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As of 2023, there are over 26.5 million ecommerce websites around the world. Talk about a competitive industry.

It’s hard not to be intimidated by the sheer number of ecommerce sites shoppers have to choose from, especially since I’m in the process of launching my own ecommerce business — a vintage home goods store.

The home goods industry is certainly a crowded space, so I know how important it is to get my site’s technical SEO right if I want a chance at showing up in search results to get in front of shoppers.

To make sure I get my SEO right, I spoke to a few experts to find out which technical SEO elements my ecommerce site must have. Below, I’ll also walk through some examples of websites that get technical SEO right. Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Getting Technical SEO Right in Ecommerce
Ecommerce Sites That Get Technical SEO Right
What I Learned About Technical SEO

Getting Technical SEO Right in Ecommerce

There are several technical SEO elements needed for an ecommerce business to thrive. These are the steps to follow if you want to get it right, according to a couple of ecommerce experts I talked to.

Set up site architecture.

The way your site is set up in the back end is just as important as how it looks to shoppers. This means your pages should have a clear structure and be easy for shoppers to navigate.

Successful website architecture begins with creating a user-friendly navigation menu and limiting the number of pages visitors have to click through to get the information they need.

Here’s an example of a simple and clear website architecture.

“Pages should have a clear structure,” suggests James Taylor, SEO strategist at Embryo. “Reduce the amount of clicks required between the home page and checkout.”

In the case of an ecommerce website, your page structure should make it quick and easy for people to browse and purchase your products.

“Not only is clear site structure important for user experience,” adds Taylor, “but the structure of a website can also influence the success of how a search engine crawls and ultimately indexes your site.”

Pro tip: If you want to improve your chances of showing up in the SERP for a product your customer is shopping for, then Google has to know that your products exist. Keep this in mind when naming and organizing your ecommerce web pages.

Use structured data.

It’s also essential to include structured data in your site’s product pages. Structured data is a set of data that is organized and tagged with specific groups of text that help search engines understand the context of the information so they can present accurate results to searchers. This data is also referred to as schema markup.

In the context of ecommerce websites, structured data lets search engines know that your product pages are, in fact, products that people can purchase (versus informational pages like blog posts, for instance).

“Ecommerce sites typically include a lot of information,” explains Simon Hughes, founder and creative director of Design & Build Co. “If you don’t make [your site’s data] clear to Google, it can easily be misinterpreted and dramatically affect how you appear in search results.”

Pro tip: Schema markups can also improve the CTR (click-through rate) of your page in the SERP as they organize your product page’s data in a more appealing way to users by presenting them with information they’d want to know right away when shopping.

Here’s an example of a schema markup in action. This product listing for ballet flats from the shoe brand Sam Edelman includes the brand’s average rating and number of customer reviews, as well as its delivery timeline and return policy.

Hughes adds, “By providing structured data in schema markups, you should be able to get additional information about your products visible to shoppers directly on the search results page.”

Helpful information you may want to highlight in your product markup includes:

Reviews.
Price.
Delivery window.
Return policy.

Consider what information can help your product stand out in the SERP.

What can help shoppers with their decision-making process? For instance, if you offer free shipping or free returns, this can be a benefit worth highlighting in your product markup as it will be one of the first things shoppers see.

Conduct keyword research.

Technical SEO isn’t just for the backend of your website — it can also support the front end. Conduct keyword research so you can incorporate target keywords into your on-page content as well as the backend.

“Knowing what people search for when purchasing the products you sell can help you write relevant content for product pages and categories,” says Taylor. “These focus keywords should then also be included within the meta title and description, alt tag, and product pages.”

The content on your site should not only be informative and useful to the visitors but should be tailored to search engines by letting them know what your ecommerce business offers and how trustworthy your site is.

Pro tip: All of your products should also have a unique title and specific description, which Taylor notes is “not a quick process, but [is] crucial to increase visibility.”

Refine your technical SEO.

Behind the scenes, there are a few more details that need to be refined to deliver a robust ecommerce SEO strategy.

These are the additional elements to optimize, according to Taylor:

Site speed. A slow website will increase bounce rate. Studies have shown that time on site impacts your search ranking, so it’s important to optimize your site speed.
Image quality. Large, high-resolution images can slow down your website. To improve your website speed, optimize your photos and graphics to be a smaller file size without compromising the resolution or appearance of the image.
Indexation. Also part of the site architecture, indexation will improve the search engine’s process when crawling your website. Indexation also helps the end user. Clear structure, internal linking, sitemap, and blocking pages that aren’t relevant all make it easier to navigate your website.
Mobile first. Most users access websites using their phones. In fact, 50% of shoppers aged 30-49 shop on their smartphones at least once a week. Ecommerce sites should be dynamic and optimized for mobile before desktop.

Optimize your site for Google Shopping.

The final step of executing technical SEO for your ecommerce website is to submit your product data to Google Merchant Center, recommends Hughes.

“While this isn’t necessary to appear in search results,” he says, “it can further help Google understand your products, and it also makes you eligible to appear in the Google Shopping tab.”

