increase email open rates Archives - Photography Biz Success https://photographybizsuccess.com/tag/increase-email-open-rates/ Stock Photographer and mentor for earning passive income Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:44:19 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://photographybizsuccess.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Favicon-150x150.png increase email open rates Archives - Photography Biz Success https://photographybizsuccess.com/tag/increase-email-open-rates/ 32 32 14 Proven Ways To Increase Email Open Rates (Part 2) https://photographybizsuccess.com/14-proven-ways-to-increase-email-open-rates-part-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=14-proven-ways-to-increase-email-open-rates-part-2 https://photographybizsuccess.com/14-proven-ways-to-increase-email-open-rates-part-2/#respond Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:10:46 +0000 https://photographybizsuccess.com/?p=2398 Welcome to Part 2 of our guide on how to increase email open rates. In the first part, we looked at the basics, now we’re diving into more advanced strategies to boost engagement and get your emails in front of more eyes. Whether you’re emailing clients, leads, or your wider list, these tips will help...

The post 14 Proven Ways To Increase Email Open Rates (Part 2) appeared first on Photography Biz Success.

]]>

Welcome to Part 2 of our guide on how to increase email open rates. In the first part, we looked at the basics, now we’re diving into more advanced strategies to boost engagement and get your emails in front of more eyes.

Whether you’re emailing clients, leads, or your wider list, these tips will help you get better results from every send.

* Included in this post is a bonus download -> Scroll to the bottom to access it!

    8. Use Emojis (Carefully) to Boost Visibility and Increase Email Open Rates

    Emojis can be a useful tool to help your emails stand out, but like most things, a little goes a long way.

    When used intentionally, emojis can:

    • Draw the eye to your subject line
    • Add a touch of personality
    • Help your message stand out in a crowded inbox

    But when overused, they can make your email look spammy or unprofessional, and that can hurt your open rates instead of helping them.

    Want to grow your photography business with less overwhelm and more direction?

    🤍 Easy-to-action marketing tips, advice and strategies.

    💙 Exclusive offers on digital tools.

    🧡 Straight-talking advice from someone who’s been there.

    Sign up below and start making progress today. 👇🏻

    What’s worked for me

    Personally, I’m a fan of emojis, but I use them with purpose. 

    I usually add them in the subject line, and sometimes in the email body, if the email requires it.

    And I keep it consistent with three small hearts in my brand colours 💙🧡🤍 , which ties in with my Photography Biz Success branding.

    Since I started doing this, I’ve noticed a clear increase in email open rates.

    It’s subtle, but that little pop of colour makes my emails jump out more in the inbox, and over time, my audience has started to recognise those hearts as a sign it’s from me.

    It helps me build trust and visibility, without being too loud.

    Tips for photographers using emojis

    • Choose one emoji that fits the tone of your email, like a camera 📸, calendar 🗓️, or sparkle ✨
    • Keep it to one or two per subject line
    • Use emojis that are relevant to your message, not random for the sake of it
    • Test different styles to see what resonates with your audience

    Where to place them

    • Beginning of the subject line to catch attention: Example: 📸 “3 easy ways to prepare for your next shoot”
    • End of the subject line to reinforce the vibeExample: “Your gallery is ready to view 💙🧡🤍”

    Remember, your goal is to make your emails look inviting and personal, not promotional or clickbaity. Used well, emojis can become a visual part of your email identity.

    9. Stay Out of Spam and Junk Mail

    You could write the best email in the world, but if it lands in someone’s junk folder, they’ll never see it. That’s why it’s so important to understand how to avoid the spam trap.

    Email providers are constantly on the lookout for anything that looks suspicious or unwanted. So the more transparent and trustworthy your emails are, the better chance they have of landing where they belong, in the inbox.

    Start with permission

    Never add people to your email list without their consent.

    It might seem harmless to pop in a few past clients or people you’ve chatted with on Instagram, but without proper permission, you’re putting your sender reputation at risk.

    Instead:

    • Use opt-in forms on your website or landing pages
    • Be clear about what they’re signing up for
    • Let them know the type of emails they’ll receive and how often

    If someone knows what to expect, they’re much less likely to mark your email as spam, and much more likely to open and engage.

    Use a trusted email marketing platform

    I use Kit (formerly ConvertKit) which handles all the tech behind the scenes, things like authentication, spam protection, and deliverability rates.

