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How to write Email Subject Lines

Top 10 Tips for writing Email Subject Lines

December 22, 20223 min read

The subject line is the first, and perhaps only, impression you make on a prospective email reader. In just a few words, you have to convince them that it's worth their while to open your email.

Jeffrey K. Rohrs, Chief Marketing Officer at Yext

Subject lines are particularly important because they have to compete with a large number of other emails in the recipient's inbox. A catchy and relevant subject line can help to make your email stand out and increase the chances that it will be opened.

In addition to getting the recipient to open the email, subject lines also serve as a way to set expectations for the content of the email. A clear and specific subject line can help the recipient understand what the email is about and whether it is relevant to them, which can also influence whether they choose to read it.

With that said, here are our top 10 tips on crafting quality email subject lines! 👊

  1. Keep it short and concise: Aim for fewer than 50 characters, as this will ensure that the entire subject line is visible in most email clients.

  2. Be clear and specific: Use language that clearly conveys the purpose of the email, so that the recipient knows what to expect.

  3. Use action verbs: Use active language to encourage the recipient to take action, such as "Join us for a webinar" or "Sign up for our newsletter."

  4. Personalize it: Use the recipient's name or other personalization details to make the email feel more personalized and relevant.

  5. Use numbers: Numeric subject lines, such as "10 tips for saving money" or "5 ways to improve your productivity," can be eye-catching and encourage the recipient to open the email.

  6. Use emojis: Emojis can add personality and make your subject line stand out in the recipient's inbox. However, use them sparingly and make sure they are appropriate for the context.

  7. Use questions: Asking a question in the subject line can be a great way to engage the recipient and encourage them to open the email.

  8. Use all caps sparingly: While using all caps may make your subject line stand out, it can also come across as aggressive or spammy. Use all caps sparingly and only for emphasis.

  9. Avoid spammy language: Words and phrases like "Free," "Earn money," or "Double your income" are often flagged as spam, so avoid using them in your subject lines.

  10. Test and optimize: It's a good idea to test different subject lines to see which ones get the most opens and clicks. This will help you understand what works best for your audience and allow you to optimize your subject lines over time.

An effective subject line is like a good headline in a newspaper. It should be interesting, informative, and compelling enough to make the reader want to read on.

Kristin Zhivago, author and CEO of Zhivago Partners

Overall, email subject lines play a critical role in the success of an email marketing campaign, as they are an important factor in determining whether the email will be opened and read by the recipient.

email marketingdigital marketing
Tim has been in digital marketing for over 20 years and he loves to write about it.

Tim West

Tim has been in digital marketing for over 20 years and he loves to write about it.

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