306 billion.
That’s the total number of emails sent and received worldwide, every day. (Data from Radicati Group)
Futhermore, that number is expected to grow to almost 350 billion by 2023.
We each receive numerous emails on a daily basis, all asking for our attention. Whether we choose to open and read the email or not relies heavily on the subject line.
So, as a marketer, how do you create click-worthy subject lines that cut through the noise? To help you get ahead of the game, we’ve compiled a list of subject line suggestions broken down into 5 different categories.
1. Personalised subject lines
Your subscribers want to be treated as individuals.
Personalised subject lines can increase open rates by 50% and increase click-through rates by 58%.
A personalised subject line inserts a detail that’s relevant to the recipient. This can be their name, occupation, order details, or other personal data that you have stored. The subject line will then be tailored to the reader, meaning more engagement and a better subscriber experience.
By including personalised elements in your subject line, it will seem as though you’re speaking directly to your subscribers while giving your email a sense of relevancy that encourages them to open it and consume the content.
2. Social proof subject lines
Social proof, or user-generated content, is the concept that people will change their behaviour based on what other people are doing. Social proof subject lines focus on highlighting evidence, and thus removing any doubt.
Your audience is influenced by online reviews. According to a 2019 survey by Bright Local, positive reviews make 91% of consumers more likely to use a business, while 82% will be put off by negative reviews.
Honesty is the key here. Including customer testimonials in your subject lines will help to build trust and generate higher open rates.
3. Subject lines that ask a question
What’s one of the easiest ways to engage a reader? Ask them a question!
A question, as opposed to a standard statement, immediately engages the subscriber. Subject lines with a question enter an instant dialogue with the reader and make them feel like you can relate to them.
The key is to choose a question that will resonate with the subscriber. It should make them want to find out what’s inside the email.
4. Subject lines that generate curiosity
It’s human nature for people to be curious.
These subject lines can be used to pique your subscribers’ interest. Don’t give everything away in the subject line – it should just be a teaser of what’s inside to intrigue the reader enough to open your email.
Be careful. When overdone, these kinds of subject lines can look like click-bait, so use them sparingly and don’t overexaggerate about anything.
5. ‘How to’ subject lines
These types of subject lines are a classic in the email marketing world. They’re particularly effective because it shows your audience that the email is valuable and they’re going to take something away from it.
When your subscribers read the subject line, they’ll know exactly what they’re going to learn from opening your email. However, learning something can feel like homework. It’s important to focus on the benefit in the subject line rather than the actual process of learning.
For example, ‘How to save money fast‘ sounds better than ‘How to start managing your money better‘.
Wrapping up
To ensure your email promotion efforts make an impact, you need to invest time to get the subject line just right.
Subject lines are the gatekeepers to your great email designs and content. If you can get your contacts to open your emails, you’re well on your way to email marketing success.
Remember to split test your subject lines and regularly and monitor your email marketing analytics to see which subject lines perform the best.
If you don’t already know, check what split testing and reporting tools your current email marketing platform provides. These are important features that you need to optimise your subject lines and to deliver the best open rates possible.
Start creating email campaigns that generate results with a free trial of Wired Plus.
