your emails but not responding, adjust your CTA or content to make it more compelling.

Tools and Technology to Improve Email Campaigns

Using the right tools can enhance your email marketing efforts, helping you craft personalized messages, improve outreach efficiency, and track results effectively. For CMOs, leveraging technology to optimize email campaigns is a must.

1. Email Automation Platforms

Automation tools simplify your email outreach by scheduling emails, managing follow-ups, and segmenting your audience.

• Popular Tools: Mailchimp, HubSpot, ActiveCampaign.
• Key Features:
  • Personalization at scale.
  • Pre-designed templates for cold emails.
  • Automation of email sequences for consistent outreach.

Example: Automate a series of follow-up emails for a CMO email list, ensuring timely communication without manual intervention.

2. A/B Testing Tools

Testing helps you refine subject lines, CTAs, and email content to identify what resonates best with recipients.

• Recommended Platforms: Litmus, Optimizely, Google Optimize.
• What to Test:
  • Subject line variations (e.g., personalized vs. generic).
  • CTA placements and wording.
  • Email design and content length.

Benefit: Improve email performance by determining which elements tend to perform better with CMOs.

3. Email Analytics and Tracking

Understanding how your emails perform is crucial for optimizing future campaigns.

• Metrics to Monitor:
  • Open rates and click-through rates (CTR).
  • Email response rates.
  • Bounce rates and email deliverability.
• Top Tools: Yesware, SalesLoft, or Mixmax.

Example: Use tracking tools to see which subject lines are most effective at grabbing a CMO’s attention.

4. Email Finder Tools

Accurate and verified email addresses are essential for successful email outreach.

• Recommended Platforms: Hunter.io, Voila Norbert, or Lusha.
• Use Case: Build a high-quality CMO email database to reduce bounce rates and improve email deliverability.

Example: A B2B sales intelligence platform like Apollo.io can help you find verified email addresses and phone numbers for better outreach.

5. AI-Powered Personalization Tools

AI can help tailor your emails to each recipient, making them more relevant and engaging.

• Key Features:
  • Dynamic content suggestions based on recipient data.
  • Behavioral insights to craft email content that resonates.
• Platforms: Grammarly for tone adjustments, Seventh Sense for AI-driven send-time optimization.

6. CRM Integration

Integrating your email campaigns with a CRM system ensures all your outreach efforts are tracked and aligned with your broader marketing plan.

• Popular CRMs: Salesforce, Zoho CRM, Pipedrive.
• Benefit: Consolidates contact data and helps track the recipient’s journey from outreach to conversion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Emailing CMOs

Even a well-intentioned email can fail if common mistakes undermine your outreach. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your emails resonate with CMOs and drive engagement.

1. Overloading with Information

A lengthy email packed with too much detail can overwhelm busy CMOs.

• Why It’s a Problem: CMOs don’t have time to read long, complex messages.
• Solution: Keep your email concise, highlighting only the most relevant points. Provide links to additional resources for those who want to learn more.

2. Failing to Personalize

Generic emails that lack personalization are quickly ignored.

• Why It’s a Problem: CMOs expect communication tailored to their company, industry, or challenges.
• Solution: Use tools like email finders to gather accurate contact data and craft personalized subject lines and content.

3. Over-Promising or Using Clickbait

Exaggerated claims or misleading subject lines can harm your credibility.

• Why It’s a Problem: CMOs value trust and authenticity. Over-promising sets unrealistic expectations.
• Solution: Be honest and focus on measurable, achievable benefits.

4. Sending Emails at the Wrong Time

Poor timing can lead to your email getting lost in a crowded inbox.

• Why It’s a Problem: Emails sent during busy periods may never be opened.
• Solution: Use analytics or email platforms that help optimize send times based on engagement data.

5. Neglecting to Include a Clear CTA

An email without a clear next step leaves the CMO wondering what to do next.

• Why It’s a Problem: A vague or missing CTA reduces the chances of a response or conversion.
• Solution: Always include a clear, actionable CTA, such as scheduling a call or downloading a resource.

6. Ignoring Email Deliverability Issues

Emails that land in spam folders never reach the intended recipient.

• Why It’s a Problem: Poor email deliverability undermines even the best email campaigns.
• Solution: Use verified email addresses, avoid spammy language, and test your emails before sending.

7. Lack of Follow-Up Strategy

Sending just one email and expecting a response isn’t realistic.

• Why It’s a Problem: CMOs often need reminders, but excessive follow-ups can be annoying.
• Solution: Develop a thoughtful follow-up sequence, spacing emails over several days.

Case Studies or Examples

Real-world examples can offer valuable insights into what works when reaching out to CMOs. Below are two case studies highlighting successful email campaigns that engaged CMOs and drove results.

Case Study 1: Personalization That Converts

Scenario:
A SaaS company wanted to introduce their marketing analytics platform to CMOs in the B2B tech sector.

Strategy:

1. Research: The marketing team analyzed target companies, identifying pain points like fragmented data and poor ROI tracking.
2. Personalized Email Content: Each email opened with a tailored mention of the company’s latest campaigns, followed by a value proposition focused on solving their specific challenges.
   • Subject Line: “Insights to Streamline [Company Name]’s Marketing Performance”
   • Body: “Hi [Name], I noticed [Company Name] recently launched [campaign], which likely required significant cross-team coordination. Our platform simplifies data integration, helping companies like [Similar Client] boost ROI by 35%.”
3. CTA: A clear invitation to schedule a 15-minute demo.

Results:

• Open Rate: 42% (industry average: ~20%).
• Conversion Rate: 18 demos scheduled, 6 new customers.

Key Takeaway: Personalization, specific pain points, and a concise value-driven CTA can yield impressive results when emailing CMOs.

Case Study 2: Leveraging Social Proof and Data

Scenario:
A digital marketing agency aimed to attract CMOs from retail companies to adopt their new email marketing campaign service.

Strategy:

1. Focus on Social Proof: The email highlighted success with similar clients.
2. Data-Driven Subject Line:
   • Subject Line: “How [Retail Client] Increased CTR by 30% in 60 Days”
3. Value Proposition:
   • Body: “Hi [Name], we recently helped [Retail Client] increase click-through rates and engagement with tailored email sequences. Our approach leverages audience segmentation and A/B-tested templates to deliver results like these.”
4. CTA: “Interested in achieving similar results? Let’s schedule a quick call.”

Results:

• Open Rate: 38%.
• Response Rate: 22%.

FAQ 

Conclusion

Reaching a CMO with an effective email requires precision, research, and a deep understanding of their challenges. From crafting a compelling subject line to personalizing the content, every detail matters when trying to engage this busy audience.

Here’s a quick recap of the strategies we’ve covered:

• Understand the CMO’s Inbox: Focus on their priorities and challenges.
• Write Strong Subject Lines: Make them concise, relevant, and attention-grabbing.
• Create Engaging Email Bodies: Deliver value quickly, include social proof, and end with a clear CTA.
• Optimize Timing and Frequency: Send emails at the right times and follow up thoughtfully.
• Leverage Technology: Use tools to enhance personalization, automate campaigns, and track performance.
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Keep emails concise, personalize them, and always include a clear next step.

By implementing these best practices, you can craft an email campaign that not only catches a CMO’s attention but also inspires them to take action. Whether you’re targeting small business marketers or enterprise teams, these strategies can help elevate your email outreach game in 2024.