Email subject lines should provide a brief but informative overview of the message you’re sending. Sometimes these snippets come to you easily. In other cases, you may need help or inspiration to find what to write. Here are some of the best email subject lines to get you started.
Why are email subject lines important in marketing?
Good marketing email subject lines should grab the recipient’s attention and encourage them to read the rest of the message. The subject line is probably the first thing they will notice about every email. And yours is probably competing with many other notes in their inbox. So, a quality subject line could determine whether or not they see what you offer.
How to write professional email subject lines
A good subject line can vary depending on the content of the message. However, there are a few common factors that tend to make these posts stand out from the crowd and get amazing open rates. Here are a few to keep in mind.
Step 1: Summarize your content
Before crafting an engaging post, you need to figure out what you’re trying to share. A sentence or two should be enough to get you started.
Step 2: Determine your target audience
Who is your email trying to appeal to? Instead of just talking to your entire email list, consider who is most likely to benefit from what you share. Then write to those people. Many email programs even allow you to segment your list.
Step 3: Refine your offer
Your initial summary may be a bit bland or general. Once you have the reader or recipient in mind, consider the real offer or value they can get by opening your email. So head on with that.
Step 4: Provide just enough information
The goal of a good email subject line is to get people to open your message, not to make sales or drive clicks to your website. Your post copy should work to achieve these goals. Instead, focus on providing just enough to attract them, without immediately giving away all of your content.
Step 5: Include the most important information first
People often only look at the first few words of a subject line when browsing their inbox. So the best email subject lines usually include the most important details right away. Use this space to create urgency or convey a message, instead of leaving those details for the end of the phrase or sentence.
Effective example of email subject lines
Of course, a great email subject line should be personalized based on the type of content included. But they generally need to promote a sense of urgency, curiosity, or exclusivity. Here is an example :
Do not wait ! Get [offer] by [deadline]
More examples of business email subject lines
Broad email subject lines vary depending on the type of content you need to share. So here are several examples that can work in various cases.
Curiosity subject lines
Engage your followers by offering secrets or information they have always been curious about. This can include anything from celebrity skincare secrets to business tools used by successful brands.
Have you ever wondered how [person/business] gets [result]? We have discovered their secret!
funny subject line
Have fun with your email marketing by making fun of current events, industry trends, or relevant moments. For example, after a big Mega Millions drawing, you can share something like this.
Sorry you didn’t win the lottery… here’s a discount code to ease your pain
personal object
People are more likely to open emails they relate to. Including a detail about an item they purchased, an event they attended, or a piece of content they interacted with can help.
We loved seeing you at [event name]! Do you want to join us again?
Cold subject line
Cold email subject lines can be the first contact you have with someone. It’s often helpful to include the connection or mutual friend who brought you together.
I received your email from [contact/business name] — could we connect about [subject]?
Exclusive subject lines
Sharing an exclusive offer only with your email list can make them more likely to buy. They might feel like they’re missing out if they don’t take advantage of the opportunity. So be sure to draw attention to the exclusivity factor.
For email subscribers only! Get [deal] before our inventory runs out!
Limited time item
Limited time offers also bring exclusivity to an offer. Instead of simply putting a purchase on the back burner, subscribers may be more inclined to act quickly if an email subject line includes a clear deadline.
Only this weekend: Take advantage of 50% off our entire site!
urgent object
Urgent posts tend to attract readers, even if there is no specific deadline. For example, coaches or content creators can create urgency by sharing the importance of their message.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to learn this important business lesson…
Useful subject line
What is the question that readers or subscribers ask you again and again? Share an email subject line that explores the kind of useful information you provide in the message.
How [complete X task] like a boss
Object of the ad
Do you have a new product, service or event to unveil? Make a big announcement that proclaims your new offer and gives a little preview.
new for [month/season]! Come shop our brand new collection of [product line]
Pain point subject line
In some cases, your value proposition may be to solve a specific problem or pain point. In these cases, direct the problem and tease the solution.
Sick of [pain point]? Here’s what to do about it
FOMO subject line
The fear of missing out can be a powerful motivator. This type of email subject line should give the impression that your offer is something more important than the participation of many people.
Don’t let your loyalty points expire! Buy before midnight to redeem your rewards
Surprise subject lines
Surprises are exciting and mysterious. Often, good email subject lines don’t reveal much. But you should include just enough to make them curious.
A surprise for our favorite email subscribers…
Abandoned cart subject lines
Businesses often use their email list to retarget those who left items in their cart before completing a purchase. In these cases, it’s usually best to remind shoppers in a fun way.
Oops! It looks like you forgot something… click here to finalize your order
Tips for Writing Email Subject Lines
The sample subject line categories above should inspire you. And these tips can help you make every post relevant to your content or business.
Lead with your value proposition
What do you provide to the recipient to open the message? A deal? Exciting new content? Find out how they will benefit from opening your email.
Make it attractive, but not spammy
A mysterious or catchy little headline can make people curious enough to open your email. However, avoid spam words such as “free stuff” or “buy now”, which could send your message to the spam folder.
say something out of the ordinary
People get used to common words and phrases found in their inbox. So if you want to get their attention, you might have to mix things up. Add a shocking reveal or exclamation to get their attention. Just make sure it’s also relevant to your target customers.
Use humor or alliteration
Catchy email subject lines often include jokes, puns, or alliterative phrases. It’s not a must, but it can make strong messages even more eye-catching or memorable. Just make sure that this type of message matches the voice of your brand.
Start a conversation
Email marketing is not just about sharing news. It can be a powerful tool for starting conversations and building community. Consider asking open-ended questions to get people thinking.
Include a call to action
What do you want people to do after reading your post? RSVP for an event? Take advantage of a limited time sale? Include deadlines or action steps in your subject lines.
Be brief
If your email subject is too long, what does that say about your actual email? People make split-second decisions when cleaning out their inboxes. So don’t let your post get cut off because you couldn’t get to the point. A few words or a short sentence are almost always enough.
What makes an email subject line catchy?
When writing subject lines, the most important thing is to share something of value to subscribers. If you have an interesting offer, make it catchy by including descriptive words, alliteration, humor or a personal touch.
What is the best subject line for email marketing campaigns?
Good subject lines vary depending on the content of the message. However, the best subjects generally create mystery, urgency and exclusivity. For example, “Subscribers only!” Upgrade your account now to get 50% off. »
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