diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md
index f970c10b..e649fcfb 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 Please check these things before submitting your issue:
 
+- [ ] *Read the error message* you're seeing - it often tells you what is wrong, and may contain useful links & instructions
 - [ ] Make sure you're using the latest version of PHPMailer
 - [ ] Check that your problem is not dealt with in [the troubleshooting guide](https://github.com/PHPMailer/PHPMailer/wiki/Troubleshooting), especially if you're having problems connecting to Gmail or GoDaddy
 - [ ] Include sufficient code to reproduce your problem