Email marketing is one of the most powerful ways to connect directly with your audience. Unlike social media, emails land straight in a person’s inbox — a space they check regularly. But here’s the challenge: people get dozens, even hundreds, of emails every day. If yours doesn’t stand out, it gets ignored or deleted.
Understand What “Open Rate” Means
The open rate is the percentage of people who open your email compared to how many received it.
Build a Quality Email List
The first rule — don’t buy email lists.
- Many people on those lists won’t know you, so they’ll ignore your emails.
- You risk being marked as spam.
Instead:
- Collect emails from people genuinely interested in your business.
- Use sign-up forms on your website.
- Offer a freebie like an eBook, discount, or checklist in exchange for an email.
Write Strong Subject Lines
Your subject line is the first thing people see — it decides whether they open or scroll past.
- Keep it short (5–8 words).
- Make it specific (“50% Off Winter Jackets Today Only”).
- Create curiosity (“You’re missing out on this deal…”).
- Personalize it (use the person’s name if possible).
Avoid Spam Triggers
Certain words and symbols can send your email to the spam folder. Avoid:
- Too many exclamation marks (!!!)
- Words like “FREE!!!” or “WIN MONEY” in all caps
- Too many emojis in the subject line
Personalize Your Emails
People are more likely to open an email if it feels like it’s written for them.
- Use their name in the subject or greeting.
- Send emails based on their interests or past purchases.
- Segment your list (e.g., separate new subscribers from long-time customers).
Send at the Right Time
Timing matters.
- Morning (8–10 AM): People check emails after waking up.
- Early afternoon (1–3 PM): Good for working professionals on lunch breaks.
- Evening (7–9 PM): Works well for lifestyle or entertainment content.
Keep Your “From” Name Friendly
Instead of sending emails from a generic address like no-reply@company.com, use:
- Your name (e.g., Sarah from BrightCo)
- A brand name that people recognize.
Deliver Value Every Time
If people know your emails are always helpful, they’ll keep opening them.
- Tips and advice
- Discounts and offers
- Product updates
- Helpful articles or videos
Keep Emails Short and Clear
People skim emails, so:
- Use short paragraphs.
- Add bullet points for easy reading.
- Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) — like “Shop Now” or “Read More.”
Use a Good Email Design
- Make sure it looks good on both computers and mobile phones.
- Use images, but not too many (so it loads fast).
- Have a clear headline and enough white space for readability.
Test and Improve (A/B Testing)
Don’t guess — test.
- Send two versions of an email with different subject lines.
- See which one gets more opens.
- Use that style in the future.
Maintain a Clean Email List
Every few months:
- Remove inactive subscribers.
- Update incorrect email addresses.
- This keeps your open rates healthy and prevents your emails from being marked as spam.