    Whether you’re using Kit, Flodesk, or another platform, make sure you choose one that’s reputable and GDPR-compliant.

    Since levelling up my email strategy and paying for a professional email platform, I’ve been able to increase email open rates and also increase my subscribers.

    Don’t use a free email domain

    If you’re sending emails from an address like yourname@gmail.com, stop now. Free domains are more likely to get flagged as spam.

    Instead, invest in a professional email address; something like hello@yourphotographybiz.co.uk, linked to your website domain. It looks more professional and gives your emails a much better chance of reaching your subscribers.

    Be easy to unsubscribe

    This might sound counterintuitive, but making it easy for people to unsubscribe actually helps your email performance. Why?

    Because if someone can’t find the unsubscribe link, they might mark your email as spam instead, and that damages your sender reputation with every platform you use.

    Keep your unsubscribe link clear and easy to find. And don’t take it personally, if someone’s no longer interested, it’s better for both of you that they leave the list.

    Keep your emails clean and honest

    • Avoid deceptive subject lines or clickbait
    • Don’t overuse salesy language or ALL CAPS
    • Test your emails before sending, most platforms offer previews or spam score checks

    The more trustworthy your email campaigns are, the more reliably they’ll land in inboxes, which means your open rates stay healthy and your list remains engaged.

    Shop Bestsellers

    Previous Next

    10. Focus on Writing Amazing Content

    Once your email gets opened, your next job is to hold their attention. And that comes down to one thing: great content.

    If your subscribers enjoy reading your emails, they’ll keep opening them. They might even look forward to them.

    That kind of engagement is what drives up your click-through rate and builds real trust over time.

    What makes content amazing that will increase email open rates?

    It doesn’t have to be flashy or long. But it does need to be:

    • Clear
    • Relevant
    • Easy to skim
    • And written in a way that feels human (we’ll come to that in the next section)

    You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every week. Just think: What’s one helpful, entertaining, or insightful thing I can share today?

    Tie it to your audience’s real life

    For example:

    • A family photographer might share:“5 ways to prep your kids for a stress-free photo shoot”
    • A wedding photographer could write:“The 3 best moments to capture during golden hour”
    • A branding photographer might offer:“What to wear for confident, scroll-stopping brand photos”

    Each of these topics offers value, builds trust, and connects directly to what your subscribers care about, their lives, their goals, and their story.

    Don’t forget your purpose

    Yes, you want to deliver value, but your emails still serve your business. So it’s okay to include a simple call to action like:

    • “Click here to book your spot”
    • “Browse the new print collection”
    • “Reply if you’d like more info on branding sessions”

    When your content is strong, asking for the next step feels natural, not pushy.

    And remember, every useful email you send strengthens your overall email list. The more your audience trusts your content, the more they’ll interact with future email campaigns.

    So always aim to write something worth reading. Because great content doesn’t just get opened, it gets remembered.

    11. Write Like a Human (and Don’t Be Afraid to Be Funny)

    There’s a common mistake photographers make when writing email campaigns: they switch into “formal marketing mode” the minute they hit the keyboard.

    Suddenly, it’s all “valued client” and “exclusive opportunity”, and it doesn’t sound like you at all.

    Let’s be honest, that tone rarely builds connection. And it doesn’t help you increase email open rates or your click-through rate, either.

    People want to hear from a real person

    Your readers signed up to your email list because they connected with your work, and probably with your personality, too. So let that voice shine through.

    Write how you’d speak to a client you enjoy working with. Keep it clear, friendly, and easy to read. Break up your paragraphs. Use contractions. And most of all, be yourself.

    A little humour goes a long way

    Now, you don’t need to try to be hilarious — but the odd light-hearted comment or self-aware moment can make your emails more enjoyable to read.

    For example

    “I nearly forgot to attach your gallery link… again.

    Let’s pretend I didn’t just panic-check it twice.”

    or:

    “I said I’d share three tips. I’ve written five. Let’s go with it.”

    These small touches make you relatable. And when your emails feel human and relaxed, people are more likely to open the next one, too.

    Don’t try to impress, try to connect

    You don’t need fancy words or long-winded intros.

    You just need to talk to your audience like you’d talk to them in real life.

