Compelling and engaging subject lines will simply get your emails read more! Here are some tips on how to make those subject lines stand out…
Understand Your Audience: Tailor subject lines to resonate with your audience’s interests, needs, and pain points. Research their demographics, preferences, and behaviors to craft subject lines that capture their attention. Personalization can significantly boost open rates, so consider using recipients’ names or referencing previous interactions.
Keep it Concise: Short and sweet subject lines tend to perform best. Aim for clarity and brevity to ensure your message isn’t cut off or misunderstood in crowded inboxes. Limit your subject line to around 5-7 words to maximize impact and readability on both desktop and mobile devices.
Create Urgency or Curiosity: Spark curiosity or create a sense of urgency to entice recipients to open your email. Use words like “limited time offer,” “exclusive invitation,” or “don’t miss out” to prompt immediate action. Alternatively, tease intriguing content or benefits without giving everything away, compelling recipients to open the email to learn more.
Use Actionable Language: Encourage action by incorporating actionable verbs or phrases into your subject lines. Words like “discover,” “explore,” “unlock,” or “get started” prompt recipients to engage with your email content. By implying a clear benefit or outcome, you increase the likelihood of conversions.
Highlight Value Proposition: Clearly communicate the value or benefit recipients will gain from opening your email. Whether it’s solving a problem, offering valuable insights, or providing exclusive access, emphasize what’s in it for them. Conveying tangible benefits in your subject line can drive higher open rates and engagement.
A/B Test Variations: Experiment with different subject line variations to identify what resonates best with your audience. Conduct A/B tests by sending two versions of your subject line to a subset of your email list and analyzing performance metrics like open rates. Use insights from these tests to refine your approach and optimize future campaigns.
Avoid Spam Triggers: Steer clear of spammy language and symbols that could trigger spam filters or deter recipients from opening your email. Words like “free,” “cash,” or excessive punctuation (!!!) can flag your email as spam. Instead, focus on genuine and relevant messaging to build trust and credibility with your audience.
Incorporate Numbers or Statistics: Numbers and statistics can add credibility and intrigue to your subject lines. Whether it’s a percentage increase, a countdown, or a listicle format (“5 Tips for…”), numerical figures can capture attention and communicate specific benefits or insights, making your email more compelling.
Use Emoji Sparingly: While emojis can inject personality and visual appeal into subject lines, use them sparingly and strategically. Emojis should complement your message and resonate with your audience, rather than detract from your professionalism. Test their effectiveness with your target audience and monitor engagement metrics accordingly.
Test for Mobile Optimization: Given the prevalence of mobile email usage, ensure your subject lines are optimized for mobile devices. Keep them concise, avoiding long phrases that may get truncated. Test how your subject lines appear across various devices and email clients to guarantee they’re visually appealing and compelling on smaller screens. Mobile-friendly subject lines can significantly improve open rates and overall campaign success.
I hope this helps you get more eyeballs on the emails you send your audience. You ARE sending emails… right?
Thanks for reading!
Your pal,
Dave
