Ever wondered why some of your emails hit the jackpot while others languish in the dreaded unread abyss? It all starts with the subject line. Think of it as the bait on a fishing hook. Without the right lure, you’re not catching anything!

Keep It Short and Sweet

No one has time for War and Peace in their inbox. Aim for subject lines that are punchy and to the point. You’re looking at 6-10 words, tops. Remember, less is more.

Take the classic “Sale ends today!”—only three words but it hits you like a flash flood. You know what they’re saying and that you need to act fast. Boom, you’re in!

Inject Some Curiosity

People are inherently nosy. Use it to your advantage. Try something that makes them itch to find out more, like “You won’t believe this secret…” or “Guess what just happened…” Now, they have to open your email to scratch that itch.

Personal Touches Pay Off

Dear reader, this bit’s for you. People love seeing their name, don’t they? Personalised subject lines have a higher open rate. Think along the lines of “Hey [Name], check out this exclusive offer!” You’ve grabbed their attention because you’ve made it about them. Brilliant, right?

Utilise Numbers

Numbers are your best mates. They stand out in a sea of text and give people an idea of what to expect. “5 Tips for Better Sleep” or “3 Secrets to Success” tell the reader immediately what they’re getting into.

Plus, numbers provide clarity. Who doesn’t want to know three easy ways to improve their life?

Create Urgency

Fear of missing out—it’s a thing. Harness it. Phrases like “Last chance” or “Only a few left” can spur people into action. Not many can resist the pull of a ticking clock, can they?

Get Funny or Clever

A bit of humour can go a long way. Nobody’s saying you need to be a stand-up comedian, but a clever play on words or a lighthearted quip can make your email stand out. “Don’t Miss This ‘Grape’ Offer” for a wine sale or “We’ve Got a ‘Latte’ to Tell You” for a coffee shop. See what we did there?

Test, Test, Test

Don’t just take our word for it; try different approaches and see what works best. A/B testing is your friend. Send one subject line to half your list and another to the rest. You’ll quickly see which one hits the target.

Know Your Audience

Your audience is not a monolithic block. They have different likes, dislikes, and quirks. Tailoring your subject lines to fit the audience’s interests can dramatically boost your open rates. Are they professionals looking for time-saving tips? Or maybe parents searching for quick dinner recipes? Craft your subject lines accordingly.

Watch Those Spam Filters

Be mindful of spammy words. “Free,” “Offer,” “Winner,” and their ilk often trigger spam filters. So, think twice before using them. Instead, opt for more creative language. You’re not trying to trick anyone; you’re trying to engage them.

Make It Mobile-Friendly

Many of us check emails on our phones. Subject lines can get cut off if they’re too long. Keep them short but impactful, ensuring they capture attention even when truncated.

Use Emojis Wisely

Emojis can add flair, but don’t go overboard. A well-placed emoji can make your subject line pop, but more than one can make it look like your cat walked across the keyboard. 🌟 is great; 🌟✨🎉⭐️🔥💥 is not.

Examples to Spark Inspiration

Need a jumpstart? Here are a few examples of subject lines that could get those gears turning:

• “Unlock the Secret to a Perfect Morning Routine”
• “Are You Making This Common Mistake?”
• “Your Special Offer Inside—Don’t Miss Out!”
• “Get 20% Off Before It’s Gone!”
• “Top 10 Travel Hacks You Need to Know”

Wrapping it Up

If you’ve been experiencing unopened emails, don’t fret. It’s not you, it’s (probably) the subject line. Follow these tips, experiment, and soon you’ll notice your emails getting the attention they deserve.

After all, an email can’t work its magic if no one’s opening it. Get those subject lines right, and you’ll be reeling in those clicks like a pro.

Happy emailing!

The post Creating Compelling Subject Lines That Get Opened appeared first on EmailEdgar.

Let’s be real, the subject line is the make-or-break moment for your email. It’s like the doorman at an exclusive club—you wouldn’t get in with just a nod; you need to make an impression. A compelling subject line can be the difference between your email being opened or being sent to the bin faster than old leftovers.

Keep It Short and Sweet

We’re all skimmers now. Attention spans have shrunk faster than a cheap wool jumper in a hot wash. So, keep your subject lines short and punchy. Aim for 6-10 words. Emails with a focused, snappy subject line are more likely to be opened. Think of it like the first line of a joke—if it’s too long, you’ve lost the audience before the punchline.

