How Do Marketing Emails Know My Name? (Explained Simply)
Ever opened an email that started with “Hi Sarah” and wondered — wait, how do they know my name? It feels personal, but it’s actually a common marketing technique called personalization. Let’s break down how it works, why businesses use it, and how you can use it too.
Step 1: You Gave Them Your Info
When you sign up for a newsletter, download a freebie, or make a purchase online, you usually enter your name and email address. That data gets stored in their email system (like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or HubSpot).
Step 2: Dynamic Fields Do the Magic
Instead of writing “Hi [Insert Name Here]” in every email, email platforms use dynamic fields (also called merge tags).
Example:
Hi *|FNAME|*in Mailchimp = “Hi Sarah” when it sends.The system pulls your name from the database and inserts it automatically.
Step 3: Why Businesses Use It
Feels personal: You’re more likely to read an email that greets you by name.
Boosts trust: It signals they recognize you as a customer or subscriber.
Improves results: Personalized emails get higher open and click rates.
Step 4: What It Doesn’t Mean
It doesn’t mean someone is writing to you one-on-one (unless it’s truly a personal email). It just means the company is using the info you provided to make the message feel more human.
FAQs
Q: Is it creepy when emails use my name?
Not really — it’s just data you gave them when you signed up. But if you don’t remember signing up, it might be spam.
Q: Can they get my name without me giving it?
Generally, no. Reputable companies only know what you share in a form, checkout, or account signup.
Q: Can I do this for my business emails?
Yes! Most email platforms have built-in personalization. Even a simple “Hi [First Name]” makes a difference.
Final Thoughts
When you see your name in an email, it’s not magic — it’s dynamic fields doing their job. Businesses use it to make communication feel more personal, and you can use the same trick to connect with your own audience.