2 Email Tests Boosting Open Rates Today

Liz reveals two real-time email experiments increasing opens and engagement.

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Is testing subject lines worth it?

Testing different subject lines can reveal valuable insights about your audience's preferences.

'I had one that I thought was really fun called 'Poppycock'. That one had a 58.6% open rate. So the open rates are pretty good... I'm finding that my one-word subject lines are doing better than the others.'

Takeaway:
  • Experimentation helps identify the most effective strategies.
  • Tracking open rates shows which subject lines resonate with subscribers.
  • Consistent testing leads to continuous improvement in email performance.

How can email templates boost engagement?

Utilizing email templates can simplify your email marketing and drive results.

'I took the pickles template from EMM that dropped today and sent it to both of my businesses... Had a web client respond with paid work... I also had an old magic client from 2019 respond to book a show this summer.'

Takeaway:
  • Email templates make it easier to send engaging emails regularly.
  • They can help reconnect with dormant subscribers and generate business.
  • Templates save time while maintaining quality and effectiveness.

How to make emails part of subscribers' routines

Becoming a consistent presence in your subscribers' inbox can enhance engagement.

'The more you email, the more community you're going to build, the more people are going to have your content just as part of their routine, right? You're not annoying them, you're becoming part of their routine.'

Takeaway:
  • Consistency helps establish familiarity with your audience.
  • Regular emails can make your content a welcome part of subscribers' days.
  • Building a community through email fosters loyalty and engagement.

Is increasing email frequency risky?

Many worry that sending more emails might annoy subscribers, but is that really the case?

'You would think the more emails I send, the more people are not opening, but I'm actually seeing way more engagement. My click rates are going way, way up, and the open rates are staying the same or going a little higher.'

Takeaway:
  • Sending more emails doesn't necessarily lead to lower engagement.
  • Increased frequency can strengthen the relationship with your audience.
  • Don't fear emailing more often if you provide value in each message.

Should you mix up your subject lines?

While one-word subject lines perform well, it's beneficial to vary your approach.

'So I'm still mixing it up. This email is less than 100 words. Tell me, you know, and those are doing good. Those are still 58, 59% open rates, but I find if I want to get past 60 or 61%, it's usually one word that sticks out.'

Takeaway:
  • Experiment with different types of subject lines to see what works best.
  • One-word subject lines may outperform others, but variety keeps content fresh.
  • Analyzing open rates helps refine your email strategies.

Can one-word subject lines increase clicks?

Short and intriguing subject lines might not only boost open rates but also click-through rates.

'It seems like my open rate, despite my email list growing, is staying high. Click rates are up even... the click rate is going up too, and I think it's just so intriguing.'

Takeaway:
  • Intriguing subject lines can lead to higher engagement beyond opens.
  • Creating curiosity encourages subscribers to explore your content further.
  • Simple subject lines can have a significant impact on clicks.

Why intriguing preview text matters

Pairing your subject line with an effective preview text can enhance the appeal of your email.

'With the one word, I can usually come up with my preview text a lot easier... for the one that said 'Fetch', you know, that's from Mean Girls... the preview text was super easy because it was like, I'm still trying to make it happen, right? So it was kind of a play on that.'

Takeaway:
  • Creative preview text complements your subject line and entices readers.
  • Leveraging cultural references can make your emails more relatable.
  • Thoughtful preview text increases the likelihood of your email being opened.

How to re-engage an inactive email list?

Reconnecting with your email subscribers, even after a long hiatus, can yield surprising results.

'Justin said... I've been really bad about sending out my emails. It's been a couple of months. I took the pickles template from EMM that dropped today and sent it to both of my businesses... Had a web client respond with paid work... I also had an old magic client from 2019 respond to book a show this summer.'

Takeaway:
  • Don't hesitate to reach out to your list, even if it's been a while.
  • Using engaging templates can help rekindle interest from past clients.
  • Consistent communication can lead to unexpected opportunities and sales.

Does increasing email frequency improve engagement?

Increasing the frequency of your emails might seem counterintuitive, but it can actually lead to higher engagement.

'I am noticing the more emails I'm sending, the more [opens] I'm getting, which is awesome. So you would think the more emails I send, the more people are not opening, but I'm actually seeing way more engagement.'

Takeaway:
  • Sending emails more frequently can build a stronger connection with your audience.
  • Regular emails can become part of your subscribers' routine, increasing open rates.
  • Don't be afraid to email more often; it may lead to higher engagement.

Do one-word subject lines boost open rates?

If you're looking to improve your email open rates, experimenting with your subject lines can make a significant difference.

'I am loving my one-word subject lines... I've had one called 'Urgent', that had a 63.4% open rate and a 5.8% click rate. Amazing.'

Takeaway:
  • Using one-word subject lines can pique curiosity and boost open rates.
  • Intriguing subject lines encourage recipients to open your emails, leading to increased engagement.
  • Experimenting with subject lines can help identify what resonates with your audience.

Episode Info:

Title:
two email experiments I’m running right now
Episode Link:
Keywords:
email marketing, subject lines, email frequency
Episode Air Date:
May 14, 2025

Podcast info:

Show Name:
The Email Sound Booth
Author:
Liz Wilcox
Owner:
Liz Wilcox
Category:
Business

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