Make It Personal

Add a touch of humanity to your emails. Use first names where possible and relevant information that makes the email feel bespoke to the reader. A subject line like “Hey John, we’ve got a special deal just for you!” can make John feel like you’re talking to him directly. Not to mention, it gives your email an immediate leg-up from all the generic stuff bombarding his inbox.

Inject Curiosity

Humans are curious creatures; we like to solve mysteries, explore uncharted territories, and unravel enigmas. Pique this natural curiosity with subject lines that leave the reader wanting more. A line like “Discover the secret to doubling your savings!” makes folks eager to know just what that secret is.

Offer Value Upfront

Show your readers what’s in it for them. Whether it’s a limited-time discount, an insightful guide, or exclusive news, make it evident that opening your email offers tangible value. Your subject line could read something like, “Snag 50% off today only!” Who wouldn’t want to dive into that?

Leverage FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

Nobody wants to be left out, especially when it comes to hot deals or exclusive content. Create a sense of urgency and exclusivity. Lines like “Last chance to join our VIP list!” or “Limited availability—grab your spot now!” can spur readers into action.

Use Numbers and Lists

Numbers and lists catch the eye more than plain text. A subject line like “5 Tips to Boost Your Productivity” promises clear, actionable steps. It’s like giving the reader a sneak peek into the value of your email, making it more likely they’ll take the plunge and click open.

Avoid Spammy Words

Sure, it’s tempting to throw in words like “Free,” “Buy now,” or “Exclusive offer.” But overdoing it can relegate your email to the spam folder faster than you can say “junk mail.” Opt for alternative expressions that convey the same meaning without triggering spam filters. Instead of “Free,” maybe try “On the house” or “At no cost to you.”

Test, Analyse, Refine

Think of your subject lines as guinea pigs in a lab. Not all will be winners initially, and that’s okay. Conduct A/B testing to determine which subject lines get the most opens. Analyse your results and adjust accordingly. If one particular style or phrase garners more attention, lean into that trend.

Stay True to Your Brand

Your subject lines should be an extension of your brand’s voice. Whether you’re cheeky, formal, or somewhere in between, consistency is key. If humour is part of your brand, don’t be afraid to be witty. Just be careful not to alienate your audience with off-brand jokes or inappropriate comments.

Seasonal and Topical Relevance

Tapping into current events, holidays, or seasons can make your emails feel timely and relevant. Consider using phrases like “New Year, New Deals!” or “Get ready for summer with our latest collection!” Just ensure it aligns with the content of your email to keep trust intact.

A/B Testing Success Stories

On this note, let’s take a real-world example. Imagine you’re sending out an email campaign to promote a sale. You could test these two subject lines:
1. “Huge Summer Sale—Up to 50% Off!”
2. “Our Summer Sale Won’t Last Long!”
By splitting your audience and analysing the open rates of each variant, you’ll gather valuable insights. This data-driven approach can significantly impact your future email strategies.

In Conclusion

Writing effective subject lines is an art, not a science. While these tips can certainly boost your open rates, don’t be afraid to experiment and find what resonates best with your audience. After all, the goal is to get your emails opened, and sometimes, a bit of trial and error is all part of the journey.

So, next time you’re crafting those emails, remember: be engaging, be concise, and above all, be human. Happy emailing!

The post How to Write Subject Lines that Get Opened appeared first on EmailEdgar.

Email still offers the best opportunity to create sales way beyond social media. But there are some key important ingredients to boost your email open rates, especially in 2019.

Let’s check out these ‘insider hacks’ now.

1. Let’s get personal

   We all love hearing our name being called or seeing it in print. It screams “I am important” and we all love the recognition.
   
   Include the recipient’s name in the subject line.
   
   My email supplier GetResponse reported a 42% increase in email open rates just by putting somebody’s name in the subject line.
   
   I’m all in “George, Tom, Sally, Bianca.

2. Go short with your subject line

   It’s a fast world. We are a growing bunch of scanners.
   
   We often view our emails off mobile devices. So it’s important that our subject lines are short and catch our readers attention.
   
   Around 50-65 characters is ideal.

3. Drop the money, free and get rich words from your subject line

   Spam filters love these types of words and will gobble your email up in a flash.
   
   And that means your recipient won’t see your email. All of the great message you crafted will be wasted to the junk box. Avoid like the plague!

4. Open with enticement

   You know the few lines of blurb you see when you start reading an email. 
   
