10 Tips for Writing Eye-Catching Email Subject Headlines

If you're like most people, you probably receive a ton of emails on a daily basis. From newsletters and promotional offers to work updates and personal messages, our inboxes are constantly flooded with new messages.

With so much competition for attention, it's essential to make sure that your emails stand out and grab the reader's attention. One of the most effective ways to do this is by writing captivating subject headlines that entice the reader to open your email.

But coming up with creative and effective subject lines can be challenging, especially when you have limited space to work with (most email clients cut off subject lines at around 50 characters).

In this blog, we'll go over some quick tips for writing email subject headlines that can help you boost your CTR and get more people to open and read your emails.

1. Keep it short and sweet

When it comes to email subject lines, shorter is often better. Most email clients cut off subject lines after around 50 characters, so it's essential to make sure that your message is conveyed within that limit.

Longer subject lines tend to get truncated, which can lead to a confusing or incomplete message. It's also more challenging for the reader to digest a lengthy subject line, and they are more likely to skip over it.

To keep your subject lines short and sweet, focus on the main message or benefit that you want to convey. Use actionable language and avoid filler words or unnecessary details.

For example, instead of "Get 50% off on our latest collection of stylish winter jackets – limited time offer," you could go with "50% off winter jackets – act now."

The second subject line conveys the same message in a shorter, more straightforward way.

2. Use actionable language

Using verbs like "discover," "learn," "save," "get," etc. in your subject lines can help encourage the reader to take action. These words create a sense of urgency and make it clear what the reader can expect when they open your email.

For example, "Discover the latest trends in winter fashion" is more likely to get the reader to open your email than "Winter fashion trends." The first subject line uses an actionable verb and suggests that the reader will learn something new by opening the email.

3. Personalize your subject lines

Personalization can go a long way in making your emails stand out and increasing the chances of them being opened. Using the recipient's name or other personalized details in your subject lines can make your emails feel more relevant and engaging.

For example, "John, check out these amazing deals on winter jackets" is more likely to get John's attention than a generic subject line like "Amazing deals on winter jackets."

To personalize your subject lines, you can use tools that allow you to insert personalized details, like the recipient's name, location, or purchase history. Just make sure to use personalization sparingly and avoid overloading your subject lines with too many details.

4. Create a sense of urgency

Using words like "limited time," "exclusive," or "act now" in your subject lines can create a sense of urgency and encourage the reader to open your email right away.

For example, "Huge sale on winter jackets – act now before they're gone" creates a sense of urgency and suggests that the reader needs to act quickly to take advantage of the offer.

Just make sure not to overdo it with the urgency – if you use it too often, it can start to feel spammy and lose its effectiveness.

5. Use emojis sparingly

Emojis can add a touch of personality and fun to your subject lines and make them stand out in the crowded inbox. However, it's essential to use them sparingly – overusing emojis can come across as spammy and turn off your readers.

Choose one or two relevant emojis and use them to add emphasis or convey a particular emotion. Just make sure that the emojis you use are easily recognizable and not too obscure.

For example, "Winter jackets 🔥🔥🔥 – get yours now" uses emojis to add emphasis and convey a sense of excitement about the offer. However, using too many emojis in a row can start to feel overwhelming and less effective.

6. Keep testing

The best way to figure out what works and what doesn't when it comes to email subject lines is by testing different versions and analyzing the results. A/B testing is a useful tool that allows you to compare the performance of different subject lines and see which ones have the highest CTR.

For example, you could send two versions of your email to two different groups of people, with the only difference being the subject line. You can then compare the open rates of both groups to see which subject line performed better.

By testing different subject lines, you can get a better idea of what resonates with your audience and optimize your emails accordingly.

7. Avoid spammy words:

Some words and phrases, like "free," "win," "earn money," etc., are often associated with spam emails and can trigger spam filters. To avoid your emails ending up in the spam folder, it's essential to avoid using such words in your subject lines.

Instead, focus on conveying the value or benefit that the reader can expect from opening your email. Use actionable language and make it clear what the email is about.

If you're offering a free product or service, consider using words like "complimentary," "no cost," or "at no charge" instead of "free." This can help avoid triggering spam filters and ensure that your emails land in the inbox.

8. Keep it relevant

It's essential to make sure that your subject lines are relevant to the content of your email. Don't make false promises or use clickbait tactics to get the reader to open your email.

If the subject line and the email content don't match, it can lead to a disappointing experience for the reader and reduce the chances of them engaging with your future emails.

Instead, focus on crafting subject lines that accurately reflect the content of your email and provide value to the reader.

9. Use power words

Certain words, like "amazing," "incredible," "unbelievable," "miracle," etc., have a way of grabbing the reader's attention and triggering an emotional response. By using power words sparingly in your subject lines, you can add an extra punch and entice the reader to open your email

For example, "Get the body you've always wanted with this miracle product" uses a power word to grab the reader's attention and trigger an emotional response.

Just make sure not to overdo it – using too many power words can come across as spammy and lose its effectiveness. Use power words sparingly and in combination with other techniques, like actionable language and personalization, to create a compelling subject line.

10. Make it clear

Avoid using vague or ambiguous subject lines that leave the reader guessing about the content of your email. Make it clear what the email is about so that the reader knows what to expect when they open it.

For example, "Winter fashion trends" is a vague subject line that doesn't give the reader much information about what to expect. On the other hand, "10 must-have winter fashion items for the season" is more specific and gives the reader a clear idea of what to expect from the email.

Conclusion

In conclusion, writing captivating email subject headlines is crucial for boosting your Click-Through-Rate (CTR) and getting more people to open and read your emails. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this blog, you can craft effective subject lines that grab the reader's attention and encourage them to engage with your emails.

Remember to keep it short and sweet, use actionable language, personalize your subject lines, create a sense of urgency, use emojis sparingly, test different versions, avoid spammy words, keep it relevant, use power words, and make it clear. By following these strategies, you can write email subject headlines that drive more clicks and help you achieve your marketing goals.