5 Practical Tips To Write A Killer Email Subject Line (+3 Examples)
Let’s jump straight into it.
Here are a few things to bear in mind if you want to create an email subject line that will increase the clicking rate and get more engagement you want.
#1: Keep It Short & Succinct
There is no time for vague or confusing references to the content of your message. Imagine receiving hundreds of emails in a day, how are you going to make your email outstanding?
Simplify and make it easy for the recipients to understand what they can find inside your mail.
A rule of thumb is to write less than 10 words in your subject line. Short and simple always wins.
#2: Avoid The Spam Filters
Have you ever wondered why some emails are delivered to the spam folder?
This usually happens when the spam filters detect words that are salesy or excessive use of capital letters or punctuation.
You most definitely do not want your email to be directed to a place where it is unlikely to ever be seen, let alone opened. Therefore, follow tip #1 — keep things short, simple and direct.
Some subject lines to avoid:
- “You need these asap…”
- “Don’t miss out!..”
- “Do it today!…”
- “1000x better than..”
- “Do you want/like/have…”
To give you an idea,
A good subject line: Improve your google ranking by 10%
vs.
A spam alert subject line: IMPROVE YOUR GOOGLE RANKING AND MAKE MORE $$$ TODAY
Note: Never use all CAPS!
#3 Don’t Write Clickbait Subject Lines
Everyone wants to feel special.
Too many people try to stand out in a crowded inbox by coming up with witty, clickbait headlines. However, the reality is most editors and journalists will advice you to not do so.
Why? The reason is simple. When you try to be funny or outrageous, your email will trigger the clickbait radar. Keep in mind that you are using the subject line to convey the message of your email, not to writing for sitcoms.
Keep your subject line consistent with your email’s content.
#4: Personalize Your Subject Line
Use names in your subject line. Personalize your message content with references to previous mails, anything that makes it clear that this message was curated specifically for them.
Note: Remember to extend this personalization to the body of the message as well!
#5: Mention Multimedia Elements
Multimedia elements can tell your message in a more compelling way. Research has shown that email contents with videos, graphs and other elements will achieve a higher engagement rate.
When you incorporate these elements in your email, you should add in a reference to them in your email subject line.
For example: “ See how… “, “Watch…” or “ Video shows…” are great ways to start your subject line and spark interest in what’s inside.
3 Examples of Good Email Subject Lines:
1.Marquet Media
Take a look at their email subject lines from various client campaigns. They are all direct and straight to the point:
Beauty Interview: Mom & Celebrity Hairstylist w/ A-List Clientele Talks
Interview: Therapist and Entrepreneur on How to Manage Everyday Stress
Fashion Feature Segment: Activist & Designer Launches Sustainable Fashion Brand
2.Mancini Media Strategy
The force behind Mancini Media Strategy, Jennifer Mancini has shared a few great examples of email subject line:
Why You Need To Stop Wearing Your Cell Phone In Your Pocket
Money Moves To Make Right Now
Fall Finances: How To Start Preparing For The Holiday Season
3. Digital Third Coast
Matt Zajechowski who is the outreach team lead of digital third coast has shown great success using data as mentioned in tip #5 to get attention. They have used extensively words like “Study, new data, survey, new research” in their subject line.
For instances,
Study: Marijuana consumption — Boomers vs Millennials
Robocalls during Covid-19: Watch out for these scams
Survey: How Americans feel about returning to work during Covid-19
85% of consumers report paying more for groceries during COVID-19
