Unlock Higher Open Rates: Mastering Merge Tags & Emojis for Subject Lines

-26 February 2025-

Mathieu Bédard

Chief Marketing Officer

Did you know that personalized subject lines with merge tags and emojis can increase email open rates by making your messages feel more relevant and engaging?

Crafting compelling email subject lines is key to boosting engagement and open rates. With Zoho Marketing Automation, you can personalize subject lines using merge tags to dynamically insert recipient details and emojis to add visual appeal. This combination helps your emails stand out in crowded inboxes, making them more relevant and eye-catching. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use merge tags and emojis effectively to create subject lines that capture attention and drive higher conversions.

Personalizing Your Email Subject Line with Merge Tags

One of the best ways to engage your email recipients is by adding a personal touch to the subject line. With easy-to-use merge tags, you can create customized subject lines that resonate with each reader.

To add personalization to your email subject line:

1) On the email configuration page, select Add Subject to begin customizing your email subject line.

2) Click Personalize, then select the desired merge tag from the dropdown menu. Merge tags are dynamic placeholders that automatically insert recipient-specific details from your mailing list into the subject line. You can personalize your subject by adding elements such as the recipient’s name, job title, or other relevant information.

3) If needed, include a preheader text to provide a brief preview of your email content, giving recipients a quick insight into the message before they open it.

4) Click save.

Note:

  • When using a customer’s first name with the $[FNAME|Subscriber] merge tag, such as “Hey $[FNAME|Subscriber]$, here are your weekly updates,” the fallback option will display as “Hey Subscriber, here are your weekly updates” if the recipient’s name is unavailable.
  • It’s best to include a clear subject line instead of relying solely on merge tags. For instance, when notifying a recipient about an order delivery, a subject like “Hi $[FNAME]$, your shipment has been delivered” is more effective than simply using “$[FNAME]$.”

Using Emojis in an Email Subject Line

Including emojis in your email subject line is a great way to capture your recipient’s attention. This strategy not only makes your emails stand out but can also boost open rates and encourage more engagement.

To insert an emoji in your email subject line:

1) In the email configuration settings, click Add Subject to begin customizing your email subject line.

2) Click the emoji icon, then choose the emoji you want to include in your subject line.

3) Enter your subject line.

4) If needed, add a preheader text to provide a brief preview of your email content, then click Save.

Tips for Crafting an Engaging Email Subject Line:

  • Avoid including an email address in the subject line.
  • Keep it concise and straight to the point.
  • Set a default value for merge tags to ensure a fallback option is displayed if the recipient’s first name is missing from the subscriber list.

Consider using the recipient’s last name in merge tags for a more personalized touch.

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