Should I write a "P.S." in my emails?

“Should I write a P.S. in my emails?”

Short answer: Yes.

I get this question a lot inside the writing community and in writing classes.

And since this is an important topic on something so small and sweet, I’m going to keep this article nice and quick.

During our Writing Community co-writing sessions, whenever I get to dig into reviewing a business owner’s email, I get giddy.

I freaking LOVE email.

I love reading emails. I love writing emails. I love sending emails.

And when I get to the bottom and see that the sender included two little letters at the end, “P.S.,” I do a happy dance in my office chair.

💖 I love a good P.S. 💖

The P.S. in your emails is more important than you think.

This also assumes that your email has a point. Your emails have a point, right? Whether it’s to inspire, entertain, get a click, make a sale, or make someone’s day, for the love of maxed-out inboxes everywhere, please only send an email with a clear intention.

If your reader isn’t sure what to do when they’re done reading your email, then you need to go back to the email drafting room. Not a thing, but I imagine it looks like an artist’s studio with drafting desks, beanbag chairs, rainbow makers in the windows, white walls, and inspiring art all around the room.

Here’s why using one in your emails is a super-smart move:

• Trains your readers to look for exciting things at the bottom of your messages

• It’s great for skimmers—if you want your reader to do ONE THING, include it here, even if it’s repeated from the body of the email

• Makes your emails personal

• When used consistently, your reader KNOWS that they’ll find the best stuff in the P.S.

• A place to put fun things to deepen your connection and trust with your readers

• It’s a great way to reinforce action

What your P.S. is NOT for:

• Dropping a sales bomb when the rest of the email was to educate, entertain, or inspire. Put the sales call to action for sales in the email body or send a dedicated sales email.

• Writing a novel. Single, punchy sentences are perfect.

Ideas for what to include in your P.S.:

1. Links to that Instagram picture that’s generating some great lessons in the comments

2. Links to your Facebook Business Page event that spurred lots of great discussion

3. A fun picture or quote you shared on Instagram

4. Tease your next email, exciting offer, or event

5. Your theme song

6. Videos of goats wearing pajamas

7. An older piece of writing that your reader would probably enjoy

8. A reminder about what they just read

9. The only action your reader needs to take after reading

10. A playlist you made

11. A new product or service you’re currently obsessed with—especially if it’s from another creator

12. Suggest your reader take action with a shift in their thinking

13. Address potential objections

14. Add the link you asked your reader to click in the email. It's a great idea to include it twice; people love to skim!

15. Links for other articles or podcast episodes for your reader to read

16. A request for your reader to reply to your email and answer a simple question

17. An ask for your reader to forward your email to someone who they think would love it

P.S. - And if you’re wondering what P.S. even means, it’s postscript, abbreviated to P.S. The term comes from the Latin “post scriptum,” an expression meaning "written after."

And, you have my full permission to write a P.P.S. and P.P.P.S., too, if you like.

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• 10 Practical Strategies To Help You Fall in Love With Email

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• Write and Repurpose Your Content Like a Pro for Years