5 Copywriting Tips for E-commerce Brands Reaching Out to Retailers

Matt here - wanted to highlight 5 tips I frequently use when crafting messages to potential retailers. :)

When you're an e-commerce brand trying to establish relationships with potential retailers, your initial outreach can make or break your chances. Effective copywriting in your emails or messages is crucial to catch their attention and initiate a conversation. Here are five straightforward copywriting tips to help you craft compelling outreach messages.

1. Start with a Strong Subject Line

Your subject line is the first impression you make. It needs to be engaging and clear enough to make the recipient want to open the email. Use concise language that conveys the value of your message, such as “retail question” or “retail?” Avoid generic expressions that might be overlooked or, worse, marked as spam.

2. Personalize Your Greeting

Always address the recipient by name to add a personal touch. Doing a bit of research on the retailer and including a specific detail about their store or business in the opening line shows that you’re genuinely interested in them. For example, "I loved your recent feature on eco-friendly products, and I think our brand could be a great addition to your lineup."

3. Be Clear and Concise

Retailers are busy people, so get to the point quickly. Clearly state the purpose of your email within the first few sentences. Explain what your brand is, what you can offer, and why you think the retailer would be a good fit for your products. Keep your language simple and direct to maintain their interest.

4. Highlight Benefits, Not Features

When describing your products, focus on how they can benefit the retailer and their customers. Instead of listing product features, explain how your products can attract more customers, enhance their store’s reputation, or complement their existing product range. For instance, “Our award-winning skincare line not only caters to a growing market for organic products but also offers attractive margins and marketing support.”

5. End with a Clear Call to Action

Your closing lines should make it clear what you want the recipient to do next. Include a direct call to action, such as inviting them to view a catalog, scheduling a meeting, or registering for a free sample. Make sure to provide all necessary contact details or links to make the action as easy as possible. For example, “Please check out our online catalog at [link], and let me know if you’d like to schedule a chat to explore this further.”

By following these tips, your outreach efforts to potential retailers will be more likely to succeed. Your messages will be clearer, more engaging, and more likely to lead to productive business relationships.

Happy messaging!

-Matt