How do you write email subject lines that get more open rates?

How to Write Email Subject Lines That Increase Open Rates

Your email lands in someone’s inbox, surrounded by hundreds of others. What’s the one thing that will make them click on yours? Yup, it’s your subject line! Crafting a perfect subject line is like having a superpower—it can make all the difference between being seen or getting ignored. Here are some tips and strategies to help you write subject lines that boost your email open rates like never before!

1. Keep It Short and Sweet

• Aim for 5-9 words or 30-50 characters: Shorter subject lines tend to perform better because they don't get cut off on mobile devices.
• Make sure the most important part of your message is visible even on small screens.

2. Create a Sense of Urgency

• Use phrases like "Limited Time Offer," "Last Chance," or "Don't Miss Out" to encourage immediate action.
• Example: "Only 2 Days Left for 50% Off!"

3. Personalize the Subject Line

• Use the recipient's name or location to make the email feel more personalized.
• Example: "Sarah, Don't Miss Your Exclusive Offer!"

4. Ask a Question

• Questions can spark curiosity and prompt the recipient to open the email for an answer.
• Example: "Ready to Boost Your Productivity?"

5. Add Emojis (When Appropriate)

• Emojis can help your subject line stand out in the inbox, but use them sparingly and only if they match your brand's tone.
• Example: "🎉 You’ve Earned a Special Discount!"

6. Offer a Benefit or Value

• Clearly state what the reader will gain by opening the email. Focus on how it will benefit them.
• Example: "How to Save 20% on Your Next Purchase"

7. Create Curiosity

• Craft your subject lines to create intrigue without giving away too much. This encourages the recipient to click to learn more.
• Example: "This Simple Trick Could Save You Money!"

8. Use Action-Oriented Language

• Begin your subject line with a verb to encourage action.
• Example: "Discover New Strategies for Growth"

9. A/B Test Your Subject Lines

• Test different subject lines to see which one performs better in terms of open rates. A/B testing helps you understand your audience's preferences.

10. Avoid Spammy Words

• Words like "Free," "Cheap," and "Guaranteed" can trigger spam filters or make your email seem less trustworthy.
• Instead, focus on genuine value and clarity.

11. Highlight Exclusivity

• Let your subscribers feel like they are part of an exclusive group or are receiving insider information.
• Example: "Exclusive Access to Our New Collection!"

12. Use Numbers and Lists

• Numbers can make your subject line more specific and eye-catching.
• Example: "5 Tips to Improve Your Marketing Strategy"

13. Experiment with Humor

• If it fits your brand’s tone, a little humor can go a long way in grabbing attention.
• Example: "We Like Big Sales and We Cannot Lie! 🛍️"

14. Test FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

• Create a sense of missing out by emphasizing the urgency or uniqueness of your offer.
• Example: "Hurry! Only 3 Spots Left!"

15. Be Honest and Transparent

• Make sure your subject line accurately represents the content of the email. Misleading subject lines can damage trust.
• Example: "What’s New in Our Product Lineup"

16. Recent subject line performance

• Use performance metrics to understand which subject lines are driving the highest open rates and engagement and use what resonates best with your audience.

17. Showing social proof in subject line

• Customers are more likely to engage with a product or service that others are already enjoying. It positions your brand as reputable and well-regarded by your audience.
• Use social proof that directly relates to your audience's needs and interests.
• Example: "Join 10,000+ Happy Customers Who Love Our Product!"

Industry Benchmarks for Subject Line Performance

• Average Open Rate: 20-25% is a common benchmark, with personalized subject lines often achieving higher rates.
• Average Click-Through Rate (CTR): Generally falls between 2-5%, depending on the relevance of the content and the call to action.
• Best Performing Word Count: Subject lines with 6-10 words tend to have the highest open rates.

Conclusion

Writing compelling email subject lines takes practice and testing. By focusing on personalization, creating a sense of urgency, and offering value, you can boost your open rates and improve your email marketing performance.

Would you like some examples from well-known brands to see how they apply these strategies?