5 Surefire Ways to Get Someone to Open Your Email

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Email is the go-to method of communication in the workplace, trumping phone calls and face-to-face exchanges by a landslide. Texting is OK for quick correspondence or follow-up in certain circumstances, depending on the field you are in, but email reigns supreme, and we surely send (and receive) a lot of it.

But when we don't get a reply, anxiety sets in. Did the recipient get my email? And if they did, why haven't they responded? Did they even open it? Should I send a friendly reminder? But what if they don't get that one either, or don't open it yet again? The questions are common but can be avoided by knowing there is a better chance that your recipient will be inclined to open an email from you if you make some changes in your sending habits.

Here are 5 ways you can increase the likelihood that your email will be opened, read, and hopefully responded to. A few tweaks to your current emailing regime can make a major difference in your correspondence productiveness.

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Keep the Subject Brief

Short and sweet is the name of the game when it comes to email subjects. Too short (as in a word or two) and it probably won't make sense, so aim for 6-10 words to craft a clear and concise subject line that is meaningful and to-the-point.

According to Entrepreneur, "People who regularly read email messages typically scan the subject line quickly, only seeing the first three to five words, especially if they're using a smartphone or tablet to check email. This means putting the most important part of your subject line at the beginning."

Start off strong and make your words count.

Timing is Everything

When you send can be as important as what your sending. If you are working tirelessly in the wee hours of the morning and send an email at 4am, your recipient may not even see it once it moves down their mailbox once all the rest of the morning's emails flow in.

Inc. notes, "Think about when your (recipient) is most likely to be in a frame of mind to be open to your (message)."

Additionally, if you send emails all the time to a particular recipient, they may overlook the truly important ones. Only email when absolutely necessary so they are not overloaded with emails from you, not knowing which to open first. Because they may become overwhelmed and not open any at all.

Be Specific

Along with a short subject line, you need to have a clear message. "Please advise on this topic," and "A few ideas for so and so," are not eye-catching or evidently urgent. Your recipient wants to have an idea of what the content of your email will be to entice them to open it.

As per Entrepreneur, "The better you can communicate your story in just a few words, the more likely your email will be opened."

Another tip, "Lead with a benefit," as B2B Marketing recommends. "It gives them an incentive to open your email."

Write a personalized and actionable subject line so the recipient sees a need to reply immediately or in a timely fashion upon getting the gist of what you're after.

Get the Recipient Curious

Once you lead in with a subject line that is clear and specific, leave the recipient longing for more by catering to their natural curiosity.

One way to spark interest is by asking a question in the subject line. According to B2B Marketing, "Questions are a great way to pique your reader's curiosity and inspire them to open your emails in search for more information."

And Entrepreneur adds, "People like inside information, secrets and exclusive information. Communicate those characteristics as appropriate. Funny works too!"

Make Sure They Know Who It's From

If your recipient doesn't know who an email is from, they may think it is spam/junk or unwanted marketing messaging. Be sure it is obvious that your email is from you and the recipient can see this immediately. And if you get a new email address, make note of this in your subject line.

Entrepreneur advises, "Send the email from you--your name--not an impersonal or vague email address."

WikiHow adds, "Use a professional email, as your email will show up alongside the subject line."

With so many emails filling everyone's inbox, weeding through them all is like a finding a needle in a haystack. Get your email seen and opened by following this advice. Just get ready to respond in the fashion you're seeking from others!

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Where to Donate to Support Afghanistan and Haiti

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Over the past month, both Haiti and Afghanistan have been pummeled by tragic disasters that left devastation in their wake.

In Haiti, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake erupted, leading over to 2,189 deaths and counting. A few hours later, in Afghanistan, Kabul fell to the Taliban just after U.S. troops had pulled out after 20 years of war.

In many ways, these disasters are both chillingly connected to US interference. The United States invaded Haiti in 1915, ostensibly promising to restore order after a presidential assassination but really intending to preserve the route to the Panama Canal and to defend US creditors, among other reasons.

But the US forces soon realized that they were not able to control the country alone, and so formed an army of Haitian enlistees, powered by US air power and intended to quell Haitian insurrection against US controls. Then, in 1934, the US pulled out on its own, disappointed with how slow progress was going. Haiti's institutions were never really able to rebuild themselves, leaving them immensely vulnerable to natural disasters.

Something similar happened in Afghanistan, where the US sent troops and supported an insurgent Afghan army – only to pull out, abandoning the country they left in ruins, with many Afghans supporting the Taliban.

In both cases, defense contractors benefited by far the most from the conflict, making billions in profits while civilians faced fallout and devastation. While the conflicts and circumstances are extremely different and while the US is obviously not solely to blame for either crisis, it's hard not to see the US-based roots of these disasters.

