How to Write Email Subject Lines that Get Opened

“If you’re sending out a cold email, nothing matters more than the subject line,” said Captain Hoff, author and investor.

Here are some tips for writing email subject lines that are more likely to get opened.

Keep it short and sweet: Aim for subject lines that are no longer than 50 characters. This will ensure that the entire subject line is visible in most email inboxes.

Make it clear and specific: Use language that is clear and specific, and avoid using vague or ambiguous terms. For example, “Important update” is less effective than “Update on the XYZ project deadline.”

Use actionable language: Use verbs that encourage the recipient to take action, such as “Join,” “Learn,” or “Discover.”

Personalize the subject line: If you have the recipient’s name or other personal information, consider including it in the subject line. This can make the email feel more relevant and personalized.

Use emojis sparingly: Emojis can be a fun and effective way to grab the recipient’s attention, but be sure to use them sparingly and only if they are appropriate for the content of the email.

Use numbers: Lists, rankings, and statistics can be compelling and make the email feel more specific and actionable. For example, “10 ways to improve your email marketing” is more likely to get opened than “Improving your email marketing.”

Create a sense of urgency: If the email contains time-sensitive information or a limited-time offer, consider including language that conveys a sense of urgency. For example, “Last chance to register” or “Offer expires tomorrow.”

Use questions: Asking a question in the subject line can be a great way to pique the recipient’s curiosity and encourage them to open the email.

Test different subject lines: It can be helpful to experiment with different subject lines to see which ones are most effective at getting your emails opened. Consider sending a few different versions of the same email with different subject lines and measuring the open rates to see which one performs best.

Avoid spammy words: Some words and phrases, such as “Free,” “Earn money,” and “Congratulations,” are often associated with spam emails and can cause your email to be flagged as spam or ignored by the recipient.

By following these tips, you can write email subject lines that are more likely to get opened and read by the recipient.