There’s something wrong with this question isn’t there? Asked in this way, the emphasis is on what’s best for the sender. What we should really be asking is, “What time would someone like to receive my email?”

Many would argue that, if email opening rates peak in the late morning – as they do – that must be the ideal time for yours to arrive.

But it’s not that simple. When somebody under pressure is flicking through their inbox discarding anything that doesn’t immediately grab their interest, your email has a good chance of being missed or ignored.

It’s far better to time your mails to arrive before or after the peak. Once you’ve chosen the ideal time, taking time zones into account, of course, stick with it.

Your opening rate will improve immediately.

SMART TIP: Download a world time zone map from the internet and work out when you should be sending mails to your various stakeholders so that they arrive at the best time.