    When your emails feel like they’re coming from a friend, not a business, you build the kind of trust that leads to bookings, referrals, and long-term loyalty.

    So yes, share helpful tips. Yes, include booking links.

    But do it with warmth, personality, and maybe even a smile. It makes all the difference.

    12. Ask Your Audience for Feedback

    Sometimes the simplest way to improve your email open rates is to just ask your audience what they want.

    You don’t need to guess what kind of content they enjoy, or when they prefer to hear from you.

    They’ll tell you, if you ask the right questions.

    And by involving your readers, you make them feel seen, valued, and part of your business journey.

    How to ask

    You can keep it light and casual, it doesn’t need to be a formal survey.

    Try adding one of these at the end of your email campaign:

    • “Was this helpful? Hit reply and let me know.”
    • “What kind of tips would you like me to share next?”
    • “Do you prefer short and snappy or longer reads? I’m all ears.”

    Or, if you want to go a little deeper:

    • Send out a short survey (Google Forms is free and easy)
    • Ask 2–3 quick questions about what they’d love to read, how often they want emails, or what they struggle with most in relation to photography

    You could even segment your email list based on responses and tailor future content to match.

    Why feedback matters

    You’ll learn:

    • Which types of emails are actually making an impact
    • What tone your audience responds to
    • What’s missing, and what they’re opening for

    Even just one or two honest replies can give you valuable insight.

    Plus, the act of asking builds connection.

    It tells your subscribers, “You matter here.”

    That kind of relationship goes beyond just open rates, it helps turn followers into loyal clients.

    13. Make Sure Your Emails Work on Mobile

    Here’s something you might not have thought about: most people are opening your emails on their phone, not their laptop.

    In fact, mobile opens now account for over 60% of all email activity across most industries, including photography.

    So if your emails aren’t easy to read on a small screen, you’re risking lost engagement, and lower click-through rates.

    Why mobile matters

    You might have the most beautifully written email campaign, but if someone has to pinch and zoom to read it, they’ll likely give up and swipe away.

    And if your image-heavy email takes too long to load, it might not even get seen, which means your open rate doesn’t get the follow-through it deserves.

    Simple ways to make your emails mobile-friendly

    • Use short paragraphs – 1–2 lines max. Long blocks of text are hard to read on a phone.
    • Use a single-column layout – Avoid multi-column designs that break or shrink.
    • Add clear buttons – Make your call-to-action easy to tap (not just a small link).
    • Use large, legible fonts – Avoid anything below 14pt for body text.
    • Preview on mobile – Most email platforms let you check what your email will look like on a phone before you send.

    Choose images carefully

    As a photographer, visuals are your strength. But too many large images can cause emails to load slowly, especially on older phones or patchy connections.

    So:

    • Optimise your images before uploading
    • Use JPGs over PNGs where possible
    • Include meaningful alt text (for accessibility and clarity)

    Remember the user experience

    Think of it this way: your subscribers are probably opening your email while making a coffee, walking the dog, or waiting in the school pickup queue.

    So every second counts.

    If your message is quick to load, easy to read, and offers something useful, they’ll read it.

    If not, it’s gone in a swipe.

    And that’s why designing with mobile in mind is no longer optional, it’s essential for building a healthy email list and keeping your audience engaged.

    14. Ask Your Audience for Feedback

    Sometimes the simplest way to improve your email open rates is to just ask your audience what they want.

    You don’t need to guess what kind of content they enjoy, or when they prefer to hear from you.

    They’ll tell you, if you ask the right questions.

    And by involving your readers, you make them feel seen, valued, and part of your business journey.

    How to ask

    You can keep it light and casual, it doesn’t need to be a formal survey.

    Try adding one of these at the end of your email campaign:

    • “Was this helpful? Hit reply and let me know.”
    • “What kind of tips would you like me to share next?”
    • “Do you prefer short and snappy or longer reads? I’m all ears.”

    Or, if you want to go a little deeper:

    • Send out a short survey (Google Forms is free and easy)
    • Ask 2–3 quick questions about what they’d love to read, how often they want emails, or what they struggle with most in relation to photography

    You could even segment your email list based on responses and tailor future content to match.

    Why feedback matters

    You’ll learn:

    • Which types of emails are actually making an impact
    • What tone your audience responds to
    • What’s missing, and what they’re opening for

    Even just one or two honest replies can give you valuable insight.

