I’m very focused on growing our newsletter because it is the most direct method of communicating with you. Unlike social media, no algorithms stop you from seeing your local news. What I send is what you see.
With that in mind, here’s a little unscientific analysis of the email newsletters sent on Feb. 17, 2024, and Feb. 17, 2025. While this is a snapshot of just two days, not an average, it’s still fun to compare.
Here goes, and thank you for your continued support:
Updated Email Performance Comparison: 2024 vs. 2025
1. Open Rate: Slight Decrease
2024: 30.6% (4,715 opened)
2025: 28.0% (5,178 opened)
While the open rate has decreased slightly (-2.6 percentage points), the total number of opens increased due to a larger recipient base.
2. Number of Recipients & Total Opens: Strong Growth
Successful Deliveries:
2024: 15,428
2025: 18,490 (+3,062 recipients, +20% increase)
Total Opens:
2024: 6,606
2025: 6,544 (slight decrease)
3. Click Rate & Engagement: Higher Clicks per Unique Open
Click Rate:
2024: 3.1% (473 clicked)
2025: 3.9% (725 clicked) (+53% increase in total clicks)
Clicks per Unique Open:
2024: 10.0%
2025: 14.0% (+40% increase)
This indicates that while slightly fewer people opened the email proportionally, those who did were more engaged and clicked more frequently.
4. Bounce Rate & Unsubscribes: Improved List Quality
Bounce Rate:
2024: 0.12% (19 bounced)
2025: 0.03% (6 bounced) (Improved)
Unsubscribe Rate:
2024: 0.01% (1 unsubscribed)
2025: 0.03% (6 unsubscribed)
The lower bounce rate suggests better email list hygiene, but unsubscribe rates slightly increased, likely due to the larger audience.
Key Insights & Actionable Steps
The list has grown by 20%, but engagement needs optimization.
Click-through engagement is significantly higher, meaning content resonates well.
The bounce rate improved, indicating better deliverability.
The slight open rate dip suggests a need for better subject lines or segmentation strategies.
Recent Stories
Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) visited Stafford County today, urging Northern Virginia officials to reinstate cooperation with federal immigration authorities following the high-profile arrest of a suspected MS-13 gang leader in Dale City.
It was a night of celebration at the Manassas School Board meeting as students from across the city were recognized for excellence in academics, fine arts, and public speaking.
Fredericksburg is getting ready to paint the town red, white, and blue to honor its hometown heroes—the Fredericksburg Nationals—after their 2024 Carolina League Championship victory.
A fire that broke out Wednesday afternoon in a Woodbridge townhouse could have turned into a devastating incident—but thanks to a working sprinkler system, it was largely brought under control…
Properly using a car seat can reduce the risk of injury or death in a car crash by a significant amount, with studies showing reductions of 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
Check your child safety seat with the Montgomery County Safe Kids Coalition on Thursday March 20, 2025 from 10am-12:30pm. No appointment necessary.
Fitzgerald GMC Rockville
McClung-Logan Equipment Company is hosting its 40th Annual Oyster Roast, a signature customer appreciation event celebrating tradition, community, and generosity.
This year’s milestone celebration will take place on Thursday, March 6th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds.
The first Oyster Roast began as a fundraiser in 1985, led by White Oak Equipment founder Frank McCarty, to raise donations for an employee battling cancer. This turned into a time-honored tradition for individuals facing hardship.
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Cascade Landing Community Grand Opening
You’re invited to celebrate the Official Grand Opening of our newest community Cascade Landing in Dumfries, VA. Join us April 12th from 11 AM – 6 PM and fall for your new townhome!
Enjoy our grand opening celebration, complete with
