Email Isn’t Dead — Here’s How to Make People Open Yours

Some people say email is outdated. They’ll tell you everyone’s too busy scrolling TikTok or binging YouTube to check their inbox.
But here’s the truth: email marketing is still one of the most powerful tools out there.

In fact, according to recent studies, email marketing delivers an average return of $36 for every $1 spent. That’s higher than any other digital channel — social media, paid ads, or SEO included.

The real issue isn’t whether email works. It’s how you use it.
You can’t just blast out boring messages and hope for the best. You have to make your emails something people actually want to open.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Write Killer Subject Lines

When it comes to email marketing, your subject line is everything. It’s the first thing people see, and in just a second or two, they’ll decide whether to open your email or delete it.

A good subject line should be:

Short (under 50 characters if possible)
Clear (avoid confusing language)
A little intriguing (give them a reason to be curious)

Here are a few examples of strong subject lines:

“You’re Missing Out on Something Big…”
“3 Secrets We Haven’t Shared Until Now”
“A Special Thank You Just for You”

Think about what would make you open an email — chances are, your audience feels the same way.

Pro tip: Avoid clickbait. If your subject line promises something, your email must deliver.

2. Personalize Everything

Nobody wants to feel like just another email address on a list. Personalization makes your emails feel more human — and it massively boosts engagement.

Start simple:

Use their first name in the subject line or greeting
Reference past purchases or browsing behavior
Suggest content based on their interests

For example, instead of “Check Out Our New Products,” try “Sarah, Here’s What We Picked Just for You.”

Studies show that emails with personalized subject lines are 26% more likely to be opened than ones without.
A little effort goes a long way.

3. Send at the Right Time

You could write the perfect email, but if you send it at the wrong time, it’ll get buried under a mountain of other messages.

While there’s no magic formula, research generally shows that the best times to send emails are:

Tuesdays and Thursdays
Mid-morning between 9–11 AM

That said, every audience is different.
Test and tweak your send times to find what works best for your list.

Many email marketing platforms (like Mailchimp or Klaviyo) offer send-time optimization tools based on your audience’s behavior.
Use them — they exist for a reason.

4. Keep Your Emails Mobile-Friendly

Here’s something you need to know:
More than 60% of emails are opened on mobile devices.

If your email is hard to read on a phone, most people will simply close it — or worse, unsubscribe.

Make sure your emails are:

Easy to scan (use short paragraphs and bullet points)
Designed with larger fonts
Loaded with clear, tappable buttons instead of tiny links

Also, always test your emails on both desktop and mobile before sending. A clean, mobile-friendly design can seriously boost your open and click rates.

5. Give Them a Reason to Care

Every email you send should answer one simple question:
“What’s in it for me?”

People don’t open emails out of kindness — they open them because they expect value.

That value could be:

A discount or special offer
An exclusive tip or piece of advice
A helpful resource like an e-book, guide, or checklist
Even just an entertaining story that makes them smile

Before you hit “send,” ask yourself:
“Would I be excited to open this?”
If the answer is no, go back and tweak it until you’re sure it delivers real value.

Bottom Line: Email Is Alive and Well — If You Play It Smart

Email marketing isn’t dead. Far from it.
It’s simply evolved.

Today’s email marketing rewards brands that respect their audience’s time, personalize their messages, and consistently offer value.

If you focus on writing irresistible subject lines, personalizing your emails, sending at smart times, designing for mobile, and always giving people a reason to open — you’ll see your results climb.

Remember: it’s not about sending more emails.
It’s about sending better ones.

And when you do that, email becomes not just alive — but one of your most powerful business tools.

Email Isn’t Dead – Here’s How To Stand Out