    Plus, the act of asking builds connection.

    It tells your subscribers, “You matter here.”

    That kind of relationship goes beyond just open rates, it helps turn followers into loyal clients.

    Final thoughts round-up

    Email marketing isn’t about sending more, it’s about sending better.

    Whether you’re brand new to building your email list, or you’re already sending regular email campaigns, there’s always room to improve how you connect with your audience.

    These 14 strategies aren’t complicated.

    Most take just a little thought and consistency.

    But together, they can make a real difference to your open rates, your click-through rates, and your overall success as a photographer in business.

    So start small. Try one or two changes this week.

    And if something works, keep going.

    Your email list is one of your most valuable business assets.

    Treat it with care, speak to your subscribers like real people, and always lead with value.

    The results will follow.

    Well done for staying with me through this longer than intended blog, but I hope you’ve gained much value and been able to implement some or all of my suggestions and you’ve been able to start to increase email open rates and your newsletter and emails become the backbone of your photography business.

    BONUS – FREE LEAD MAGNET GUIDE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

    Until next time,

    Nicky x

    The post 14 Proven Ways To Increase Email Open Rates (Part 2) appeared first on Photography Biz Success.

    ]]>     https://photographybizsuccess.com/14-proven-ways-to-increase-email-open-rates-part-2/feed/ 0     14 Proven Ways to Increase Email Open Rates (part 1) https://photographybizsuccess.com/14-proven-ways-to-increase-email-open-rates-part-1/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=14-proven-ways-to-increase-email-open-rates-part-1 https://photographybizsuccess.com/14-proven-ways-to-increase-email-open-rates-part-1/#respond Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:08:34 +0000 https://photographybizsuccess.com/?p=2392 If you’re building a photography business, growing your email list and knowing how to increase email open rates should be one of your top priorities. Unlike social media, your email list belongs to you. You’re not at the mercy of unpredictable algorithms or sudden platform changes. But here’s the thing, if no-one’s opening your emails,...

    The post 14 Proven Ways to Increase Email Open Rates (part 1) appeared first on Photography Biz Success.

    ]]>

    If you’re building a photography business, growing your email list and knowing how to increase email open rates should be one of your top priorities.

    Unlike social media, your email list belongs to you. You’re not at the mercy of unpredictable algorithms or sudden platform changes.

    • It’s direct.
    • It’s personal.
    • And it’s powerful.

    But here’s the thing, if no-one’s opening your emails, your message isn’t reaching anyone. That’s why it’s so important to understand how to increase email open rates.

    And it’s not just about you. Open rates are influenced by several factors beyond your control, like:

    • Where your subscribers are located.
    • What kind of photography business you run.
    • Whether your emails are personal updates or promotional offers.

    Once you understand how these pieces fit together, you can start making small, smart changes that have a big impact.

    * Included in this post is a bonus download -> Scroll to the bottom to access it!

    Want to grow your photography business with less overwhelm and more direction?

    🤍 Easy-to-action marketing tips, advice and strategies.

    💙 Exclusive offers on digital tools.

    🧡 Straight-talking advice from someone who’s been there.

    Sign up below and start making progress today. 👇🏻

    This blog, 14 ways to increase email open rates, ended up much longer than I originally planned, but I didn’t want to cut down on value. So I’ve split it into two parts to make it easier to digest, and to make sure you get every tip, strategy, and takeaway I promised.

    So, what exactly is an email open rate, and how do you calculate it?

    It’s simple: Open rate = (Number of emails opened / Number of emails delivered ) x 100.

    For example, if you send out 2oo emails and 50 people open them, your open rate is:

    (50/200) x 100 =25%

    The good news? Most email platforms like Kit, Mailerlite or Flodesk do this for you automatically.

    But, it’s always useful to understand how it works, especially when you’re reviewing your stats or comparing different campaigns. Knowing the basics gives you more confidence and control when you’re trying to figure out what’s going well, or what needs adjusting.

    Close-up of a vintage film camera with bold text overlay: “14 Proven Ways Photographers Can Increase Email Open Rates” – a promotional graphic for Photography Biz Success.
    Previous
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
    Next

    1. Craft Subject Lines That Make People Click.

    Your subject line is the very first impression, and in many cases, it’s the deciding factor on whether your email gets opened or ignored.

