People may not always judge a book by its cover, but they will judge your email by its subject line. It's the first thing people see when they receive your email in their inbox, and often determines whether it will be opened or sent straight to the trash. Here are some tips to help you boost your open rates, avoid the spam folder, and ensure your message is received by your target audience.
1. Keep it short.
If your email subject is too long, it’ll get cut off and no one will see it. To avoid this from happening, keep your subject line under 40 characters (typically 5 to 7 words).
2. Avoid spammy language.
Avoid aggressive, salesly subject lines to keep your emails out of the spam folder. This includes the use of all caps, multiple exclamation points or emojis, and overly promotional words like “Free” or “Guarantee.”
3. Offer something of value.
Below is an email Sprout sent to its its clients and prospects. Within the subject line, we were clear on what we were offering, "10 Ways to Boost Your Online Presence." Within the email, we included a link to a free, downloadable pdf.
4. Ask a question.
Mix things up by asking readers a question. This will grab readers’ attention, pique their curiosity, and inspire them to find the answer or get more information.
Examples:
“Have you seen this?”
“Have you heard?”
“Did you get yours yet?”
“Have we met?
“When should you plant your seeds?”
“Can you have too much water?”
“When should you sell your home?”
DID YOU KNOW? The average office person receives 121 emails a day. This is why you need to make your email stand out in the inbox.
5. Create a sense of urgency.
Your customers’ email inboxes area loaded with information, offers, and ideas. Creating a sense of urgency can encourage readers to make your email a priority. If you have an event or limited special offer, consider using a series of emails, including an initial announcement, follow-up, and final reminder or “last chance” email.
6. Share important news.
Do you have any news to share about your business or organization? Channel this excitement into your subject line, making readers feel like they are among the first to know about your big news.
7. Use humor or say something unexpected.
If it makes sense for your brand, consider writing a funny or unexpected subject line to make your readers want to hear more. This also increases the likelihood that people will remember your email later on. Some examples include:
"What's that smell?"
"Awww. You're making us blush"
"It's not you, it's us"
"Read this now and thank us later"
"We saw you checking us out."
8. Take a look at your own inbox.
Spend some time looking at your own inbox. Which emails grab your attention? Which ones do you ignore? Putting yourself in your contacts’ shoes will help you craft a subject line that gets you noticed and boosts your email open rates.
Are your emails getting the attention they deserve?
Creating a successful email campaign requires some thought and effort. Be sure to invest some time and energy into crafting a subject line that’s optimized toward your audience. Implementing the tips above should help ensure your emails get the attention they deserve.
Email Marketing Help for Businesses
If you’re not receiving the results you expected with your email marketing, or are having trouble getting started, contact the pros at Sprout for Business. We’re here to help.