"How to Increase Email Open Rates with H2H Subject Lines | Literal Humans"

"How to Increase Email Open Rates with H2H Subject Lines | Literal Humans"

The average email open rate across industries is 19.66% in 2022. This statistic can be disheartening, especially if you're putting in the effort to create compelling content for your subscribers. But fear not, there are ways to improve your open rates and grab the attention of your audience. One of the key factors in achieving higher open rates is crafting subject lines that appeal to the human side of your subscribers.

When it comes to subject lines, it's crucial to frame them in a way that shows what's in it for the reader. People are more likely to open an email if they feel that it's written for them and offers value. Remember, subscribers don't care about you or your product; they care about how it can benefit them. A study conducted in 2020 on solar adoption in 29 cities found that people were twice as likely to adopt solar power when the message focused on personal gain rather than social responsibility.

To create subject lines that pique curiosity and increase open rates, consider incorporating one or more of the five dimensions of curiosity: deprivation sensitivity, joyous exploration, social curiosity, stress tolerance, and thrill-seeking. By tapping into these aspects, you can create subject lines that make readers want to click and find out more.

Another important aspect to consider is the timing and type of email you send. Triggered emails, such as those sent in response to specific actions or events, have been found to perform better than newsletters. In fact, a study by GetResponse revealed that triggered emails had an open rate of 35.64%, while newsletters had an open rate of 20.58%. So, it's worth investing time and effort into creating targeted and timely emails that cater to the individual needs and interests of your subscribers.

Personalization is often touted as a way to increase engagement, but it's important to go beyond simply adding a first name tag to your subject line. In fact, the GetResponse study found that open rates were actually lower when subject lines included this form of personalization. Instead, focus on creating subject lines that are specific and set clear expectations for the reader. For example, subject lines with the word "now" scored an open rate of 31.73%.

Additionally, it's essential to optimize your subject lines for mobile devices. Most people open emails on their mobile phones, and the limited screen space means that subject lines need to be concise. While the average subject line is 44 characters long, mobile phones can only accommodate around 33 characters in the field of view. So, keep your subject lines short and impactful to ensure they capture attention even on smaller screens.

In conclusion, increasing email open rates requires a human-to-human (H2H) approach. Craft subject lines that focus on the reader's needs and offer value. Tap into the dimensions of curiosity to create intrigue and engagement. Consider the timing and type of emails you send, with triggered emails often outperforming newsletters. Be specific in your subject lines to set clear expectations, and optimize them for mobile devices. By implementing these strategies, you can improve your email open rates and build stronger connections with your subscribers.

Actionable Advice:

1. Put yourself in your subscriber's shoes: Before crafting a subject line, ask yourself what value it offers to the reader. Make sure it's focused on their needs and interests.

2. Experiment with triggered emails: Take advantage of triggered emails to send targeted and timely content to your subscribers. Use automation tools to set up triggers based on specific actions or events.

3. Optimize for mobile: Keep your subject lines concise, around 33 characters, to ensure they are fully visible on mobile devices. Test how your subject lines appear on different screen sizes to ensure maximum impact.