    As a photographer, you’re already used to thinking visually. You know how important that first glance is. Your subject line works the same way, it’s the cover image of your email.

    So, what makes a good one? It’s clear. It sparks curiosity. It feels personal, like it was written just for them.

    Here are a few ideas you can try:

    • Ask a question: “Is this the real reason clients ghost you?”
    • Tease the content: “3 quick tips that saved my last mini session launch”
    • Share something personal:“I nearly cancelled my whole shoot today. Here’s why…”
    • Add urgency or a time-sensitive hook: “Last chance to grab your mini session promo”

    The goal is get your reader to pause and think, “I want to open that.”

    Keep it short and easy to scan.

    Most people check emails on their phones. If your subject line is too long, the best part might get cut off.

    Aim for around 6 to 10 words. Start strong, put the most important words at the beginning.

    Avoid spammy phrases.

    Words like “FREE,” “BUY NOW,” or “ACT FAST” can trigger spam filters, or just make your email feel like junk. Instead, keep it conversational and relevant to your reader.

    Test different styles

    You don’t have to guess what will work best. We’ll talk more about A/B testing next, but testing different subject lines is one of the easiest ways to boost your open rates.

    Here are some subject lines grouped by purpose, feel free to use them and tweak them to suit your audience.

    🧡 Promotional or Offer-Based

    • “Ready to book your spring mini session?”
    • “Limited spots left — don’t miss out!”
    • “Say hello to your next favourite photo”
    • “Only 2 days left to claim your £50 print credit”
    • “Last chance: Free gift with your booking ends tonight”

    🤍 Behind the Scenes / Storytelling

    • “I almost cancelled this shoot (but I’m glad I didn’t)”
    • “What really goes into a 10-minute photo session”
    • “You won’t believe what happened on set yesterday”
    • “Why I chose this location for our latest shoot

    💙 Product or Gallery Delivery

    • Your final gallery is ready 🎉”
    • “Photos you’ll want to frame forever”
    • “Your memories are waiting…”
    • “Download your digital images here”

    🧡 Booking & Reminders

    • “It’s time to book your next session”
    • “Your slot is confirmed; here’s what happens next”
    • “Don’t forget: your photo session is tomorrow!

    🤍 Client Nurture / Educational Content

    • “3 easy ways to get the most out of your photos”
    • “How to prepare your child for their mini session”
    • “Why you should be in the frame this year”
    • “Print or digital? Here’s how to choose”

    2. Test What Works (and What Doesn’t) with A/B Testing to increase email open rates.

    Ever sent out an email and wondered if a different subject line would’ve worked better? That’s where A/B testing comes in.

    It’s a simple, powerful way to see what your audience actually responds to and increase email open rates rather than just guessing.

    What is A/B testing?

    A/B testing (sometimes called split testing) is when you send two versions of the same email to small segments of your list.

    The only thing that changes between version A and version B is one variable.

    That might be:

    • The subject line
    • The preview text
    • The time of day
    • Or even the first line inside the email.

    Your email platform will track which version gets more opens (or clicks), then send the winning version to the rest of your list.

    Why it matters for photographers

    You might assume a subject line like “Your gallery is ready” will always win, but your audience might respond better to “Download your photos now “.

    Or maybe you want to test whether including a location name gets more engagement:

    “Mini sessions in Hertfordshire” vs “Mini sessions this weekend”

    It takes a little extra time, but the results can give you real clarity about:

    • What kind of language your audience prefers
    • Which tone feels more “you” to your readers
    • How small changes affect your open and click-through rates

    How to start

    Most email platforms make A/B testing easy to set up.

    When writing your email, look for a “Create A/B Test” or “Split Test” option, and choose the one thing you want to compare.

    Here’s a quick first test you can try:

    • Subject Line A: “Your photos are ready”
    • Subject Line B: “Gallery delivery day 🎉”

    Send each to 10–15% of your audience.

    Whichever version gets more opens, the platform will send that one to the rest.

    3. Make Your Preheader Text Work Harder

    Your preheader (or preview text) is the line that appears just after your subject line in most inboxes, especially on mobile. It’s your second chance to catch someone’s attention.

    Think of your subject line as the headline, and the preheader as the subheading. 

