Email marketing is an effective tool to connect with your customers when done right. The title that you give your email can make a big difference as to whether it ends up in the SPAM folder or is opened by the reader.
Let’s face it, your audience will judge an email by its subject line, so writing a good one is essential. The best email titles are short, descriptive and give the reader a reason to explore your message further.
Standing out in the inbox can be difficult and keeping your subject line simple and to the point is one of the best practices. Using cheesy or splashy phrases can backfire and result in your email being ignored. Want to learn more? Here are 10 ways to improve your email marketing subject lines:
10 Ways to Improve Your Email Marketing Subject Lines
- Be Specific – When working on your subject line, be very clear about your goal. Being upfront and honest will make it more likely that your email will be opened.
- Personalize, Localize and Target – Everyone likes the sound of their own name… Using a first and/or last name, geographic or cultural references, details of the recipient’s actions, gender, seasons and/or holidays are all good ways to grab your reader’s attention.
- Subject Line Length – The general rule is to keep your subject line to 50 characters or less. In most cases, this is best practice unless you have a highly targeted audience that will appreciate the additional information in the subject line.
- Numbers & Lists – Incorporating numbers into your subject line attracts attention because our brains are naturally drawn to digits. Lists are easier for us to process and create interest, plus they promise a quick and easy read.
- Preview Texts – Normally located near the subject line, the preview text gives readers a glimpse of what the email is about. Make it count and you will watch your open rate increase!
- Urgency – An effective subject line that adds a sense of urgency, such as “today only” or “12-hour giveaway”, will urge them to act now, instead of waiting and possibly forgetting to take advantage of your offer.
- Three Words to Avoid – Mailchimp came out with a study and identified 3 words that won’t trigger spam filters, but will negatively affect your open rates. They are: Help, Percent Off, and Reminder.
- A/B Testing – This is a great way to measure what is working with both your subject line and content. By creating 2 different subject lines and comparing the open rate, you can determine which style is working best for you.
- Ask a Question – Draw your reader in by asking an engaging question, such as “Are you making this email marketing mistake?” or “Does your email subject line stink?”
- Cut Back on Capitalization – Overuse of capital letters can backfire and reduce your open rate. Capitalize your letters according to grammar rules.
Need help?
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