Pro tip: You’ll also need to complete this step if you plan to run Google Ads for your products, so it’s a good idea to set this up while you’re working on your site’s SEO.

Ecommerce Sites That Get Technical SEO Right

Keeping these expert tips in mind, I wanted to find a couple of ecommerce websites that execute technical SEO well so I could use them as inspiration for my own site. Here are some examples I found and what they get right.

Wayfair

Wayfair is the first ecommerce website that comes to my mind when I think about technical SEO. The home goods site has millions of products that must be organized, discoverable, and optimized for search. That’s some heavy lifting.

When I visited Wayfair’s site, the first thing I noticed was the navigation menu. Every product is organized into user-friendly categories at the top of the page. Not only is this easy to navigate as a shopper, but this is also a great example of site architecture.

Search engines can quickly understand how to index Wayfair’s website due to its clear structure.

The next thing I notice is how each product section is optimized. For example, when I navigated to the “furniture” tab, I was taken to a drop-down menu of sub-categories to choose from based on the room I’m shopping for.

I went with the Living Room Furniture category. Once there, I navigated to the Sectionals category. I immediately noticed that not only was the page architecture very easy to follow, but the product page listed target keywords as the page title.

I selected one of the sofas listed to see how Wayfair incorporated technical SEO on an individual product page.

As I suspected, the product page is optimized for both the shopper and search engines. The product’s page title includes the sofa’s brand name as well as a descriptive keyword. There are also relevant keywords used throughout the product description.

Finally, I was curious what the search results for this product category looked like, so I searched for “reversible sectional” and saw this result from Wayfair:

This result aligns with one of the tips I shared above, which is to use schema markups to provide more information in the SERP.

What we like: Wayfair clearly follows technical SEO best practices to optimize its ecommerce website for shoppers and search engines.

Sam Edelman

I wanted to take a look at how an ecommerce website in a different shopping category executes technical SEO, so I checked out Sam Edelman.

Like many shoe brands, Sam Edelman offers a variety of shoe styles. To make it easy for shoppers to find what they’re looking for, the website offers user-friendly navigation:

I navigated to the Flats & Loafers category and was greeted with another optimized page.

There are several sub-categories within the flats and loafers style, and Sam Edelman displays them at the top for easy navigation. These categories can also help search engines better understand the brand’s website offerings.

I selected one of the brand’s best-sellers to see how the individual product pages are optimized. Mary Jane flats are a popular shoe style right now, so it makes sense to include the phrase “Mary Jane” in the product title.

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As I did with Wayfair, I also ran a search for one of the keywords I found on Sam Edelman’s website, “Mary Jane flats.”

Here’s how the search result shows up:

What we like: Not only are all of the relevant products organized under one page (which makes it easy for Google to index), but the search listing also includes a schema markup with important information for decision-makers.

What I Learned About Technical SEO for Ecommerce

As I embark on my journey of launching an ecommerce website, I now have a deeper understanding of why technical SEO is so crucial — and how I can use it as a tool to help my website stand out.

My biggest takeaway is that the website structure is a major determining factor in whether or not Google understands what you do. To help search engines understand that I sell products, it helps to create a simple navigation menu with categories and sub-categories.

Clear navigation also makes it easy for users to find what they’re looking for. And if there’s one thing I want to guarantee for my ecommerce website, it’s that my future customers have a seamless experience. I want to make sure it’s easy for them to discover my ecommerce site, explore my products, and shop seamlessly.

Technical SEO can give your ecommerce business a leg up. When you understand how to appease both shoppers and search engines, you increase your chances of making sales — and that’s the end goal, after all.

Many brands use email marketing for lead nurturing, relationship building, and customer acquisition. Healthcare brands are not an exception.

While recent statistics put email ROI at $36 for every dollar spent, knowing how to craft your healthcare email is key to unlocking this monetary value.

I’ll share 15 of my favorite healthcare emails in this article and why they work. You’ll also get 10 healthcare email templates for different scenarios. Stick around and get inspiration for your next campaign.

To learn more about email marketing, take a gander at our ultimate guide, which features insights from several industry experts.

The Best Healthcare Email Examples

1. Standard Welcome Email

Sending welcome emails to your new email subscribers lets you thank them for joining your healthcare mailing list. It’s also a splendid avenue to set the tone for new subscribers’ expectations.

Here’s an example of a welcome email I got from Adventist Health after subscribing to their newsletter.

Why the Email Works

The first scroll stopper in this email is the newsletter name, “Together Inspired.” A unique name gives an identity to the newsletter. This name makes the newsletter recognizable and fosters community among readers like me.

The welcome email also does a great job of telling me about the content to expect and its frequency. This transparency helps subscribers to manage expectations.

Including links to helpful resources on the website encourages subscribers to take further action.

What I like: The simplicity of this welcome email is fantastic. The fruit basket image helps grab attention and adds a pleasant touch to the design.

Also, the copy is short and straightforward, and the calls-to-action (CTAs) are not screaming “buy now.”

