WWTT? So Many COVID-19 Emails ... But Are There Any 'Good' Ones?

Right now, the world feels like a very scary, uncertain place, as we all make adjustments to our daily lives during this pandemic. And while each day often seems weirder or scarier than the one before it, there is also a lot of room for hope and positivity. For today's "What Were They Thinking?" post, I want to look at some COVID-19 emails I've received from brands and nonprofits to my personal email account, showcasing a couple that I think did an excellent job at standing out in my inbox and offering value.

Because if you're not offering up value right now (and no, I don't mean a sweet sale on a pair of shoes), then maybe think twice about what campaigns you're running, especially if they include COVID-19 messaging.

Also, a little tip I'd like to offer: Consider removing inactives from your list BEFORE you message your entire list. I don't need to know that you're keeping your establishment clean and being decent to your employees if we interacted maybe once, back in 2014. If you can wash your hands, you also can take some time for list hygiene.

So much like an episode of MTV Cribs, step into my inbox with me, and let's look at some examples of COVID-19 emails done right:

I received this email from Lush on March 14, and the headline reads: "Be safe, get clean."

Already I'm thankful the subject line isn't the usual canned "[Company name] and COVID-19 update." Yes, in some cases we do need an update from a particular company we do business with -- for example, when my hair salon emailed me how they were were taking care of their staff and the salon, how this would affect services, hours, etc, I definitely read that email. My salon is a very personal marketer to me ... some others who email me, however, are not.

Back to Lush. So the subject line is great and has me curious enough to open. The main message is simple: "Wash your hands for free at Lush." The rest of the short email says that their stores are still open in North America, come on in and wash your hands for free with no expectation of purchase.

Now yes, this can be looked at as a way to increase foot traffic, but they are offering a service that is very relevant right now (How many of us have replaced our usual goodbyes with "Wash your hands!"?) Sure, some people might make a purchase, but the focus of this email is about a beneficial service Lush wants to provide the community, wherever one of their brick and mortar stores reside.

Unfortunately, the next day I received a second email from Lush alerting me to North America store closures from March 16-29, but even that didn't feel like a boilerplate email. You can check it out here.

The bottom line about Lush is that their emails were compassionate, offered value to their customs, and were on-brand.

Now, let's look at a nonprofit I support:

The Western New York Land Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust that permanently protects land with significant conservation value in the Western New York (WNY) region of the Empire State. It's a second home to me, due to the fact I went to college there and I have friends and family in the area.

While the WNYLC's subject line is a bit closer to some of the boilerplate ones I've seen out there on other COVID-19 emails, what works so well is the message. It starts with a note from their Executive Director, leading off with a cancellation of a specific hike for the safety of others, as well as information about how future events will either be conducted via phone or video, or rescheduled. All important info, especially if you're a donor who actively participates with this organization.

But what I appreciate the most is how this email ties into part of the land conservancy's mission -- to experience the land. The call to action to go outside and take it in during these uncertain times is what a lot of people need to hear: to take a break, step away from the constant news cycle or ding of email, and go breathe some fresh air. The specific mention of the Stella Niagara Preserve (land the WNYLC has protected) is fitting, and the P.S. includes a reminder that social distancing is great for the outdoors, so send photos of your favorite moments.

This call for photo submissions isn't only user generated content, but when the WNYLC posts these images, their follows can enjoy them and feel a little less distant. Something we all need.

As marketers, before all of "this," our jobs were to educate prospects and customers about our services and products, and to often help people be their best selves, whether professionally, personally, or both. Our creative and analytical minds were put to work building campaigns and helping support sales teams. And yes, those are all still our jobs right now.

But I think we have some new ones. We need to be there to help lift up our customers and donors (when appropriate and relevant, don't just barge in out of nowhere). We need to make sure we share good, accurate information, no matter what the topic is. And we need to be positive ... because I think keeping a positive attitude through the darkness is the only way through this. And we're gonna get through.

Marketers, what do you think? Tell me about some thoughtful, well-executed COVID-19 emails you've seen in your inboxes (and if you've seen some cruddy ones, tell me about it on Twitter, over at @sass_marketing). And take care of yourselves, each and every one of you (Gary, stop touching your face.).