The Founder Email: plain-text format that converts

Episode 244: The 60-Minute Email Fix for Q4 Wins

(with John Grimshaw, CMO of Smart Marketer)

Episode Description

"Email isn't dead, it's your fastest path to real profit this Q4." In this episode, John Grimshaw lays out the exact email strategies Smart Marketer is using to maximize results during the busiest time of the year. Learn how to supercharge your automations, craft high-converting messages, and prep your brand for holiday success without spending weeks rewriting flows.

You'll also hear about a game-changing new feature in ChatGPT that's set to shake up eCommerce as we know it: instant checkout. Plus, John shares the highest-performing email format Smart Marketer is using right now (spoiler: it's plain-text and insanely effective).

This is your 60-minute checklist for higher conversions, better inboxing, and more sales fast.

✅ You Will Learn:

• Why email automation is 25x more profitable than broadcasts (and most brands neglect it)

• How to update your top 3 flows in under an hour: Welcome, Cart Abandon, Product Abandon

• The new "Instant Checkout" inside ChatGPT and why you must optimize for it

• The single email style outperforming all others: the Founder Email

• How to bundle products for better margins and ChatGPT discoverability

• Why design-heavy emails can hurt your deliverability, and what to do instead

🔗 Links & Resources

• Omnisend (Email & SMS Platform) – smartmarketer.com/omnisend Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months

• Free Prompt: Plain-Text Founder Email See below for the full prompt shared in the episode

• Smart Marketer Blog & Resources – smartmarketer.com/blog

• Smart Marketer YouTube – Andromeda Update Video – Watch here

• Support & Feedback – support@smartmarketer.com

🕒 Timestamps (Chapters)

00:00 – Intro: What's in this episode 01:54 – "Profit leaks" in your Q4 email strategy 03:25 – Email is not dead: It's more powerful than ever 06:06 – Email = telling your best friends what to do 08:14 – Automation is 25x more profitable (and ignored) 09:13 – Where to focus first in your flows 10:38 – This Just In: Instant checkout now inside ChatGPT 13:00 – ChatGPT's impact on eCom gifting & bundles 15:43 – Optimize product feeds + create AI-friendly bundles 20:17 – Your 60-minute action plan: 3 automation updates 22:40 – Flow #1: Welcome – what to fix fast 25:48 – Flow #2: Cart Abandon – how to speed it up 28:24 – Flow #3: Product Abandon – recommendations that convert 30:01 – The "one page" traffic strategy for BFCM 32:02 – Why Smart Marketer switched to Omnisend 34:12 – The power of plain-text: Founder Email breakdown 36:35 – Real campaign results from Founder Emails 38:51 – Best practices: subject, tone, structure, CTA 39:39 – The ChatGPT Founder Email Prompt (full version) 42:00 – Why hybrid email design (text + visuals) wins 43:33 – Real brand case study: doubling email revenue 45:16 – Optimize for inboxing: deliverability > design 46:03 – Full checklist: what to do in the next 60 minutes 47:32 – Closing thoughts & CTA to share the show

📄 The ChatGPT Founder Email Prompt

Plain-Text Founder Email Prompt Write a plain-text "Founder Email" for my brand during Q4. Make it sound personal, human, and conversational, like a message from the founder to a loyal customer. Keep it under 200 words, with one clear CTA and no images or fancy design.

Include:

1. A warm opening (gratitude, reflection, or behind-the-scenes note).

2. A short story or insight that builds connection.

3. A simple offer or bonus (e.g., stackable discount or early access).

4. A friendly close with light urgency ("ends soon" / "thank you for supporting us").

Tone: Authentic, human, and direct — like a Gmail message from a friend.

Goal: Drive clicks through trust and relatability, not polish or visuals.

Output Format: • Subject: [5–7 words, personal & curious] • From: [Founder Name at Brand] • Body:

Ask me any questions to help make the results stronger.

📣 Call to Action

Enjoyed this episode? Do us a favor:

• Follow & Subscribe to The Smart Marketer Show on your favorite podcast platform.

• Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts

• Share this episode on social and tag us @smartmarketer using #WeOutHere

• Send your founder email draft to support@smartmarketer.com for feedback

🚀 Email isn't dead, it just needs your attention. Take 60 minutes, follow the plan, and set yourself up for the best Q4 yet.