You’ve probably seen it many times: a short message added at the bottom of an email, starting with two letters — P.S. Maybe it was a reminder, a special offer, or even something more personal. Whatever it was, it probably caught your attention.
That’s not by accident.
In email marketing, the “P.S.” section can be a powerful tool to reinforce your message, draw attention to a specific offer, or add a human touch. While it seems small, it can have a big impact on conversions and engagement.
In this article, we’ll explain what “P.S.” means in email marketing, how it’s used, the different types of postscript messages, real-life examples, and why marketers continue to rely on this simple yet effective trick.
Definition of P.S. in email marketing
P.S. stands for postscript, a Latin term that means “written after.” It originates from handwritten or typed letters, where the writer added something after signing off the message, usually because they forgot to include it in the body or thought of it at the last minute.
In email marketing, P.S. refers to a short paragraph added after the email’s main content and signature. It’s used to emphasize a key point, create urgency, share a bonus, or even include a personal note.
Though it may seem old-fashioned, the P.S. is still relevant and widely used today, especially in sales and marketing emails. It grabs attention because readers tend to scan emails, and the P.S. often stands out at the bottom.
So while “P.S.” originally meant something extra or forgotten, in marketing, it’s very intentional and often strategic.
How is P.S. used in email marketing?
In email marketing, the P.S. section serves multiple strategic purposes. Here’s how it’s typically used:
1. Reinforce the main message
After the email body, the P.S. can highlight the most important takeaway, like a discount, a call-to-action, or an event date.
2. Add urgency or scarcity
Many marketers use the P.S. to mention time limits (“Offer ends tonight!”) or availability (“Only 5 spots left!”). Because it’s short and noticeable, it’s perfect for this kind of messaging.
3. Include a bonus or reminder
You can use a P.S. to give readers something extra, like a free guide, exclusive link, or special perk they may have missed in the body.
4. Make the email feel more personal
A casual or funny P.S. can make your message feel more human. For example: “P.S. Yes, I really do drink 4 cups of coffee a day.”
5. Encourage action
Even if readers skim the entire email, they’ll often notice the P.S. That’s why it’s a great place to include one final CTA (call-to-action).
6. Support secondary goals
You might use the P.S. to promote something different from the main message, like an invite to follow your brand on social media or read a related blog post.
7. Re-engage inactive subscribers
For cold leads or recipients who haven’t interacted in a while, a personal or humorous P.S. can be the spark that brings them back.
Types of P.S. in email marketing
There isn’t just one way to use a P.S. in email marketing. Depending on your goal, tone, and audience, you can use different types of postscript messages:
1. Promotional P.S.
Used to highlight a special deal, sale, or limited-time offer.
P.S. Don’t forget — your 25% off coupon expires at midnight!
2. Reminder P.S.
Used to reinforce an important date or detail.
P.S. Webinar starts Thursday at 2 PM EST. Save your spot now!
3. Personal P.S.
Adds a human touch to make the message more relatable.
P.S. I finally finished that novel we talked about — totally worth the wait!
4. Teaser P.S.
Used to spark curiosity for future messages.
P.S. Keep an eye on your inbox tomorrow… something big is coming!
5. Secondary CTA P.S.
Encourages another action besides the main one.
P.S. Want more tips like this? Follow us on LinkedIn.
6. Soft-sell P.S.
Used to gently guide readers without sounding pushy.
P.S. No rush, but if you’re ready to upgrade, the link’s right here.
7. Story-driven P.S.
Closes the email with a fun or emotional note.
P.S. That coffee shop we mentioned? We finally visited it, and it was amazing.
Examples of P.S. in email marketing
Let’s explore some examples of how brands and marketers can use P.S. effectively.
Example 1: eCommerce sale email
Body: Promotes a 3-day flash sale on clothing.
P.S.: “P.S. Sale ends Friday at midnight — don’t wait to grab your favorites before they’re gone!”
Why it works: Reinforces urgency and encourages immediate action.
Example 2: Newsletter sign-up
Body: Shares tips on productivity tools.
P.S.: “P.S. Want our full productivity checklist? Reply “Checklist” and we’ll send it right over.”
Why it works: Offers a bonus that encourages replies and engagement.
Example 3: Product launch
Body: Announces a new feature in a SaaS product.
P.S.: “P.S. This is just the beginning. We’ve got even more exciting updates coming next month!”
Why it works: Creates anticipation and gives subscribers a reason to stay tuned.
Example 4: Re-engagement email
Body: Sent to inactive subscribers.
P.S.: “P.S. We miss you. Come back and we’ll give you 20% off your next order.”
Why it works: Uses emotion plus a reward to win back subscribers.
Example 5: Influencer/personal brand email
Body: Talks about a recent podcast episode.
P.S.: “P.S. I recorded that in my kitchen because my studio had a power outage. Real life, right?”
Why it works: It adds personality and builds a connection with readers.
Wrapping up
The “P.S” might be small in size, but it plays a big role in email marketing. It’s your last chance to grab attention, emphasize your message, or connect on a personal level. Whether you’re reminding readers of an offer, sharing a personal note, or teasing something exciting, the P.S. gives you one more moment to make an impact.
Let’s recap why marketers love using P.S:
- It draws the eye, especially for skimmers.
- It reinforces key points without repeating the entire message.
- It adds a human touch that can build trust and emotion.
- It can boost conversions, especially when used for CTAs and urgency.
- It’s versatile, working for promos, follow-ups, personalization, and storytelling.
So, the next time you're building a campaign in your favorite email editor, don’t forget about the P.S. It’s the cherry on top that could be the reason your email gets that final click — or even a smile. A well-placed “P.S” might be exactly what your next email needs.
