Know you need to write more emails, but you’re stuck coming up with new ideas? Or maybe you’re just bored of writing the same old stories.
In this ”smartfriends” interview with copy maven Marissa Corcoran, we dive into to create unforgettable email newsletters that actually sound like you — not just generic AI content.
Marissa Corcoran unpacks how online business owners can craft unforgettable email newsletters that actually sound like them—not just generic AI content. She introduces powerful tools like the “word closet,” “accessories closet,” and “motifs” to help creators build a distinct brand voice. From using AI wisely to knowing what makes people subscribe—or unsubscribe—this episode is a goldmine for anyone who writes newsletters, especially during the times when you’re not selling.
00:00 – Intro + Email over social media: why newsletters are still the most powerful place for connection
02:00 – What’s a “Word Closet” and why it’s your shortcut to sounding like you 05:30 – Quirks that make your copy personal
07:30 – Using AI smartly—how to extract your voice (not replace it)
10:30 – The danger of generic messaging + the importance of customer interviews
13:30 – How to use “Motifs” to never run out of newsletter ideas
17:00 – Templates, rhythm, and building a flexible content structure that still converts
21:00 – The underrated metric you should start tracking
24:00 – What makes Marissa unsubscribe from newsletters—and what keeps her reading
27:00 – The magic of a monthly roundup email (and why more people should send them)
30:00 – Rethinking GIFs, welcome sequences, and showing your values early
34:00 – The power of clear values + ethical considerations when using imagery and IP
References:
Ann Handley – the one email metric to track
How to create your own branded gifs
Get more from Marisa:
https://marisacorcoran.com/subjectlines – 50+ Scroll-Stopping Subject Lines
https://marisacorcoran.com/ – work with Marisa
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