When it comes to email marketing, there's no denying that the subject line, which is one of the most critical elements of your message. After all, it's the first thing your recipients see in their inbox, and determines whether they'll open your email or simply hit delete.
Why do email subject lines matter so much? Well, think about it: how many emails do you receive daily? Chances are, it's a lot. And with so many messages flooding your inbox, it's easy for your emails to get lost in the shuffle.
That's where effective email subject lines come in. A well-crafted subject line can make all the difference in getting your message noticed and opened. Studies have shown that emails with catchy subject lines have a significantly higher open rate than those with boring or generic ones.
But how do you go about creating the best email subject lines? That's where Strikingly comes in. Our email campaign tool is designed to help you prepare attention-grabbing subject lines to help your messages stand out in a crowded inbox.
If you're ready to start writing good email subject lines that get results, read on for our top tips in writing the best email subject line!
Getting to Know Your Audience
When creating effective email subject lines, one of the most important things you can do is get to know your target audience. After all, if you don't understand what makes your recipients tick, it will be tough to write catchy email subject lines that resonate with them.
How can you go about getting to know your audience? Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Do your research
Whether it's through surveys, focus groups, or simply monitoring social media, take the time to gather data and insights about your target audience. This can help you identify their interests, pain points, and preferences when it comes to effective email subject lines.
Once you have a better understanding of your audience, consider segmenting your email list based on factors like location, demographics, or previous purchase behavior. This can help you craft more personalized subject lines that speak directly to your recipient's needs and interests.
- Test and iterate
Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of email subject lines and see what works best for your audience. Use A/B testing to try different subject lines and track their performance over time. This can help you fine-tune your approach and create even more effective email subject lines in the future.
By taking the time to research and understand your target audience, you'll be well on your way to creating the best email subject lines that resonate with your recipients and drive results.
Tips for Writing Effective Email Subject Lines
Crafting effective email subject lines is an art form, but it's not rocket science. With the right strategies and tips, you can create subject lines that grab your recipients' attention, pique their curiosity, and encourage them to open your emails. Here are some tips to help you get started:
A. Using Attention-Grabbing Words
Use powerful, emotionally-charged words to capture your recipients' attention. Words like "free," "new," "limited time," "exclusive," "secret," and "surprise" can be particularly effective.
Using powerful, attention-grabbing words like "free," "new," or "limited time" can make your email subject lines stand out in a crowded inbox. For example, "New Arrival Alert: Get 20% off your first purchase!" is a great subject line that uses both the "new" and "discount" triggers to grab the recipient's attention.
B. Creating a Sense of Urgency
Encourage your recipients to act quickly by creating a sense of urgency in your subject lines. Use phrases like "don't miss out," "last chance," "today only," "hurry," or "limited availability" to create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out).
Creating a sense of urgency in your subject lines can make your recipients feel they need to open your email immediately. For example, "Hurry! Only 2 days left to claim your free gift!" is a great subject line that uses urgency to encourage recipients to act quickly.
C. Personalizing Subject Lines
Use your recipients' name, location, or other personal details to create more personalized subject lines. This can help your messages feel more relevant and engaging. Strikingly's email campaign tool makes adding personalized fields to your subject lines easy.
Personalizing subject lines with your recipient's name or other details can make them feel like the message was specifically tailored to them. For example, "John, you won't want to miss this exclusive offer!" is a great subject line that uses personalization to create a more engaging message.
D. Asking Questions
Use questions to pique your recipients' curiosity and encourage them to open your email. Questions like "Are you making these common mistakes?" or "Want to know our secret to success?" can be particularly effective. Just make sure the question is relevant to your message.
Asking a question in your subject line can pique your recipients' curiosity and encourage them to open your email to find out the answer. For example, "Are you ready to transform your business in 2022?" is a great subject line that asks a relevant and engaging question.
E. Avoiding Spam Trigger Words
Be mindful of spam trigger words like "money back guarantee," "earn extra cash," "act now," and "credit card." These words can trigger spam filters and cause your emails to get sent straight to the junk folder.
Avoiding spam trigger words like "money back guarantee" or "earn extra cash" can help ensure your email lands in your recipients' inboxes instead of their junk folders. For example, instead of using "earn extra cash" in your subject line, try "Unlock the secret to financial freedom."
F. Using Emojis
Emojis can be a fun and effective way to easily add visual interest to your subject lines. Just be sure to use them sparingly and ensure they're relevant to your message. Strikingly's email campaign tool has a built-in emoji selector, making adding emojis to your subject lines easy.
