The Truth Behind Email Opens, According to Real Subscribers
All new subscribers answered one simple question:
What made you open this email?
Through replies and in-email polls, we’ve got some truths about why people really open emails.
Spoiler: it’s not the emoji that gets the open.
🗣️ What Subscribers Said:
“Didn’t even look at the subject line tbh – I was just keeping an eye out for the next email.”
“I opened the email because I was expecting one and because I signed up recently so the interest in your comms is still high.”
“I did not even read the subject line, just the sender name.”
“I’m excited to see what we learn!“
“here is what to expect” got me… I didn’t even notice the emoji”
“I opened because I am expecting emails from you, not because of the emoji!“
“Normally emojis catch my eye, but in this case my eyes glazed right past it and I was curious about ‘Here is what to expect!,’ especially combined with ‘Your clicks + your replies = real time results.‘
“I opened this email because of the subject line.”
🔍 Insight:
Open rates are just that—estimates. The real value comes from what subscribers actually tell you.
While subject lines can catch attention, it’s the recognition of your name and genuine interest in your content that really drive opens and engagement.
đź”— Put Your Emails to the Test (Literally):
Try polling your audience and reply with the results. Let’s trade lessons.
Inbox Collective shows you how to poll with purpose with their guide on How to Use In-Newsletter Polls to Engage With and Learn From Your Audience
Danielle Cambio
Marketing Technologist
Execute. Measure. Assess. Improve. Learn.
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I experiment with what I see in the inbox and share the results. As a subscriber, you can participate in real-time, and your feedback helps shape the email experiment.