Low Open Rates? Here’s How to Make Your Emails Stand Out

Making your emails stand out in a cluttered inbox and getting your subscribers to open them can be challenging.

The last thing you want is to see your open rate dwindle and subscribers tuning out.

If you’re struggling with low email open rates, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Here are some effective tips to help your emails get noticed in even the busiest inboxes and read.

Craft compelling subject lines
The subject line is your first impression, so make it count. The idea is to create curiosity so your subscribers are intrigued enough to open and read your email. Tailor your subject lines to be compelling and also highly-relevant to your audience. And keep them short and sweet, ideally 50 characters or less, so they display well on any device. 

Use a personal sender name
Emails from a real person are always going to feel more personal and trustworthy than a business name. So, instead of using your business name, try sending emails from an individual’s name, such as “Jane @ Tourism Business”. This approach adds a human touch that can significantly increase your email open rates.

Maintain consistent delivery
Building anticipation and trust with your subscribers is the secret of successful email marketing. And it’s simple to do! All it takes is maintaining a regular and consistent delivery schedule. No matter if you choose to send emails weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, pick a specific day and stick to it. Consistency helps your readers know when to expect your emails, making them more likely to open them.

Personalise your emails
Much like using a personal sender name, personalisation goes a long way in engaging your readers. Using your subscriber’s name in the subject line can boost open rates and engagement. Just don’t overdo it or it’ll look tacky. 

Incorporate emojis (sparingly)
Adding an emoji to your subject line can make your email more eye-catching and feel more friendly. But like personalised subject lines, use emojis sparingly and wisely. A well-placed emoji adds a touch of personality and pops out in a crowded inbox. Just be sure they’re relevant to the topic and also appropriate for your audience. 

Avoid spammy tactics
You might think using all caps or lots of exclamation marks in your subject lines will grab more attention. But they can make your emails look spammy and unprofessional. You want the right kind of attention. So, stick to clear, concise language that represents the topic of your email without resorting to attention-grabbing gimmicks.

Optimise the preheader text
The preheader text (which is the snippet that follows the subject line) is an extra opportunity to draw readers in. Use this space to provide a little more information or a teaser about the content of your email. It should complement the subject line and create more curiosity.

In the competitive world of email marketing, small changes can make a big difference. By trying these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to improving your email open rates and making your messages stand out in even the busiest of inboxes.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with these tips and find what works best for your audience.

Remember, the key is to be personal, consistent, and thoughtful in your approach. Keep refining your approach, and you’ll see positive results over time.

Happy emailing!

Hi, I’m Lea (like tea)

Not only a proud Tasmanian native, I’ve also been a writer, copywriter, marketing strategist, and search engine optimisation (SEO) adviser in the online business world since 2016.

I’ve been a master tea brewer and drinker (white no sugar, thanks) for even longer.

Here at Write The Island, I love helping tourism business owners in Australia simplify their marketing efforts with ready-to-use email and blog templates.

I also offer specialist done-for-you copywriting support for tourism operators who want a professional to write their marketing content.

Get in touch if you’d like to find out more.