Vlog Post: How Long Should Your Emails Be? Short vs. Long-Form Emails

Vlog Post: How Long Should Your Emails Be? Short vs. Long-Form Emails

If you’ve ever sat down to write an email and thought, “Is this too short? Or way too long?” — You’re not alone.

Today, we’re diving into a common question:
How long should your emails actually be?
Should you keep it short and snappy—or go long and in-depth?

Let’s break down the pros, cons, and when to use each format so you can start writing emails that actually get read and clicked.

First, Does Length Really Matter?

The short answer? Yes—but not in the way you think.

The right length depends on two things:

1. Your goal for the email

2. Your audience’s preferences and attention span

Let’s explore both sides…

Short Emails: The Quick Hit

Think: 50–150 words.

These are great when you:

• Want to make a quick point or share a single idea

• Have a simple call-to-action (like clicking a link or replying)

• Email your audience frequently (like daily or a few times a week)

Why they work:

• They’re easy to read fast—perfect for busy inboxes

• They feel conversational, like a text from a friend

• Higher likelihood of being read in full

When to use short emails:

• Announcing a new blog post, product, or episode

• Following up on something recent

• Sending a quick tip or reminder

• Flash sales or deadlines

Pro tip: Just because it’s short doesn’t mean it’s lazy. Be intentional with every word.

 Long-Form Emails: The Deep Dive

Think: 300–800+ words.

These shine when you want to:

• Tell a story and build emotional connection

• Educate, teach, or deliver value-rich content

• Share behind-the-scenes insights or lessons

• Launch or sell something that needs more context

Why they work:

• They build trust by showing depth and care

• They give you room to explain and inspire

• They’re great for nurturing relationships over time

When to use long-form emails:

• Welcome sequences

• Storytelling or personal lessons

• Educational newsletters

• Launch emails or sales sequences

Pro tip: Use bolding, bullet points, and spacing to make longer emails skimmable!

 What the Data Says

Studies show the average email gets read for about 11 seconds.
But that doesn’t mean long emails don’t work.

In fact, long-form emails can convert better when:

• The reader is already engaged

• The email is well-structured

• The content feels like a conversation, not a lecture

The key? Value first. Length second.

 So… Which One Should You Use?

Ask yourself these three questions:

1. What’s the goal of the email?

   • Quick click or reminder? → Go short.

   • Teaching, storytelling, or launching? → Go long.

2. What does my audience prefer?

   • Test and learn! Try both and track your open/click rates.

3. Can I say this in fewer words without losing clarity or impact?

   • Edit ruthlessly. Clarity beats cleverness every time.

 Final Thoughts

There’s no magic word count for a “perfect email.”
The best email is the one that gets read and inspires action.

So, whether you’re Team Short or Team Long, here’s your golden rule:

Make every word earn its place.

If it helps your reader, tells a good story, or moves them closer to action, it’s worth it.