How To Write Subject In Email Examples: Crafting Emails That Get Opened
Writing emails is a crucial part of modern communication, both professionally and personally. But what good is a perfectly crafted email if no one opens it? The subject line is the gatekeeper, the first impression, and the deciding factor for whether your message gets read. This article dives deep into the art of crafting compelling email subject lines, providing you with practical examples and actionable tips to significantly improve your open rates. We’ll explore what makes a subject line effective, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
The Power of the Subject Line: Why It Matters
Before we get into specific examples, let’s understand why the subject line is so critical. Think of your inbox as a crowded marketplace. People are bombarded with emails every day. Your subject line is your sales pitch, your chance to grab attention and convince the recipient to click. A weak or irrelevant subject line means your email is likely to be deleted or, at best, buried. A strong one, however, can lead to higher open rates, increased engagement, and ultimately, a successful outcome, whether it’s a sales pitch, a project update, or a simple invitation.
Crafting Subject Lines: Key Principles to Remember
Several fundamental principles underpin the creation of effective subject lines. Understanding these will help you create subject lines that resonate with your audience.
Clarity and Relevance: Be Crystal Clear
The most important principle is clarity. Your subject line should accurately reflect the content of your email. Avoid ambiguity or misleading statements. The recipient should immediately understand what the email is about.
Brevity: Keep It Concise
People scan their inboxes quickly. Aim for a subject line that is short and to the point. Ideally, your subject line should be under 60 characters to ensure it displays fully on most devices.
Urgency and Scarcity: Creating a Sense of Need
Sometimes, creating a sense of urgency or scarcity can be effective. This encourages recipients to open your email immediately. Phrases like “Limited Time Offer” or “Don’t Miss Out” can be powerful.
Personalization: Making a Connection
Personalized subject lines, using the recipient’s name or referencing their specific interests, can significantly increase open rates. This shows that the email is not a generic blast but is tailored to them.
Email Subject Line Examples: A Practical Guide
Let’s look at examples of effective subject lines, categorized by the type of email.
Sales and Marketing Emails: Driving Conversions
Sales and marketing emails require subject lines that are attention-grabbing and persuasive.
- Example 1: [Company Name] - Exclusive Offer Inside! (Creates a sense of exclusivity and intrigue.)
- Example 2: [Your Name] Just Reached Out - Quick Question About [Product/Service] (Personalized and hints at a quick follow-up.)
- Example 3: Last Chance: [Discount Percentage] Off [Product Name] Ends Tonight! (Emphasizes urgency and a clear benefit.)
- Example 4: Limited Time Offer - Free eBook on [Topic] (Combines scarcity with a valuable incentive.)
- Example 5: Did You Know? [Benefit of Product/Service] (Intriguing, poses a question.)
Professional Communication: Staying Organized
Professional emails should be clear, concise, and professional.
- Example 1: Project Update: [Project Name] - Week of [Date] (Provides context and a clear timeline.)
- Example 2: Meeting Request: [Meeting Topic] - [Date] at [Time] (States the purpose and essential details.)
- Example 3: Action Required: [Document Name] Review and Feedback (Clearly indicates a required action.)
- Example 4: Follow Up: [Previous Email Subject] (Keeps the conversation flowing.)
- Example 5: Confirmation: Your Order #[Order Number] Has Shipped (Provides important information quickly.)
Personal Emails: Fostering Relationships
Personal emails can be more casual, but still need to be effective.
- Example 1: Catching Up: [Briefly mention shared connection or interest] (Encourages a personalized response.)
- Example 2: Dinner Tonight? (Simple and direct.)
- Example 3: Happy Birthday! (Straightforward and appropriate for birthdays.)
- Example 4: Re: [Previous Email Subject] - Update on [Topic] (Provides context and ensures the recipient knows it’s a continuation of a conversation.)
- Example 5: Thinking of You (Simple, heartfelt, and conveys a feeling of connection.)
Avoiding Common Subject Line Mistakes
Certain mistakes can sabotage your email open rates. Avoiding these is crucial.
Generic Subject Lines: The Death Knell
Subject lines like “Hello,” “Checking In,” or “Important Message” are too generic and often get ignored. They offer no value or reason to open the email.
Clickbait Tactics: A Short-Term Gain, Long-Term Loss
While clickbait might get some opens initially, it will damage your credibility. Misleading subject lines that don’t deliver on their promise will lead to unsubscribes and a negative reputation.
