Bored of Your Own Emails? Try the Word Closet Strategy

Marissa Corcoran unpacks how online business owners can craft unforgettable email newsletters that actually sound like them—not just generic AI content. She introduces powerful tools like the “word closet,” “accessories closet,” and “motifs” to help creators build a distinct brand voice. From using AI wisely to knowing what makes people subscribe—or unsubscribe—this episode is a goldmine for anyone who writes newsletters, especially during the times when you’re not selling.

00:00 – Intro + Email over social media: why newsletters are still the most powerful place for connection
02:00 – What’s a “Word Closet” and why it’s your shortcut to sounding like you
05:30 – Building your word “Accessories Closet” - quirks that make your copy personal
07:30 – Using AI smartly—how to extract your voice (not replace it)
10:30 – The danger of generic messaging + the importance of customer interviews
13:30 – How to use “Motifs” to never run out of newsletter ideas
17:00 – Templates, rhythm, and building a flexible content structure that still converts
21:00 – The underrated metric you should start tracking
24:00 – What makes Marissa unsubscribe from newsletters—and what keeps her reading
27:00 – The magic of a monthly roundup email (and why more people should send them)
30:00 – Rethinking GIFs, welcome sequences, and showing your values early
34:00 – The power of clear values + ethical considerations when using imagery and IP

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https://bit.ly/minimanugget

References:
Ann Handley - the one email metric to track
https://annhandley.com/the-one-email-...

Get more from Marisa:
https://marisacorcoran.com/subjectlines - 50+ Scroll-Stopping Subject Lines
https://marisacorcoran.com/ - work with Marisa