Ever noticed how your eyes automatically land on the P.S. at the end of an email?
You’re not alone.
That little section at the bottom has a way of grabbing attention, probably because it feels like a personal note, a last-minute thought, or even a secret bonus just for the reader.
Smart e-commerce brands know this and use the P.S. to drive sales, engagement, and action.
Imagine this: your subscribers are skimming through their overflowing inboxes, barely reading full emails.
Then…boom! Their eyes catch that short, punchy postscript.
If used right, it can reinforce your message, create urgency, or even sneak in an irresistible offer.
So, how do you make the most of that prime real estate at the bottom of your emails?
Here are five expert tips on how to use p.s. in email and how to turn your P.S. into a conversion booster.
How to Use P.S. in Email and What Does It Mean?
P.S actually stands for “postscript,” which comes from the Latin word postscriptum, meaning “written after.”
Back in the days of handwritten letters, P.S. was a lifesaver. If you forgot to mention something in your letter, instead of rewriting the whole thing, you’d just tack on a PS at the bottom. Because, let’s be real, nobody had time for that.
Fast forward to today, emails, texts, and instant messaging have made editing super easy.
So, why do people still use PS?
Simple. It’s a great way to:
- Add a quick note without messing up the flow of your message.
- Highlight something important that you don’t want the reader to miss.
- Inject a bit of personality into your email (especially in marketing).
Now, if you really need to add something after your PS, you can use PPS (post postscript). But keep in mind that adding too many can start to feel a little excessive. Sticking to one PS keeps your message professional and impactful.
How to Use P.S. in Email (the Right Way!)
Whether you want to add personality, highlight a special offer, or give your reader one last nudge to take action, a well-placed P.S. can do the heavy lifting. But there’s an art to it. Let’s dive into how to use P.S. in email the right way.
1. Decide When to Use a P.S.
Not every email needs a postscript. But when used strategically, it can work wonders.
Think about the tone of your email. P.S. naturally feels casual, which makes it perfect for e-commerce marketing emails, promotional offers, or friendly customer engagement messages.
It’s not the best fit for a super formal email, like one to your supplier about contract terms. But, it is great for building relationships with your audience.
When to use a P.S.:
- Promoting a special discount or offer
- Adding a last-minute thought without disrupting the main message
- Creating urgency (“P.S. This deal ends at midnight!”)
- Making the email feel more personal and conversational
Example:
“P.S. We just restocked our best-selling sneakers. Grab your size before they’re gone again!”
2. Pick Your Punctuation Style (and Stick With It)
This might seem like a minor detail, but consistency matters!
There’s no single “correct” way to format a P.S., so pick a style and keep it uniform across all your emails.
Here are your options:
- PS
- P.S.
- PS:
- P.S.:
3. Know Why You’re Adding a P.S.
Common reasons to use P.S. emails:
- Reiterate a key point – If your email is about a flash sale, use the P.S. to remind readers of the deadline.
- Include a bonus or surprise – Who doesn’t love an extra discount?
- Encourage a response – Invite readers to reply with a question or feedback.
Example:
“P.S. This is a VIP-only deal, and you won’t see it again for another six months. Don’t miss out!”
4. Write It Short & Snappy
A P.S. is not another paragraph of your email. Keep it brief, just one or two sentences.
Example:
Instead of:
❌ “By the way, if you refer a friend, you’ll both get a $10 credit to use on your next purchase. Feel free to share the love and take advantage of this offer while it lasts!”
Try this:
✅ “P.S. Refer a friend, and you both get $10 off your next order. Win-win!”
Shorter = more impact.
5. Proofread Before You Send
Since the P.S. is often the last thing people read, any typos or awkward phrasing will stand out.
Take a final look before you hit send.
Quick proofreading checklist:
- Is it clear and to the point?
- Is the punctuation style consistent with the rest of your emails?
- Does it add value without being repetitive?
Better yet, read it out loud. If it sounds natural, you’re good to go.
