Email Templates That Actually Work: A No-BS Guide

Let's cut through the noise. Here are the templates that consistently convert, when to use them, and how to make them work.

1. AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action)

Best for: New product launches, cold emails, sales announcements

Why it works: Follows natural buying psychology. Each step builds on the previous one.

Structure:

• Attention: Pattern interrupt or bold claim
• Interest: Specific benefit or unique angle
• Desire: Paint the picture of success
• Action: Clear, compelling next step

Pro Tips:

• Keep Attention short (1-2 lines max)
• Make Interest personal
• Build Desire through specifics
• One clear Action only

Example:

Subject: "This email template converts at 31%..."

Ever notice how some emails make you want to buy instantly, while others feel like spam? [A]

Here's why: Most emails jump straight to selling. But this template, used by top copywriters, follows the exact sequence your brain needs to say "yes." [I]

Imagine sending emails that convert so well, people actually thank you for selling to them. That's what happened when we tested this with 1,000+ businesses. [D]

Grab your free template swipe file here → [A]

2. PAS (Problem, Agitation, Solution)

Best for: Pain-point focused products, B2B, high-ticket items

Why it works: Emotional investment in the problem makes the solution more valuable.

Structure:

• Problem: State it clearly
• Agitation: Make it hurt
• Solution: Present your fix

Pro Tips:

• Make the Problem relatable
• Agitation should build tension
• Solution should feel inevitable

Example:

Subject: "Your email list is dying..."

Your subscribers are ignoring your emails. [P]

That means lost sales, wasted time, and watching competitors succeed while you struggle to get opens. Every ignored email costs you money and opportunities. [A]

Here's a proven template that doubled our open rates in 7 days (and can do the same for you) → [S]

3. BAB (Before-After-Bridge)

Best for: Transformational products, services, courses

Why it works: Shows clear contrast between pain and solution.

Structure:

• Before: Current situation
• After: Ideal scenario
• Bridge: How to get there

Pro Tips:

• Make Before painfully real
• After should feel achievable
• Bridge must be clear and simple

Example:

Subject: "From 2% to 20% conversion rate"

Right now, you're struggling with low email conversion rates and wondering if email marketing even works anymore. [B]

Imagine sending emails that people actually look forward to opening, clicking, and buying from - consistently getting 15-20% conversion rates. [A]

Here's the exact template system that made this possible for our last 100 clients → [B]

4. PASTOR (Problem, Amplify, Story, Testimony, Offer, Response)

Best for: Long-form emails, high-ticket sales

Why it works: Comprehensive persuasion that builds complete case.

Structure:

• Problem: Clear issue
• Amplify: Make it bigger
• Story: Share journey
• Testimony: Proof
• Offer: Solution
• Response: Action

Pro Tips:

• Keep Problem relevant
• Amplify realistically
• Story must be authentic
• Testimonies should be specific

Example: Subject: "The $2,000 email mistake"

Most businesses lose money on email marketing (I know because I did). [P]

Every ignored email isn't just a lost sale - it's damaging your sender reputation, training subscribers to ignore you, and wasting your most valuable asset. [A]

I discovered this the hard way after losing $2,000 on a failed launch. Then I tested a new approach... [S]

"This template helped us generate $15,000 from one email" - Sarah K. [T]

Get the exact template I used (free for next 24 hours) → [O]

Click here to grab your copy before the price goes up → [R]

5. Star-Story-Solution

Best for: Testimonial-based emails, case studies

Why it works: Makes success feel achievable through story.

Structure:

• Star: Feature customer
• Story: Their journey
• Solution: Your product's role

Pro Tips:

• Make Star relatable
• Story should have conflict
• Solution must be clear

Example:

Subject: "From 0 to $10k with one email"

Meet Tom, a freelance copywriter who used to struggle with inconsistent income. [Star]

After months of feast-or-famine, he was ready to quit. Then he discovered our email template system. Within 30 days, he landed 3 high-ticket clients. [Story]

Get the same template Tom used → [Solution]

When to Use Each:

• AIDA: New offers, cold audiences
• PAS: When pain is obvious
• BAB: Clear transformations
• PASTOR: Complex sales
• Star-Story-Solution: Social proof focus

Pro Tips for All Templates:

1. Test Subject Lines

• Write 10 minimum
• Test top 3
• Track and adjust

2. Personalize Opening

• Use behavior data
• Reference history
• Show relevance

3. Optimize Preview Text

• Continue subject line
• Add curiosity
• Promise value

Ready to write emails that convert?

Practice these templates on CopyCoach→

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