2. New Customer Coupon Email

Your new email subscribers will want a good deal. To provide that, you can offer sales discounts like coupons. Whether running a practice or selling healthcare products, offering a coupon can help you win a skeptical customer.

Everlywell is one healthcare brand that milks this sales tactic to grow its revenue.

Why the Email Works

Giving subscribers a discount doesn’t mean they’ll bite — you need to clarify the benefit they’ll get. Everlywell does this effectively. The headline, sub-headline, and content are all geared towards one action: getting subscribers to save 20%.

Also, Everlywell uses bullets to break down large chunks of text. This makes the content organized, scannable, and digestible.

I like the CTA copy — “Save 20% now.” Subscribers like me can’t help but save some change by clicking the button and taking one more step towards the sale.

This means the CTA drives immediate action compared to generic ones or offers no benefit, like submit, sign up, and subscribe.

What I like: The email design is catchy. I also love the color combination, diversity in the color of people below the headline, and typography.

3. Educational Content Email

Sharing promotional content in every email can only take you so far. As the author of The Sales Bible, Jeremy Gitomer, says, “People don’t like to be sold to, but they love to buy” after they get value from vendors.

You can provide value by educating your subscribers with relevant health tips and resources. This establishes you as an authority, builds trust, and nurtures your subscribers until they are ready to buy. Parsley Health excels at this.

Why the Email Works

The subject line — “3 tips for better gut health” — is captivating and aligns with email marketing best practices. Research shows email subject lines with numbers have 57% better open rates. Why? Numbers create curiosity and suggest what an email contains. Also, using the same title as the headline reinforces the message and encourages further reading.

I also like the short and well-structured copy, which has relatable images breaking up the text. This makes it easy for subscribers to read and digest the information. Adding multiple CTAs to relevant resources is an effective way to increase brand awareness and build trust.

What I like: I like how the tips and their corresponding images alternate in the grid layout. This makes the email design visually appealing.

4. Product Email

Product emails primed to convert are concise, have an impressive design and CTA, and use compelling language to highlight features and benefits. They may also include visuals. Let’s look at this fantastic example from Wisp.

Why the Email Works

Wisp’s subject line (“Kiss BV goodbye”) can produce a high open rate because it speaks to a specific pain point — treating bacterial vaginosis. This email also uses the PAS (problem, agitate, solution) copywriting framework well.

You’ll wait 26 days — problem

That’s way too long — agitate

Get relief in 3 hours — solution

Notice the numbers in the email? They add specificity to the problem and solution, making Wisp’s claims quantifiable. Including social proof like the testimonial also helps Wisp establish credibility and boost conversions.

What I like: The email design has an appealing color combination. The copy also says much in a few words that could compel subscribers to make a buying decision.

5. Promotional Email

The goal of promotional emails is simple: persuade subscribers to buy. You do this by leveraging targeted messaging, discounts, limited-time offers, and compelling CTAs. Here’s another excellent example from Everlywell.

Why the Email Works

The subject line — last chance to save 15% — employs the FOMO (fear of missing out) tactic to create a sense of urgency and prompt subscribers to open the email.

Telling subscribers exactly what they’ll save (15%) can also pique their curiosity, resulting in a higher email open rate. The cherry on top is when subscribers read the email and find they can save up to 56% on different Everlywell products.

The email copy is short and fluff-free. It also includes two CTA buttons: Shop now and Join now, making it easy for readers to take the next step.

What I like: The images and colors used in Everlywell’s email design make it visually appealing. Also, the 15% and 56% off on both images are hard to miss and make the goal of the email clear.

6. Webinar Invite Email

Hosting webinars effectively increases brand awareness, establishes authority, and builds credibility. Webinar invite emails typically include the topic, date, time, and registration instructions. They aim to convey the value of attending and encourage participation. Look at this example from Headspace.

Why the Email Works

Headspace personalizes the email immediately by addressing the reader by their full name. Personalization creates a connection with the recipient, making them more likely to engage with the email content.

Also, the language in the email is a fine attempt to connect with subscribers emotionally. Using multiple contrasting CTAs also primes readers to focus on the goal of saving their spot.

What I like: Blending a yellow background with a smiling sun icon is brilliant. Yellow color conveys a sense of warmth, positivity, happiness, and optimism, which ties in with the content of the email.

7. Appointment Confirmation Email

Once clients book an appointment with your practice, they expect to receive a confirmation email. Here’s an example from Pearle Vision:

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Why the Email Works

This email is brilliant because it begins with personalization by mentioning the recipient’s name. This captures the reader’s attention and encourages them to learn more about the email.

The email includes essential information, such as the appointment’s date, time, and location. Including the directions button is a pleasant touch that makes it easy for the reader to find the area in one click.

Also, the CTA is clear and compelling to get prospects to confirm their appointment. There’s also an option for clients to reschedule if they can’t show up. This is great for people who could get busy, especially at the last minute.

What I like: The email is laid-back and gently reminds subscribers to confirm their appointment. I also like how Pearle Vision uses the P.S. section to encourage readers to receive appointment reminders via text.

