Insights from Ep. 8 of Amy Porterfield’s Podcast with Jay Schwedelson
Distilled: 4 min read
Jay, the founder of SubjectLine.com and a leading voice in email marketing, breaks down what actually gets people to open and engage with your emails. It’s not about flashy design or complicated funnels—it’s about small details that stack up to create trust, curiosity, and clarity. Here's what stood out:
Many marketers dread the Gmail Promotions tab, assuming it buries their emails where no one sees them. But Jay flips the narrative: the Promotions tab is like a shopping mall. People go there intentionally—and when they do, they’re ready to browse, click, and buy.
He expands on this idea in this LinkedIn post, calling the panic over the tab a “nothing burger.” His take? If your message is valuable and well-formatted, it doesn’t matter where it lands—people will open it.
The "from" line often gets overlooked, but it plays a powerful role in open rates. Jay advises:
This quick adjustment immediately signals what the email is about and gives readers a reason to click.
Generic subject lines like “Newsletter #7” or “Reminder: Webinar” won’t cut it. Your subject line should create intrigue or highlight a clear benefit. Try:
Your subject line is your first impression—its only job is to get the email opened. Don’t waste it on vague announcements.
Jay’s advice on design is simple: don’t overthink it. Focus on readability:
This isn’t about pretty design—it’s about functional design that helps people want to read.
Human connection drives engagement. Jay includes a “Since you didn’t ask…” section in his emails, where he casually shares what TV shows he’s watching or what’s on his playlist.
These personal touches make your brand feel more like a person—not a bot—and can build loyalty over time. When readers feel like they know you, they’re more likely to trust (and open) your emails.
If your open rates are low, your issue might not be the subject line—it might be the subtle choices you make line by line. This episode is a reminder that effective email marketing is less about tricks and more about clarity, consistency, and connection.
To recap Jay Schwedelson’s best email open rate tips:
Get those elements right, and your emails won’t just get opened—they’ll land.
Email marketing doesn’t have to feel complicated. With the right small shifts, you can turn a quiet list into an engaged audience that looks forward to hearing from you.
Need help improving your email marketing?
Whether you’re starting fresh or refining your current strategy, I help businesses create emails that actually get opened—and get results. From subject lines to design to full campaign strategy, I can help you turn small tweaks into real-world impact.
Let’s connect and talk about your next steps.