Using emojis can add a fun and playful touch to your subject lines and make them stand out. For example, "🎉 Don't Miss Our Big Sale Event! 🛍️" is a great subject line that uses emojis to create visual interest and excitement.
G. Using Humor
Don't be afraid to inject a little humor into your subject lines. A funny or clever subject line can help your message stand out in a crowded inbox. Just make sure the humor is appropriate for your audience and your brand.
Using humor can help your subject line stand out in a crowded inbox and make your recipients smile. For example, "Don't Be a Grinch! Get 50% off Your Holiday Shopping 🎁" is a great subject line that uses humor to create a more engaging message.
H. Keep it Short and Sweet
A general rule of thumb for email subject lines is to keep them under 50 characters to ensure they don't get cut off in the inbox preview. However, don't sacrifice clarity for brevity. Make sure your subject line clearly communicates what your email is about.
Keeping your subject lines short and sweet can help ensure they don't get cut off in the inbox preview and make them more easily scannable for busy recipients. For example, "Last Chance: Free Shipping Ends Today!" is a great subject line communicating urgency and brevity.
I. Use Numbers and Lists
People love lists and numbers, so incorporating them into your subject lines can be a great way to grab attention. For example, "5 tips for boosting your sales" or "10 ways to save money on your next vacation."
Using numbers and lists can help break up the text in your subject lines and make them more visually appealing. For example, "7 Surprising Ways to Boost Your Productivity" is a great subject line with a numbered list to create interest and curiosity.
J. Test and Iterate
Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of email subject lines and see what works best for your audience. Use A/B testing to try different subject lines and track their performance over time. This can help you fine-tune your approach and create even more effective email subject lines in the future.
Testing and iterating your email subject lines can help you fine-tune your approach and create even more effective messages over time. For example, you might test two different subject lines - "Introducing Our New Product Line" and "Discover Our Exciting New Products!" - to see which one gets a higher open rate. Testing and iterating can continually improve your email campaigns and drive better results.
Here are 10 more tips for creating an effective email subject line:
1. Be Specific - Use specifics in your subject lines to let your recipients know exactly what to expect. For example, "5 Must-Have Tools for Social Media Success" is a great subject line that clearly communicates the content of the email.
2. Tap into Emotions - Use emotional triggers in your subject lines to make them more impactful. For example, "Discover the Secret to a Happier, Healthier You" is a great subject line that uses emotion to create interest.
3. Use Power Words - Use power words in your subject lines to create a sense of urgency and importance. For example, "Urgent: Don't Miss Out on This Limited-Time Offer" is a great subject line that uses power words to create urgency.
4. Make it Exclusive - Use exclusivity in your subject lines to make your recipients feel special. For example, "VIP Access: Be the First to Shop Our New Collection" is a great subject line that creates a sense of exclusivity and importance.
5. Use Reverse Psychology - Use reverse psychology in your subject lines to create interest and intrigue. For example, "Ignore This Email at Your Own Peril" is a great subject line that uses reverse psychology to create curiosity.
6. Keep it Conversational - Write your subject lines like you're conversing with your recipient. For example, "Hey there! Ready for Some Amazing Deals?" is a great subject line that feels personal and engaging.
7. Use Urgent Language - Use urgent language in your subject lines to create a sense of immediacy. For example, "Hurry! Our Cyber Monday Sale Ends Tonight" is a great subject line that creates urgency and encourages action.
8. Make a Bold Statement - Use bold statements to create interest and curiosity in your subject lines. For example, "Revolutionize Your Marketing Strategy with Our Game-Changing Tool" is a great subject line that makes a bold statement and encourages curiosity.
9. Add a CTA - Add a call-to-action in your subject lines to encourage action. For example, "Shop Now and Get 20% Off Your First Purchase" is a great subject line with a clear call to action.
10. Use Humor - Use humor in your subject lines to create a more engaging message. For example, "Our Product is So Good, It's Almost Criminal" is a great subject line that uses humor to create a memorable message.
By incorporating these additional tips and examples into your email subject lines, you can make them even more effective at grabbing your recipients' attention, improving your open rates, and driving results for your business. Get creative, have fun, and start crafting those effective email subject lines!
The Power of Personalization
Personalizing email subject lines can be a powerful tool in increasing engagement and improving open rates. Using Strikingly's email campaign tool, you can take your personalization game to the next level.
