Let’s be honest, sending emails that no one opens feels like talking to a wall. You put your time and energy into well planned campaigns, only to see your open rates are still stuck at the same low number. But don’t panic! This guide will help you boost open rates while keeping your emails out of the spam zone. Why your open rates are low, what triggers spam filters, and exactly what steps you can take to get more eyeballs on your emails (the good kind).
What Is Email Open Rate?
An email open rate refers to the number of people who opened the mails that were sent out. It is a very important factor in email marketing. The chances of conversions are very slim, if the mails are not being opened. An email open rate refers to the number of people who opened the mails that were sent out. It is a very important factor in email marketing.
What Causes Low Email Open Rates?
- Outdated or irrelevant email lists
- Weak or misleading subject lines
- Poor sender reputation or unverified domains
- According to Email benchmark report, the average open rate for email marketing is 28.6% because of the lack of a fixed strategy.
Why Do Emails Get Marked as Spam?
Emails often get flagged as spam if they look suspicious, come from unverified sources, or use spammy subject lines (think “GET RICH QUICK!!!”). If your email looks too unrealistic and too perfect the chances of it reaching the inbox would be very slim. Almost suspiciously attractive.
Steps to take that can change your Email Open Rate Without Getting Marked as Spam
Let’s get strategic. Here are some of the steps you can take:
Step 1: Clean Your Email List Regularly
Verify email lists every once in a while. Remove invalid, unreachable, or non genuine addresses. Think of it like decluttering your inbox—but in reverse!
Step 2: Write Clear, Natural Subject Lines
Avoid clickbait. Write subject lines that sound real and not like one of those spam lines. They should spark curiosity and not sound fake.
Step 3: Secure your Email Domain
In case you haven’t done so yet, verify your email domain using DKIM, SPF, and DMARC protocols. This tells email clients you’re legit and not a pretender
Step 4: Personalize Your Emails
Emails that say “Hey [First Name]” still perform better. Add location or content based on behavior when possible.
Step 5: Avoid Spam Triggers
Stay away from words that are all in CAPS, consist of a lot of punctuation in between and use over-promising phrases. For example:
“YOU WON’T BELIEVE THIS!!!”
✅ “Check out this tip to improve your sales”
It is most likely that these are fake.
Step 6: Test Send Times
Experiment with when you send your emails. Select the right time to schedule your emails. Studies show mid-week mornings generally have the best engagement rates.
Step 7: Provide Value (Always)
Your audience should know that every email from you offers something helpful, whether it’s insight, a freebie, or a new feature.
Tools That Can Help You Improve Email Open Rates
| Tool Name | Purpose | Free/Paid |
| Mailchimp | Campaign management + basic analytics | Free/Paid |
| NeverBounce | Validate email domains + list cleaning | Paid |
| Litmus | A/B test subject lines & preview emails | Paid |
| GMass | Gmail-based automation + tracking | Free/Paid |
Some Tips to Keep Your Emails Out of the Spam Folder
- Don’t use too many images or heavy attachments
- Use alt text for all visuals
- Include an unsubscribe link (yes, even if it hurts)
- Avoid using shortened or suspicious-looking URLs
Conclusion
Low open rates aren’t the end of the world, they’re just a signal that something needs sharpening. From cleaning your list and writing better subject lines to using tools that validate your emails, small changes can drive big results.
And if you’re feeling stuck or just want someone else to handle it all—Bangalore’s top digital marketing agency-BLeap Digital has got you!
FAQs
1: Is a 20% email open rate good?
Yes, 20% is considered an average email open rate across most industries. If you’re hitting that or higher, you’re doing pretty well!
2: How often do I have to clean my email list?
At least once every 3 months. More often if you send emails weekly or have a large list.
3: Can emojis in subject lines improve open rates?
Sometimes! They can grab attention, but don’t overuse them.