   How do you rank – boring or enticing.
   
   Make sure you come out of the blocks with some eye grabbing copy that makes your reader craving to read the rest.
   
   Too many businesses adopt the ‘serious business tone’, use robot like speak and come across as stiff.
   
   Emails need to be conversational. You can be professional be using your own personalty and not come off as a corporate bore. Loosen the tie and let your personal voice flow.

5. Readers love numbers

   25 email marketing hacks screams value.
   
   Readers think there is value in the piece and will open your email. 
   
   Getting 25 email open rate hacks for FREE ids hot; right

6. The world is not always positive – keep it real

   I don’t know about you but my life isn’t always rosy.
   
   Like everybody I have my up and down days. So get real when you email your customers.
   
   A bit of negativity is ok but don’t over do it.
   
   “The world is ending today unless you…..” Cheesy but you’d want to know the answer wouldn’t you if you could save the world. How about:
   
   “3 foods that’ll keep you fat”. Now I would definitely read that one 

7. What would a friend say

   This flows on from an earlier point but it’s important to remind you again.
   
   When you speak to a mate, how do you talk.
   
   Casual, friendly – right. Do the same in your emails.

8. Divorce can be brutal, so can breaking up with a subscriber

   The size of an email list can be deceptive. Big looks impressive.
   
   But what if a large percentage of your list is ‘dead or non-responsive’. Worse still they never buy a thing from you.
   
   It’s time to get brutal. Yep it’s time to clean up your subscriber list, cull the dead wood and only focus your well crafted emails on those you have a responsive relationship with.
   
   Yes relationships are a two way street. If you love the content so far please don’t forget to leave a comment at the end. Thank you in advance

9. Hubspot reckons emails without subject lines can also work.

   According to gang at HS they have stats showing email open rates going up by 8% in some cases.
   
   Give it a try. Experiment. See what works best for you. Personally I’m a ‘with subject line kind of guy’.

10. Smiley faces get readers……..smiling

    Emojis can brighten up your email copy especially if you throw in a few smiles.
    
    Worth considering………..

11. Drop the ALL CAPITALS headline

    Come on bro, there’s no need to shout.
    
    In the pre 2019 era capitals were all the rage.
    
    But this year’s customer friendly hack is to go lower case just lie how we would speak to somebody.
    
    “I just wanted to let you know Joan that I love you”
    
    Better to whisper than upset Joan’s spouse and besides I may be thanking her for her recent purchase and not offering a marriage proposal.

12.  Everybody loves to laugh even stiff professionals

    It may not be your style but give it a go.
    
    Humorous posts create good vibes and will generally be better remembered by your reader.
    
    Marty Wilson Australia’s leading comic presenter says that comedy in talks and posts improves the message you are trying to deliver.

13. Building trust by asking for help

    Everybody loves to help somebody. It’s human nature. It makes the both the giver and recipient feel good.
    
    And it builds trust between people.
    
    So why not try “Can I ask you a favour?” or “Can you help me?”

14. Start your subject line with a verb

    Crikey I just did. Did you notice? Yep START is a verb.
    
    Join, receive, hurry, discover, save are all great action verbs to start an email
    
    Do it today………..( hmmm I’m starting to get a bit addicted to this stuff – next strategy….)

15. Emails that form part of a series – let people know

    Firstly it lets the reader know to expect more emails in their inbox shortly.
    
    It indicates that a topic can not be delivered in just one email; so it must be important.
    
    Real estate agent Tom Perry successfully uses this strategy for his auction bidding email campaign to potential buyers. “This is the first email in our 5 part series on how to successfully bid at an auction”. He finds his clients turn up educated and prepared to bid which leads to a successful sale for the seller. It’s a WIN:WIN.

16. New is ….ummmm….errrr….new

    New things attract our eye. New car, new shoes, new watch.
    
    But it’s also a great way to let your readers know that you have something new for them, even when it’s not so obvious.
    
    Use it in a headline “14 New Ways To Date The Girl Of Your Dreams”
    
    You can also throw up a Facebook post or Youtube video and let people know you’ve got something new out today
    
    ” New Post: 5 Groundbreaking Strategies To Make You A Million Dollar Agent”
    
    “New Video Out Today: Why I Fired My Best Salesperson And Doubled My Business”

17. We love figures – throw in a stat

    Subject lines that have a statistic in them get opened 27% more than non stat headlines according to LinkChump. People believe numbers; it’s that simple.
    
