Why 93% of Your Emails Are Ignored. Here’s How to Fix It in 7 Minutes
If you’ve ever spent hours crafting an email campaign, only to be met with crickets—you’re not alone.
Across industries, email open rates average around 20–25%. Click-through rates are even lower. In other words, up to 93% of your subscribers are ignoring your emails.
But here’s the good news: it’s not because email marketing is dead (spoiler alert: it’s not). It’s because your strategy needs a smarter approach—one that speaks directly to your audience’s needs, grabs their attention immediately, and nudges them to act.
And the best part? You can fix it in just 7 minutes.
Whether you’re running a small business, a national supply chain, or a B2B brand, the techniques I’m about to show you are fast, proven, and built for results in today’s inbox.
Photo by Major Tom Agency on Unsplash
Why Your Emails Aren’t Performing
Here are the three biggest reasons most business emails underperform—and what you can do about them today.
1. Your Subject Lines Are Playing It Too Safe
Let’s get straight to it: if your subject line is dull, generic, or too promotional, it’s getting ignored.
Subject lines are the gatekeepers. They’re the first impression, and often the last, if you don’t get it right.
Fix It Fast:
Use curiosity, urgency, or a clear benefit.
Speak to a problem or opportunity.
Keep it under 50 characters if possible.
Examples:
Instead of July Newsletter → The Simple Mistake Costing You 20% in Supply Costs
Instead of Office Supplies Update → This 3-Minute Audit Could Save You Thousands
Also, make sure your preview text (the bit that shows next to your subject line in inboxes) complements and expands on the hook.
2. Your Opening Line Isn’t Pulling Its Weight
You have 2–3 seconds to capture attention after someone opens your email. Your first sentence has to earn the scroll.
Fix It Fast:
A bold statement
A relatable pain point
A surprising stat
A clear promise
Example:
“You’re probably overpaying for your regular office supplies—and you’re not the only one.”
Or:
“Most Australian businesses waste up to $4,800 per year on inefficient supply chains. Let’s fix that.”
3. Your CTA (Call-to-Action) Is Weak or Hidden
So many emails put the call-to-action at the very bottom, disguised as a boring “click here” button. No wonder conversion rates are low.
Your CTA should be obvious, benefit-driven, and appear more than once.
Fix It Fast:
Make it specific: “Book Your Free Supply Review”
Make it urgent: “Claim This Month’s Bonus Before It Expires”
Make it stand out: bold buttons, simple copy, clear layout
Add a CTA above the fold (before the reader scrolls), and repeat it near the end.
The 7-Minute Email Optimisation Checklist:
Subject line is sharp, curiosity-driven, or benefit-focused
Preview text adds intrigue or supports the hook
First sentence immediately grabs attention
Copy is skimmable, mobile-friendly, and speaks to a clear pain point
CTA is easy to find, action-oriented, and repeated
Personalisation is used meaningfully (not just [First Name])
Images or design don’t overpower the message
Final Thoughts: Stop Sending More Emails. Start Sending Better Ones.
The problem isn’t your list size. It’s not the platform.
The real reason your emails aren’t performing is because they’re not built for how people actually read emails today—on mobile, scanning quickly, filtering through clutter.
If you apply just one or two of these tips in your next send, I promise you’ll notice a difference—more opens, more clicks, more leads.
Want Help With Your Next Campaign?
I offer free 10-minute email audits for businesses looking to improve open rates, click-throughs, and conversion results.
Book Your Free Email Audit Here.
