On average, 8 out of 10 people will read your email subject lines, but only 2 of them will open your email. An engaging email subject line can be the difference between landing the sale, and landing in the trash bin.
There’s an old saying in the music business, “don’t bore us, get to the chorus!”—the same goes for writing emails. Your subject line is the first thing your customers read, and has a huge impact on whether they choose to keep reading or not.
Studies have shown that changing a single word in a subject line can improve open rates by over 40%, so it’s incredibly important to choose your words wisely. No pressure!
In the first of our two-part series, we’ll share some of our favorite tips for writing powerful email subject lines that convert interest to action.
Keep it short and sweet.
Over half of all emails are opened on mobile devices, which means subject lines over 50 characters (including spaces) are much less likely to be opened. Try to summarize your email in a single sentence—then remove any adverbs, adjectives, pronouns or prepositions.
Top Performing Hashtags of 2018
Songwriting Tips from Your Favorite Artists
Check Out HX Stomp In Action
Be active.
Avoid passive voice in email subject lines. You’re more likely to inspire your readers to take action by leading with action-oriented verbs. Starting a subject line with words like “save”, “increase” or “start” can be highly effective at increasing open rates.
Save 90% On These Dope Rack Extensions for Beatmakers
Increase Your Web Traffic by 25%
Start saving money today with Acorns
Use numbers.
By backing up your statements with facts and figures, you’re showing your readers you know what you’re talking about. It’s also a great way to stand out in a sea of text. Numbers can also be used to demonstrate a clear and straightforward message.
10 Tips on Dialing In the Perfect Guitar Tone
Save $127.42 Every Month With This New App
Snag These 5 Unique Synths for 50% Off
Use emojis sparingly.
Emojis are a great way to capture attention and convey familiarity—but when overdone they can quickly become a “DO NOT OPEN” sign to would-be readers. Enforce a strict one-emoji limit on your email subject lines to keep things business-casual.
🚨Great deal alert! 50% off all guitar pedals
Save $40 on straight leg jeans 👖
Buy One Get One 🆓
Alleviate their pain point.
Put your money where your mouth is. Show the reader what’s in it for them by including the
value right in the subject line. They’ve only got 12 minutes left in their lunch break—tell them
why they should spend it reading your email. This is a great opportunity for you to get specific
about how you can solve their problem.
All of your favorite shows—right at your fingertips
Beat the heat with these cool deals on swimwear
Free Reason 10 Song song starters—get inspired today
Make them laugh.
Laughter is a powerful thing. It has the power to emotionally resonate with your readers and
remind them you’re human—not some faceless, nameless corporation. However, it requires
you to have a deep understanding of your readers, and the ability to connect to them on a
personal level. Don’t be afraid to use puns—they’re a great way to pun-ch up your subject line!
These beautiful wedding cake designs will leave you in tiers
Big savings on acoustic guitars—no strings attached
10 handy tips for learning how to fingerpick
Get curious.
They say curiosity killed the cat, but at least he opened his emails. Curiosity is a great way to
prompt action from your readers and increase open rates. The trick is providing enough information to intrigue them, without giving everything away.
Are you making this fatal marketing mistake?
The truth about social media marketing
The next small thing is here! Announcing Yeti Nano
FOMO.
Infomercials always end the same way: “Order within the next 30 minutes to get a similar
product FOR FREE—a $20 value!” By preying on your FOMO, or “fear of missing out”,
infomercials are able to convert interest into action.
Subtlety is key here. Not every offer has to be ENDING SOON, or FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!!
Words like “hurry” or “don’t miss out” can be powerful motivators all on their own.
Click quick—buy one get one ends today
Hurry, get your free gift while you still can
Don’t Miss This Deal—Layers Wave Edition 50% Off
Need help writing email subject lines for your company, product or service? We can help! Get in touch with us today.
