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Are your carefully crafted emails going to waste and have sad open rates? You’re not alone. After all, you will need something truly special to prompt your audience’s interest in the face of their overflowing inboxes. The key to breaking through the noise lies in those few words that make or break your open rates – email subject lines that get opened.
So, let’s explore what makes an email subject line worth the attention of your audience and how you should write one that drives maximum impact!
The Power of a First Impression: Why Email Subject Lines Matter
Your email subject line is your headline, your first (and often only) chance to make an impression. A lackluster subject line equals a missed opportunity, no matter how brilliant your email content is.
For small businesses, every email counts. You’re not just competing with other businesses; you’re fighting for attention amidst a sea of personal emails, social media notifications, and the endless scroll.
What Makes People Open Emails?
The million-dollar question, right? Let’s break down the psychology behind those clicks:
- Curiosity: We’re wired to want to know more. A subject line that sparks curiosity without being misleading can be incredibly effective.
- Relevance: People are more likely to open emails that they perceive as relevant to their interests or needs.
- Urgency: A sense of urgency or time sensitivity can prompt immediate action. But use this tactic sparingly and genuinely.
- Personalization: Tailoring subject lines to the recipient’s name or interests shows you care and can boost open rates.
- Benefits: Highlight the value or benefit the recipient will gain by opening your email.
Read about cold emails that get responses here!
Types of Email Subject Lines That Get Opened
Did you know that 47% of email recipients open their emails based on the subject lines? That’s not all! 69% of them report emails as spam on the basis of the subject line. These stats truly underscore the importance of finding the right subject lines for your emails
So, let’s go over the specific categories of subject lines that give great open rates:
The Curiosity Sparkers
- Intriguing Question: “[Name], are you making these 3 common email marketing mistakes?” Questions pique curiosity and make people want to know the answer.
- Teaser: “Don’t miss out on this game-changing secret…” Offer a glimpse of valuable content without revealing everything.
- Unexpected: “This surprising fact will change how you see digital marketing” Use an element of surprise to grab attention.
The Personal Touch
- Name Game: “Hey [Name], we have something special for you” Using the recipient’s name adds a personal connection.
- Interest Ping: “Exclusive offer for [interest/hobby] enthusiasts” Tailor the subject line to the recipient’s interests.
- Inside Scoop: “Psst… [Name], here’s a sneak peek just for you.” Make them feel like they’re getting exclusive access.
The Urgency Injectors
- Limited-Time Offer: “Last chance: 50% off ends tonight!” Create a sense of urgency with time-sensitive deals.
- FOMO Inducer: “Don’t miss out on our biggest sale of the year” Tap into the fear of missing out.
- Breaking News: “Important update: New product launch announcement inside” Convey a sense of importance and timeliness.
The Value Propositions
- Benefit-Driver: “Boost your sales with these 5 proven strategies” Highlight the value the recipient will gain by opening the email.
- Problem-Solver: “Struggling with [problem]? We have the solution!” Address a pain point and offer a solution.
- How-To: “How to [achieve desired outcome] in 3 simple steps” Provide actionable advice or guidance.
The Number Crunchers
- The Listicle: “7 tips for writing email subject lines that get opened” Numbers provide structure and can make the content seem more digestible.
- The Statistic: “Did you know? 47% of emails are opened based on subject line alone” Use data to emphasize the importance of the subject line.
- The Countdown: “3 days left to claim your free gift” Create urgency with a countdown.
Get 7 email templates that drive results here!
How to Write Email Subject Lines That Drive Results
Now that we’ve explored the fundamental types of email subject lines that get opened, let’s dive deeper into some strategies and best practices to help you craft compelling subject lines.
Know Your Audience Inside and Out
Understanding your audience is crucial for crafting subject lines that resonate. Conduct surveys, analyze their behavior, and gather data on their preferences to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and interests. This information will help you write subject lines that speak directly to them.
Find the Ideal Length
While people generally prefer shorter subject lines, the ideal length can vary depending on your audience and industry. Research shows that subject lines between 40 and 50 characters tend to perform well, but it’s essential to test different lengths to see what works best for you.
Personalize Beyond Just the Name
While using the recipient’s name is a great start, true personalization goes beyond that. Segment your email list based on demographics, interests, or past behavior, and then tailor your subject lines accordingly. The more relevant and targeted your subject lines are, the more likely people are to open them.
Keep It Real and Avoid Spam Triggers
Authenticity is key. Avoid using misleading or deceptive subject lines that overpromise and underdeliver. This can damage your reputation and lead to unsubscribes or even spam complaints. Additionally, be mindful of spam triggers like excessive capitalization, exclamation points, and certain keywords that can get your emails flagged by spam filters.
Use Numbers and Emojis Strategically
Numbers can add a sense of structure and clarity to your subject lines, while emojis can inject personality and grab attention. However, use them sparingly and ensure they are relevant to your message and brand.
Embrace the Power of Preview Text
The preview text, that snippet of text that comes after your subject line in the inbox, is your second chance to make a first impression. Use it smartly to complement your subject line and entice recipients to open your email. Think of it as a movie trailer – it should offer a glimpse of the exciting content that awaits them inside.
Don’t Forget Mobile Optimization
People open a significant portion of emails on mobile devices, so it’s crucial to ensure your subject lines are mobile-friendly. Keep them short and concise, and avoid using special characters or emojis that might not display correctly on all devices.
Timing Is Everything
Consider the day and time you send your emails. Research suggests that certain days and times tend to have higher open rates. Experiment with different send times to see what works best for your audience and industry.
Test, Test, and Test Again!
Don’t assume you know what works best for your audience. A/B testing is a powerful tool that allows you to compare the performance of different subject lines and see which ones resonate most with your subscribers. Test different lengths, styles, and approaches to discover what drives the highest open rates for your specific audience.
Analyze and Adapt
Regularly review your email analytics to track open rates, click-through rates, and other key metrics. This data will provide valuable insights into what’s working and what’s not, allowing you to refine your subject line strategy over time.
Implement these tips to send emails with subject lines that will significantly improve your email open rates.
Make Your Email Subject Lines Count
Creating email subject lines that get opened is an art that you can learn. By studying your audience, using a mix of subject lines that will resonate with them, and sparking their interest, you can increase your open rates and achieve your email marketing goals.
So, the next time you hit “send,” take a moment to consider your subject line. It could be the key to unlocking a world of opportunities for your business.
If you are struggling with your email marketing goals, you can trust the 2020 Vision Digital team to create and run your email campaign and help grow your business.