What is Email Open Rate?

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What is Email Open Rate?

Email open rate refers to the percentage of delivered emails that are actually opened by recipients. It is a key metric for measuring the effectiveness of email marketing. The calculation formula is:

Email Open Rate = (Number of Emails Opened by Recipients ÷ Total Number of Emails Delivered) × 100%

Core Function

The open rate directly impacts email conversion rates and sales outcomes, serving as an important basis for evaluating the effectiveness of email marketing strategies. By analyzing open rates, marketers can optimize content, sending times, and other tactics to enhance customer loyalty and brand value.

Industry Benchmark Data

Global email open rates vary significantly depending on factors such as industry, purpose of sending, and email type. Below are composite benchmark figures:

  • Corporate Email Marketing:The global average open rate in 2025 is 38.7%, an increase of 12 percentage points since 2022, primarily due to optimizations driven by AI technology.
  • Cold Emails for Foreign Trade: The average open rate typically ranges between 10% – 30%, but can reach up to 28.77% in certain sectors (e.g., government, hobbies/interests).
  • Welcome Emails:The industry average open rate for welcome emails is 2.5 times higher than that of other email types, reaching 3%.

Will Users Open the Email After Seeing It?

Once an email successfully lands in the inbox, it enters a direct competition for the user’s attention. The main factors influencing whether a user opens an email are:

1. Sender Name

  • Importance: This can be even more critical than the subject line! Users first identify “Who sent this email?”
  • Best Practice: Use a combination of the company name and an individual’s name (e.g., `Bioxlab – Kevin`) to build brand trust. Avoid using unfamiliar or unrecognizable sender names.

2.Email Subject Line

  • Clarity & Value:Convey the email’s content and its value to the user within 3 seconds. Answer the “WIIFM” (What’s In It For Me?).
  • Personalization:Including the recipient’s name, company name, or location (e.g., `[Name], Your Customized Q4 Plan`) can significantly increase attention.
  • Length:Keep it concise (especially for mobile viewing), placing core keywords at the beginning.
  • Spark Curiosity:Skillfully use questions, numbers, or create suspense (e.g., `You might have missed…`), but avoid becoming “clickbait.”
  • Avoid Spam Trigger Words:As mentioned in the “Deliverability” section.

3. Preview Text

This is the short snippet of text appearing below the subject line. It acts as the “best supporting actor” for the subject line. Use it to supplement information, reinforce the value proposition, or further spark interest, compensating for the subject line’s limited length.

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