How to Use P.S. in Email for Ecommerce Brands
Here are my 5 tips on how to use p.s. in email specifically for ecommerce brands:
1. Reinforce Your Main Message
Your email has a purpose, maybe it’s announcing a sale, introducing a new product, or sharing an exclusive deal. But not everyone reads the whole thing.
That’s where your P.S. comes in. It’s your last chance to hammer home your message in a way that sticks.
Example:
This keeps your email focused but ensures even skimmers get the core message loud and clear.
2. Adding Urgency or Scarcity Is a Great Way on How to Use P.S. in Email
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is real, and a well-crafted P.S. can tap into that psychology. When you create a sense of urgency or scarcity, you push readers to take action now rather than later.
How to do it:
- “P.S. Only 24 hours left to grab 20% off. Don’t wait! Claim your discount now.”
- “P.S. This exclusive offer is only available for the first 100 customers. Are you in? Shop now.”
- “P.S. Once these are gone, they’re gone for good. Order yours today.”
By making it clear that time (or inventory) is running out, you’re nudging your audience to make a move before it’s too late.
3. Personalize It for More Impact
Personalization is not just using the subscriber’s first name. A well-personalized P.S. makes readers feel like the email was crafted just for them.
Try referencing:
- Past purchases: “P.S. Loved your last order? You might want to check out our latest arrivals—perfect additions to your collection. Take a look.”
- Location-based offers: “P.S. Free shipping just for our customers in [City]! Order before midnight.”
- Customer milestones: “P.S. You’ve been with us for a year now, this discount is our way of saying thanks! Redeem here.”
Why does this work?
Because people love feeling special. They’re way more likely to engage when your email speaks directly to them.
4. Tease What’s Coming Next
Want to keep your audience excited for future emails?
Drop a teaser in your P.S. to build anticipation and encourage subscribers to stay tuned. This strategy has always been a great way on how to use P.S. in email.
Example:
- “P.S. Something BIG is dropping next week. You won’t want to miss this! Keep an eye on your inbox.”
- “P.S. Next time, we’re revealing our most requested product ever. Any guesses? 😉”
- “P.S. We’ve got a VIP surprise coming soon. Be the first to hear about it by staying subscribed.”
5. Sneak In an Extra Offer (Without Overloading the Email)
Sometimes, you want to promote more than one thing in an email without overwhelming your readers, and P.S. is the perfect place to do that.
Example:
Other ways to use this strategy:
- Suggest an upsell or cross-sell: “P.S. Pair your new sneakers with our best-selling socks. Get 10% off when you bundle them!”
- Highlight an additional discount: “P.S. Didn’t use your 15% off coupon yet? It expires tomorrow. Use code SAVE15 at checkout.”
- Promote another channel: “P.S. Love behind-the-scenes content? Follow us on Instagram for exclusive sneak peeks!”
Bonus Tip: Keep It Conversational and Fun
Your P.S. doesn’t have to be stiff and formal. In fact, the more conversational and playful it is, the better.
Make it feel like a friendly note, not a corporate sales pitch.
- “P.S. Don’t ghost us. We promise to make your inbox a happy place. 😊 Stay subscribed.”
- “P.S. This email was written with ☕ and too many snacks. Hit reply and tell us your favorite coffee order!”
- “P.S. Reading this far means you’re a legend. Use code VIP20 for a secret 20% off. 😉 Shop now.”
My Final Thoughts on How to Use P.S. in Email Marketing
A well-crafted P.S. in an email is more than just an afterthought—it’s a powerful tool that can reinforce your main message, create urgency, personalize the reader’s experience, and even boost engagement.
If you’re wondering how to use P.S. in email effectively, think of it as your final chance to connect with the reader.
Use it to highlight special offers, build anticipation, or add a personal touch. A strategically placed P.S. can drive more clicks, increase conversions, and keep your audience engaged long after they’ve read your message.
