Email marketing is one of the most effective ways to reach and engage with your audience, but it’s essential to use effective email subject lines to stand out in a crowded inbox. However, with the average person receiving over 100 emails a day, it’s crucial to make sure your emails stand out from the crowd. One of the best ways to do this is by crafting an attention-grabbing subject line.
In this article, we’ll go over the do’s and don’ts of writing effective email subject lines that will help improve your email open rates and overall email marketing success.
DO: Keep It Short and Sweet
The ideal length for effective email subject lines should be between 30 and 50 characters. Shorter subject lines are more likely to be read and understood quickly, making them more effective at capturing your audience’s attention.
For instance, “Sale Ends Tonight!” is more impactful than a lengthy, detailed sentence. Keep in mind that many people will be reading your emails on their mobile devices, so it’s important to make sure your subject lines are easily scannable and readable on smaller screens.
DO: Personalize Your Subject Lines
Personalizing your subject lines can increase your email open rates by up to 26%. Use your recipient’s name or location in your subject line to make them feel special and more likely to open your email. For example, “John, Your Personalized Recommendations Inside” feels more engaging than a generic greeting. You can also use segmentation to create targeted subject lines based on your recipient’s interests or previous interactions with your brand.
DO: Create Urgency
Creating a sense of urgency prompts immediate action. Phrases like “Limited Offer” or “24-hour Giveaway” compel readers to open emails promptly. Such subject lines create a fear of missing out, which is a powerful motivator for opening emails.
DO: A/B Test Your Subject Lines
A/B testing your subject lines is a great way to see what works and what doesn’t. Try testing different subject lines to see which ones resonate the most with your audience. You can test things like personalization, emojis, and different wording to see what performs best.
DO: Use Action Words
Action-oriented language spurs engagement. Starting your subject line with verbs like “Discover,” “Unveil,” or “Explore” encourages readers to find out more. For example, “Explore Our New Collection Now!” is more inviting than a passive phrase.
DON’T: Use All Caps or Excessive Punctuation
Using all caps or excessive punctuation can come across as spammy and unprofessional. It’s best to avoid these tactics and instead focus on creating subject lines that are clear, concise, and to the point.
DON’T: Use Deceptive or Clickbait Subject Lines
While it may be tempting to use a clickbait subject line to increase your open rates, it’s important to remember that your audience will quickly lose trust in your brand if your emails don’t deliver on their promises. Avoid using deceptive or misleading subject lines, and instead focus on creating effective email subject lines that accurately reflect the content of your emails.
DON’T: Ignore Mobile Users
With most emails opened on mobile devices, it’s crucial to consider how your subject line appears on smaller screens. Keep it short and engaging to ensure it’s fully visible on mobile devices. For example, “Your Exclusive Mobile Discount Inside” is concise and mobile-friendly.
DON’T: Trigger Spam Filters
Stay clear of words that are known spam triggers, like “Free,” “Guarantee,” or “No risk.” These can send your email straight to the spam folder, unseen by your audience. Crafting a subject line without these words increases the chances of your email being read.
Crafting effective email subject lines is a critical component of successful email marketing. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can create subject lines that capture your audience’s attention and drive engagement with your brand. Remember to keep your subject lines short and sweet, personalize when possible, and avoid using deceptive tactics. With the right approach, you can create subject lines that stand out from the crowd and help take your email marketing to the next level.
