Emojis are everywhere. We see them in text messages, social media posts, and even email subject lines. The use of emojis has been increasing by 775% annually according to Jess Nelson of Email Marketing Daily. As ubiquitous as emojis have become, is their use still an effective strategy for email marketers in 2023?
Are emojis still “a thing” for email marketers in 2023?
A decade ago, only about 2% of marketers included emojis in their email marketing campaigns. Today that percentage is closer to 90%. With that kind of saturation, it might be tempting to think that bucking the trend by not using emoji could make your message stand out more. However, recent data indicates the use of emojis in email subject lines remains an effective strategy to grab the attention of recipients and increase email open rates.
A report by Experian found that emails with emojis in the subject line had a 56% higher open rate than those without emojis. Furthermore, a study by Campaign Monitor showed that emails with emojis had a 29% higher unique open rate and a 28% higher click-through rate compared to emails without emojis.
Additionally, as digital communication continues to evolve, emojis have become an integral part of our daily communication, with 92% of people using emojis in messaging apps. This suggests that the use of emojis in email subject lines is still relevant and relatable to audiences in 2023.
However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of emojis in email subject lines may vary depending on the audience and the context. Therefore, it is essential to use emojis strategically and consider the tone and messaging of the email before incorporating them.
How to use emojis effectively in your subject lines in 2023
Here are some tips for using emojis in your email subject lines:
Know your audience: Consider who your target audience is and what emojis would resonate with them. Some emojis may be more appropriate for certain age groups, cultures, or industries than others. For example, a smiley face may be seen as informal in a professional context, but it might work well for a casual email.
Use emojis to enhance your message: Emojis can help convey the tone and emotion behind your message. Use them to emphasize important points or to add personality to your email subject lines.
Don’t overdo it: While emojis can be effective in grabbing attention, it’s important not to overuse them. A subject line filled with too many emojis can look unprofessional or spammy, and may turn off your audience.
Be mindful of accessibility: Keep in mind that some people may have difficulty seeing or understanding certain emojis. Use clear and recognizable emojis and avoid using too many obscure or complex ones.
Stay on brand: Ensure that the emojis you use are consistent with your brand voice and messaging. Use emojis that align with your brand personality and values.
Test, test, test: As with any email marketing strategy, it’s important to test your emoji use to see what works best for your subscribers. Test different emojis, placement, and frequency. Use A/B testing to compare different subject lines and measure the impact of emojis on open rates.
The use of emojis in email subject lines remains an effective strategy in 2023. The data suggests that the use of emojis can increase open rates and engagement with emails. By following the tips offered here, you can use emojis in your subject lines to grab attention, convey emotion, and increase engagement with your audience.
