“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4
When it comes to email marketing, it’s easy to get caught up in strategy, sales, or wondering if you’re doing it “right.” I’ve been there—staring at a blank screen, unsure of what to say or how to say it in a way that feels genuine and aligned with my faith.
But email marketing isn’t just about promotions or perfectly polished content—it’s about connection. It’s about showing up to serve the people God has placed in your audience.
As Philippians 2:4 reminds us, our communication should consider the needs of others first—and that includes the way we show up in their inboxes.
In this post, I’m breaking down 5 common mistakes that could be holding back your email strategy, especially if you’re a faith-driven entrepreneur trying to lead with heart. You’ll also get a free checklist to help you write emails that are intentional, encouraging, and rooted in service.
Grab the free checklist at the end of this post to make your email marketing easier and more aligned with your mission.
Why Email Marketing Still Matters
Email marketing isn’t just about selling—it’s about serving, building relationships, and encouraging trust. For faith-driven entrepreneurs, it’s one of the most powerful ways to stay connected with your audience, offer value, and share your mission.
But let’s be real—writing emails that feel honest and aligned with your values can be a challenge. Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to slip into habits that don’t serve our audience—or our goals.
Let’s walk through 5 common email marketing mistakes and what you can do instead to build stronger, more meaningful connections with your readers.
Mistake #1: Focusing Too Much on Selling Instead of Serving
When you’re excited about your products or services, it’s natural to want to share them. But if your emails are mostly sales promos, readers may tune out—or worse, lose trust.
💡 As faith-driven business owners, we’re called to lead with service. Jesus led through relationships, not transactions—and our marketing can reflect that same heart.
Try This Instead:
- Offer encouragement, helpful tips, or uplifting resources.
- Make every email a reflection of your mission.
- Ask: “How can I serve my reader today?”
Mistake #2: Overlooking Your Reader’s Real-Life Struggles
Even if your offer is valuable, your message may fall flat if it doesn’t connect to your reader’s deeper needs. When we write with tunnel vision, we forget to speak to the “why” behind their pain points or prayers.
✨ I once heard a great acronym on LinkedIn: TLC = Think Like your Customer. It stuck with me—and it works.
Try This Instead:
- Write like you’re talking to one person.
- Ask: “What is my reader praying about, worrying about, or hoping for?”
- Speak to the heart first, then the inbox.
Mistake #3: Being Inconsistent or Going Silent
If you ghost your list, they’ll forget you. Even the most loyal readers need reminders that you’re still here—showing up with purpose.
Try This Instead:
- Choose a rhythm you can realistically stick to (biweekly or monthly is great!).
- Use a content calendar that aligns with seasons, product launches, or spiritual encouragement.
- Need help staying consistent? Download my free content tracker here!
Mistake #4: Writing Like a Corporate Newsletter
Your email isn’t a term paper—it’s a conversation. Overly formal or polished emails can come across as cold or distant. And faith-based brands have an incredible opportunity to connect on a more personal, relational level.
Try This Instead:
- Write in a conversational tone—like you’re talking to a friend over coffee.
- Record yourself saying what you want to write, then transcribe and tidy it up.
- Share a short story, lesson, or testimony when it feels right. Your voice is part of your ministry—let it be heard.
Mistake #5: Skipping the Call to Action (CTA)
Even if it feels obvious to you, your reader needs a clear next step. And if you’re feeling awkward about “asking,” remember—you’re not pushing. You’re inviting.
A CTA is how someone steps forward into the value you’ve offered them.
Try This Instead:
- Shift your mindset: You’re not selling, you’re serving through action.
- Use simple, service-aligned CTAs like:
- “Learn more”
- “Grab your free devotional”
- “Join us for prayer”
- “Download the guide”
Bonus: Your Email Marketing Action List
Here’s a quick checklist to keep your email marketing intentional, impactful, and faith-aligned. You can find the downloadable version at the end of this post!
✅ Lead with service, not sales
✅ Speak to your reader’s hopes and struggles
✅ Keep a consistent rhythm
✅ Use a friendly, conversational tone
✅ Always include a clear, next step
✅ Test your subject lines—curiosity opens emails
✅ Write like you’re talking to one person
✅ Pray before you write. Let the Holy Spirit lead your message.
Now it’s Your Turn
Feeling unsure about what to send? I’ve been there.
Start by thinking of your email like a letter to a friend—not a billboard. Serve first, speak with love, and trust that the right message will meet the right heart at the right time.
You’ve got this.
Download your Free Email Marketing Checklist for Christian Entrepreneurs
Pen and Polish 