Measuring results
Can I rely on email open rates?
Treat open rates as an imperfect technical signal. Image loading, privacy features, and automated systems can affect whether an open is recorded. An apparent open does not establish that a person read the message or wants a follow-up. Direct responses and confirmed next steps provide stronger evidence of a useful conversation.
How to approach it
- Avoid using a single open event to trigger pressure.
- Compare actual replies and qualified opportunities.
- Explain tracking practices accurately if you use them.
“I saw you opened my email” can be both intrusive and incorrect. A more useful follow-up adds relevant information without claiming to know what the recipient did.
Updated September 10, 2026 · By Vibeful Team