Six subject line tips — how do you draw readers in?
How do you write an interesting subject line?
Before opening anything, the first things a recipient sees are the sender name and the subject line, and those two decide whether your message reaches the reader at all. 64% of email users say an interesting subject line is their main reason for opening. If the subject sparks curiosity, open and click rates will certainly rise.
1. Short and clear
- Subject line length affects both open and click rate. A clear subject captures the reader’s attention easily.
2. Consistent and relevant to the content
- Give readers content that matches the subject. An irrelevant or misleading subject damages brand reputation and lowers the open rate.
3. Include urgency
- Conveying urgency in the subject effectively lifts the open rate — it pushes users to open. But do not overdo the tone; exaggeration makes readers back away.
4. Personalise it
- Email users tend to open personalised email, and a personalised subject line lifts open rates by 26%.
5. Feature your brand in the subject
- Making users more familiar with your brand raises the open rate.
6. Use one or two interesting symbols
- A couple of distinctive symbols capture attention easily.
Example 1:
[UFOSend] ➓ tips for becoming an email marketer
This subject line runs to 21 characters, so readers understand the content at a glance. It also features the brand, raising awareness and building the relationship. And the distinctive ➓ symbol catches the recipient’s eye.
Example 2:
$firstname$, here are ➓ tips for becoming an email marketer [UFOSend]
Mentioning the recipient’s name in the subject substantially raises the open rate.
Designing an appealing subject line is not easy. Only by trying and testing will you learn what your readers respond to — and do not forget to keep the subject consistent with the content. What subject lines have worked for you?