In the crowded inbox, every little detail counts when it comes to getting your emails opened. The email preheader (also known as a preview text) is a short snippet of text that appears after the subject line in many email clients. It offers a valuable opportunity to entice recipients to open your email and learn more.
Think of the preheader as a second subject line – a chance to expand on your main message and provide a compelling preview of what’s inside.
Why are preheaders important?
- Increase open rates: A well-crafted preheader can pique curiosity and encourage recipients to open your email.
- Provide context: It adds context to your subject line and gives recipients a clearer understanding of what your email is about.
- Improve user experience: A preheader helps recipients quickly decide if your email is relevant to them.
- Drive conversions: By highlighting key offers or benefits, you can entice recipients to take action.
Best practices for writing effective preheaders:
- Keep it concise: Most email clients display around 35-140 characters of preheader text, so get to the point quickly.
- Complement your subject line: Don’t simply repeat your subject line. Use the preheader to expand on it or add a new angle.
- Create a sense of urgency: Use words like “now,” “today,” or “limited time” to encourage immediate action.
- Highlight key benefits or offers: Entice recipients with exclusive deals or valuable information.
- Personalize when possible: Use the recipient’s name or other relevant information to make the preheader more engaging.
- Test and optimize: Experiment with different preheader variations to see what works best for your audience.
Examples of effective preheaders:
- Subject: Don’t Miss Our Spring Sale!
- Preheader: Shop now and save up to 50% on all your favorite items.
- Subject: Welcome to Our Newsletter!
- Preheader: Get exclusive content, special offers, and early access to new products.
- Subject: Your Order is Confirmed!
- Preheader: Track your package and view your order details here.
By taking advantage of the email preheader, you can significantly improve your email open rates and overall email marketing performance. Don’t let this valuable space go to waste!