Today, in Haiti and Afghanistan, civilians are facing unimaginable tragedy.

Here are charities offering support in Afghanistan:

1. The International Rescue Committee is looking to raise $10 million to deliver aid directly to Afghanistan

2. CARE is matching donations for an Afghanistan relief fund. They are providing food, shelter, and water to families in need; a donation of $89.50 covers 1 family's emergency needs for a month.

3. Women for Women International is matching donations up to 500,000 for Afghan women, who will be facing unimaginable horrors under Taliban control.


4. AfghanAid offers support for people living in remote regions of Afghanistan.

5. VitalVoices supports female leaders and changemakers and survivors of gender-based violence around the world.

Here are charities offering support in Haiti:

1. Partners in Health has been working with Haiti for a long time, and they work with the Department of Health rather than around them, which is extremely important in a charity.

2. Health Equity International helps run Saint Boniface Hospital, a hospital in Haiti close to the earthquake's epicenter.

3. SOIL is an organization based Haiti, "a local organization with a track record of supporting after natural disasters." They are distributing hygiene kits and provisions on the ground to hospitals and to victims of the earthquake.

4. Hope for Haiti has been working in emergency response in Haiti for three decades, and their team is comprised of people who live and work in Haiti. They focus on supporting children and people in need across Haiti.

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How the Beyoncé and Jay Z Controversy Shows Gen Z's Money Priorities

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When the new Tiffany's campaign was unveiled, reactions were mixed.

Tiffany's, the iconic jewelry brand which does not (despite what some might be misled to believe) in fact serve breakfast, featured Jay Z, Beyoncé, and a rare Basquiat painting in their recent campaign.

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How to Save Money on a Road Trip

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Road trips can be a lot of fun — but they can also drain your wallet quickly if you aren't careful.

From high gas costs and park admission fares to lodging and the price of eating out every night, the expenses can add up quickly. But at the same time, it's very possible to do road trips cheaply and efficiently. Without the headache of worrying about how much money you're leaking, you can enjoy the open road a whole lot more. Here's how to save money on a road trip.

1. Prepare Your Budget, Route, and Packing List in Advance

If you want to save money on a road trip, be sure you're ready to go. Try to count up all your expenses before you hit the road and create a budget. It's also a good idea to plan your route in advance so you don't end up taking unnecessary, gas-guzzling detours. And finally, be sure to pack in advance so you don't find yourself having to buy tons of things you forgot along the way.

2. Book Cheap Accommodations — Or Try Camping

All those motel rooms can add up surprisingly quick, but camping is often cheap or free, and it's a great way to get intimate with the place you're visiting. You can check the Bureau of Land Management's website for free campsites. Freecampsite.com also provides great information on If you don't have a tent or don't want to camp every night, try booking cheap Airbnbs or booking hotels in advance, making sure to compare prices.

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If you're planning on sleeping in your car, a few tips: WalMart allows all-night parking, as do many 24-hour gyms. (Buying a membership to Planet Fitness or something like it also gives you a great place to stop, shower, and recharge while on the road).

3. Bring Food From Home

Don't go on a road trip expecting to subsist on fast food alone. You'll wind up feeling like shit, and it'll drain your pocketbook stunningly quickly. Instead, be sure to bring food from home. Consider buying a gas stove and a coffee pot for easy on-the-go meals, and make sure you bring substantial snacks to satiate midday or late night cravings so you can avoid getting those late night Mickey D's expeditions.

Try bringing your own cooler, filling it with easy stuff for breakfast and lunch — some bread and peanut butter and jelly will go a long way. Bring your own utensils, plates, and napkins, and avoid buying bottled water by packing some big water jugs and a reusable water bottle. Alternatively, try staying at hotels or Airbnbs with kitchens so you can cook there.

4. Avoid Tolls

Apps like Google Maps and Waze point out toll locations, so be sure to avoid those to save those pennies. (If it takes you too far off route, you might have to bite the bullet and drive across that expensive bridge).

You can also save on parking fees by using sites like Parkopedia.

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5. Save on Gas

Gas can get pricy incredibly fast, so be sure that you're stopping at cheap gas stations. Free apps like GasBuddy help you find the most affordable gas prices in the area. Also, try going the speed limit on the highways — anything faster will burn through your tank. Be sure that you don't wait till you arrive at touristy locations or big cities to fill up.

6. Get a National Park Pass

All those parks can get really expensive really fast. If you're planning on visiting three or more parks, it's a great idea to get an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. For $80 you can get into every National Park for one year.

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