For many marketers, email subject lines are a big deal. They’re the gatekeepers to your emails, what decides if they get opened or sent straight to the spam folder.
You could have the best email content ever, but if your subject line doesn’t grab attention, it’s all wasted effort.
Luckily, there are some tried-and-true tips to help you nail your subject lines every time.
We’ve put together 10 essential tips to guide you in crafting killer email subject lines that make your campaigns shine in crowded inboxes.
#1 Know Who Your Audience Is
Understanding your audience is fundamental to successful marketing campaigns. Without knowing who you’re talking to, you’re just shooting in the dark.
When it comes to crafting subject lines, knowing your audience is key. It’s the starting point that guides you in creating subject lines that resonate with them and compel them to open your emails.
#2 Personalize Your Subject Lines
To boost your open rates, adding a personal touch to your subject lines is key. By incorporating customer data like their name or location, you can grab their attention right from their inbox.
But remember, moderation is key. Overusing personalization can backfire and turn recipients off. It’s like the saying goes, “less is more.” While occasional personalization is effective, too much of it can make your emails seem robotic and predictable.
Today’s consumers are savvy and can spot generic marketing tactics from a mile away. While they appreciate personalized content, they also expect variety and authenticity. So, mix things up and experiment with different personalization strategies to keep your audience engaged and interested.
#3 Define Your Expectations
Time is valuable, so it’s crucial to get straight to the point in your subject lines by highlighting the benefits. Let recipients know upfront what they’ll gain from opening your email.
Clear communication fosters trust with your audience. If your subject lines consistently deliver on their promises, recipients will learn to rely on you.
For instance, if you’re announcing your brand’s new summer product line, don’t beat around the bush. Make it crystal clear in the subject line. Trying to be too clever might backfire.
Here are some straightforward examples:
- Introducing Our New Summer Range: Shop Now!
- Check Out Our Latest Summer Styles!
- Explore Our New Summer Collection Today!
#4 Avoid Misleading
It’s crucial to maintain honesty in your subject lines to preserve trust with your audience. Never promise something in your subject lines that your email doesn’t deliver. This not only comes off as deceptive but can also land your emails in the spam folder or prompt recipients to unsubscribe.
One common misleading tactic is using “RE:” in subject lines to give the impression of a reply to a previous email. While it might boost open rates initially, it often leads to deletions, spam reports, and low click-through rates. It’s simply not worth the risk.
#5 Be Relevant
Ensure that your subject lines are relevant to the content of your emails. While it might be tempting to use mysterious or intriguing subject lines to boost open rates, misleading your audience can ultimately harm your brand’s reputation and erode trust.
Instead, focus on aligning your subject lines with the key message of your email. This not only improves the quality of opens but also enhances the likelihood of click-throughs and conversions, ultimately benefiting your brand in the long run.
#6 Write Short and Clear
With nearly half of all emails being opened on mobile devices, crafting effective subject lines becomes even more crucial. The limited space on mobile screens means that you only have a few words to capture the recipient’s attention.
Typically, you’ll only have around four or five words before your subject line gets cut off on mobile email clients. This highlights the importance of making those initial words count. If you can create a compelling subject line in just four or five words or less, go for it.
#7 Experiment With Emojis
Emojis have become a ubiquitous part of modern communication, infiltrating everything from text messages to marketing campaigns. While they were once seen as quirky and unique, they’ve now become a common sight in email subject lines.
When used strategically, emojis can help your subject lines stand out and grab the reader’s attention. Research suggests that emojis can enhance a good subject line and potentially make a bad one worse, emphasizing the importance of using them effectively.
There are several pros and cons to consider when using emojis in subject lines. On the positive side, emojis can make subject lines more emotive, help convey messages without words, and add visual interest, particularly on mobile devices.
However, their improper use can have negative consequences, including inconsistent rendering across different platforms, potential confusion among recipients, and the risk of alienating certain audiences.
It’s essential to understand your audience and use emojis judiciously to ensure they enhance rather than detract from your email campaigns. Additionally, be mindful of potential misinterpretations or multiple meanings associated with certain emojis to avoid any unintended consequences.
#8 Inform, Don’t Sell
Avoid using unnecessary adjectives in your subject lines. Words like ‘amazing’, ‘unbeatable’, and ‘stunning’ may sound impressive, but they often fail to persuade recipients to open your emails.
Research has shown that false urgency in subject lines is ineffective, particularly in retail sectors. Words like ‘exclusive’, ‘days’, ‘ends’, ‘save’, ‘extra’, and ‘last’ performed poorly in driving action.
Instead, focus on simplicity and clarity. Clearly communicate what recipients can expect from your email, whether it’s a new product launch, event announcement, or a sale.
By avoiding exaggerated promises and overselling, you can improve the quality of your opens and provide readers with genuine reasons to engage with your content.
#9 Aks Questions
Engaging your customers and prompting them to take action often hinges on sparking their curiosity. Using a question in your email subject line is a simple yet effective way to achieve this.
For retail businesses, a straightforward question like “Hi Tosan, do you want 20% off your next order?” can grab attention and entice recipients to open the email.
Similarly, for B2B companies, posing a relevant question related to your content can intrigue recipients. For instance, “How do your results compare to the competition?” prompts curiosity about the insights provided in your global benchmark report.
The inherent curiosity evoked by these questions compels recipients to click and discover more. Once they’re engaged, it’s crucial to maintain their curiosity throughout the email content.
#10 Use AI To Overcome Writer’s Block
If you’re searching for a solution to elevate your email subject lines, meet WinstonAI. This innovative tool leverages advanced Microsoft Azure GPT3.5 technology to assist you in crafting standout subject lines for your campaigns.
Not only can WinstonAI generate compelling subject lines, but it can also analyze your previous campaigns to understand your preferred tone, language, and format. This saves you time and streamlines the process of creating the perfect subject line for your emails.
Conclusion
By putting these subject line tips into action and closely monitoring your audience’s reactions, you can determine what captures their interest most effectively. Keep your subject lines brief, captivating, and aligned with the content of your email.
With dedication and ongoing experimentation, you’ll develop the knack for crafting subject lines that captivate your audience and enhance the effectiveness of your email marketing endeavors.
