Emails continue to play a crucial role in communication, especially in the business world. However, with people receiving countless emails daily, it is essential to create a catchy subject line that drives opens. This is the first thing that your recipient sees.

Therefore, it should be engaging enough to grab their attention and entice them to open the email. Here are some tips on writing a catchy email subject line that drives opens, especially for email marketing.

Keep it Short and Sweet

In a world where everyone is busy, no one has time to read a lengthy subject line. It is best to keep it simple, and that means keeping it short and sweet. A short subject line, which typically ranges between six to ten words, grabs the recipient’s attention, and they are more likely to open the email, as it is easy to read and process.

A sweet subject line, on the other hand, means that it sounds engaging and exciting. People like surprises, and a sweet subject line that piques their curiosity and leaves something to the imagination is sure to entice them to open the email.

Tips for Writing a Short and Sweet Subject Line

– Get Straight to the Point.
Avoid fluffy language or vague phrases. Instead, identify the main point and capture it in as few words as possible.

– Use Action Verbs.
Appeal to the recipient’s emotions by using action verbs that create a sense of urgency or excitement.

– Personalize the Subject Line.
Use the recipient’s name or other personalized information to make the email seem more personal and engaging.

– Use Numbers or Symbols.
Numbers or symbols help to break up the monotony of a subject line while emphasizing a particular point.

Examples of Short and Sweet Subject Lines

1. “Don’t miss out on this deal.”
2. “Last chance to save up to 50% off!”
3. “We have exciting news for you.”
4. “Sneak peek: Our Black Friday sale starts tomorrow!”
5. “Limited time offer: Free shipping on all orders.”
6. “New arrivals you don’t want to miss.”
7. “Just for you: 10% off your next purchase.”
8. “Unlock the secret to success with our new e-course.”
9. “Breaking news: Exciting changes coming your way.”
10. “Let’s catch up over coffee – my treat.”

Use Action-Oriented Language

Using action-oriented language in writing email subject lines is essential because it communicates a sense of urgency to the reader. An action-oriented language prompts the reader to take immediate action, which is precisely what you want to achieve.

Your subject line should convey what the reader stands to gain by opening the email. Action-oriented language triggers a sense of curiosity that makes the reader want to know more.

Examples of Action-Oriented Language

1. “Hurry, Sale Ends Tonight! Get 50% off on all Products.”
The subject line uses the word “hurry,” which is a powerful action-oriented word that emphasizes urgency. The offer of 50% off is an excellent incentive for the reader to open the email and take advantage of this limited-time offer.

2. “Unlock Your Full Potential with our Free Training.”
This subject line uses the action word “unlock” to communicate to the reader that the email contains valuable information that will help them achieve their full potential. The use of the word “free” is also an excellent teaser and incentive for the reader to open the email.

3. “Last Chance to Register for Our Exclusive Zoom Webinar.”
This subject line uses the phrase “last chance” to create a sense of urgency. The use of “exclusive” implies that there is valuable information that only a few people can access. The subject line gives the reader a reason to open the email and register for the Zoom webinar.

4. “Join the Fitness Revolution: Get 20% off Your First Gym Membership.”
The subject line uses the phrase “join the revolution” to create a sense of community and excitement. The subject line promises a discount of 20%, which is an excellent incentive for readers who are looking for a gym membership to open the email and take advantage of the offer.

Personalize Your Subject Line

Personalization creates an emotional connection with your reader and makes them feel special. It creates a sense of urgency and entices them to open the email to learn what’s inside. Personalize your subject line also boosts your email deliverability, as it proves to email services that your content is relevant to your reader.

Examples of Personalized Subject Lines

1. “Hi, John! Your FREE VIP ticket is inside”
One of the most straightforward ways to personalize your subject line is by leveraging the recipient’s first name in your message. Studies have shown that this simple technique can increase open rates by up to 26%.

2. “Here’s 20% off on your next purchase of Red Nike Shoes.”
Another way to personalize your email subject line is by referencing a specific product or event that the recipient has either attended or shown interest in. Doing so makes the reader feel like you understand their needs, and it creates a sense of relevance.

3. “Special Offer for New Jersey: Get Your Limited-Time Discount Today!”
Personalizing your subject line based on the geographical location of your recipient can also increase open rates significantly. Segregating your subscriber list based on location and customizing your subject lines based on their city or state can make a considerable difference in your email campaign’s overall performance.

4. “Hey, Sarah! 30% off on Dresses – Just for you!”
If you have purchase history or browsing data available, you can customize your subject line with a personalized offer based on their interests. This technique is highly effective, as it reminds them of their previous interactions with your brand.

Flatters your Recipients

Flattery is a powerful tool that can help you connect with your audience. The human mind loves to feel appreciated, and a compliment can go a long way in building trust and rapport with your recipient. It can also arouse their curiosity and generate interest in the content of your email.

A subject line that flatters your recipients can increase the likelihood of your email being opened and read, which is the ultimate goal.

Examples on Some Tips How to Flatter your Recipients

1. “John, a special offer just for you.”
Personalizing emails is the first step towards building a strong relationship with your recipients. Nothing flatters more than addressing an email recipient by their first name.

