Why your emails are snoozers (and how to wake them up)

How small tweaks can turn “ignore” into “reply” every time

Last month, I sent out a newsletter that got a grand total of two opens. One was my co-worker (thanks, Jim), the other was my mom (love you, mom). It was a brutal reminder that even our best ideas can flop in the inbox.

That failure sparked a mini obsession: what makes an email irresistible? I dove into subject line experiments, copy tweaks, and timing hacks, ultimately discovering that the secret often lies in the smallest details.

Why It Matters Now

• Inbox overload: The average professional receives 121 emails per day.

• Open rates: Industry benchmark open rates hover around 21%, but top performers consistently hit 35% or more.

• Expert insight: “Getting the open is half the battle,” says Leah Kim, Email Strategy Lead at MailGenius. “From there, every word counts.”

With attention spans shorter than ever, ensuring your email stands out is table stakes, not a bonus.

1. Nail the Subject Line

Your subject line is the bouncer to your inbox club, don’t let bland invites in.

• Be specific: “Your Q2 revenu…