“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

Hi there,

Have you ever felt like everyone’s moving ahead – in business, marketing, or just life – and you’re stuck in the same spot?

I’ve felt that too.

And no fancy quote or life-hack helped me at that moment. What helped was reminding myself of a few real things:

  • Remind yourself of everything you’ve already done. We tend to forget our own growth – all those wins, even the tiniest ones, and what we fought through to get there.
  • Be kind to that inner critic. Self-awareness is great. But when it turns to self-shaming, it’s time to pause. Do something to break the cycle – walk, doodle, write, clean your desk.
  • Action over anxiety. Grab a piece of paper and jot down:
  1. What’s bugging you.
  2. Three small actions you can take today to feel better or move forward.

Take one step toward the thing you’re scared of : You think others are better writers? Learn a new style. Feel stuck in emails? Work on getting better. If they can, why can’t you?

And hence here we are taking one step in every episode of getting better in email marketing…


🎬 2: Looks Matter

Your email’s design isn’t just about looking good – it’s about communicating with purpose.

Let me break down how to choose the best style for your email, even if you’re not a design pro.

Why Does Design Matter?

  • Easy to Read: Good design makes your emails inviting and easy to scan.
  • Guides Attention: Smart visuals highlight what’s most important.
  • Builds Trust: Consistent, thoughtful design makes your brand memorable.

Now…


Easy 5-step process💡

  1. Define your goal: What’s the main purpose? (E.g., share a tip, announce a sale, tell a story)
  2. Know your audience: Are they busy professionals? Visual learners? Fans of minimalism?
  3. Pick your style
    • Plain and simple: Perfect for quick updates, personal notes, or professional tips.
    • Colorful and graphic: Great for announcements, promotions, or anything exciting.
    • Image-heavy: Use when visuals tell the story better than words (think product launches or event invites).
  4. Stay consistent: Use your brand colors, fonts, and logo so your emails always “feel” like you.
  5. Test and learn: Try different styles and see what your audience loves most. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Pro Tip: Not a design expert? No worries! Use ready-made templates that match your message. They save time, look professional, and are easy to customize.

Take Notes:

  • Simple isn’t boring- sometimes, it’s the most effective.
  • Colorful designs can boost engagement, but only if they fit your brand.
  • Templates are your friend – especially when you’re short on time!

Want more inspiration? There are some articles where I have put a lot about email designs.

Using Icegram Express? Here’s how I create a template? You can do it too.


📚One word at a time

The book I loved this month: “A Short Guide to a Happy Life” by Anna Quindlen

Three timeless lessons from it:

  • Life’s too short to be anything but real.
  • Don’t wait for the perfect moment – live now.
  • You don’t look at your life and say, “Wow, that was productive!” – you say, “Wow, that was joyful.”

You must read it. Here’s a beautiful summary by James Clear »

So, what’s on your reading list right now?


Icegram Mailer in action

Ever wondered how Icegram Mailer fits into your workflow?

Assume, you’re launching a new product and want to make sure every subscriber receives your announcement – no lost emails, no “spam” disasters.

With Icegram Mailer, here’s how it goes:

  • You set up your campaign in WordPress.
  • Choose your audience and craft your message.
  • Hit “Send” and relax!

Icegram Mailer takes care of deliverability, so your emails actually reach inboxes (not spam folders).

You get clear reports on opens and clicks, so you know what’s working.

Why users love it:

  • No more worrying about tech headaches or missed emails.
  • Super easy setup (even if you’re not “techy”).
  • Works seamlessly with your favorite plugins.

Have you used it yet? What do you like the most about it?

If not, download now and see the difference yourself.


📰 WP News Corner

WordPress forms dedicated AI team — WordPress has launched an official AI Team to drive responsible, community-led AI innovation across the platform.

Read more.


🎥 What’s coming in Episode 3?

Ever sent an email and wondered… did it even reach anyone?

Same. It’s frustrating when your emails go straight to spam – or worse, nowhere.

That’s what we’re talking about next: email deliverability.

  • Myths we’ve all believed
  • Tiny things that mess up inbox placement
  • Simple fixes to help your emails land where they should

If there’s something specific you want me to talk about… Reply and tell. I will answer all that you ask.

P.S. I read your replies, and it really makes me happy. Feel free to talk.


Quick activities to make you feel better

Sometimes, it’s the small things that bring the biggest shifts.

Try these:

  • Every night, write down three things you’re proud of.
  • Create a “win jar” – drop in a chit every time something makes you smile.
  • Reward yourself. Celebrate every small win.

Over time, these become powerful reminders of who you are and how far you’ve come.

And remember this:

Every lock has a different key. Even if they all look the same, only your key can unlock your path.

Believe in what you’re doing. You’re already ahead just by showing up.

Until next time,

Nirav Mehta, Icegram

Nirav Mehta Icegram