How to improve your email open rates (with actual examples!)

Email marketing is undoubtedly one of my favorite tools for engaging with an audience, but it only works if your subscribers actually open your emails! In this post, we'll share essential strategies on how to improve email open rates along with a few secret sauce items that I've found work great to keep your emails out of the dreaded "Promotions Folder"!

Step One for How To Improve Your Email Open Rates - Craft Irresistible Subject Lines:

Keep Your Subject Lines Short and Sweet

The length of your subject line can significantly impact your open rates. Aim for subject lines that are between 21 to 40 characters. This ensures they are concise yet intriguing, capturing the attention of your subscribers at a glance. Remember, shorter subject lines are easier to read on mobile devices, which is crucial for improving email open rates.

Personalization is Key

Including your subscriber’s name or other personalized information in your subject lines can make your emails feel more relevant and important. Personalized subject lines can increase open rates by up to 50%, making this a vital tactic for better email open rates.

**This is also a good indicator to gmail et al that you know your subscribers and can potentially (its an art not a science) help keep you in their primary inbox.

Use Your Subject Lines To Create a Sense of Intrigue

Subject lines that create a sense of intrigue can be a great way to grab attention away from the 500000000 other emails in their inbox. Simple, yet compelling statements can be a solid attention-getter:

"Wow, we did not expect this response" - for a new course launch "Do you think we should??" - for a discount code "I never do this" - for a freebie

Optimize Your Preview Text to Improve Your Email Open Rates

Use Your Preview Text To Complement the Subject Line

Your preview text should provide additional context or a teaser that complements your subject line. This gives your subscribers more reasons to open your email. For instance, if your subject line is "Alert: Last day to join us!", your Preview Text could fill in the blanks with "$100 for today only!"

Keep Your Email Preview Text Relevant and Engaging

Ensure your preview text is relevant to the content of your email. Engaging preview text that promises value or answers a question can entice subscribers to open the email.

For better email open rates, avoid clickbait tactics that may disappoint your audience.

Use Action-Oriented Language in Your Email Preview Text

Encourage your subscribers to take action with your preview text. Phrases like “Discover How,” or “Don’t Miss Out” can prompt readers to open your email and see what you have to offer. Action-oriented language is a powerful tool for better email open rates.

How To Avoid the Spam Folder For Better Email Open Rates

Authenticate Your Email

Using authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC can improve your email deliverability. Proper authentication helps ensure your emails land in your subscribers' inboxes instead of the spam folder, contributing to better email open rates.

Avoid Spammy Language

Words and phrases commonly associated with spam, such as “Free,” “Act Now,” or “Guaranteed,” can trigger spam filters. Use these words sparingly and focus on crafting genuine, valuable content to maintain better email open rates.

Keep Your List Clean

Regularly clean your email list by removing inactive subscribers and ensuring your list is up-to-date. A clean email list reduces bounce rates and improves your sender reputation, leading to better email open rates.

Improving Your Email Open Rates Start with a Smart Strategy

Achieving better email open rates requires a strategic approach to crafting your subject lines and preview text. By keeping your subject lines short, personalizing your content, and avoiding the spam folder, you can significantly increase your open rates. Remember to consistently test and optimize your emails to see what resonates best with your audience. Implement these tips today, and watch your email open rates soar!