5 ways to get your church emails opened and read
Adobe
ChatGPTAlmost everyone checks email—the younger you are, and the older you are, the less you'll rely on it. The challenge?
People don't want long emails, and they definitely don't want anything that looks like spam. If you want your church emails to be opened, read, and even anticipated, keep them short and helpful.
Here are 5 ways to get your church emails opened and read.
#1 Improve your list (and segment it).
Keep growing your email list, but always make it easy for people to unsubscribe. If they're not interested, you don't want to annoy them.
Plus, when disinterested readers leave, your open rates go up. If too many people are unsubscribing, either your content is off or your list is off—monitor it closely.
Also, segment your list so people get only the information that matters to them. Less clutter = more engagement.
#2 Find the right schedule.
Most churches send emails midweek—Wednesday or Thursday. That's fine, but don't be afraid to test other days or times. Track your open rates and see what works best. Once you find the sweet spot, be consistent so people know when to expect your emails.
#3 Use strong visuals.
We're wired to notice images before text. A single, well-chosen photo can grab attention and set the tone for your message. Pair it with a short, clear caption that reinforces your main point. This helps readers engage before they scroll away.
#4 Keep content short (and wanted).
Ask yourself: Do people really need what I'm sending? If yes, deliver it quickly. Avoid long paragraphs and instead use bullet points, bolding, or short lines so readers can scan and absorb your message fast. The shorter it is, the more likely people will read it all.
#5 Link to your website.
Emails should point people back to your website for the details. But here's the catch: don't send them to a site that looks outdated or cluttered. Your website is the hub of your digital communication, so keep it fresh, simple, and professional.
When you follow these steps, your church emails won't just get noticed—they'll be anticipated. And that means better engagement, stronger connections, and more people taking the next step.
 | Mark MacDonald is a communication pastor, speaker, consultant, bestselling author, and church branding strategist for BeKnownforSomething.com empowering thousands of pastors and churches to become known for something relevant (a communication thread) throughout their ministries, on their church websites and social media. His church branding book, Be Known for Something, is available at BeKnownBook.com. Learn More » |
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