Using ALL CAPS or Excessive Punctuation: Annoying the Reader
Avoid excessive use of ALL CAPS or excessive punctuation (!!!). This can come across as unprofessional or spammy.
Ignoring Mobile Optimization: A Modern Necessity
Mobile optimization is critical. Ensure your subject lines are short enough to be fully visible on mobile devices.
Testing and Refining Your Subject Lines: A Data-Driven Approach
The best subject line is the one that works best for your audience. A/B testing is an essential tool for optimizing your email subject lines.
A/B Testing: Experimenting for Success
A/B testing involves sending two different subject lines to a small segment of your audience and seeing which one performs better (higher open rate).
Analyzing Results: What to Measure
Analyze the open rates, click-through rates, and even the conversion rates (if applicable) to determine which subject lines are most effective.
Iteration: Constant Improvement
Based on your test results, refine your subject lines and continue testing. Continuous improvement is key to maximizing your email marketing performance.
The Impact of Subject Line Length: Finding the Sweet Spot
The length of your subject line is a significant factor. As mentioned earlier, shorter subject lines typically perform better, especially on mobile devices.
The Mobile Factor: Prioritizing Brevity
With the increasing use of smartphones, mobile optimization is a must. Ensure your subject lines are concise and easy to read on small screens.
Character Count Considerations: The 60-Character Rule
Aim for a subject line that’s under 60 characters. This ensures that it’s fully visible on most devices.
Finding the Balance: Informative and Concise
It’s a balancing act. You want to be informative enough to entice the recipient to open the email, but concise enough to fit within the character limit.
Subject Line Examples: Specific Industries & Audiences
Different industries and audiences respond to different types of subject lines. Here are some examples tailored to specific needs.
For E-commerce: Driving Sales
- Example 1: [Product Name] Is Back in Stock! (Creates a sense of urgency and availability.)
- Example 2: Free Shipping on Orders Over $[Amount] (Offers a clear incentive.)
- Example 3: Sale Alert! Up to [Discount Percentage] Off [Category] (Highlights a deal.)
For Newsletters: Engaging Subscribers
- Example 1: [Newsletter Name] - This Week’s Top Stories (Provides immediate context.)
- Example 2: [Question related to content] - What You Missed This Week (Creates intrigue.)
- Example 3: Your [Newsletter Name] Digest is Here (Simple and direct.)
For Customer Service: Resolving Issues
- Example 1: Re: [Your Issue] - We’re Here to Help! (Provides context and reassures the customer.)
- Example 2: Your Order #[Order Number] - Update (Provides quick information.)
- Example 3: Important: Action Needed on Your Account (Indicates urgency.)
Email Subject Line Best Practices: A Summary
To recap, here are the key takeaways for writing effective email subject lines:
- Be Clear and Relevant: Accurately reflect the email’s content.
- Keep it Concise: Aim for under 60 characters.
- Create Urgency and Scarcity (When Appropriate): Use phrases like “Limited Time Offer.”
- Personalize: Use the recipient’s name or reference their interests.
- Avoid Generic Subject Lines: They get ignored.
- Test and Refine: A/B test your subject lines and analyze the results.
- Optimize for Mobile: Ensure your subject lines are readable on all devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you further refine your subject line strategies.
What’s the best time to send emails to maximize open rates? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, testing different send times is crucial. Consider your target audience and their habits. Weekdays often perform better for business emails, while weekends might be suitable for personal or promotional emails.
Should I use emojis in my subject lines? Emojis can sometimes increase open rates, but they can also be perceived as unprofessional depending on your audience and industry. Test them to see how they perform.
How often should I change my subject line strategy? Your subject line strategy should be dynamic. Review your performance regularly (e.g., monthly) and adjust your strategy based on your A/B testing results and industry trends.
Is it better to ask a question in the subject line, or make a statement? Both can be effective. Questions can pique curiosity, while statements can directly convey value. Test both approaches to see which resonates best with your audience.
How important is the “From” name? The “From” name is extremely important. It should be recognizable and trustworthy. Use your company name or your own name to build credibility.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of the Subject Line
In conclusion, crafting effective email subject lines is an essential skill for anyone who communicates via email. By understanding the principles of clarity, brevity, personalization, and testing, you can significantly increase your open rates and improve your overall email marketing performance. Remember to avoid common pitfalls such as generic subject lines and clickbait, and continuously refine your strategy based on data and audience feedback. By following these guidelines and utilizing the examples provided, you can write subject lines that capture attention, drive engagement, and ultimately, lead to success.