This small gesture shows the recipient that you know them personally and they will be more likely to open and read your email when they feel valued.

2. “Congratulations on your promotion, Sarah! Here’s a gift for you.”
Every person loves to be recognized for their achievements. When crafting your subject line, include a compliment about your recipient’s recent accomplishment or personal achievements.

It is not only a way to flatter your recipients, but your email also becomes more relevant to their interests, which increases the chances of them opening it.

3. “You inspire us, Alex! Let us inspire you with our latest collection.”
By showing that you have taken the time to research and understand your recipient more in-depth, you are not only flattering them- but also building trust and creating a stronger connection. Share a relevant perspective or insight that might interest them or make your recipient feel special and important.

4. “Time-sensitive offer- Don’t Miss Out, Jacob!”
Creating a sense of urgency in your subject line can increase click-through rates and trigger action from your recipients. Use words that convey a sense of urgency and exclusivity, prompting the recipient to take action right away.

5. “5 proven home remedies that will change your life, Martha!”
Flattery is all about making a person feel good. Words that carry emotion and express excitement, enthusiasm, and positivity trigger instant attention, and when combined with numbers, can create a powerful catchphrase.

Use Humor

One effective technique to cut through the noise and get your recipients to open your emails is to use humor in your email subject lines. Humor is an effective way to connect with people and to make them feel more comfortable with your brand.

Here are some tips on how to use humor to create a subject line that will engage your recipients and increase opens.

Examples of Using Humor

1. “This is your lucky day!”
Starting an email with this subject line piques the reader’s curiosity. They will want to know why it’s their lucky day, and they will open the email to find out. Using humor in this email subject line will make the reader smile and give them a positive feeling about your brand.

2. “I promise this isn’t a cat video.”
Cat videos have taken over the internet by storm, and almost everyone has watched one. However, using this subject line shows the reader that you understand their pain and that you have something different to offer. The reader will open your email and be pleasantly surprised to find something else other than a cat video.

3. “Don’t open this email.”
Reverse psychology is a powerful tool that can be used to get people to do things they normally wouldn’t do. Using this subject line tells the reader not to open the email, but their curiosity will get the better of them, and they will open it. Using humor in this subject line will put the reader at ease and make them feel like they are part of an inside joke.

4. “Are you a chocolate lover?”
Using humor in this email subject line shows the reader that you understand and know them. It also implies that there is something they will love in the email. People love to feel understood, and this subject line will make the reader open the email.

Avoid Using Spammy Language

Using spammy language can harm your email campaign in many ways. Besides landing your emails in the spam folder, it can also negatively affect your reputation as a legitimate business or marketer. Spammy language can make your message look like a scam, a phishing attempt, or a promotional gimmick. Plus, even if your emails manage to dodge the spam filter, a subject line filled with spammy keywords may not appeal to your recipients, which could lead to fewer opens and conversions.

Examples of Spammy Language

To avoid using spammy language in your email subject lines, it’s important to know what words and phrases to avoid. Here are some examples of spammy language that you should never use in your subject lines:

1. “Urgent,” “Important,” or “Critical”
These words can create a sense of urgency, but using them too often in your subject lines can make your message sound fake or pushy.

2. “Make Money Fast”
Using phrases like this can make your subject line look like a get-rich-quick scheme, and potential subscribers may assume that it’s a scam.

3. “Free,” “Discount,” or “Savings”
While it might be tempting to use these words to grab the attention of your readers, these words can be overused, and it might lead to your email being ignored.

4. “Act Now,” “Limited Time Offer,” or “Don’t Miss Out”
These words can create a sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), but they can also make your email sound like a sales pitch.

5. Using excessive CAPITALIZATION and punctuation!!!!
This is an old-school technique that is still prevalent in some email marketing campaigns. These tactics can be seen as spammy and are considered unprofessional.

Asking a Question

Asking a question in your subject line creates a sense of curiosity and urgency that can entice your audience to open your email. It also shows that you are addressing a specific problem or need that your audience may have, making your email more relevant to them.

Examples of Asking a Question

1. “Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by your workload?”
This subject line is effective because it addresses a common pain point that many people experience. By posing the question, you are indicating that you understand their struggle and have a solution to help them.

2. “Do you know the best way to save for retirement?”
This subject line uses a question to grab the recipient’s attention and position the sender as an expert in the field. It will likely intrigue the recipient and encourage them to open the email to learn more.

3. “Have you tried our new product yet?”
By posing this question, the sender is creating a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) for the recipient. They may feel like they are missing out on something new and exciting, which could motivate them to open the email and learn more about the product.

4. “Can we talk about your marketing strategy?”
This subject line is effective because it creates a sense of urgency and personalization. It suggests that the sender has insights or suggestions for the recipient’s marketing strategy that they need to discuss right away.

5. “What do you want to achieve this year?”
This subject line is a great way to start a conversation with the recipient and shows that the sender is interested in helping them achieve their goals. It opens the door for a two-way conversation and can help build a relationship with the recipient.

Conclusion

In conclusion, writing a catchy email subject line that drives opens takes skill, creativity, and a little knowledge of what motivates people. With these tips, you can boost your email open rates and create a lasting impression on your readers.