Here are some examples of how to master that tricky subject line and cause people to want to read your emails.
1. Compound Topics: I’ve seen this used regularly. The key here is to cram about as many topics, brands, or product names into the subject line as possible, in hopes that something will grab the users attention. In order for this strategy to work, it’s important to still keep the subject line scan able by breaking up the topics. I personally like using the “+” symbol. (“New Nike + Reebok + Adidas Shoes!” vs. “New Nike, Reebok, and Adidas Shoes”)
2. Short and Simple: If you can communicate the topic email in 2 words rather than 6, you’ll stand apart from the rest of the inbox clutter. Now this one can be a little difficult because it's very short but whenever you can use this method.
3. Use Special Characters: I like using special characters in order to change things up a bit and communicate ideas. Below are a couple of suggestions: just enter your product or service and you're all set.
______ = Great Gifts
Huge $avings on _____
{ ______, In-Stock Now }
________ @ YourURL.com!
4. Question Marks and Exclamation Points: Creative use of Question marks and exclamation points within subject lines can stress urgency or create curiosity in the mind of the subscriber. To create urgency you can write something like " You Have to Check This Out Now!!!!!" or "Why Haven't You Been Doing This All Along???"
5. Top 10 Lists: There’s something very attention grabbing about top 10 lists (or top 7, 13, or whatever). People want valuable information in short, scan-able lists so they can read which list point speaks to them. A list delivers value that can’t be achieved by endless paragraphs, even if they contained the same information. Personally I prefer lists more because reading a large paragraph seems to take more time and sometimes when your checking your email you only wanna look through it quickly and be on your way.
6. All Caps: Yes I know sometimes all caps does turn people away because they feel it's spam, but I have frequently seen it used by large companies that would probably not be doing it if it was harmful to the delivery rate. However, I do suggest only using all caps on special occasions. In addition, I don't think the whole subject line should be in all caps. There is something to say about putting one word in all caps compared to putting the whole subject in all caps. “HUGE Sale this Friday Only” vs. “HUGE SALE THIS FRIDAY ONLY” the second seems too aggressive and personally it would turn me off from reading the email at all.
7. Use the Magical Word “Free”: This sounds crazy I know, but people react to the word "free". We all love free stuff and we love getting gifts too, so if your subject reads "Proven Way to Generate Leads Free" more people will click on it. On the other hand if you could offer a "free" gift with your product this would entice people even more... "Huge Sale Friday, Free Gift Inside", but you must keep good on your promise of a gift.
8. Use the Recipient’s Name: Let’s face it, we love to hear our name. Adding the recipient’s name to the subject line will make them believe the message is personalized for them. I would strongly caution, however, not to use this tactic unless something in the email is personalized for this individual. Simply appending the name to the beginning of a subject line, and not delivering personalized content, isn't right and the person will catch on to this quickly after opening the email.
9. Leave them hanging: Subject lines that end with an … suggest there is a continuation of the topic within the body of the email. An example of this might be “Checkout these new widgets…” or something similar. It drives people crazy to have an unfinished sentence in their mind, it's like when you watch a movie or TV show and the ending says To Be Continued... I get very upset because I want to know!!! It's just how the human mind works, we don't like unanswered questions or ideas.
10. Make them Witty: If appropriate use witty subject lines that make your readers smile.
11. Solution Oriented Subject: Rather than using product names in the subject, consider writing from a solution oriented perspective. Some of the people your writing too will not know all the products you are introducing to them and it would come in handy if your subject line told them exactly what the product was for. "Look Ten Years Younger" rather then "New O'lay Lotion"
12. Don’t Be Gimmicky: If your subject line is “How to Live Forever” and the content of your email is offering a new alternative health supplement, your readers will eventually see through your gimmicks. The subject should be intriguing, but not over-promising.
The key to successful subject lines is a/b testing. Without solid data, there’s no guarantee any of these tips will necessarily improve your open rates. Every subscriber list is different, so it’s essential that you understand what works for your list.
As always, I hope this helped you understand how to create a good subject line for your emails. Be sure to leave comments with any other successful subject line tactics you’ve seen.
If you want to check out more posts like these check out my other website at profitswithjody.com
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