    Why it matters.

    If you don’t set your preheader text manually, your email platform will pull the first line of your email, which is often something dull like: 

    “View this email in your browser.” That doesn’t inspire anyone to click. 

    But if you write it intentionally, your preheader can do a lot: 

    🤍 Add context

    💙 Build curiosity

    🧡 Reinforce your subject line

    🤍 Or give a sneak peek at what’s inside

    What makes a good preheader?

    A great preheader complements the subject line without repeating it.

    Here are a few examples for photographers:

    • Subject: “Your mini session gallery is ready”Preheader: “Click to view, download and order your favourites.”
    • Subject: “Want more bookings next month?”Preheader: “3 easy things you can do today to get noticed.”
    • Subject: “I nearly cancelled the shoot…”Preheader: “Here’s what changed my mind (and what I learnt).”
    • Subject: “Spring minis – 2 spots left!”Preheader: “Book now before they’re gone.”

    How to edit it

    Most platforms let you set preheader text when you create the email, it’s usually right next to where you write the subject line.

    If you’re not using this box, now’s the time to start.

    4. Use Personalisation to Make Every Email Feel Like a One-to-One Message

    People are more likely to open emails that feel like they were written just for them. That’s what personalisation does. You ve seen those funny little brackets {{ vrst_name | strip | default: “there” }}, or  wording that’s something similar, that’s what adds the personalisation. 

    It takes your message from “Dear subscriber” to “Hi Sarah, your family shoot gallery is ready” and is one of the easiest ways to increase email open rates. 

    Why personalisation works

    It helps your emails stand out in a crowded inbox. When people see their own name, location, or booking info, they pause. They feel seen, and they’re more likely to open.

    For photographers, this is a game-changer. You’re not a faceless business. You’re often part of your client’s most personal moments.

    Weddings, newborns, first birthdays, milestone anniversaries, these aren’t “just photos.” They’re memories.

    When your emails reflect that personal connection, your open rates will almost always improve.

    Simple ways to personalise your emails

    Most email tools let you use merge tags, small bits of code that insert specific details for each subscriber.

    Here’s how you can use them:

    🤍 First name in the subject line“Sarah, your gallery is ready”

    💙 Personalised greeting“Hi Alex, thanks again for our shoot last week!”

    🧡 Reference their session“Here’s a quick guide to help you prepare for your maternity photos next Friday”

    🤍 Location-specific updates“Mini sessions in Bedfordshire, early access for local subscribers”

    Personalisation beyond names

    You can also personalise based on:

    • Past bookings
    • What type of photography they’re interested in
    • Which lead magnet they signed up for
    • Where they are in your workflow (inquiry, booking, delivery, etc.)
    • Even small touches can make your emails feel more relevant, and relevant emails will increase email open rates.

    5. Segment Your Audience to Send the Right Emails to the Right People

    Not everyone on your email list is the same, and they shouldn’t all receive the same email. This is where segmenting becomes essential.

    It’s the process of dividing your list into smaller groups based on specific characteristics or behaviours. And when you do this well, you’ll see a direct improvement in both your open rates and your click-through rates.

    Why segmenting matters

    Let’s say you run family and branding sessions. A new mum interested in newborn photography doesn’t need to hear about your latest personal branding offer.

    And someone who downloaded your wedding planning guide probably isn’t looking for Christmas mini sessions. 

    When you tailor your email campaigns to match each group’s needs, you:

    • Build stronger relationships
    • Avoid overwhelming your subscribers
    • Keep your list more engaged over time
    • Increase the chance of getting replies, bookings, or sales

    Examples of segments you could create to increase email open rates

    You can start simple and build as you grow. For example:

    • By interest – weddings, families, pets, branding, etc.
    • By location – great for sending emails about mini session events or pop-ups
    • By lead magnet – match your content to what they originally signed up for
    • By past clients – send special offers or loyalty emails to repeat customers
    • By activity – separate engaged readers from those who haven’t opened in a while

    The more relevant your emails are, the more likely people are to open them. And that means a healthier, more profitable email list.

    How segmentation supports growth

    Photographers often ask how to grow their email list and keep it useful. 

    The answer? It’s not just about the number of subscribers, it’s about knowing who’s on your list and what they care about.

    When someone signs up through your website or a lead magnet, think:

    Where should they go next?

