Email marketing is still one of the most affordable and highest-ROI online marketing methods. But here’s the reality: regardless of how compelling your email message is, it will not translate to anything if your audience doesn’t open your emails.
If you’re having trouble with low open rates, don’t worry. The industry average email open rate is around 20–25%, but with the right strategies, you can take it above that threshold. This definitive guide unlocks email marketing strategies to get your open rate skyrocketing like a pro in 2025.
Acing the Subject Line – Your Initial Greeting
Your subject line is your doorman. If it’s not interesting, your email is in the trash.
Winning Subject Lines Tips:
Employ curiosity: “You won’t believe what we’re giving away.”
Make it urgent or create FOMO: “Ends in 12 hours – don’t miss out!”
Be super-specific: “7 ways to increase sales with AI in 2025”
Make it personal: “Hey Sarah, we chose this for you”
Steer clear of spam triggers: ALL CAPS, excessive emojis , or the use of words like “FREE!!!”
Tip: Experiment with varying subject line copy using A/B testing software to find out what responds with your audience.
Make the Sender Name Clear
Individuals open mail from someone they know and trust. Make sure your “From Name” sounds personal and trustworthy.
Best Practices:
Utilize your company name or actual individual’s name + business (e.g., “David from Thrive”)
Be consistent in order to generate recognition
Steer clear of generic or ambiguous names such as “admin” or “info”
Get the Preheader Text Right
The preheader is that small chunk of text that comes after your subject line in the inbox preview. It’s your second opportunity to capture attention.
Example:
Subject Line: “Get 50% Off Before It’s Gone”
Preheader: “Your exclusive deal ends tonight – act fast!”
Ensure that your preheader supports the subject and delivers value, rather than simply copying the same line.
Segment Your Email List
One-size-fits-all emails no longer cut it. Segmenting your email list can have a huge effect on open rates.
Segment by:
Location
Gender
Past purchase behavior
Email engagement history
Interests/preferences
Brands that segment campaigns see up to a 760% boost in revenue. (Campaign Monitor)
Send at the Right Time
Timing is key. Emails sent outside of typical hours tend to get ignored or deleted.
Best times to send (for most industries):
Tuesday to Thursday
10 AM to 11 AM or 1 PM to 3 PM
Skip weekends unless your audience is very active
Leverage email automation software with smart send capabilities that learn and adjust delivery timing based on user activity.
Clean Your Email List Regularly
Unengaged subscribers and high bounce rates devastate your open rate and sender reputation.
Do this:
Delete inactive subscribers (no opens/clicks in 60-90 days)
Implement double opt-in to validate addresses
Verify your domain using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to prevent spam folders
Leverage Personalization Beyond the Name
Personalization is no longer just “Hi [First Name]” anymore. Make the whole email feel personalized.
Sophisticated Personalization Ideas:
Suggest products based on browsing history
Display local weather or store hours
Make use of dynamic content blocks based on behavior
Personalized emails drive 6x higher transactional rates.
Get Your Email Mobile-Ready
Over 70% of emails are opened on mobile. If your email isn’t optimized for smartphones, you’re losing opens and clicks.
Tips:
Use a responsive design
Keep subject lines under 50 characters
Use large, tappable buttons
Avoid tiny fonts and long paragraphs
Run Re-Engagement Campaigns
If users have stopped opening your emails, don’t give up yet.
Re-engagement Ideas:
“We miss you” campaigns
Offer a special discount
Ask them to update their preferences
If they still don’t answer, think of removing them from your list to maintain your sender score in good health.
Monitor and Get Better Continuously
Email marketing is never “set and forget.” Use data to improve.
Monitor:
Open rate trends
Subject line performance
Bounce and unsubscribe rates
Best performing segments and times
Tools such as Mailchimp, ConvertKit, GetResponse, and HubSpot provide robust analytics dashboards to drive continuous improvement.
Email Marketing Checklist
- Bonus Checklist: Before You Press Send
- Compelling subject line
- Personalized sender name
- Effective preheader
- Segmented audience
- Mobile-friendly design
- Clear value in content
- Optimized send time
- Call-to-action (CTA) is visible and strong