8. Preventive Care Reminder Email

Sending email reminders about regular check-ups, tests, or vaccinations is a great way to show you care about the health of your subscribers. This helps to build trust, strengthen relationships, and encourage referrals.

Let’s look at this example from One Medical, which is encouraging its patients to get their flu shots.

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Why the Email Works

The headline, “Don’t miss out. Get your flu shot.” grabs the reader’s attention and creates a sense of urgency.

The email content also does a great job of answering questions about why they need to get the flu shot. This helps to overcome any objections readers may have.

The contextual CTA (Want more? Get the facts) is also relevant, actionable, and compelling for subscribers to take action.

What I like: Interchanging the position of the content and icons in a grid layout makes the email design engaging. The images of the people also tell a story.

For example, as a married person, I can relate to the images of the men and women at the opposite ends because I wouldn’t want my partner to get the flu.

9. Survey Email

Healthcare companies, medical researchers, and wellness programs can use survey emails to assess the effectiveness of services, understand patient satisfaction, or collect data for health-related studies.

Here’s an example of a survey email from Ritual.

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Why the Email Works

The subject line — A couple of questions for you — is curiosity-driven, which can increase open rates. I also like the brief email copy, which states what’s expected of the reader and the survey length.

The color of the CTA button reading “Take the survey” contrasts with the rest of the page, making it hard to miss.

In addition, including a name at the bottom of an email adds a personal touch and reinforces the idea that a natural person is behind the communication.

What I like: I like Ritual’s clean, minimalist email design. Nothing fancy.

10. Milestone Email

Companies send milestone emails to celebrate and acknowledge significant achievements or events. These emails recognize and appreciate the recipient’s accomplishments and mark significant anniversaries.

Here’s an example of a birthday email from Alpha Chiropractic.

Why the Email Works

The email starts with a personalized greeting (“Hi Julie”), which shows it’s tailored to the recipient. This helps to establish a connection and make the content feel relevant and meaningful.

Also, the email uses positive language throughout, wishing her good luck, health, and happiness. Though subtle, the email encourages future visits to Alpha Chiropractic. How?

It mentions the brand’s desire to continue helping Julie achieve her wellness goals.

What I like: The email is simple. No special birthday discount or sales pitch. Just a friendly and sincere birthday message enough to put a smile on the recipient’s face.

11. Thank You Email

How do you express appreciation and gratitude to your subscribers for a specific action they took? Simple! By sending a thank you email. It may seem little, but it goes a long way in endearing people to your brand.

Look at this example from Tebra.

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Why the Email Works

After I applied to see a specialist on the website, Tebra sent a nice thank-you message to confirm my interest. This established a positive first impression and ensured I look forward to being matched with a specialist.

The email also contains links to success stories — an excellent opportunity to learn more about Tebra and enhance trust.

What I like: The image of the lady with a bright smile is attention-grabbing and creates a welcoming atmosphere.

12. Order Update Email

After customers purchase a product, sending an order update email is ideal. Besides informing the customer of the order status, this email creates a positive post-purchase experience because of the transparency in the transaction process.

Burst is an example of a healthcare company that sends order update emails to its customers.

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Why the Email Works

Rather than go straight into sharing the order update, Burst empathizes with the customer in the face of a difficult situation. This is a great way to show you care for your customer’s well-being.

The email also contains an “as featured in” section. From experience, adding any form of social proof to your content reinforces credibility and increases customer trust.

What I like: I like the illustrations added to the email content. It’s a cheeky way to show its dental-related content.

13. Informational Email

An informational email is one you send to convey essential details to subscribers. Unlike promotional emails, its primary goal is to share timely and valuable updates, announcements, or news.

Look at this example from the UPMC Health Plan.

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Why the Email Works

The first thing people see when they open this email is the headline: “It’s easy and free!” These are power words that grab attention and compel subscribers to read further.

However, excessive use of “free” may lead to your emails being marked as spam.

Also, UPMC’s email is concise and conveys the benefits of getting a flu shot. Adding bullet points helps break up long text, making the content easy to understand.

A curiosity-driven CTA button also stands out and compels users to click.

What I like: The email design is well-structured and visually appealing. There’s enough space between the texts to make the content easy to read.

14. Order Confirmation Email

An order confirmation email is one you send to customers immediately after they complete a purchase on your website or social media page.

This email is a receipt, providing essential information about the order and confirming the transaction details. It’s also an opportunity to cross-sell/upsell other products to your customers.

Check out this order confirmation email from Fullscript.

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Why the Email Works

The email starts with an attention-grabbing headline that contains the customer’s name and ​​words of appreciation. Fullscript also includes a “Think you’ll order this again?” section to encourage repeat sales.

What I like: Including product images in the customer order confirmation enhances the buying experience. The images also serve as a visual reminder of what the customer can expect to receive, reducing the likelihood of confusion or dissatisfaction.

15. Testimonials Email

Sharing case studies, reviews, and testimonials from satisfied patients helps to build credibility with prospective patients.

These emails leverage the positive experiences of existing customers to build trust, credibility, and confidence in patronizing your services.

Here’s an example of a testimonial email from Tennessee Reproductive Medicine.

