We’ve all been there. You spend time crafting what you think is the perfect email. Snappy copy, a bold call to action, and all the right words. You hit send, maybe with a little excitement, and then… silence. No opens, no clicks, no replies. It’s enough to make anyone second-guess their strategy.
The reality is that most emails vanish into a sea of unopened messages. It’s not that your product or service isn’t good enough. It’s that inboxes are jam-packed with newsletters, promotions, and endless notifications. Standing out is tough.
So, how do you write emails that get opened and actually read?
It all starts with the subject line. Picture your reader scrolling through their inbox, barely paying attention as they sip coffee. You have maybe two seconds to catch their eye. Skip the hype and clickbait. A great subject line is short, specific, and a little intriguing. Instead of something generic like “Check Out Our New Feature,” try “Can This Save You 10 Hours a Week?” That kind of subject line makes someone pause mid-scroll.
But even the best subject line can’t fix an email that sounds robotic. Too many brands send emails that are stiff, overly formal, or just plain boring. Instead, write like you’re talking to a real person, because you are. Use contractions, keep sentences short, and picture yourself having a conversation with someone over coffee. If it feels too formal, loosen it up until it sounds natural.
Make the email about them, not you. It’s easy to fall into the trap of talking about your company’s wins or latest product launch. But readers care about what’s in it for them. How does it help them solve a problem? How does it make their life better? Focus your language on their needs and their goals, not yours.
The first line of your email is just as important as the subject line. Think of it as your hook. You want to pull the reader in and make them want to keep reading. Maybe it’s a question about a challenge they’re facing. Maybe it’s a bold statement that makes them think, “That’s me.” Whatever it is, it should feel relevant and real.
Once you’ve caught their attention, don’t overload the email with too much information. Stick to one clear message. If you have more to say, save it for the next email. Make sure your call to action is easy to find and understand. Whether it’s booking a call, reading a blog post, or signing up for a webinar, they should know exactly what to do next.
Timing also matters. There’s no perfect hour for everyone, but aim to send emails when people are most likely to check their inboxes. Mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays are often the best. Test different times to see what works for your audience.
At the end of the day, writing emails that get opened isn’t about tricking people into clicking. It’s about being real. Show up with a message that matters, delivered at the right time and in the right tone.
So, the next time you’re staring at a blank screen, remember: write like a human, focus on your reader, and always make it worth their while to open your email.