    Numbers build trust
    
    “73% of all primary school kids smoke before they enter high school”
    
    If you’re a Mum of an eleven year old you’d want to read that article, wouldn’t you?
    
    

18. Psst want to know a secret – we love secrets, don’t we?

    

    What happens when somebody says to us “Want to hear a secret?” Our ears immediately prick up.The word secret written in a subject line  fires up our curiosity to click on the title because we just have to know.
    
    “The secret lies your real estate agent is keeping from you. Don’t get caught out – read this immediately AND share to your friends”
    
    “The secret tactic I used to getting 23,869 Facebook followers last month”

19. Be a name dropper – don’t we all at some time

    We’re all a bit curious about celebrities even beyond musicians and film stars.
    
    Celebrities in our own industry create a vibe and if you can drop their name into your article, especially into the subject line, then you will capture the interest of more readers.
    
    “5 things Gary Vaynerchuk told me over lunch”
    
    You could write a quote style article using a famous influencer to give more credibility. Evan Carmichael does this very well in his hit video series on YouTube “10 success tips from Tony Robbins/Tim Ferris/Eon Musk”

20. You don’t need to giveaway the farm but a nice prize gets attention

    Everybody loves the chance to win a prize. It doesn’t have to be a hugely expensive prize either.

    Add free entry and boom watch your readership explode
    
    “Subscribe to my newsletters and go into the draw to win a $100 Visa voucher)

21. Short, one word subject lines win

    Take a look at your inbox (just not right now though…lol).
    
    Is it a cluttered mess. Are all the subject lines blending in to create one big blurred vision of mess?
    
    Any subject lines standing out in this kaos? I bet it’s the one word heading.
    
    How are you today Greg
    14 lead magnets that are cool right now 
    Tools to run your six figure business
    Boo
    This might be the last email you get from me
    We are adding a two step verification
    Enter our raffle prize draw

22. Readers love ‘how-to’ emails and posts

    Knowing how to do something is a yearning for most people. We want to improve and by learning a new skill, we feel enriched.
    
    The title immediately conveys that we will be taught something. Value is about to be added to our lives. And we love that.
    
    “How to grow strawberries all year round”
    
    “How to master Facebook ads even if you’re just getting started”

23. Don’t buy email subscriber leads

    You’ll just waste your money.
    
    Email marketing is about building relationships. If you have no relationship with your subscriber, you’ll be able to sell them your product or service.
    
    Besides this practice being blatant spam, your new ‘10,000 email subscribers for $19.99″ never asked to be placed onto your list and most likely don’t want to be there.
    
    Cold leads will leave you cold….and broke…..and frustrated…. and in trouble. You’ll get shut down. DON’T DO IT!

24. Be relevant – send an email that’s wanted

    One message doesn’t fit all. Readers wanting to buy a house need different information to those who have already done so.

    
    Therefore you need to segment your lists and provide customized information relevant to each list.
    
    If you don’t you’ll see a decline in your list size. And that’s not good.

25. Invest log term

    Readers want to know that you are with them for the long haul.
    
    They need to know that you are not a ‘one-email-wonder’. Commit to provide regular regular email updates to your readers and add value to their lives

26. Video is hot in 2019

    Mix up your emails by throwing in a video. Announce it in your subject line to spark interest.
    
    The great thing with video is that you can transcribe the content using a service like Rev.com and use that to provide written content for your email or post

27. Let the latest news to make your subject lines topical

    This is a great 2019 hack to actually drive eyeballs to your content.
    
    “What the Louisiana floods taught me about humanity”
    “Donald Trump’s meeting with Democrat Nancy: Negotiating skills I need to learn”

Conclusion

If you want more people to read your emails, improve your copywriting.

Your email open rates will boom if you try the above hacks.

What’s hot in 2019 is consistently what’s been hot throughout time. That is, quality always reigns supreme.

Be mindful of who you are writing for. Toss in a bit of curiosity, the occasional bit of humour, stir things up with some negativity and try the  numbered list format – any of these will bring you a ton of readers AND they’ll be rushing back for more.

Social media continues to be an influencer with email subject lines but video is the dominant hack for 2019. It’s given rise to the hybrid post – and in a fast paced world fast consumption of content is king. 

What’s your favourite email open rate hack? Which one will you adopt? Let me know with a comment below.
 

The post 27 Email Open Rate Hacks That Are Crushing It In 2019 appeared first on EmailEdgar.