1. Use a clear, honest subject line
Your subject line is the first thing email providers check.
✔ Keep it short: 4–7 words
✔ Be specific (e.g. “New Autumn Gifts Just For You”)
✔ Use normal wording - no shouting, no symbols
Avoid:
✘ ALL CAPS
✘ “FREE!!!!”
✘ Too many emojis in the subject
A good test: Would I open this?
2. Add a preview text
The preview text shows next to your subject in inboxes.
Use it to expand on your subject:
“Fresh offers inside, book your next visit today.”
“Meet our newest stylist + exclusive intro offer.”
Avoid leaving it blank - blank preview text can look like spam.
3. Keep your message simple and readable
Spam filters dislike:
Too many fonts
Overly-styled text
Huge images with very little text
Aim for a clean, balanced layout:
✔ One font
✔ Clear paragraphs
✔ A few supporting images
✔ A single, strong call-to-action
4. Use real, conversational language
Write like a human, not a sales robot.
Good:
“We’d love to see you back in the salon this month.”
Avoid:
✘ “Click now for best offers only today!!!”
✘ Overly salesy tones
A warm, human message builds trust.
5. Don’t overload the email with images
If your email is 90% images, many providers treat it as promotional spam.
✔ Use 2–5 images max
✔ Always include text with your images
6. Personalise your content
Use merge tags:
First name
Online booking link
Your salon name
Personalised emails get more opens and fewer spam complaints.
Example:
“Hi Emma, we’ve got something new we think you’ll love.”
7. Keep your list fresh (this part is key)
Encourage users to:
✔ Email active clients
✔ Email customers who have visited recently
✔ Avoid sending large blasts to people who haven’t come in years
Inactive customers = higher risk of spam complaints.
8. Avoid using too many links
Spam filters don’t like link-heavy emails.
✔ Use 1 main Call to Action (e.g. Book Now)
✔ Avoid 5–6 different links as this can be confusing. You can include any links you need but make sure you test these before sending.
9. Use high-quality images
Low-quality, pixelated images can look suspicious or untrustworthy.
✔ Use clean graphics
✔ Keep file sizes reasonable
✔ No overly animated or flashing GIFs
10. Always include a clear unsubscribe option
Slick Email does this for you automatically. It also ensures compliance by including mandatory unsubscribe links in every email, which is a legal requirement.
This helps keep your deliverability high!
Using Pre-set Templates for Compliance
Slick offers pre-set email templates that include the required unsubscribe section by default. To create a compliant email blast:
Select a pre-set draft or template from the available options in Slick.
Customise the template by adding your own images, text, and other content.
Ensure the unsubscribe link remains intact to meet compliance requirements. Using these templates simplifies the process and guarantees that your email meets the necessary standards. Slick's pre-set templates include this feature by default, simplifying the process of creating compliant email campaigns.
⭐ Bonus Tips for Maximum Results
🎉 Send at the right time
Best times for salons:
Weekday mornings (8–11am)
Early evenings (6–8pm)
Saturday mornings work surprisingly well for offers
Avoid:
✘ Monday 9am (slow open rates)
✘ Late-night sends
🎀 Use a single, strong message
Emails with one clear purpose perform best.
Examples:
“Meet our new stylist Sophie”
“New Autumn Colours are here”
“20% off facials this week only”
Avoid cramming everything into one email.
💜 Brand it consistently
Include:
✔ Your logo
✔ A friendly sign-off
✔ A consistent button style
This builds recognition and trust.
📊 Review your results
If certain emails get:
Low opens → improve your subject lines
Low clicks → strengthen your call-to-action
High unsubscribes → reduce frequency or soften tone
Your analytics teach you what customers respond to.