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Why the Email Works

As I mentioned, giving your email a unique title like “Fertility Insider” makes it easy to identify. The email content contains a patient’s case study about IVF.

Experience has shown me that sharing case studies is super effective in helping leads make informed decisions. The email also contains a testimonial from a satisfied client. Adding testimonials to your emails helps to build trust and credibility with your subscribers.

What I like: I like the images added to the email content, making it more engaging.

The Best Health Care Email Templates

Below are 10 healthcare email templates you can adapt for your brand.

1. Appointment Booking Confirmation

Subject: Your Appointment is Scheduled, [Patient’s First Name]

Hi [Patient’s Name],

Thank you for choosing [Healthcare Practice’s Name].

This is to confirm that we’ve scheduled your appointment. Below are the details:

Date: [Appointment Date] Time: [Appointment Time] Location: [Healthcare Practice’s Address]

To reschedule or cancel your appointment, please call [Your Phone Number] or email [Your Email Address]. Please reach out for any inquiries.

We look forward to receiving you.

Warm Regards,

2. Health Day Awareness

Subject: Time to End Breast Cancer!

Hi [Patient’s Name],

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We dedicate this month to raising awareness about breast cancer, promote early detection, and support those affected.

Join us to create a breast cancer-free world!

Here are four easy ways to get involved.

Learn the symptoms of breast cancer: Common signs include a lump in the breast, upper chest, or armpit area; inverted nipple; and change in color of the breast. Click here to learn more about breast cancer symptoms.
Advocate for monthly self-examination: According to the WHO, 90% of early-stage breast cancers are curable, which is why early detection is crucial. Click here to learn how to perform a Breast Self-exam.
Mammogram or breast screening: According to the CDC, mammograms can detect breast cancers up to three years before women feel them. Ask women you know to speak with their GP about how often they should get a mammogram.
Recognize that men are affected too. Although rare, men can have breast cancer too.

If you’re affected by breast cancer, our specialists are always here to provide support that works for you. Call [Your Phone Number] or email [Your Email Address] to schedule a consultation.

Together, we can create a breast cancer-free world.

Best Regards,

3. Appointment Follow-up After No-show

Subject: Is everything okay, [Patient’s First Name]?

Dear [Patient’s Name],

We noticed you missed your scheduled appointment with us on [Date], [Time]. We understand unexpected events happen and hope everything is okay.

Note that missed appointments could mean [risk to patient]. So, we encourage you to reschedule your appointment promptly. To reschedule, email us at [Your Email Address] or call [Your Phone Number].

Also, remember that we reserve your appointment times only for you. When you miss an appointment, it affects our ability to serve other valued clients.

To avoid paying a no-show fee of $[Amount], we request you cancel your appointment 24 hours in advance if, for any reason, you’re unable to show up.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

4. Anniversary Celebration

Subject: [Anniversary Sale] Celebrating 15 Years Together

It’s a big day for us at [Healthcare Practice’s Name].

It’s our 15th anniversary! That’s one and a half decades of helping you and thousands of other patients live healthier and happier lives!

We thank you for the trust you’ve given us over the years. We’re offering you a 15% discount on [select medical services] to express our appreciation.

Click the button to claim the discount.

NB: Anniversary sale lasts till [Expiration Date]. Seize the offer while it lasts.

Sincerely,

The [Healthcare Practice’s Name] Team

5. Webinar Invitation

Subject: A Free Webinar on [Webinar Topic]

Hi [Patient’s Name],

Are you interested in learning how you can [Webinar Topic]?

If so, join us on [Webinar Date] at [Webinar Time] as [Presenter’s Name], [Presenter’s Title] at [Presenter’s Company Name] discusses how you can [Webinar Topic].

You’ll learn:

[Subtopic 1] [Subtopic 2] [Subtopic 3]

RSVP today!

See you there.

6. Medicine Order Confirmation

Subject: Your order is on its way!

Dear [Patient’s Name],

We received your order and are getting ready to ship it. Check out your order summary.

Product Details: [Product Name] x [Quantity] @ [Price] Total Price: [Total Price] Shipping Address: [Shipping Address]

We are currently processing your order and will keep you updated on the status of your shipment. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for choosing us. We look forward to serving you again in the future.

Team [Healthcare Practice’s Name]

7. Feedback on a Newsletter

Subject: Loving this newsletter?

Hi [Person’s Name]

Thank you for always reading our newsletter. Your interest means a lot to us.

We’d love to have your feedback on your experience so far. This is important for us to meet and exceed your expectations.

If you’ve got any feedback, email us at [Your Email Address].

We hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

8. Annual Health Check-up

Subject: It’s been a year already

Hi [Patient’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well.

It’s been a year since your last check-up. Regular checks help you catch health threats early and increase your chance of effective treatment.

Please schedule your annual check-up as soon as possible.

Email us at [Your Email Address] or call [Your Phone Number] to schedule.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

9. Birthday

Subject: It’s your SPECIAL Day 🎂 🎉

Here’s our prescription for you today:

A healthy dose of happiness, an extra dose of love, and a big scoop of all the things that make you feel fantastic.

