Email Blasts That Actually Get Opened: How to Write, Design & Deliver Messages That Work
If you’ve ever hit “send” on an email campaign and watched it disappear into the void — you’re not alone. Maybe you got a few clicks, maybe none. But with so many people using social media, you might even wonder: Does email marketing still work?
The answer is absolutely yes — if you do it right.
Email remains one of the highest-return marketing tools out there, delivering an average ROI of $36 for every $1 spent. But most small businesses in Florence, AL and Jackson, TN don’t see that return because their messages get lost in crowded inboxes.
At Lime Group, we build email campaigns that people actually open, read, and act on. Here’s how to create email blasts that work — every time.
1. The Subject Line Is Everything
Your subject line is your first impression — and you only get one. If it doesn’t grab attention, the rest of your email doesn’t matter.
Strong subject lines are short (under 50 characters) and make the reader curious or promise value.
Examples that work:
“Is your website ready for Google’s 2025 update?”
“This simple fix doubled a client’s leads last month”
“Your local SEO checklist for 2025 📍”
Avoid clickbait, but don’t be boring either. You’re competing against dozens of emails for attention — make yours worth opening.
2. Keep It Short and Focused
Your audience isn’t there to read an essay. They want quick, useful info and a clear next step.
The perfect email includes:
A clear headline or greeting
2–3 short paragraphs (max)
One call-to-action button
That’s it. No fluff, no long backstory.
If you have more to say, link to your full blog post or landing page.
3. Personalize — Even Just a Little
Emails that feel personal perform better. Adding a first name in the subject line or opening sentence can raise open rates dramatically.
But personalization goes beyond just “Hi, John.” Tailor your message to your audience’s needs.
If you’re writing to small business owners in Florence, talk about local visibility, reviews, or Google Maps rankings. If you’re reaching clients in Jackson, highlight competition, growth, and regional customers.
Show them you understand their world.
4. Make Your Design Simple (and Mobile-Friendly)
Most emails are opened on phones, not computers. That means your layout has to look great on small screens.
✅ Use a single-column layout
✅ Keep text large and readable
✅ Make buttons big enough to tap
✅ Avoid large image files that slow load time
You don’t need flashy graphics — you need clarity.
At Lime Group, we design branded templates that look great whether they’re opened on a phone, tablet, or desktop.
5. Lead With Value, Not a Sale
No one wants constant sales pitches. The best-performing emails offer something helpful — not just promotional.
Give your readers a reason to open every time. Try these content types:
Quick marketing tips or “how-tos”
Local business news or seasonal updates
Free resources (checklists, templates, guides)
Success stories or case studies
When you provide value first, people are far more likely to click when you do make an offer later.
6. Use Clear Calls to Action
Your reader shouldn’t have to guess what to do next.
A call to action (CTA) should be short, clear, and stand out visually. Examples include:
“Book a Free Strategy Call”
“Read the Full Blog”
“Get a Quote”
“See Before & After Results”
Limit yourself to one main CTA per email. Too many buttons confuse people — and confused people don’t click.
7. Time It Right
The best time to send an email blast depends on your audience, but here’s what we’ve seen work consistently:
📅 Best Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
🕒 Best Times: 9–11 AM or 1–3 PM
Avoid sending on Mondays (inboxes are flooded) or Fridays (everyone’s mentally checked out).
Test your timing and see when your audience is most responsive.
8. Segment Your List
Not every subscriber should get the same message. Divide your list based on what people actually care about.
For example:
Website clients → receive design & SEO updates
Local business owners → get marketing strategy content
E-commerce clients → receive email automation tips
The more relevant your email, the better your click-through rate.
9. Track, Test, and Improve
Don’t just send and forget. Check your analytics. Look for trends in open rates, click rates, and unsubscribes.
If one subject line performs better, reuse its format. If a link isn’t getting clicks, try repositioning it higher.
Small tweaks add up to big improvements.
10. Stay Consistent
The real key to email success isn’t just writing one great blast — it’s showing up regularly.
Whether you email weekly or twice a month, make it a schedule your readers can expect. Regular contact builds familiarity, and familiarity builds trust.
What to Send Next
If you’re not sure where to start, send something simple:
A short update about your business
A helpful tip from your industry
A link to your latest blog post
Then track how people respond and adjust.
At Lime Group, we write, design, and deliver email campaigns that actually get opened — and get results. From newsletters to promotional blasts, we make sure your message reaches the right people at the right time.
Ready to Grow Your List and Increase Engagement?
Whether you’re starting from scratch or need a full redesign of your current campaigns, we’ll help you build emails that convert — not clutter inboxes.
📧 jr@limegroupllc.com
📞 (731) 215-5449 or (256) 443-2714
🌐 www.limegroupllc.com
Lime Group, LLC — Web Design, SEO & Online Marketing for Small Businesses in Florence, AL and Jackson, TN.