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How to Write a Must-Read Email Subject Line


If marketers got a dime every time we were told to use interesting subject lines when sending marketing emails, we would... well, probably not be rich, but we'd at least have a pretty good dime collection going. But it’s one thing to be told what to do, and it’s another thing to know how to do it.

Here are tips with examples on how to write click-worthy email subject lines.

1. Create curiosity

Asking a question will intrigue your audience and persuade them to open your email to learn the answer.

Examples:

  • What does sleep have to do with weight gain?
  • What should you do if someone shows signs of a stroke?

2. Lead with a benefit

People are more likely to read your email if it benefits them.

Examples:

  • 4 ways to double your Instagram followers
  • How entrepreneurs find business opportunities

3. Borrow credibility from a well-known source

Referencing a public figure in your industry is a great way to grab your audience's attention and get reads. People like to know how successful people think and want to learn from their experience.

Examples:

  • Spielberg's top 5 creative secrets
  • Dr. Mario Capecchi’s tips for academic success

4. Use numbers

Numbers help manage readers' expectations and foreshadow what's in-store before they read the email.

Examples:

  • What 90% of new employees do wrong
  • 7 investment tips from millionaires

5. Be newsworthy

Providing up-to-date information about new developments in your industry is an ideal way to get your email opened. Combining these subject lines with the curiosity tactic is a grand-slam for your open rates.

Examples:

  • Is this new app Zoom's replacement?
  • Did you hear what U of U Health just announced?

6. Sell Speed

People like instant gratification, so using a subject line teasing that readers can achieve a benefit in a short amount of time is a great hook.

Examples:

  • Get promoted in 3 months
  • Improve your writing in one day

Top image by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels