Want to know the secret sauce to how to get your emails opened? The first step is to write irresistible subject lines.
Hey there, my beautiful friend!
Today I want to dive into something that can make or break your email marketing efforts — the subject line. We all know that feeling of crafting the perfect email, only to have it sit there, unopened, in your subscribers’ inboxes. It’s like baking the most delicious cake and no one showing up to eat it!
To make sure that doesn't happen for you, we’re going to talk about how to write subject lines that practically beg to be opened. You can almost hear them calling out "Read me! Read me!"
So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea or whatever you fancy), and let’s get into it!
Why Subject Lines Matter So Much:
First things first... why do subject lines even matter so much?
Well, think about your own inbox. How many emails do you get each day?
Now, how many do you actually open? Chances are, you’re making that decision in a split second based on the subject line and perhaps the sender. Your subscribers are doing the exact same thing.
Your subject line is the first impression your email makes and it’s the number one factor that determines whether your email gets opened or ignored. It doesn’t matter how amazing your content is if no one ever reads it!
The goal of your email subject line is simply to get the email opened.
The Art of Crafting Compelling Subject Lines:
Writing a killer subject line is both an art and a science. It’s about grabbing attention, sparking curiosity and creating a little bit of FOMO (fear of missing out). But rest assured, you don’t need to be a copywriting wizard to get it right.
Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you craft subject lines that get those emails opened:
1. Keep It Short And Sweet
Less is more when it comes to subject lines. Many people now check their emails on their phones and if your subject line is too long, it’ll get cut off. Aim for around 6-8 words, or 40-60 characters. Short, snappy subject lines are easier to read and more likely to grab attention.
Example:
Instead of: “Here’s a Special Offer Just for You That You Don’t Want to Miss!”
Try: “Special Offer: Don’t Miss Out!”
2. Create Curiosity
Humans are naturally curious creatures. If you can pique someone’s curiosity, they’re much more likely to open your email. Ask a question, hint at something exciting or make a bold statement... just enough to make them want to know more.
Example:
“Can You Keep a Secret?”
“What’s the #1 Thing Holding You Back?”
3. Use Numbers
There’s something about numbers that draws people in. They’re specific, they’re concrete and they promise quick, digestible information. If your email includes a list or a step-by-step guide, make sure your subject line reflects that.
Example:
“5 Tips for Better Sleep Tonight”
“3 Reasons Your Marketing Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It)"
4. Speak To The Reader’s Emotions
People open emails when they feel a connection to the subject line. Tap into your reader’s emotions by addressing their pain points, desires or dreams. Show them that you understand where they’re coming from and that you have a solution.
Example:
“Struggling to Stay Focused? Try This…”
“Ready to Achieve Your Big Dream? Let’s Get Started!”
5. Use Personalisation
Who doesn’t love seeing their own name? (Well, it all depends where you're seeing it I suppose.)
But when it comes to emails, personalisation can make your subject line stand out in a crowded inbox. Most email marketing platforms allow you to include your subscriber’s first name in the subject line, which can give your emails a more personal touch.
Example:
“[Name], Here’s Something Just for You”
“[Name], Your Exclusive Invite Inside”
6. Create A Sense Of Urgency
No one wants to miss out on something great. If you’re offering a limited-time deal or a special promotion, make sure your subject line reflects that urgency. Just be careful not to overuse this tactic. If every email is urgent, your readers might start tuning out.
Example:
“Last Chance: 24-Hour Flash Sale”
“Only 3 Spots Left—Claim Yours Now!”
How To Make Sure You Have An Irresistible Subject Line:
Now that you’ve got some solid strategies for writing subject lines, let’s talk about a little tool that can take your subject line game to the next level: subjectline.com.
This free tool allows you to test your subject lines and get instant feedback. It scores your subject line out of 100 based on factors like length, word choice and whether it’s likely to trigger spam filters. You’ll also get suggestions on how to improve your subject line, which can be super helpful when you’re stuck or just want to make sure your subject line is as strong as possible.
Here’s how you can use it:
1. Go to subjectline.com: Simply head over to the website and you’ll see a space to enter your subject line.
2. Type in Your Subject Line: Enter the subject line you’re considering and hit “Submit.”
3. Review Your Score and Suggestions: The tool will give you a score out of 100, along with specific suggestions on how to improve your subject line. It might suggest shortening it, adding a number or using a different word.
4. Revise and Test Again: Take the suggestions to heart and revise your subject line. You can test as many variations as you like until you’re happy with the results.
Using subjectline.com is a great way to get a second opinion on your subject lines, especially if you’re feeling unsure or want to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward.
A Few Final Tips:
Before we wrap up, I want to leave you with a few final tips to keep in mind as you’re crafting your subject lines:
Avoid Spammy Language
Certain words and phrases can trigger spam filters, which means your email might end up in the dreaded spam folder. Words like “free,” “urgent” or “act now” can raise red flags, so use them sparingly and strategically.
Test, Test, Test
Don’t be afraid to test different subject lines to see what works best with your audience. Many email marketing platforms allow you to run A/B tests, where you can send different subject lines to a small portion of your list and see which one performs better. Use this data to inform your future subject lines.
Know Your Audience
Finally, always keep your audience in mind. What works for one group might not work for another. Think about what your subscribers care about, what language resonates with them and what problems they’re facing. The more you truly know your audience, the better your subject lines will be.
Wrapping It Up:
Writing subject lines that get your emails opened isn’t as tricky as it might seem. With a little creativity, a dash of strategy and the help of tools like subjectline.com, you can craft subject lines that grab attention, spark curiosity and compel your subscribers to click that open button.
Remember, your subject line is the key to getting your emails read and your message heard. So don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun and, most importantly, stay true to your voice.
Here’s to more opened emails, more engaged subscribers and more success for your beautiful business! xo