And yes, you have our permission to go heavy on the cake (for today only!).

Happy birthday, [Patient’s Name]!

From all of us at [Healthcare Practice’s Name]

10. Offer Help for Insurance

Subject: Need financial help?

Dear [Patient’s Name],

Please note that we offer medical loans if you need financial help.

To check eligibility and apply, click the button below.

Upon completing your application, our medical counselor will discuss the available options and provide the information you need.

That’s it!

Click the button below to begin your application.

If you have questions, call us at [Phone Number].

Best wishes,

Sending Emails to Healthcare

Now that you’re equipped with the best healthcare emails and templates, the next step is to start sending. But before you do, always remember you’re dealing with people. Keep your emails personalized and people-first.

Apologizing is hard. Apologizing professionally for a mistake you made at work? Even more challenging.

We’ve all had to write an apology email at some point in our careers — whether to a coworker for missing a deadline, to a manager for making an error in a report, or to a customer for delayed shipping.

Learning how to apologize professionally for different scenarios is a skill that everyone should hone.

The hardest part about writing a difficult email is getting started. To help with this, I asked ChatGPT to write a professional apology email for me. I also created my own apology email template to compare.

We’ll take a look at these examples and the elements that go into crafting a sincere and professional apology email.

How to Apologize for a Mistake Professionally

What ChatGPT Wrote for Me

How to Write an Apology Email

How to Apologize for a Mistake Professionally

Apologizing professionally in an email starts with taking responsibility and ends with outlining a plan of action to remedy the situation.

Whether you’re apologizing to a coworker or writing an apology letter to your customers, follow these steps to ensure your apology is professional and effective.

1. Acknowledge the mistake.

The first step is to address the error and say you’re sorry. Don’t beat around the bush — let the recipient know right away that you’re writing to apologize for your mistake.

Taking responsibility for your role in the situation, whether you’re speaking as an individual or on behalf of a company, shows that you’re accountable and aren’t going to make excuses.

Accountability is closely tied with trust when it comes to building relationships, so lead your email by owning up to your mistake before diving into an explanation.

2. Provide an explanation.

The recipient of your apology email deserves an explanation of why or how an error was made. This step is especially critical when you’re talking to a customer who doesn’t know the inner workings of your business.

Explain what went wrong, but be sure not to make excuses or blame others. Instead, briefly describe what happened and reiterate your responsibility in the scenario.

The recipient doesn’t need to hear a drawn-out story about how the mistake occurred. In my experience, the longer and more detailed your explanation is, the more it sounds like an excuse.

3. Personalize your apology.

An apology email doesn’t have to be stiff. We’re all human, after all. You can remain professional while still letting the person on the other side of the screen know that you’re genuinely sorry for the inconvenience you’ve caused them.

Personalize your apology email by being empathetic and addressing the recipient’s pain points. Empathy is one of the most important soft skills to hone in the workplace, and an apology email is the perfect time to communicate this.

4. Provide a plan of action.

After “How did this happen?” the next question the recipient has is usually, “What are you going to do to fix this?”

Reassure them that you have a plan by outlining clear next steps. Tell them what you’re going to do in the short term (i.e., “get this report to you by EOD today”) and how you plan on avoiding making the same mistake in the future.

Sharing your next steps helps to regain their trust, improve their outlook on you or your brand, and show them that you’re responsible for handling the consequences of your actions.

What ChatGPT Wrote for Me

Everyone has to write an apology email at some point. I was curious to see if ChatGPT could help in this process by writing some emails for me, so I fed it different prompts. The results are below.

1. General Apology Email

I started by asking ChatGPT to write a generic apology email for me. I wanted to gauge how well the chatbot understands these types of email scenarios.

Here’s the first apology email ChatGPT generated:

This response from ChatGPT follows the standard apology email structure. It covers all of the bases — starting with an apology, explaining what happened, and wrapping up by outlining the next steps.

However, it’s verbose. “I am writing to offer my sincere apologies” isn’t as straightforward as saying “I apologize.”

It’s better to lead with a strong and sincere statement instead of using too many filler words that ultimately weaken your message.

What I like: I like that the email signature includes your name, position, and contact information.

If this email were being sent to a colleague you haven’t interacted with before or if it was a personal apology email to a customer, this would be helpful information they’d need to have.

2. Apology Email: Missing a Deadline

For my next prompt, I asked ChatGPT to write an apology email for a more specific scenario. I also asked the chatbot to make it shorter:

Here’s the apology email it generated:

While ChatGPT followed my request for a shorter email, in my opinion, some of the copy is still unnecessary. If I were writing this email, I’d get to the point sooner. An apology email doesn’t need to include fluff.

All that does is force the recipient to skim the email to look for the information they need (like what your plan of action is).

I also think this email could use a bit of personalization, but that’s to be expected when you’re using AI. At the very least, this email provides a framework that can be edited to fit your voice and tone as needed.

What I like: Like the last apology email, this one follows an appropriate framework for an apology email. It starts with an apology and a brief explanation of the error, followed by accountability and next steps.

