Email marketing is still one of the most powerful digital marketing strategies in 2025, with a return on investment (ROI) of $36 for every $1 spent. But here’s the catch—if your emails remain unopened, none of that potential ROI matters. That’s why mastering how to improve email open rates is critical for every marketer, entrepreneur, and business owner.

Your email open rate is the gateway metric that determines whether your message gets seen, clicked, and ultimately drives revenue. In this article, we’ll walk through 15 proven strategies that will not only help you get more eyes on your emails but also build stronger relationships with your subscribers.

Understanding Email Open Rates

What Are Email Open Rates and Why Do They Matter?

Email open rate is the percentage of recipients who open your email compared to the number of people who received it. For example, if you send 1,000 emails and 250 are opened, your open rate is 25%.

This metric is essential because it reflects the effectiveness of your subject line, sender reputation, and overall engagement with your audience.

Average Email Open Rates by Industry

According to recent studies, the average email open rate across industries hovers between 18% and 25%, though it varies significantly. For example:

• Non-profits: ~26%

• Retail: ~19%

• Technology: ~21%

• Financial Services: ~22%

Open Rates vs. Click-Through Rates

While open rates measure who opens, click-through rates (CTR) measure who acts. Both metrics are vital, but without strong open rates, click-throughs can’t happen.

Key Factors That Affect Email Open Rates

Subject Line Optimization

Your subject line is the first impression. A dull or spammy subject line ensures your email ends up ignored—or worse, in the spam folder.

Sender Reputation and Trust

Subscribers are more likely to open emails from a sender they recognize and trust. Using your brand name consistently builds credibility.

Sending Frequency and Timing

Too many emails overwhelm subscribers; too few make them forget about you. Finding the sweet spot is critical.

Personalization and List Segmentation

Generic, “one-size-fits-all” emails don’t cut it anymore. Personalized and targeted campaigns consistently outperform mass blasts.

Mobile Responsiveness

Since over 70% of emails are opened on mobile, poor formatting or unreadable designs can crush your open rates.

15 Proven Strategies on How to Improve Email Open Rates

1. Write Subject Lines That Spark Curiosity

Keep subject lines short (5–9 words) and use action-oriented language. For example:
❌ “Monthly Newsletter”
✅ “ 3 Insider Tips You Can’t Miss Today”

2. Use a Recognizable and Trusted Sender Name

Emails from “info@company.com” feel impersonal. Instead, use a human name or “Brand + Person” (e.g., “Sarah at SherDore”).

3. Segment Your Audience for Relevance

Divide your email list by demographics, behaviors, or preferences. A segmented campaign can increase open rates by 39% or more.

4. Personalize Beyond the First Name

Instead of just “Hi John,” personalize based on past purchases, browsing history, or location. This makes emails more engaging.

5. Optimize Send Times for Higher Engagement

Studies show that the best times to send emails are Tuesday to Thursday mornings (9–11 AM). However, test for your audience.

6. Keep Your Email Lists Clean

Remove inactive subscribers regularly. A smaller, engaged list beats a large, unresponsive one.

7. Test and A/B Subject Lines

Run A/B tests with variations of subject lines. Even small changes like adding urgency or emojis can boost open rates.

8. Use Preheader Text Effectively

The preheader text acts like a second subject line. Use it to provide context or build curiosity.

9. Make Your Emails Mobile-Friendly

Responsive designs, short paragraphs, and tappable CTAs improve both open and engagement rates on mobile devices.

10. Provide Real Value in Every Email

Your subscribers should feel they gain something valuable—whether it’s a tip, discount, or exclusive content.

11. Re-Engage Inactive Subscribers

Send win-back campaigns like: “We miss you! Here’s 20% off to come back.”

12. Leverage Emojis and Power Words in Subject Lines

A touch of fun (when appropriate) increases open rates. Example: “ Limited Offer Ends Tonight!”

13. Create Urgency with Limited-Time Offers

Phrases like “Last Chance” or “Offer Ends Today” encourage immediate action.

14. Automate with Smart Email Tools like SherDore Mailer

Using an advanced platform like SherDore Mailer ensures your emails land in the inbox, not the spam folder. Features include:

• List segmentation for targeted campaigns

• AI-powered subject line testing

• Advanced analytics to track open rates

By automating with SherDore, you can send at the right time, to the right person, with the right message.

15. Monitor Analytics and Continuously Improve

Always review performance data. Test new strategies, refine campaigns, and never stop improving.

FAQs: How to Improve Email Open Rates

What is a good email open rate in 2025?

A good open rate is around 20–25%, though some industries perform higher.

Do emojis in subject lines increase open rates?

Yes, when used sparingly and appropriately, emojis can increase engagement.

How often should I send marketing emails?

Once or twice a week works for most industries. The key is consistency without overwhelming subscribers.

Does personalization really improve open rates?

Absolutely. Personalized subject lines alone can improve open rates by 26%.

What tools can I use to improve open rates?

Platforms like SherDore Mailer provide automation, analytics, and list segmentation to maximize engagement.

How can I recover inactive subscribers?

Re-engagement campaigns with special offers, surveys, or exclusive content can help win them back.

Conclusion: The Future of Email Open Rates

Improving email open rates isn’t about tricks—it’s about delivering real value at the right time to the right audience. By optimizing subject lines, personalizing messages, segmenting lists, and leveraging smart tools like Sherdore Mailer, businesses can consistently achieve higher engagement and conversions.

In 2025, competition in the inbox is fiercer than ever, but with the right strategies, your emails can stand out, get opened, and drive measurable results.