How to Write Emails That People Actually Open (and Click)

March 1, 2025

Emails That People Actually Open (and Click)

In today’s fast-paced digital world, your email is competing with dozens—if not hundreds—of others for attention in your recipient’s inbox. So, how do you ensure that your emails not only get opened but also lead to meaningful engagement? Here are some essential strategies to help you craft emails that people actually want to open and click.

 

1. Craft a Compelling Subject Line

Your subject line is the first (and sometimes only) thing a recipient sees before deciding whether to open your email. Make it count.

  • Keep it short and to the point (under 50 characters is ideal).
  • Use action-oriented language to create urgency or curiosity.
  • Personalize when possible—use the recipient’s name or reference past interactions.
  • Avoid spammy words like “free,” “urgent,” or excessive exclamation marks.

 

2. Optimize Your Preheader Text

The preheader text is the preview snippet that appears next to or below the subject line. This is prime real estate to reinforce your subject line and entice the reader to open the email.

  • Summarize the email’s value in a few engaging words.
  • Keep it conversational and relevant to your audience.
  • Avoid repeating the subject line—use it as an extension instead.

 

3. Deliver Value with a Clear and Engaging Message

Once your email is opened, the next challenge is to keep the reader engaged.

  • Start strong: The first sentence should hook the reader and quickly convey the purpose of the email.
  • Keep it concise: Respect your audience’s time by getting to the point quickly.
  • Use clear formatting: Break up text with bullet points, short paragraphs, and headings for readability.
  • Make it personal: Use a friendly, conversational tone and tailor content to your audience’s interests.

 

4. Include a Strong Call to Action (CTA)

An email without a clear CTA is a wasted opportunity. Whether you want your reader to book a demo, download a resource, or reply to your email, your CTA should be:

  • Specific: Clearly state what action you want the reader to take.
  • Easy to find: Use buttons, bold text, or hyperlinks to make the CTA stand out.
  • Compelling: Emphasize the benefit of taking action (e.g., “Get Your Free Guide Now” instead of “Download”).

 

5. Optimize for Mobile and Accessibility

More than half of all emails are opened on mobile devices, so ensure your email is mobile-friendly.

  • Use a responsive email design that adjusts to different screen sizes.
  • Keep subject lines and preheaders concise for small screens.
  • Use alt text for images so visually impaired users can understand the content.

 

6. Test and Improve

The best way to enhance your email performance is through continuous testing and optimization.

  • A/B test different subject lines, CTAs, and email formats to see what works best.
  • Track open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates.
  • Use analytics to refine your strategy and improve future emails.

 

By following these best practices, you can significantly increase the chances that your emails get opened, read, and acted upon.

To learn more about how our team can assist you in optimizing your email marketing strategy, contact us today to get started!

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