3. Apology Email to Boss

I want to see if the tone or structure changed if I asked it to write an apology email to my boss.

Here’s the next prompt I created:

This time, I included a request about the tone. After seeing the last two AI-generated emails, I can see that ChatGPT uses the same tone and style if it doesn’t have any direction.

Here’s the email ChatGPT came up with:

As far as tone and length, this response is much better. The apology is succinct and to the point while still demonstrating ownership and accountability for the error. The only thing I’d add is a sentence with a little more empathy.

Addressing that you understand how an error affected the recipient shows that you’re considering their feelings, too.

What I like: I like this line: “I take full responsibility for the oversight, and I understand the importance of accuracy in our work.” To me, this emphasizes that the person understands the ramifications of the error and is taking accountability.

4. Apology Email to Customer

For my next prompt, I wanted to see if ChatGPT could make the apology email more personal. I also created a different scenario for this apology email:

When writing an apology letter to customers, your message should focus on taking accountability for the mistake. It should also acknowledge the customer’s pain points and potential frustrations with the situation.

I think this AI-generated email does both of those things well. I also appreciate that it ended the email with the customer support team’s contact information to assure the customer that they’re there to help.

What I like: I like that the email creates an opportunity to offer the customer a discount to make up for the mistake. This can be a good way to regain loyalty from a customer who may have had a not-so-great experience with your company.

5. Apology Email to a Large Group

Another scenario where you may need to write an apology email is when there’s an issue that affects a large group of people.

For example, if your software company experiences a mass outage and none of your customers can use the product for a certain period.

I used this scenario for my next prompt:

Here’s what the chatbot came up with:

In this scenario, customers will expect a thorough explanation, which I think this email does well. While this email follows best practices for writing a professional apology email, it’s too long, in my opinion.

Here’s how I’d rewrite this one:

Dear valued customers,

We sincerely apologize for the recent service outage.

For approximately five hours, our systems experienced unexpected technical issues that resulted in downtime for all of our customers.

We understand the significant impact this outage had on your operations, and we deeply regret any inconvenience or frustration it may have caused.

We have implemented additional measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

As a gesture of our apology and appreciation for your patience during this challenging time, we would like to offer [mention any compensation or gesture, if applicable].

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or disruption this outage may have caused to your business. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please reach out to our customer support team at [Customer Support Email/Phone Number].

Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership. We value your business and remain dedicated to providing you with the highest level of service and support.

How to Write an Apology Email (Using My Template)

Now that we’ve seen what type of apology emails ChatGPT can generate, let’s see if I can write something better.

Here’s an apology email I put together based on a common workplace scenario: missing a deadline.

Hi [First Name],

I apologize for missing the deadline for [project name] — this was an error on my part, and I take full responsibility.

I understand the impact this has on your team’s timeline. I plan to make up for that by getting this to you by EOD tomorrow.

Please let me know if this new deadline fits within your timeline. If there’s anything else I can do to support the project in the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Again, I’m sorry for the delay!

Thank you,

[Your Name]

Let’s break down the elements I used in this apology email so you can emulate it in your next apology email.

Take ownership.

While you don’t need to grovel, you should take full responsibility for your actions. Don’t point fingers or come up with excuses.

The first thing I wrote in my email was, “I apologize.” I followed that up by saying, “…this was an error on my part, and I take full responsibility.” Writing this lets the recipient know that I’m owning up to my error and I’m not blaming anyone else.

I also ended my email with another quick apology because it doesn’t hurt to express it one more time. However, two times is probably enough for this scenario — any more than that could come across as groveling.

Lead with empathy.

Yes, you should provide a quick explanation so the recipient isn’t left in the dark, but you don’t need to go into detail about the reason you missed a deadline. Ultimately, an error was made, and you can’t change that fact.

Instead, approach the apology email with empathy for the recipient. I did this by saying, “I understand the impact this has on your team’s timeline.”

This lets the recipient know that you’re being accountable for the consequences of your actions. If you want to rebuild trust, whether with your coworker or a customer, accountability is essential.

Communicate next steps.

After you apologize and take accountability, let them know what your next steps are. How are you going to rectify the situation? In this scenario, I reassure the recipient that I’m handling the mistake by providing an amended deadline.

By letting them know that I will get the project to them “by EOD tomorrow,” I’m communicating that I have a plan to make the situation right. This also shows that I’m taking ownership of the mistakes rather than putting the next steps on them.

Saying Sorry the Right Way

There were a few differences between the apology emails ChatGPT generated and the one I wrote. For starters, my apology email was more straightforward. I started my sincere apology right out of the gate and led with empathy.

I also outlined a clear and specific action plan, so the recipient knew what to expect next.

While ChatGPT followed a similar structure, it usually added a lot of unnecessary filler words. In my experience, this weakens the overall message.

If you need to write an apology email to a large audience like your customers or email marketing list, then using ChatGPT can help you figure out what to say faster.

An AI-written apology email can save you time, but it would need to be edited to align with your company’s voice and tone.

If you need to write a quick yet professional apology to a coworker or client, then I suggest using my template or writing your own email to make it more personable.

