Hey there! Gerard Compte here, the guy behind FindThatLead and a bunch of other tools you might have heard of. I’m a bit of a serial entrepreneur, but really, I’m just a guy who loves solving problems. And today, we’re going to tackle a big one: email subject lines.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. ‘Email subject lines? Really, Gerard?’ But hear me out. I’ve been in this game for a while now, and I can tell you that a great subject line? It’s like a secret weapon. It’s the difference between your email getting opened or getting lost in the inbox abyss.
I’m going to give you more than 60 tried and tested subject lines. So, are you ready to dive into the art and science of crafting killer email subject lines? Let’s get to it!
Understanding the Importance of Email Subject Lines
Email subject lines are the gatekeepers of your email campaigns. When you’ve put hours into getting your segmentation just right and even more into nailing your awesome email copy, you want to make sure your emails actually get read! But how do you create the best email subject lines that get your email noticed in a crowded inbox?
This includes being aware of their customer pain points and how your product or service can address them.
What is an Email Subject Line?
An email subject line is more than just a title. It’s the digital first impression. It’s what your recipient sees before anything else, and it can be the deciding factor between an opened email and one that’s sent straight to the trash or, worse, marked as spam.
The best email subject lines are those that compel the reader to open the email and engage with the content. They’re personalized, descriptive, and concise, and they set the stage for the content of the email.
Why Does a Good Email Subject Line Matter?
A good email subject line matters because it’s your ticket to your recipient’s attention. It’s what makes your email stand out in a crowded inbox. It’s your chance to pique their curiosity, to offer them something of value, to make them want to read more.
In the world of cold emailing and B2B communication, a compelling subject line can be the difference between establishing a connection and being ignored. Therefore, crafting subject lines that appeal to decision-makers is key in B2B communication..
Elements of a Successful Email Subject Line
Crafting the best email subject lines isn’t just about being creative. It’s about understanding your audience, the context of your message, and the goal of your email.
Here are some key elements to consider, along with practical tips and examples to help you put these elements into action. Just like when you’re writing a good sales email, the opening line can make or break your communication
Personalization: A Key for Engagement
Personalization goes beyond just adding the recipient’s name to the subject line. It’s about making your email relevant to them. This could mean referencing a recent purchase, acknowledging an anniversary, or even mentioning a shared interest.
Personalized email subject lines can increase open rates by up to 50%, making them a key element in creating the best email subject lines.
For example, if you know your recipient is a coffee lover, a subject line like “New coffee blends just for you, [Name]” could catch their attention.
The Power of Being Descriptive
Being descriptive in your subject line gives your recipient a clear idea of what to expect when they open your email. It sets the stage for the content of your email and can help to attract the right audience.
For example, if you’re sending an email about a new product update, a descriptive subject line like “Explore the new features in our latest update” is more likely to attract clicks than a vague “Product Update”.
Keeping it Short and Simple
With the majority of emails being opened on mobile devices, keeping your subject line short and simple is more important than ever. Aim for about 50 characters or less to ensure your entire subject line is visible on most devices. Remember, the best email subject lines are concise but compelling.
For instance, a subject line like “Your order is on its way!” is short, clear, and creates excitement.
The Right Use of Punctuation and Emojis
Punctuation and emojis can add personality to your email subject lines and help them stand out in a crowded inbox. However, they should be used sparingly and appropriately. Too much punctuation can make your email look like spam, and not all emojis may be appropriate for all audiences or messages.
A well-placed emoji, like in the subject line “Your package has arrived 📦”, can add a touch of fun and increase engagement.
Proven Strategies for Crafting Engaging Email Subject Lines
Creating the best email subject lines is both an art and a science. It requires creativity, a deep understanding of your audience, and a willingness to experiment and learn. Here are some proven strategies to help you craft engaging email subject lines:
Subject Line for Thank You Email: Expressing Gratitude
A thank you email is a great opportunity to build a relationship with your audience. A subject line like:
1. “Thank you for your time, [Name]”
2. “We appreciate your support, [Name]”
3. “Grateful for your insights, [Name]”
Not only expresses gratitude but also adds a personal touch. It shows your recipient that you value their time and effort, which can help to strengthen your relationship with them.
Cold Email Subject Lines: Making the First Impression
Cold emails are tricky. You’re reaching out to someone who may not know you or your business, so your subject line needs to make a strong first impression. Here are some examples:
4. “[Your Company] & [Our Company]”
5. “Exciting opportunities with [Your Company], [Name]”
6. “Let’s connect, [Name]”
Remember, the best email subject lines for cold emails are those that offer value and relevance to the recipient.
Networking Email Subject Lines: Building Connections
When you’re reaching out to build or strengthen professional connections, your subject line should be clear and direct. A subject line like:
7. “Seeking your expertise, [Name]”
8. “An opportunity for collaboration, [Name]”
9. “Exploring synergies between [Your Company] and [Their Company]”
These can be effective. These subject lines show respect for the recipient’s expertise and open the door for meaningful conversations.
Subject Line for Follow Up Email: Continuing the Conversation
Follow-up emails are crucial in maintaining engagement. Your subject line should remind the recipient of your previous interaction and encourage them to continue the conversation.
Here are some examples of subject lines that remind the recipient of your previous interaction and encourage them to continue the conversation:
10. “Next steps for our project, [Name]”
11. “Following up on our discussion, [Name]”
12. “Continuing our conversation about [Topic]”
The best email subject lines for follow-up emails are those that show the recipient that you value their input and are committed to moving forward.
