I was skeptical of AI at first. I thought it was just another buzzword.
I figured it was all hype, something reserved for big tech companies and not small business owners like me just trying to write a few decent emails each week.
But after spending way too many hours staring at a blank email editor and praying for inspiration, I finally gave in and tested a few AI tools. And wow… it didn’t just help, it completely transformed my email marketing process.
If you’re juggling everything from content planning to customer service, AI can become your behind-the-scenes writing assistant. Here’s how I’ve been using it in real, practical ways — without losing my voice or sounding like a robot.
1. Brainstorming Ideas (When You’re Fresh Out)
Sometimes, I’d sit down to write a weekly newsletter and draw a complete blank. “What do I even say this week?” became a common question in my head.
Now, I just toss a few prompts into ChatGPT or Jasper and get 10 fresh angles in 30 seconds. I don’t always use them word-for-word, but they get my brain moving again. It’s like having a creative partner who’s always awake and never complains.
Tip: Start with prompts like “Give me 10 newsletter topics for [your niche]” or “What’s trending in [industry] this month?” You’ll be shocked how useful it is.
2. Drafting Subject Lines That Actually Get Opened
I used to spend more time on subject lines than the entire body of the email. Seriously. And I still wasn’t sure if they’d work.
Now I generate 5–10 subject line variations using AI, test a few, and often get higher open rates without sweating over every word. I’ll even ask it for emotional, curiosity-driven, or urgency-based versions and pick the best fit.
One time, AI helped me turn a boring “Last Day to Register” into “You Might Regret Skipping This Tomorrow” — and the open rate jumped 22%.
3. Writing Content Faster (Without Sacrificing Personality)
I don’t let AI write entire emails for me. That’s where it starts to sound stiff. But I use it to build rough drafts or help me rephrase things when I’m stuck.
It’s like working with a junior copywriter, you give it the direction, it gives you something to work with. Then you sprinkle in your tone, your humor, your stories.
For example, I once asked, “Rewrite this paragraph to sound more conversational,” and it nailed it better than I could have mid-coffee.
4. Segment-Specific Content Personalization
This was a game-changer. I use tags in my email platform to group people based on what they’ve clicked, bought, or downloaded. AI helps me rewrite one message in multiple tones depending on the segment.
So someone who’s new to my list might get a “Welcome, here’s what you need to know” version, while someone who’s bought before gets a “Hey, you might love this next step” version.
The bones of the message are the same but AI helps make each one feel more personal, and that’s where conversions happen.
5. Creating Automated Email Sequences Quicker
I used to dread building automations because writing a 5-part welcome series felt like running a marathon. Now I draft the sequence structure, then ask AI to help write each email’s focus.
It’s not about outsourcing everything. It’s about starting faster so I can focus on refining, editing, and connecting — not just filling in the blanks.
6. Generating A/B Test Variations Instantly
I’m a big fan of testing email variations, but writing multiple versions is time-consuming. AI lets me generate subject line B, intro B, and CTA B in minutes.
One test I ran had nearly identical content but with a slightly different opening line — and the AI-generated version won by 18%. That’s real impact, with half the work.
7. Creating Content Based on Data or Trends
If I’m launching something tied to a trend or stat — like AI, ironically — I’ll ask AI tools to summarize key data points or explain them in simpler terms I can include in my emails.
It helps me sound informed without spending hours digging through industry reports. Just last month, I used AI to summarize a case study on personalization in email marketing, and it made me sound way more credible.
Final Thoughts
Using AI for email content doesn’t mean handing over the creative reins. It means you finally have a tool that helps you work smarter, write faster, and show up more consistently, without burning out.
If you’re worried it’ll sound robotic or generic, don’t be. You’re still in control. AI just gives you a head start, a nudge in the right direction, or a solid rough draft you can build on. Kind of like a writing buddy who never runs out of energy.
Give it a shot on your next campaign. You might find yourself finishing that newsletter in 20 minutes instead of 2 hours — and hitting “send” with way more confidence.
