Why It’s Not Just About Subject Lines
If you’re staring at your email stats wondering why your open rates are underwhelming, I get it. I used to think the fix was all about better subject lines. Or fancier email templates. Or sending on “the right day.”
But the real shift? It was in how I thought about email.
This post shares the mindset tweak that changed how I write, what I send, and how my list responds, and it’s one you can apply today.
Most Emails Start With the Wrong Question
Here’s how most founders plan emails:
- “What should I promote this week?”
- “What’s going on in the business?”
- “What content haven’t I sent yet?”
But that means the emails are about you. Not your reader.
The switch? Start every email with this question: “What does my reader need to hear from me today to take one step forward?”
That’s how you write for connection, not conversion.
From Broadcasts to Conversations
When I stopped treating my email list like an audience and started treating them like real people, everything changed. Here’s what that looked like:
Before:
- Weekly updates full of links
- Heavily branded headers and long intros
- CTAs buried at the bottom
After:
- Plain-text style, like a note from a friend
- One clear takeaway
- One action to take
The Trust Timeline: 3 Types of Emails to Rotate
To build long-term trust and higher open rates, think in layers.
1. Teach Something Actionable
These emails build value and authority.
“3 mistakes most people make when writing launch emails”
2. Share a Belief Shift
These emails build connection.
“You don’t need a new strategy. You need to trust the one you picked.”
3. Offer a Next Step
These emails build conversions.
“If you’re tired of second-guessing your email strategy, here’s how we fix it.”
My Open Rate Formula
- Segment smart: Only send to active readers
- Subject lines with purpose: No clickbait. Just curiosity.
- Write for one reader: Picture a specific person on your list
- Stop trying to be clever: Be clear and helpful
Quick Wins to Try This Week
- Re-send last week’s email to non-openers with a new subject line
- Add a text-only email to your flow
- Ask a genuine question in your next broadcast and encourage replies
Final Thought
If your emails feel like they’re landing in a black hole, the fix isn’t more tools. It’s more empathy.
People open emails that feel like they were written for them. And that starts with you asking better questions before you hit send.
Want a second pair of eyes on your email flow? Book a free call and let’s talk through it.
