Smart business onliners know that perception is the only reality online. With everyone being rushed and most having the attention span of a gnat (myself included sometimes), when it comes to your business e-mails, you only have the opportunity of a glance from the recipient to make that first impression. A glance that can determine even if your e-mail gets opened.

I read an interesting article today on the topic of how folks using mobile devices generally glance at the From/Sender field to determine if/when they open an e-mail. And since the Subject: field is usually truncated to 2-3 words and due to most mobile devices not having preview panes, that makes it even more important that the From/Sender field is setup properly (not all caps, not all small case, proper name structure). Those not on mobile devices include the preview pane as part of their determination as to if they are going to open an e-mail by what is in the top real estate of your e-mail.

If your e-mail contains lots of embedded graphics — and the security concerned have images turned off — all they see is a bunch of red Xs in that preview pane. Certainly not an encouragement to open your e-mail. It is critical that your From, Subject and top portion of your e-mail is configed and created to make a positive impression and get opened; then read!

The article in question, Preview Panes: The New Subject Line also states:

The era of “pretty” email is over. Function is the key, and the preview pane is now where the battle for your recipients’ attention is taking place.

Give the article a read for some good useful information to be aware of and apply to your day-to-day e-mail and e-mail marketing efforts.

Some More Info for You:

1. The Jury is Out Subject: Lines
2. Perceptions and Business E-mail
3. Subject Line Does Have a “Sweet Spot”
4. What about CAPS in the SUBJECT: Field?
5. Avoid Spammy E-mail Subject: Lines