    What would be most useful to send them?

    The more your emails reflect your subscribers’ actual needs, the more effective every single email campaign becomes.

    6. Deliver Quality Content That Your Subscribers Actually Want

    Getting people to open your emails is just the beginning.

    To keep them opening your emails regularly, you need to give them a reason to look forward to each one.

    That’s where quality content comes in.

    Your subscribers didn’t join your email list to be sold to every week.

    They signed up because they’re interested in what you do, and they trust you to deliver something valuable.

    What counts as “quality” content?

    It’s content that is:

    • Useful
    • Relevant
    • Easy to read
    • And feels like it was written with them in mind.

    When your emails consistently offer value, your open rates stay strong, and your click-through rates are more likely to grow too.

    Examples for different photography niches

    Here’s what “quality content” could look like in action:

    Family Photographer

    • “What to wear for your family photo session”
    • “3 ways to help your kids feel relaxed during a shoot”
    • “Our top locations for outdoor photos in [your area]”

    Wedding Photographer

    • “Planning tips from behind the lens; 5 moments couples always forget”
    • “Real wedding: [Name + Name] at [Venue]”
    • “What I’d do differently if I planned my own wedding again”

    Personal Branding Photographer

    • “What to bring to your branding session”
    • “How to pose confidently when you feel awkward on camera”
    • “Client spotlight: how [client] used their images on LinkedIn and Instagram”

    Pet Photographer

    • “Treats, toys & timing – how to prepare your dog for their photo shoot”
    • “Why studio lights don’t faze most pets (and how we ease them in)”
    • “5 pawsome shots from our latest pup portrait day”

    These types of emails feel helpful, not salesy. And that keeps your audience connected to your work, even in quieter seasons.

    Don’t just sell. Share.

    A simple mindset shift: Every email is an opportunity to build trust. You can still promote your services, but wrap it in value.

    For example:

    “Here’s how I helped a local business update their team headshots, and how it boosted their website conversions.” 

    That’s not just selling a service, it’s sharing insight.

    If you consistently provide content your audience wants to read, they’ll keep opening your emails, referring others, and booking with you when the time is right.

    7. Choose the Best Time to Send Your Emails and increase email open rates.

    You’ve crafted a great subject line, your content is spot on….. but if your email lands at the wrong time, it might never be seen.

    Timing really does make a difference to increase email open rates.

    While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, certain patterns can help you get , better results especially when you’re sending email campaigns to clients across different locations.

    When do people typically check emails?

    For most audiences, the highest engagement times tend to be:

    • Early morning (6–9am) – people often check emails on their phone before or during their commute
    • Lunchtime (12–2pm) – a quick inbox scroll during their break
    • Early evening (5–7pm) – after work, before switching off for the day.

    But remember, your audience isn’t “everyone.” A busy mum with young children may have a completely different rhythm to a small business owner or a full-time professional. That’s why testing different send times is so important.

    Use smart scheduling features to increase email open rates.

    Most modern platforms (like MailerLite, Mailchimp, and Flodesk) let you schedule your emails in advance. But many go one step further, they allow you to send your emails based on the recipient’s local time zone.

    So if you’re based in the UK but your email list includes people across Europe or even the US, you can make sure each person gets your email at the ideal time for them.

    For example, you could:

    • Schedule an email to hit inboxes at 7:30am local time
    • Perfect for catching people on their way to work
    • Increases the chances of your email being seen and opened while your subscriber is actively checking messages

    Test and adjust

    The only way to really know what works for your audience is to test.

    Try sending a few emails at different times over a few weeks, and track your open rates and click-through rates.

    Do more people open your emails first thing Monday? Or do mid-week lunchtime sends work better?

    Once you know your audience’s habits, you can time your email campaigns to match, and see better results with the same content.

    That’s everything for Part 1. You’ve now got a solid foundation, and in part 2, we’ll go even deeper to help you boost your email open rates with strategies you can put into action right away.

    BONUS – FREE LEAD MAGNET GUIDE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

    Click here to go straight to part 2.

    Nicky x

    The post 14 Proven Ways to Increase Email Open Rates (part 1) appeared first on Photography Biz Success.

    ]]>     https://photographybizsuccess.com/14-proven-ways-to-increase-email-open-rates-part-1/feed/ 0