5 Ways to Increase Your Email Open Rates

In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is crucial, especially when it comes to email marketing. As we step into 2024, it’s time to recalibrate our strategies and tackle the challenge of increasing email open rates head-on. Let’s look at what it takes to create email content your audience will not only engage with, but look forward to.  From mastering personalized subject lines that capture attention to optimizing emails for mobile devices, we’ll explore the latest trends and innovative techniques that savvy marketers can employ to ensure their messages stand out in crowded inboxes.

1. Craft compelling subject lines

The subject line is often the first thing your subscribers see in their inbox, so it’s essential to make it compelling and intriguing. A strong subject line should be concise, clear, and relevant to the content of your email. Consider using personalization, asking a question, or creating a sense of urgency to grab your subscribers’ attention. Experiment with different subject lines and A/B test them to see which ones generate higher open rates.

Here are 10 examples of subject lines that can help boost email open rates:

• “Don’t miss out on our exclusive offer!”
• “Discover the secret to skyrocketing your revenue”
• “Unlock the key to doubling your website traffic”
• “5 expert tips to boost your social media engagement”
• “Limited time: Save 50% on your favorite products”
• “Get ahead of your competition with our latest strategies”
• “Attention, [Recipient Name]: This offer is tailor-made for you”
• “You won’t believe what our customers are saying!”
• “Improve your [insert action] with our innovative tools”
• “Last chance to join our [insert activity or event]”

Remember, the key to crafting compelling subject lines is to create a sense of urgency, curiosity, or value. Use action verbs, numbers, personalization, or appealing offers to entice the recipients to open the email. Additionally, segmenting your email list and tailoring subject lines to specific audiences can lead to higher open rates as well.

2. Segment your email list

Segmenting your email list is crucial for sending targeted and relevant content to your subscribers. By dividing your list into different segments based on interests, demographics, or behaviors, you can tailor your email campaigns to meet the specific needs and preferences of each segment. When subscribers receive content that is personalized and relevant to them, they are more likely to open your emails.

According to HubSpot, segmented email campaigns result in 14.32% higher open rates compared to non-segmented campaigns!

For instance, an online fashion retailer can segment their list based on gender and send tailored emails featuring relevant clothing recommendations. Additionally, a software company could divide their list by industry and deliver targeted content showcasing how their product solves specific industry pain points. By personalizing emails to suit your audience’s interests and preferences, you can significantly increase open rates and drive engagement.

3. Send from a recognizable sender name

Practice the 50 / 500 Rule

We can’t emphasize the importance of this point enough. Using a recognizable sender name helps build trust and credibility with your subscribers. Instead of using a generic ‘no reply’ or an unfamiliar name, consider using your brand name or the name of a known individual within your organization. This helps establish a personal connection and makes your emails more likely to be opened.

Unrecognized or new email domains have resulted (personally) in over 19,000 people unsubscribing to one email. It was a tough and important lesson to learn early. If you’re email domain is new or seldom used, warm it up. This means send to small groups of NO MORE than 500 people per day. If your email CRM allows you to space the sending, select a maximum of 50 per hour. Slow and steady is best for a 4-6 weeks until your domain is recognized not only by the audience, but also by email filters.

4. Optimize email preview text

Many email clients provide a preview text that appears alongside the subject line in the inbox. This preview text allows you to provide a brief summary or teaser of the content within the email. Use this opportunity to pique your subscribers’ curiosity and give them a reason to open the email. Keep the preview text concise and engaging, and consider featuring a call-to-action that encourages subscribers to open the email to learn more.

Here are five examples of email preview text that can help increase open rates:

• “Discover the secrets to [desired outcome]”
• “Get ready for amazing [product/service] deals”
• “Limited time offer – Don’t miss out!”
• “Find out how [brand name] can transform your [problem]”
• “Exciting news inside – Open now for a surprise”

These examples highlight the value, urgency, and curiosity factors that can catch the attention of recipients and motivate them to open the email. It’s important to keep the preview text concise (around 35-50 characters) and aligned with the subject line to create a cohesive message that compels the reader to take action and open the email. Experiment with different variations to see which ones resonate best with your target audience and lead to higher open rates.

5. Test different send times

The timing of your email plays a significant role in whether it gets opened or ignored. Experiment with different send times to determine when your subscribers are most likely to engage with your emails. Consider factors such as time zone, industry, and target audience characteristics. Analyze your email analytics to identify patterns and trends in open rates based on different send times.

Consider these examples: A fitness brand may observe higher open rates by sending workout tips and promotions early in the morning, when subscribers are motivated to start their day. Conversely, an e-commerce store targeting busy professionals might see success by sending emails during lunch breaks or after work hours when recipients have more time to engage. Tailoring email sending times to your audience’s preferences can significantly boost open rates and maximize engagement.

Improving email open rates requires a combination of compelling subject lines, targeted segmentation, recognizable sender names, optimized preview text, strategic timing, mobile-friendly design, personalized content, list maintenance, and valuable offerings. By implementing these strategies, you can increase the likelihood of your subscribers opening your emails, leading to higher engagement, conversions, and overall success in your email marketing efforts.

About the Author

Chad Reinertson is a seasoned marketing executive with 20 years of experience in digital marketing. As the Digital Marketing Director for a global education company and founder of Master Marketing Lab, a consultancy firm dedicated to helping businesses understand current marketing practices, Chad has successfully implemented these same innovative strategies to reach and engage new audiences. His expertise and passion for the field are a valued resource for businesses looking to improve their email, content and digital marketing strategies.