Email marketing is one of the best ways to connect with your audience, but if no one is opening your emails, it can feel like you're shouting into the void. The good news? There are some simple tweaks you can make to boost your email open rates and get more engagement. Let’s go over some common mistakes and how to fix them. 

Why Your Emails Aren’t Getting Opened

1. Your Subject Lines Are Boring

Your email subject line is the first thing people see, and if it doesn’t catch their attention, they’ll scroll right past it.

Fix it by:

• Making it intriguing or benefit-driven ("Feeling sluggish? Try this quick fix.")

• Keeping it short—6-10 words max

• Personalizing it (*"Hey [First Name], this is for you!")

• Avoiding spammy words like “Free” or too many exclamation points!!!

2. You're Sending Emails at the Wrong Time

Timing is everything. If your emails land in an inbox when no one’s checking, they’ll get buried.

Fix it by:

• Testing different send times to see what works best

• Sending B2B emails Tuesday-Thursday, mid-morning

• Sending B2C emails in the evening or weekends when people are relaxed

3. Your Emails Are Going to Spam

If your emails aren’t even making it to the inbox, there’s no chance they’ll be opened.

Fix it by:

• Making sure subscribers actually opted in (no sketchy purchased lists!)

• Using a legit sender email (e.g., yourname@yourbusiness.com)

• Avoiding spammy words like “Urgent” or “Congratulations”

• Running your emails through a spam-checking tool before hitting send

4. You’re Sending the Same Email to Everyone

Not all subscribers are the same, so a one-size-fits-all email won’t work.

Fix it by:

• Segmenting your list based on interests, purchase history, or engagement

• Personalizing emails to match what your audience cares about

• Sending content that actually matters to them

5. Your Preview Text is Weak

That little text snippet next to the subject line? It matters more than you think.

Fix it by:

• Using 50-130 characters to expand on the subject line

• Making it engaging and giving a sneak peek of what’s inside

• Example: Subject: "Feeling sluggish?" Preview Text: "Here’s an easy fix that’ll boost your energy in minutes."

6. Your Email List is Outdated

If a big chunk of your list is full of inactive subscribers, it drags down your overall performance.

Fix it by:

• Cleaning your list regularly (remove people who haven’t engaged in months)

• Running a re-engagement campaign to bring inactive subscribers back

• Using a double opt-in process so only truly interested people join your list

Quick Wins to Boost Open Rates

✅ A/B test your subject lines – See what style works best.
✅ Use emojis (but don’t overdo it) – They can make your subject line stand out.
✅ Make sure your emails look great on mobile – Most people open emails on their phones.
✅ Create a sense of urgency – Phrases like "Last chance!" or "Only a few spots left!" can work wonders.

The Bottom Line

If your email open rates are low, don’t stress. A few small tweaks—like improving your subject lines, personalizing content, and sending at the right time—can make a huge difference. Try these email marketing best practices and watch your open rates improve!

Need a hand with your email strategy? Reach out to Gin & Coffee Agency for expert help!