In the world of email marketing, every element of your message plays a crucial role in capturing attention and driving engagement. While subject lines often steal the spotlight, preheaders—those short snippets of text that accompany your subject line—are equally important. As an email marketing expert, I'm here to share some valuable tips on how to make effective use of the preheader in your email campaigns.
Think of your preheader as an extension of your subject line. Together, they should tell a cohesive story. If your subject line teases an exciting offer, your preheader can provide a little more detail or reinforce the message. For example, if your subject line is "Unlock Exclusive Savings," your preheader could be "20% off your next purchase, just for you!"
Most email clients display only 40-50 characters of the preheader, so brevity is key. Ensure your preheader delivers its message quickly and clearly. Avoid filler words and focus on delivering the most important information within the first few words.
Your preheader should offer something of value to the reader. Whether it’s a sneak peek of what’s inside, a special offer, or a compelling reason to open the email, make sure it entices the reader to take the next step. For instance, "Get free shipping on all orders this weekend" is likely to catch the reader’s interest.
Just like with subject lines and CTAs, personalization can boost engagement. Use the recipient's name or reference past behavior or preferences if your email platform supports it. For example, "John, your exclusive discount awaits" feels more inviting than a generic message.
Don't simply repeat your subject line in the preheader. This redundancy wastes a valuable opportunity to provide additional context or entice the reader further. Instead, use the preheader to add another layer of information that complements and enhances the subject line.
A preheader that creates a sense of urgency can drive higher open rates. Phrases like "Only 24 hours left to save" or "Hurry, before it’s gone!" can motivate readers to open your email immediately.
A/B testing is just as important for preheaders as it is for subject lines. Experiment with different messages, lengths, and tones to see what resonates best with your audience. Use the insights gained from these tests to continuously refine your approach.
Many users will read your emails on mobile devices, where screen space is limited. Ensure your preheader is mobile-friendly by keeping it concise and ensuring it displays well on smaller screens. Test your emails across various devices to see how the preheader appears.
Some email marketers rely on the first line of the email body as the preheader. While this can work, it’s often better to craft a dedicated preheader that’s designed to entice opens. This way, you have full control over the message and can make it as compelling as possible.
If appropriate, include a soft call to action in your preheader. Phrases like "Discover more inside" or "Shop now and save" can nudge readers toward opening your email to take action.
An effective preheader is a small but mighty component of your email marketing strategy. By taking the time to craft a thoughtful, engaging preheader, you can significantly boost your open rates and drive more meaningful interactions with your audience. Remember, your preheader is your chance to make a great first impression—make it count!