Resources Hub » Knowledge base » What Is an Email Header?

An email header is the area in which you enter important information above the email content area.

The information in the header includes such things as the recipient, the sender, and a subject line with the option of sending copies to additional recipients.

Another definition for an email header, which will be the one you’ll focus on here, is the top area of an email. These areas typically contain engaging graphics coupled with preheader text.

How to measure the effects of an email header on your marketing campaigns

Measuring the success of your email headers can typically be achieved by using conventional email marketing metrics. You can use open and click-through rates, for example, to get an idea of how well your email headers are doing.

One thing that you can do to increase your chances of success when designing your email headers is to study the most revered examples from other brands. Emojis, for example, are a potential key to increasing customer engagement, as they typically result in higher open rates. Little details like these can make a huge difference in the effectiveness of your email headers.

Fifty-six percent of emails using emojis in the subject line have higher open rates.

What makes an effective email header?

Several important factors go into making an effective email header. Some of the most impressive headers feature loyalty information that resonates with customers and encourages conversions.

Does it really matter?

As input forms, email headers are essential to the health of your brand, and it’s important to include your brand name or legal name in the header of your emails.

But, just because there are a few specific standards when it comes to headers, that doesn’t mean that you can’t be creative. You’ll still have plenty of creative freedom over the subject line. As long as the subject line gives the customer a clear idea of what the email’s about, you’re golden.

It’s helpful to keep in mind that headers featuring graphics are going to be beneficial to your brand.

When you take the time to design a truly effective email header, you can create highly effective examples like this.

When you take the time to design a truly effective email header, you can create highly effective examples like this.

Source: Campaign Monitor

Your email header is much more than an input form, and the subject line is the one thing that makes it incredibly unique.

A subject line is the first thing customers will see when viewing your newsletters. The quality and contents of the subject line can determine whether a customer will open your email or not.

The most effective subject lines are personal and concise. Your subject lines should also be focused and stand out and appeal to customers. It’s crucial to write your subject lines before continuing to the rest of your newsletter. The idea is to let the subject line shape the contents of the email.

Other things to include in your subject lines are a sense of urgency and consistency. The sense of urgency helps encourage customers to engage, while consistency helps retain them.

What now?

Now that you know more about email headers, you’re ready to start implementing them in your newsletters. Take note of how you can use preheader text to enhance your email content.

You can learn more about what preheader text is and how to use it with Campaign Monitor.

This blog provides general information and discussion about email marketing and related subjects. The content provided in this blog ("Content”), should not be construed as and is not intended to constitute financial, legal or tax advice. You should seek the advice of professionals prior to acting upon any information contained in the Content. All Content is provided strictly “as is” and we make no warranty or representation of any kind regarding the Content.

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