The only real downside to gamifying your emails is your audience becomes FIENDISHLY ADDICTED to reading them.
Email campaigns have a problem: they’re boring. Nobody gets excited about “20% off your next order!” anymore (and it's all because the world has been a cruel, bitter place since Harambe died (ಥ﹏ಥ)).
Want to make your email campaigns the highlight of someone’s inbox? MAYBE EVEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF THEIR DAY?! Well, forget about the latter because that's probably not going to happen.
We're taking talk about how you can use gamification (making something passive interactive) to turn your emails into an irresistible game subscribers can’t wait to play.
1. Create a Sense of Adventure
Smell that? That's the smell of adventure. And microplastics.
Everyone loves a little "mystery" (especially those hippy kids in the van. You know who were talking about. They feed their dog edibles).
So give your email readers some mystery! Use gamification to take subscribers on a journey! Think scavenger hunts, riddles, or “choose-your-reward” games. Not only does this keep them clicking, but it also keeps them invested.
Example: An online bookstore could email customers a “Solve the Mystery” puzzle where correct answers unlock a special discount. People get to have fun and buy books --that’s a win-win.
2. Build Anticipation with Timed Events
If your emails don't make audiences panic like they're being hunted for sport, then what are you even doing here?
Scarcity isn’t just for sales—it works in games too. Time-sensitive challenges or flash contests create urgency. Subscribers are more likely to act quickly if they know the clock is ticking. Plus, it’s a great way to get your audience hooked on opening your emails the moment they land in their inbox.
Example: “Open this email by midnight to unlock a secret level.” Even if the reward is a small discount or an exclusive product, the suspense alone is worth the effort.
3. Reward Participation, Not Just Winning
Eyes on the participation prize, baby. Eyes on the prize.
Not everyone is a competitive mastermind, but everyone loves freebies. Make sure your gamified campaigns reward effort, not just top performers. Maybe it’s a badge, a shoutout, or a small token of appreciation. These little gestures keep subscribers engaged and loyal—even if they’re not leaderboard champions.
Conclusion: Does It Work? You Bet It Does.
This was a triumph! I'm making a note here: 'huge success'.
Gamification has already proven its power. Studies show that interactive emails can increase click-through rates by up to 50%. More engagement means better visibility, better conversion rates, and, let’s face it, more fun for everyone. What are you still reading this for; get to gamifying your emails now!!!
Gamification doesn’t stop when your email campaign ends. Want to offer prizes? We’ll store and ship. Need order fulfillment? We can do it all from our Tokyo and Los Angeles warehouses, fast and stress-free! Mix-Mix Mail is here to handle the logistics while you bask in the glow of skyrocketing success.