When composing emails, whether these are for internal or external recipients, the subject line is one of the most important things to consider. This statement, which appears at the top of the email, piques the recipients’ attention and entices them to open the email.

According to data published in February 2022 by smartinsight.com, the average email open rate across all industries is 29.55%.

This low success rate of getting emails opened can be attributed to a variety of factors.  Some common mistakes often made are:

1. Leaving the email subject line blank

The most common error is to send an email with a blank subject line. Most individuals now assess the importance of emails on the subject line’s urgency. Your email may be ignored or deleted if it lacks a clear subject line. So, before you press the “send” button, make sure you’ve included your subject on the top of your email.

2. Avoid long subject lines

Your desktop email inbox can only display 60 characters, while your mobile phone can only display at least 25. On that basis, you must optimize the character limit granted according to these devices. Write as brief and straightforward a subject line as possible – remember you’re writing a subject line, not an email body. Make sure to include action verbs and phrases to generate action from your recipient.

3. Avoid using ALL CAPS

Congratulations! You’ve just stirred your email recipient’s interest in the wrong manner. In real life, writing in ALL CAPS is tantamount to yelling. Furthermore, by doing so, you are intimidating your readers, which may make them hesitant to open your email. So, use discretion when applying ALL CAPS in your subject line. Learn the varied ways of writing the email subject line to get your email read by enrolling in EPiC Online’s  Business Writing course, which includes composing effective email subject lines.

To learn more about the course, click here.