[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/wake-the-dead-email-campaign\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/wake-the-dead-email-campaign\/","headline":"Why You Need a Wake the Dead Email Campaign [Free Cheatsheet]","name":"Why You Need a Wake the Dead Email Campaign [Free Cheatsheet]","description":"[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”20px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” bottom_padding=”10″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” color_overlay_2=”#ffffff” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” enable_shape_divider=”true” shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_divider_height=”30″ bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”waves_opacity_alt”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” right_margin=”20″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” font_color=”#828282″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”] 5...","datePublished":"2020-11-30","dateModified":"2025-08-26","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/author\/sw1ft\/#Person","name":"Swift Digital","url":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/author\/sw1ft\/","identifier":1,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d798749f30425bff04d5ff357ac6dba94e073a4a8083725dfb894f9d04f4c5ee?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d798749f30425bff04d5ff357ac6dba94e073a4a8083725dfb894f9d04f4c5ee?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Swift Digital","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/logo.png","url":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/logo.png","width":300,"height":302}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/groupLearning-1.jpg","url":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/groupLearning-1.jpg","height":1260,"width":1260},"url":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/wake-the-dead-email-campaign\/","about":["Email Marketing","Marketing Automation"],"wordCount":2457,"articleBody":"[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”20px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” bottom_padding=”10″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” color_overlay_2=”#ffffff” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” enable_shape_divider=”true” shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_divider_height=”30″ bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”waves_opacity_alt”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” right_margin=”20″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” font_color=”#828282″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”]   5 | Minute Read [\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”20px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” bottom_padding=”60″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”center” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” enable_gradient=”true” color_overlay=”#5bbbd1″ color_overlay_2=”#23ccec” overlay_strength=”0.8″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” enable_shape_divider=”true” shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_divider_height=”30″ bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”straight_section” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” font_color=”#ffffff” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_custom_heading text=”What is a Wake The Dead campaign?” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1606275305819{margin-top: 30px !important;}”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1606880477066{margin-right: 50px !important;margin-left: 50px !important;}”]A wake the dead campaign is an eDM initiative to contact long-inactive and unengaged subscribers in your database. Usually, a wake the dead campaign will prompt readers to engage with the content as a way to confirm their subscription. Any recipients who fail to open the campaign will be confirmed as inactive or \u2018dead\u2019. The campaign will also give you an opportunity to rebuild broken relationships, increase engagement, and keep your data clean.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1686187010784{margin-right: 20px !important;}”]Over time, many of the subscribers in your database will become disinterested and disengaged.This is a natural depreciation, but it\u2019s not the end of your relationship with these people.A targeted \u2018wake the dead\u2019 campaign will allow you to sort the wheat from the chaff.[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”5 Reasons To Run a Wake The Dead Campaign” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1686189200262{margin-right: 20px !important;}”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_custom_heading text=”1. Keep Your Database Clean” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]\u00a0The campaign will identify any \u2018unrevivable\u2019 subscribers.After identifying them, you will be able to unsubscribe (or suppress) them, saving you email credits for future mailouts. It also keeps your database cleaner, enabling more accurate reporting and segmentation in the future.Keeping your data up to date has the added benefit of improving your brand’s sender reputation and deliverability.Old, long abandoned email addresses may be recycled as spam traps, leaving your brand vulnerable to being flagged as spam if you send them.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_custom_heading text=”2. Prompt Inactive Subscribers to Re-engage” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Some of your inactive subscribers might just need a little nudge to re-engage.Often these inactive subscribers are full of untapped potential. Aim for a personal tone to encourage inactive subscribers to re-engage.Generate Excitement and Renewed Interest: Over time, people’s attention spans can wane, and their enthusiasm for a particular offering or cause may dwindle.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”2px” column_border_color=”#21cdec” column_border_style=”dashed” gradient_type=”default” column_padding_type=”default”][vc_custom_heading text=”Email Marketing Cheat Sheet” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%2322afca” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]Get yourself out of an email pickle fastTips to avoid email emergenciesAvoid common marketing automation mistakes[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][image_with_animation image_url=”194993″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Extra-Color-1″ icon_family=”none” text=”Download Cheat Sheet” url=”https:\/\/digest.swiftdigital.com.au\/marketing-mistakes-cheat-sheet?utm_source=hero%20box&utm_medium=blog”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” bottom_padding=”3%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” id=”features” row_name=”Features” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in” animation_easing=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]You can inject fresh excitement and curiosity into your audience by running a Wake the Dead campaign.The campaign’s mysterious and intriguing nature can pique their interest and encourage them to reevaluate the product, service, or cause.It offers an opportunity to create a buzz, spark conversations, and reignite the passion that may have faded over time.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_custom_heading text=”3. Capture New (and up-to-date) Information on Your Subscribers” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Use the campaign to simultaneously drive your audience to update their details. Include a link to an \u2018Update Your Details\u2019 form (or survey) in order to collect any new or updated information.Not only will you collect their current contact details, but you can also prompt your subscribers to divulge the kind of content they\u2019re most interested in. Putting in the effort to really get to know these subscribers will nurture your relationship with them, improving the chances of reviving contacts which were previously inactive.Make sure you\u2019re able to follow through \u2013 implement segmentation and dynamic content in reaction to the newly acquired details.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]So, do you want to wake the dead? Consider making it part of an overall Sunset Policy, and check out our tips.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_custom_heading text=”4. Drive User Participation and Involvement” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]A Wake the Dead campaign can be designed to involve and engage the audience actively.You can encourage people to participate and interact with your brand or cause by incorporating interactive elements such as polls, feedback, emojis or contests.This engagement increases their investment and interest and creates a sense of ownership and community.Participants can share their experiences, collaborate with others, and spread the word, generating organic promotion and extending the reach of the campaign.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_custom_heading text=”5. Tap into Nostalgia and Emotional Connections” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]A Wake the Dead campaign can tap into nostalgia and emotional connections if the product, service, or cause has a history or legacy.It can remind people of their positive experiences or memories associated with the offering and evoke a sense of longing or curiosity.This emotional connection can motivate people to reengage and revisit what they once loved or valued.By evoking emotions and nostalgia, you can create a strong appeal that compels individuals to reconnect and rediscover the essence of what they once enjoyed.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_custom_heading text=”The Preferred Email, Events and SMS automation Software For All Australian Government Departments” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1686189172816{margin-right: 25px !important;}”]Swift Digital\u2019s templates help you effortlessly create stunning newsletters using our drag-and-drop email builder. You can raise engagement with emojis, polls, article feedback tools, videos and more.All of the unique marketing requirements of government departments are covered, and full compliance with all anti-spam and privacy laws is guaranteed. Swift Digital is also\u00a0ISO 27001 certified.Swift Digital is Australia\u2019s leader in\u00a0marketing automation software, working with organisations like the NSW Government, ATO, and companies like Westpac Bank and Qantas.Find out why we\u2019re the\u00a0Australian government department\u2019s\u00a0number one choice for their professional communications, emails and events.To find out how your business can get the best out of Swift Digital\u2019s platform,\u00a0contact our team\u00a0today.Don\u2019t forget to share this post![\/vc_column_text]   Share   Share   Share [\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Why You Need a Wake the Dead Email Campaign [Free Cheatsheet]","item":"https:\/\/swiftdigital.com.au\/wake-the-dead-email-campaign\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]