Learn these 6 tricks to get customers to open your emails voluntarily!

The open rate of trade emails is influenced by numerous factors, including both objective metrics and subjective impressions. Below are the key objective factors affecting open rates and strategies for optimization and improvement:
 


Choosing the Right Time to Send Emails
Research shows that the open rate of emails peaks at 23.6% within the first hour after sending but declines rapidly over time:  
- After 2 hours: 9.52%  
- After 3 hours: 6.33%  
- After 24 hours: nearly 0%  
 
Optimal Sending Times:
- Weekdays: 9:00-10:30 AM and 3:00-4:00 PM are peak hours for email processing.  
- Days of the Week: Open rates are typically highest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, about three times higher than other days.  
 
Recommendations:
Limit your email frequency to no more than two per week and no more than seven per month. Sending emails too frequently can annoy customers and negatively impact open rates.
 
Optimizing Text-to-Image Ratio
The design of email visuals and text directly affects the customer's reading experience. A well-balanced combination of text and images enhances communication efficiency and brand perception.  
 
For example, a British brand created a summer promotion email featuring:  
- A vibrant, smiling face as the header image, evoking summer's lively and refreshing vibe.  
- A clear subject line highlighting the theme and new-season products.  
- A "SHOP NOW" CTA button at the end to guide customers toward action.  
 
Even without discount details, the email effectively showcased its target products.  
 
Suggestions:
- Use attention-grabbing header images, clear themes, and a logical information hierarchy.  
- Avoid overcrowding text with too many images to prevent slow loading times and loss of customer interest.
 
Creating a Sense of Individual Attention
Customers open emails not only for discounts or promotions but also for personalized care. Common approaches include:  
- Holiday Greetings:Customized festive messages to foster closer connections.  
- Important Notifications:Updates on new product launches, shipping changes, or policy revisions that make customers feel valued and respected.  
 
Tips:
- Ensure the content feels personalized and not mass-sent.  
- Address customers by name, e.g., "Hi, [Customer Name], we recommend..."
 
Leveraging Current Events and Environment  
Emails that align with local trends or weather conditions can significantly improve open rates. For example, if temperatures drop in a customer's location, a subject line like "This Winter, Stay Warm and Stylish" resonates better. This is also why promotional subject lines often achieve higher open rates.
 
Effective Use of Visual Elements
Visuals are critical in capturing customer attention. Common tactics include:  
- Brand Mascots: Develop a mascot that aligns with the brand's image and use it consistently in emails to strengthen brand recall.  
- GIFs: Animated images are more engaging than static ones, quickly convey messages, and add an element of fun. However, keep file sizes small to avoid slow loading times.  
 
Crafting Thoughtful Subject Lines  
The subject line is a key factor in whether an email gets opened. Avoid these common pitfalls:  
- Pretending familiarity: Misleading terms like RE:, RE:RE:, FW:, Reply:  
- Overly vague claims: Phrases like Best Price, Top Quality, Super Technology
- Empty promises: Unrealistic claims such as 100% Free, Only for You, Ever Best Discount
- Cold or harsh tones: E.g., Please come to see us
 
By applying these techniques, you may not completely overcome the inherent challenges in open rates but can effectively increase the appeal driven by subjective factors, paving the way for better customer engagement and conversions.