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In today’s digital age, email has become an indispensable tool for communication, both in personal and professional spheres. However, despite its widespread use, many interesting facts about email are not widely known.
In this article, we’ll look at 11 surprising facts about email that you may not have known.
From the origins of email to the evolution of email marketing, these facts shed light on the history and impact of this ubiquitous technology.
11 Surprising facts about email
Let’s delve into 11 intriguing facts about emails that might just surprise you!
- The first email :The first email was sent by Ray Tomlinson in 1971, marking the beginning of what would become an indispensable tool in our digital lives. He sent a message from one computer to another, using the @ symbol to separate the user’s name from the computer’s name. This simple act would go on to revolutionize communication as we know it. And you’d be underwhelmed to find that all he wrote was “QWERTYUIOP,”, the first row of letters on a keyboard.
- Average email check frequency: On average, people check their emails about 15 times per day. However, this number can vary widely depending on factors such as age, occupation, and personal habits. For example, a recent study found that people between the ages of 18 and 24 check their emails an average of 74 times per day, while those between the ages of 55 and 64 check their emails an average of 28 times per day.
- Average number of emails :According to a study by the Radicati Group, the average office worker receives 121 emails per day. This staggering number speaks to the ubiquity of email in modern business communication. However, it’s important to note that this number can vary widely depending on factors such as the individual’s job role, industry, and personal habits. Whether you’re a casual email user or a seasoned professional, it’s clear that email plays a central role in modern communication.
- Email open rates after 24 hours: Emails have a relatively short shelf life, and their chances of being opened decrease significantly after the first 24 hours. According to a study by GetResponse, the average open rate for emails sent to a list of subscribers is around 22%. However, this number drops to just 4% after 24 hours. This means that if you want to maximize the chances of your emails being opened, it’s important to use email marketing tools like YoroConnect, automate email communication, and make sure to send them at the right time.
- The largest email service provider (ESP) : The largest email service provider (ESP) is Microsoft’s Outlook.com, which is part of the Microsoft 365 suite. Outlook.com is a web-based suite of webmail, contacts, tasks, and calendaring services from Microsoft. It offers a range of features, including email, contacts, calendars, and tasks. Outlook.com also integrates with other Microsoft services, such as OneDrive and Office Online, making it a powerful tool for productivity and collaboration.
- Is it email or e-mail? : Technically, both email and e-mail are right. Since it’s short for electronic mail, the term ‘e-mail’ was first the preferred version, but as the usage spread, most people switched to the unhyphenated ‘email’. The Associated Press Stylebook, the style guide for most newspapers in the United States, also decided to drop the hyphen in 2011.
- Email marketing ROI : Email marketing has consistently proven to be one of the most effective and cost-efficient marketing channels, boasting a high return on investment (ROI) for businesses. According to a 2021 report by Litmus, the average ROI for email marketing is $42 for every $1 spent. By leveraging these features and capabilities, businesses can create highly effective email campaigns that deliver results and drive sales.
- The first email marketing campaign : The first email marketing campaign was sent by Gary Thuerk in 1978. He sent an email promoting DEC computers to 400 users on ARPANET. This marked the beginning of email as a marketing tool. Today, there are numerous tools available for email marketing campaigns.
- The rise of email marketing platforms : Email marketing platforms have evolved to offer a wide range of features and capabilities, including segmentation, personalization, automation, and analytics. Some of the earliest email marketing platforms include Hotmail (1996) and Constant Contact (1998). Today, there are numerous email marketing software programs, like YoroConnect, offering unique features to enhance email management in businesses.
- The introduction of “Reply All” : The “reply all” button in email was introduced by Microsoft in 1997. This feature allows users to reply to all recipients of an email, rather than just the sender. This was a significant development in email communication, as it allowed for more efficient and streamlined communication among groups of people. Today, the “reply all” button is a ubiquitous feature in email clients and is used by millions of people around the world.
- The first email virus : The first email virus, called the “ILOVEYOU” virus, was sent in 2000. It infected millions of computers worldwide. This marked the beginning of email as a vector for malware.
End note
In conclusion, the evolution of email has been a fascinating journey, from its humble beginnings as a simple communication tool to its status as a powerful marketing and communication channel. The 11 surprising facts we’ve explored in this article shed light on the history and impact of email.
As we continue to rely on email for marketing, it is important to stay updated with tools like YoroConnect.
By connecting email integration and custom email servers, organizations can create a seamless and efficient email management system which will build relationships, and drive sales in today’s digital age
