70% Content and 30% Sales = Never Get Mad

A thing I learned from sending millions of emails from AppSumo where we would sell 1 thing per day, meaning 1 email pitch per day, was that if you gave people 70% great content in an email, and only up to 30% of it was a sales pitch, people wouldn't get mad and would actually enjoy the emails they were getting.
For example an email would be like this:

Image Description
A simple, hand-drawn style illustration displaying a bar divided into two sections: 70% labeled "Content" and 30% labeled "Sales."
Positive Aspects
The image visually reinforces the core message of the post by clearly depicting the 70/30 content-to-sales ratio. Its straightforward design makes the concept easy to grasp at a glance, enhancing the reader's understanding and retention.
Key Takeaways
- Balance in Content: Aim for 70% valuable content and 30% sales pitch in your communications to keep your audience engaged and happy.
- Engagement Over Aggression: By prioritizing content, emails become enjoyable, reducing the likelihood of audience irritation.
- Practical Application: This strategy is backed by real-world experience from sending millions of emails at AppSumo.
Additional Insights
Think of your email strategy like a dinner party. You wouldn’t invite someone over and talk about yourself the entire time, right? Share stories, insights, and jokes, and then—only then—mention your awesome salsa recipe for sale. This approach not only keeps people interested but also builds a genuine connection.