19 SUBJECT LINE STATS IMPACTING OUR EMAIL OPEN RATES

We all invest time in perfecting our email copy, hyperlinking the right words, and placing the right call-to-action.

But what's the point of all that work if no one is even opening our emails?

That's where subject line comes in. Whether we're trying to connect with an executive, sell a prospect, or simply get a friend's attention, our subject lines influence whether or not those emails get opened. 

Clickthrough the presentation below to uncover 19 subject line stats. Each stat gives insight into our subject line strategy - from word choice to character count and beyond. 

Prefer to just scroll through the stats in non-visual form? Here you go -

1.33% of email recipients open email based on subject line alone.
[Source: Convince&Convert]

2. 69% of email recipients report email as based solely on the subject line.
[Source: Convince&Convert]

3. 40% of emails are opened on mobile first – where the average mobile screen can only fit 4-7 words max.
[Source: ContactMonkey]

4. Emails with “You” in the subject line were opened 5% less than those without.
[Source: Sidekick]

5. Emails with “Free” in the subject line were opened 10% more than those without.
[Source:Sidekick]

6. Emails with "Quick" in the subject line were opened 17% less than those without.
[Source:Sidekick]

 

7. Emails with "Tomorrow" in the subject line were opened 10% more than those without.
[Source:Sidekick]

8. Emails with "Meeting" in the subject line were opened 7% less than those without.
[Source:Sidekick]

 

9. Emails with no subject all together were opened 8% more than those with a subject line.
[Source: Sidekick]

10. Emails with “fw:” in the subject line were opened 17% less than those without.
[Source: Convince&Convert]

11. 18.7% decrease in open rates when the word “newsletter” is used in subject lines. 
[Source: Adestra]

12. 61.8% increase in opens when using the word “alert” in subject lines.
[Source:Adestra]

13. Using the words “Sale,” “New,” or “Video” in subject lines boost open rates.
[Source: Adestra]

14. Using “Daily” or “Weekly” in subject lines boosts open rates whereas “Monthly” hurts them.
[Source: Adestra]

15. The top five subject lines in a recent study all included “Re:”. 
[Source: ContactMonkey]

16. Subject lines with 30 or fewer characters have an above average open rate. 
[Source: Adestra]
17. Subject lines with 3 or more words are opened 15% less than those with 1-2.
[Source: ContactMonkey]

18. Personalized subject lines are 22.2% more likely to be opened.
[Source:Adestra]

19. 
Subject lines that create a sense of urgency and exclusivity can give a 22% higher open rate. 
[Source: Email Institute]