As I started writing this article about career cushioning, I couldn’t help but wonder … am I a career cushion-er?

I have a side hustle (shoutout to CKTL Candle Co.). But it technically only “counts” if I’m using that side hustle as a sense of security in case I lose my day job as HubSpot’s Marketing Blog Editor.

That’s what the concept of career cushioning is all about — and a lot of people are doing it in 2024.

Table of Contents

What is career cushioning?
Why Career Cushioning is Hot Right Now
Should you start career cushioning?
How to Cushion Your Own Career

So, what exactly is career cushioning?

Career cushioning allows you to “cushion the blow” if you lose your job unexpectedly. It’s about being proactive and creating additional opportunities for yourself in the event of a layoff or sudden termination.

This could mean actively networking for potential job opportunities, keeping your professional assets up to date, or starting a business on the side.

Think of it like, “Hey, just in case this job or career doesn’t work out, I’m going to have a backup.”

And, in some cases, multiple.

Who is doing it?

Career cushioning isn’t specific to one job field or profession. Given the rise of inflation and increase in layoffs across industries, professionals at all levels are justifiably nervous about job security.

And while the concept of career cushioning isn’t brand new, it’s definitely trending this year.

Why Career Cushioning is Hot Right Now

I mentioned inflation and layoffs as primary reasons why people are keeping their career options open.

Let’s look at some of the stats:

In January 2024, about 3 million people lost a job or completed temporary jobs in the U.S.
So far in 2024, over 42,000 employees have been laid off, including more than 160 tech companies.
In January 2024, the monthly inflation rate for goods and services in the U.S. increased by 3.1% compared to January 2023.

My LinkedIn feed feels pretty reflective of this data given the number of people who are “Open to Work” after a layoff or ready for a career change.

Should you start career cushioning?

This is very much a personal decision. However, to me, the data suggests that it might not be a bad idea to have a Plan B in your back pocket.

Here are some things to consider:

Do you feel satisfied and secure at work? Lack of job satisfaction is another big reason professionals are making other plans.
Does your skillset need a refresh? Upskilling is a career cushioning tactic, but it’s always a good idea to refine your expertise.
Can you comfortably explore new opportunities? Career cushioning can be great, but don’t do it at the risk of losing your current job.

My take? I started my candle business for fun back in 2020. But, TBH, it’s nice to know I’d still have a source of income if I lost my job tomorrow.

How to Cushion Your Own Career

Here are five ways to do career cushioning right in 2024.

1. Skill up in both new and existing areas.

This is great advice whether you’re career cushioning or not. Skills are meant to be cultivated.

Sure, the same marketing frameworks I learned while completing my MBA in 2021 may still apply. But the skills needed to be a great marketer evolve with trends and time.

For example, you couldn’t have told me three years ago that I’d be using AI in my day-to-day workflow. But it’s here, and it’s a skill I had to (and wanted to) develop.

Luckily, there are tons of free resources, like HubSpot Academy, that are available to help you level up your professional skill set.

2. Keep your LinkedIn and resume updated.

Even if you aren’t ready to apply for jobs just yet, regularly update your work history as you make new accomplishments at work and in life.

Have you recently hit a target or goal? Did you master a new skill like we talked about in #1?

Write it down.

I promise, it’s easier to track those achievements on your LinkedIn or resume when they happen rather than trying to update things all at once. (Speaking from experience here.)

This is especially true if you’re in a bind and need to land a new job fast.

3. Nurture and expand your network.

I talked about keeping your LinkedIn updated in the last tip, but it’s so much more than just a resume.

LinkedIn is the perfect place to connect with like-minded people in your industry or make new professional friends.

With the right network, you’ll gain access to job listings, networking events, and referral sources for new opportunities.

Putting yourself out there and promoting your brand can go a long way toward creating a career cushion.

4. Start a business or explore a side hustle.

Becoming an entrepreneur is not easy, but it is doable if you find something you’re passionate about.

You could consider turning one of your existing hobbies into a side hustle. That’s how I became a candle business owner.

Or you could pick up some extra work related to an area or skill you’re interested in. Maybe you really like to write, so you pick up some freelance hours for one of your favorite blog sites.

Who knows, you may be able to turn that hustle into a full-time gig.

Whatever you choose, just don’t get into the candle game. I don’t need any more competition 😉

5. Don’t risk your day job.

Like I said, career cushioning is a great way to create a job safety net for yourself. But the whole point is to create a backup plan IF you need it.

Of course, if you’re already looking to change fields or switch up your career path, have at it. However, the key to career cushioning is to give yourself options in the event you lose your job.

Don’t unintentionally make that a reality by adding too much to your plate or neglecting your current employer.

In other words, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Just cushion it.

The Bottom Line

If you ask me, it doesn’t hurt to explore new things and keep your options open.

To answer the question about whether I consider myself a career cushion-er, I’m going to go with … yes.

It’s about more than just my side hustle, though. I’m always looking for chances to learn new things and grow as a person.

And if that’s how you feel too, then I say it doesn’t hurt to add a little cushion.