5 Email Newsletter Tips to Get More Opens and Sales
Because your email newsletters deserve to be opened, read, and clicked.
Email marketing isn’t dead—it’s just misunderstood. While social media can change with every algorithm update, email remains a direct line to your audience. But let’s face it: landing in the inbox is only half the battle. Getting people to open, read, and actually buy from your email? That’s where the magic happens.
Whether you’re running an online shop, building a service-based brand, or growing a digital product empire, your email newsletter is one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolkit. Here are five proven tips to help you get more opens and more sales—without sounding like a pushy robot.
1. Nail the Subject Line (Because That’s the First Impression)
If your subject line doesn’t spark curiosity or clearly communicate value, your email probably won’t even get opened. It’s that simple. You could be offering the best freebie, flash sale, or story—but if the subject line falls flat, it’s game over.
Tips to improve your subject lines:
Keep it short and punchy: Aim for under 50 characters if possible.
Add urgency or exclusivity: “Last chance,” “Just for you,” or “Closes tonight” still work.
Test curiosity vs. clarity: Try A/B testing subject lines like “You’ll never believe this tip” versus “The email strategy that boosted our sales 30%.”
Use emojis—strategically: When used sparingly and intentionally, emojis can increase open rates by drawing attention.
🔑 Quick tip: Try writing 5–10 different subject lines before picking your favorite. Often, your best one comes after your first few tries.
2. Make Your Preview Text Work Harder
Preview text (the snippet of text that shows up after the subject line) is prime real estate. And yet, so many people waste it on default phrases like “View this email in your browser” or repeat the subject line.
Think of your preview text as your second chance to convince someone to open the email.
How to optimize it:
Complement the subject line with more info or curiosity.
Use it to reinforce urgency or tease what’s inside.
Keep it around 35–90 characters (most email clients will cut off after that).
📧 Example:
Subject line: “The #1 thing your emails are missing”
Preview text: “Fix this simple mistake and boost your sales fast”
3. Speak to One Person (Not Your Entire List)
Your subscribers aren’t just numbers—they’re people. So, write like you’re talking to one person, not broadcasting to a stadium. This shift in tone can make your email feel more personal, more human, and more effective.
What that looks like:
Use “you” instead of “you guys” or “everyone.”
Start with a story or relatable moment.
Segment your list so you’re not sending the same email to every subscriber.
🎯 Bonus tip: Use personalization fields when it makes sense (like their first name in the subject line or greeting), but don’t overdo it—it can feel creepy if forced.
4. Include a Clear, Clickable Call-to-Action (CTA)
Here’s the truth: people don’t click if they’re confused or overwhelmed. Every email should have one clear goal—and your CTA should lead directly to it.
Want them to book a call? Buy a product? Download your guide? Say so. And make the CTA button obvious.
Tips for better CTAs:
Make the button stand out with contrasting colors and whitespace.
Use action verbs: “Get the guide,” “Shop the sale,” “Join the waitlist.”
Repeat the CTA 2–3 times if the email is long—once above the fold, once mid-way, and once at the end.
👆 Avoid this mistake: Don’t bury your CTA under a wall of text. People skim—make it easy to find and click.
5. Focus on Value First, Sales Second
Want more sales from your emails? Stop selling in every email. Start leading with value instead.
Educate, inspire, entertain—or ideally, do all three. Build trust and give people a reason to stay subscribed. When you do make an offer, your audience will be more likely to buy because you’ve already provided value.
Value-first ideas to try:
Share a quick tip or how-to your audience can use immediately.
Tell a story that builds emotional connection with your brand.
Highlight a customer win, case study, or testimonial.
Curate helpful resources that align with your niche.
💡 The 80/20 rule works here: Aim for 80% value-driven content and 20% promotional. Your sales will come more naturally.
Bonus Tips to Take Your Newsletter to the Next Level:
Segment your list: Sending the same message to your entire list isn’t as effective as speaking to specific audiences (past customers, freebie downloaders, etc.).
Test send times: Don’t assume your audience opens emails at 9 a.m. on a Tuesday. Try different days and times to find your sweet spot.
Keep your design clean: Mobile-first, easy to read, with clear fonts and spacing.
Use storytelling: Even in short emails, a little story goes a long way toward building connection.
Final Thoughts
Your email list is your most valuable digital asset. But it only works if people are actually opening, engaging, and clicking.
By putting these 5 tips into practice—writing subject lines that get noticed, speaking to one person, and offering value over and over again—you’ll not only see higher open rates and more clicks, but you’ll build an audience that actually wants to hear from you.
And when that happens? Sales follow.
Want help crafting newsletters that get opened and clicked? Whether you’re launching a product or building a loyal community, I’d love to help. Let’s chat strategy or grab a done-for-you email package that takes the stress off your plate.