Catchy Email Subject Lines: Grabbing Attention
Sometimes, you need to think outside the box and get creative to grab attention. Catchy email subject lines often use humor, intrigue, or excitement to entice the reader to open the email.
Here are some examples of catchy email subject lines that use humor, intrigue, or excitement to entice the reader to open the email:
13. “Don’t open this email”
14. “You’ve got ONE new message”
15. “This email is packed with goodies 🎁”
But remember, the best email subject lines are those that are relevant and meaningful to the recipient, not just catchy.
Testing the Performance of Your Email Subject Lines
Even the best email subject lines can benefit from testing and optimization. After all, what works for one audience might not work for another. Here’s how you can test the performance of your email subject lines to ensure they’re as effective as possible:
Subject Line Tester: Measuring Effectiveness
A subject line tester is a tool that can help you gauge the potential effectiveness of your email subject lines. These tools typically use data from past email campaigns to predict how well your subject line will perform. Here are some examples of subject lines and how they might be evaluated by a subject line tester:
16. “Get 50% off your next order”: This subject line is clear and offers value, which a subject line tester might predict would lead to a high open rate.
17. “Don’t miss out on this deal”: This subject line creates a sense of urgency, which could also lead to a high open rate.
18. “Update to our terms of service”: This subject line is informative but might not be as compelling, leading to a lower predicted open rate.
Remember, while these tools can provide valuable insights, they’re not foolproof. It’s important to use them as part of a broader testing strategy.
A/B and Multivariate Testing: Exploring Variations
A/B testing involves sending two different versions of an email to small segments of your audience to see which one performs better. Multivariate testing is similar, but it allows you to test multiple variables at once. Here are some examples of elements you might test:
19. “50% off your next order” vs. “Get half off your next order”: This tests the impact of different ways of expressing a discount.
20.”Don’t miss out on this deal” vs. “This deal ends soon”: This tests the impact of different ways of creating urgency.
21. “Update to our terms of service” vs. “Important changes to our terms”: This tests the impact of different ways of conveying the importance of the email.
By testing different versions of your email subject lines, you can learn more about what resonates with your audience and continually optimize your emails for better performance.
Practical Examples of Professional Email Subject Lines
Now that we’ve covered the theory, let’s dive into some practical examples. These examples of professional email subject lines can serve as inspiration for your own emails:
Introduction Email Subject Line: Setting the Stage
When you’re introducing yourself or your company, your subject line should be clear, concise, and relevant. Here are some examples:
22. “Introducing [Your Name]: Your new account manager”
23. “[Your Name] from [Your Company]: Let’s connect”
24. “Hello from [Your Name] at [Your Company]”
25. “Exciting news from [Your Company]”
26. “Welcome to [Your Company]: Here’s what you need to know”
27. “Getting started with [Your Company]”
28. “Meet [Your Name], your new point of contact”
29. “Your journey with [Your Company] starts here”
30. “Welcome aboard, [Name]!”
31. “Let’s get started, [Name]”
Sales Email Subject Lines: Sealing the Deal
When you’re trying to make a sale, your subject line should be compelling and offer value. Here are some examples:
32. “Exclusive offer for [Name]: Save 20% today”
33. “Limited time offer: Get free shipping on your next order”
34. “Unlock your exclusive discount, [Name]”
35. “Save big on your next purchase”
36. “Last chance to get 50% off”
37. “Don’t miss out on our biggest sale of the year”
38. “Get more for less: Check out our latest deals”
39. “Special offer: Get [Product] for half price”
40. “Only 24 hours left to save 30%”
41. “Flash sale: Get [Product] for a limited time only”
Funny Email Subject Lines: Adding Humor
Adding humor to your subject line can make your email stand out and delight your audience. Here are some examples:
42. “No, we’re not kidding: Get 50% off today”
43. “We like you a latte: Enjoy a free coffee on us”
44. “You’re going to love this, [Name]”
45. “This deal is too good to miss (seriously)”
46. “We promise this isn’t a joke: Get free shipping today”
47. “You snooze, you lose: Don’t miss out on this deal”
48. “This email is packed with goodies 🎁”
49. “We’re not kitten around: Get 20% off now”
50. “You butter believe it: Get free delivery today”
Newsletter Subject Lines: Regular Updates with a Twist
When sending a newsletter, your subject line should be informative and engaging. Here are some examples:
51. “Your monthly update from [Your Company]”
52. “What’s new at [Your Company]”
53. “The latest news and updates from [Your Company]”
54. “Your [Month] newsletter from [Your Company]”
55. “Discover what’s new at [Your Company]”
56. “Stay in the know: Your [Month] update”
57. “Your exclusive [Month] update from [Your Company]”
58. “Get the latest insights from [Your Company]”
59. “Your [Month] roundup from [Your Company]”
60. “Explore the latest from [Your Company]”
Making Your Email Subject Lines Work: Final Thoughts
Crafting the best email subject lines is a continuous process of learning, testing, and optimizing. It’s about understanding your audience, being clear and concise, and adding a personal touch. But most importantly, it’s about providing real value to your recipients.
Remember, the best email subject lines are those that make your recipients want to open your email and engage with your content. They’re the ones that spark curiosity, evoke emotion, or offer something of value.
So, as you craft your email subject lines, keep these principles in mind. Test different approaches, learn from your results, and continually strive to improve. With time and practice, you’ll be able to craft email subject lines that not only get your emails opened but also help you achieve your emailing goals.