Latest article!
Plans for 2024 - EMP

Everything you want to know about confirmation emails

Image

Confirmation emails have the highest open rate—between 65-70%. Additionally, they have an 85% higher click-through rate than regular marketing emails. In fact, they are so valuable that 64% of customers consider order confirmations the most important type of email.

If you just realized the potential of this form of customer communication but don’t know how to get started, keep reading.

The content in this article will help you create the perfect confirmation email. I will cover topics such as:

  • What a confirmation email is and its types,
  • Why transactional emails deserve your attention,
  • How to create an effective confirmation email,
  • How to make your confirmation email stand out,
  • How to increase sales with confirmation emails,
  • And I’ll also show you examples of confirmation emails.

Let’s get started! 💪

What is a confirmation email?

Let’s begin by explaining what a confirmation email is and its different types.

A confirmation email is a type of transactional email (usually created on our shopping platform) sent to a customer after a specific condition (action) is met.

The purpose of confirmation emails is to inform recipients about the completion of a process, which is usually related to four key areas:

1. Order confirmation 🔔

An order confirmation is an email sent to customers after they place an order on a store’s website. This email confirms that the order has been received and is being processed. It can also inform customers about the next steps, such as preparing the order for shipment.

2. Booking confirmation 📆

A booking confirmation is an email sent to customers after they make an online reservation. This could include airline tickets, hotel rooms, restaurant tables, or event registrations.

3. Registration confirmation 💾

A registration confirmation is an email sent to users after completing the registration process on a company’s website. These emails are also known as welcome emails.

4. Subscription confirmation 💌

A subscription confirmation is an email sent to users after they subscribe to a newsletter. These emails are also known as welcome emails and are often used to guide subscribers through the double opt-in process—a type of confirmation you can create using tools like ExpertSender.

In online stores, the most commonly used confirmation email is the order confirmation. These emails contain all the essential details, including a complete summary of the order.

Order confirmation emails can further be divided into:

  • Payment confirmation email
  • Shipping confirmation email
  • Post-purchase thank-you email

Why confirmation emails deserve your attention

First, like most transactional emails, confirmation emails provide a strategic advantage for your brand. They have excellent deliverability and high open and click-through rates. Even if you don’t have a mailing list for sending newsletters, every customer who triggers an action in your store will receive a confirmation email.

Second, it’s your first opportunity to start building a relationship with your customer and make a great impression. Don’t waste this chance. This type of email allows you to introduce the customer to your brand, encourage their next step, share information about your company, and convey your brand values. In many ways, it’s your first impression in email communication with the customer.

It’s also a great way to engage inactive customers who haven’t interacted with your newsletters for a long time.

When used and designed correctly, a confirmation email can generate more traffic, build relationships, promote products, and increase revenue. 💰

How to create an effective confirmation email

Since confirmation emails are expected communications, there are a few key details that must be included:

  • Order number,
  • Estimated delivery time,
  • Description and images of purchased products,
  • Price including taxes,
  • Shipping costs,
  • Link to store policies and return information,
  • Detailed contact information for customer service,
  • Next steps.

How to make your confirmation email stand out

Although the primary goal of a confirmation email is to inform customers about their transaction, it is also a fantastic way to personalize marketing, build relationships, and increase brand awareness.

To build trust between the customer and your brand, pay attention to how your email is designed. Here are ten tips to do it right 💡

1. Focus on aesthetics

The appearance of your email can determine its success or failure. Ensure that your email is clear, well-structured, and easy to read. Use bullet points and spacing, and make buttons detailed and functional. Use contrasting colors to differentiate them from the text.

2. Keep it short and relevant

Use the subject line and preheader to highlight the most important information. Start with essential transactional details before introducing marketing messages and incentives.

3. Choose an engaging subject line

Consider some effective subject lines from well-known brands:

  • "Good news! We have received your order."
  • "Your Airbnb reservation confirmation"
  • "Your order xyz has been confirmed! ☀️😎"
  • "Bravo! Your order for a blue shirt has been confirmed."
  • "It's official! Your order xyz has been placed."

4. Add personalization elements

Despite being automated responses, confirmation emails should feel warm and engaging. Use the customer's name, add emojis, and express gratitude to create a friendly and welcoming tone.

5. Stand out with a great design

Use brand elements like logos, colors, and fonts for consistency. A visually appealing email can leave a lasting impression and strengthen brand recognition.

6. Use clear calls to action

Make it easy for customers to:

  • Confirm their subscription,
  • Log in to their account,
  • Check their order status.

7. Make things easy

Provide information about what happens next, answers to common questions, and contact details for customer support.

8. Include a payment summary

A billing summary should include payment details, item descriptions, order codes, and shipping addresses.

9. Optimize for mobile devices

42% of emails are opened on smartphones. Ensure your email templates are mobile-friendly.

10. Send it immediately ⌚️

Send the confirmation email right away. Customers expect it as proof that their action (such as a purchase) was successful.

How to increase sales with confirmation emails

The primary goal of a confirmation email is to INFORM 📰. However, you can also use it to drive sales and marketing engagement.

The 80/20 rule 🔎

This strategy involves adding a small amount of promotional content (no more than 20%) to transactional emails to encourage future purchases.

Here are a few ideas (choose only one❕ to add to your confirmation email):

  1. Allow order modifications – Let customers adjust their order if needed, or suggest complementary products.
  2. Promote bestsellers – Showcase your store's top-selling products.
  3. Invite customers to a loyalty program – Highlight the benefits of joining.
  4. Offer a discount on the next purchase – Encourage repeat purchases.
  5. Encourage referrals – Offer incentives for referring friends or leaving reviews.

That’s it! 🌟 Create and confirm.

Now that you know how to create effective confirmation emails and maximize their impact, take a look at your current emails and optimize them if needed. Every step of your customer communication matters, and I’m sure that great confirmation emails will enhance the shopping experience in your store.

Latest Resources

We share our knowledge

Random photo

Post

Everything you want to know…

Read more
Random photo

Post

6 things that will quickly…

Read more
Random photo

Post

Plans for 2024 – Email…

Read more
Random photo

Post

A Year of Progress: Insights…

Read more
Random photo

Post

Prepare Your Email Campaign for…

Read more
Random photo

Post

How to Run a Targeted…

Read more
Random photo