How to Write Email Subject Lines That Get Clicks

Master these Email Subject Lines Writing Rules

1. Keep Subject Line Short

Aim for conciseness. Subject lines that are too long can get cut off, especially on mobile devices. Research suggests that subject lines with 6-10 words or no more than 70 characters perform best.

Keeping it concise ensures your message is fully visible, whether your audience is on a desktop or mobile device. For further confirmation, it is recommended to utilize email marketing tools to see how your written subject line will appear on the audience’s device.

Example:

“Flash Sale! 50% Off All Items”
“New Arrivals You’ll Love”

2. Be Direct and Clear

While it might be tempting to craft a witty or clever subject line, clarity often trumps cleverness. Studies show that clear subject lines get 541% more clicks than those that are ambiguous. Your subscribers should know exactly what to expect when they open your email.

Example:

“Weekly Newsletter: Top Marketing Tips”
“Your Order Has Shipped”

3. Ask Questions to Engage

Questions can spark curiosity and engage your readers. When your audience sees a question, they’re more likely to want to find out the answer, leading to higher open rates.

Example:

“Want to Save More on Your Next Purchase?”
“Need a Vacation? Here’s How to Get One”

4. Use Numbers for Impact

Numbers can make your subject line stand out in a crowded inbox. A study by Yesware found that email subject lines containing numbers have a 45% higher open rate compared to the average open rate. They provide a clear expectation of what the email contains and can make your content seem more digestible.

Example:

“5 Tips for Better Sleep Tonight”
“Top 10 Summer Travel Destinations”

5. Include Relevant Keywords

Keywords are crucial not only for SEO but also for ensuring your email gets noticed. Think about what your subscribers might be searching for and include those terms in your email subject lines.

Example:

“Exclusive Offer on Organic Skincare Products”
“How to Boost Your Social Media Presence”

6. Deliver on Your Promise

Whatever your subject line promises, make sure the body of your email delivers. This builds trust with your audience and increases the likelihood of them opening your future emails. If you promise a discount, ensure it’s clearly highlighted in the email.

Example:

“Claim Your 20% Discount Inside”
“Download Your Free E-book Now”

7. Create a Sense of Urgency

Urgency can drive immediate action. Phrases like “limited time,” “ending soon,” or “last chance” can compel readers to open your email right away rather than putting it off for later.

Example:

“Limited Time Offer: Ends Tonight”
“Only a Few Left in Stock!”

8. Be Creative and Surprising

Creativity can set your email apart from the rest. Play-on words, puns, or pleasant surprises can activate the brain’s pleasure centers and make your email more memorable.

Example:

“Don’t Leaf Without This Deal”
“Unwrap Your Special Gift Inside”

9. Perform A/B Testing (Split Testing)

Many best email tools, like Mailchimp and Constant Contact, offer A/B testing features. This allows you to test different subject lines to see which one performs better.

How to use: Create two or more versions of your subject line and send them to a small portion of your list. The tool will analyze open rates and engagement, helping you determine the most effective subject line for the rest of your audience.

Conclusion

There’s no “golden rule” for writing the best subject line with a 100% conversion rate.

All it takes is creativity, briefness, clarity and a lot of patience.

By implementing the strategies we discussed in this blog, you can increase your email open rates and improve the overall effectiveness of your email marketing campaigns. For professional help, reach out to our marketing experts now!

Remember, your email subject lines are a promise to your reader – make sure your email delivers on it. Happy emailing!