Benefits of Personalization:
- Increased Open Rates
Personalized subject lines have been shown to increase open rates by up to 29%. When recipients see their name or other details in the subject line, they're more likely to open the email and engage with the content.
- Improved Click-Through Rates
Personalized subject lines can also improve click-through rates by up to 41%. By tailoring your subject line to your recipient's interests and needs, you can create a more relevant, engaging message that encourages them to take action.
- Stronger Relationships
Personalization can also help build stronger relationships with your audience. By showing that you understand their needs and interests, you can create a sense of connection and trust that can translate into long-term loyalty and advocacy.
Tips for Personalizing Subject Lines:
- Use the recipient's name
By using the recipient's name in the subject line, you can create a more personalized and engaging message. For example, "Hey [Name], Check Out Our Latest Products!"
- Tailor the subject line to their location
By using the recipient's location in the subject line, you can create a sense of relevance and urgency. For example, "Exclusive Deals for Customers in [City]!".
- Use past behavior or purchase history to create a relevant message
By using data on the recipient's past behavior or purchase history, you can create a message that's tailored to their needs and interests. For example, "Recommended Just for You: Our Top Products of the Month!".
- Leverage personal milestones or events
By acknowledging personal milestones or events like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays, you can create a sense of personal connection and relevance. For example, "Happy Birthday! Here's a Special Gift Just for You!".
Using Strikingly’s Email Tools to Personalize Your Emails
Strikingly's email campaign tool makes it easy to personalize your email subject lines and create more effective, engaging, and relevant messages.
Here are some tips and examples for personalizing subject lines using Strikingly:
- Use Dynamic Fields
Strikingly's email campaign tool to easily insert dynamic fields into your subject lines, such as the recipient's name, location, or other details. For example, "Hey [Name], Check Out Our Latest Products!".
- Use Segmentation
Strikingly's email campaign tool to segment your audience based on behavior or other criteria, such as past purchases or interests. By using segmentation, you can create more relevant and targeted messages that resonate with your audience. For example, "Exclusive Deals for Customers in [City]!".
- A/B Test Your Subject Lines
Strikingly's email campaign tool allows you to test different subject lines to see which ones perform better. By experimenting with different approaches, you can learn what works best for your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly. For example, "Recommended Just for You: Our Top Products of the Month!".
- Use Personalization Tokens
Strikingly's email campaign tool also offers personalization tokens that allow you to insert dynamic content into your messages, such as the recipient's name or other details. By using these tokens, you can create more personalized and engaging messages that resonate with your audience. For example, "Happy Birthday [Name]! Here's a Special Gift Just for You!".
Using Strikingly's email campaign tool to personalize your subject lines, you can create more effective and engaging messages that drive results for your business. Go ahead, try it out. See the difference for yourself!
Timing is Everything
When crafting effective email subject lines, timing is everything. The right subject line at the wrong time can be just as ineffective as the wrong subject line altogether.
Here are some tips for timing your emails and crafting subject lines that resonate with your audience:
- Consider Your Audience
Think about your recipients' schedules and habits when deciding when to send your emails. Are they more likely to check their inbox in the morning or at night? On weekdays or weekends? By considering your audience's behavior, you can increase the likelihood that your message will be seen and engaged with.
- Use A/B Testing
A/B testing can help you determine the best time to send your emails and craft effective subject lines accordingly. By sending two versions of your email at different times or days, you can see which one performs better and adjust your approach accordingly.
- Craft Time-Sensitive Subject Lines
Use subject lines that create a sense of urgency or timeliness to encourage recipients to open and engage with your emails. For example, "Limited Time Offer: 24 Hours Only!" is a great subject line that creates urgency and encourages action.
- Experiment with Sending Times
Don't be afraid to experiment with different sending times to see what works best for your audience. You might find that certain times or days yield better results than others and can adjust your approach accordingly.
Conclusion
We've covered a lot of ground in crafting effective email subject lines. From understanding your audience to personalization to the power of timing, plenty of tips and best practices can help you create messages that stand out in crowded inboxes.
But don't just take our word for it - put these tips into action using Strikingly's email campaign tool. Strikingly makes creating engaging, personalized, and effective email campaigns easy with its dynamic fields, segmentation options, personalization tokens, and A/B testing capabilities.
What are you waiting for? Ready to make your email subject lines shine brighter than a disco ball? Sign up for Strikingly now and start taking your email marketing game to the next level. Your recipients - and your bottom line - will thank you for it!
