Obviously, if your email subject line doesn’t open, you’re done. No clicks. There are no sales. No, nothing. But with the right one, you can get your readers to open and gobble up your emails.
Here are 20 dirty, dirty tips for hot subject lines that get results.
1. short is better
40% of emails are opened on mobile and will be cut off if they are too long. Aim for 50 characters or less.
Another reason shorter is better – it’s more flashy. Compare these two subject lines and ask yourself which would grab their attention:
an advert!”
b) “Warning, that early morning habit of yours could be causing a serious problem”
To get the best of both worlds, consider this: With most email programs, you can put “Warning!” in the subject line and use “That late-night habit of yours could be causing a serious problem” as the first line of the email, which will appear as preview text. As always, try.
2. Still don’t think shorter is better?
According to Contact Monkey, subject lines with 3 or more words are opened 15% less than those with 1-2 words.
3. don’t be cute
Some email users like to start their subject lines with “fw:” because they believe it increases open rates. But according to Convince and Convert, it actually reduces opens by 17%. However, Contact Monkey also reports that the top five subject lines in their recent study included “Re:” This just goes to show how important testing is.
Four. create urgency
Topics that evoke a sense of urgency and exclusivity receive a 22% higher open rate, according to the Email Institute. Use terms like “today only” and “12 hour giveaway” to encourage readers to act now.
5. DO NOT use the word “newsletter”
A study by Adestra found that email subject lines containing the word “newsletter” received an 18.7% decrease in open rates. Why? Maybe because the recipients think it will take too long to read it or they can always read it later; which, of course, they rarely do.
6. Use the person’s name in the subject line
Yeah, it’s an old school trick. And yes, for a while it seemed like it wasn’t working as well as it did. But these days people get so much email that once again having this bit of customization can make all the difference. In fact, Adestra found that custom themes were 22.2% more likely to open.
Just don’t do it every time or it will lose its effectiveness.
7. words to avoid
“Gathering” opening reduced by 7% per Sidekick.
“Fast” opens reduced by 17%.
“You” open openings reduced by 5%.
8. words to use
“Tomorrow increased openings by 10% according to Sidekick.
“Free” increased opens by 10%.
9. Test to find the correct sender name
If the recipient doesn’t recognize the sender’s name or doesn’t have a positive association with it, the email probably won’t be opened. If your business name implies a “Your Best Body” benefit, try submitting from that name, as well as “Joe Smith, Your Best Body” and your full name “Joe Smith.” See which one opens the most and then stick with that.
10. Never use “[email protected]” as your sender name
It makes a terrible impression, looks anything but nice, and prevents recipients from adding it to their address book.
11. Use list segmentation
You don’t want to send news of your kids’ clothing sale to a guy who only bought men’s work shirts. Personalize each person’s experience based on the action they’ve taken: which list they’ve joined and what product they’ve purchased.
12. Who says you need a subject line?
According to Sidekick, emails without a subject were opened 8% more than those with a subject. But use this trick sparingly, if at all. And remember, the preview text will be visible, so get it right.
13. Make readers feel like they’re in
The psychology of exclusivity is a primary motivator. Give your subscribers a sense of belonging to your group, your tribe or your inner circle.
In other words, make them feel special with themes like this:
· “An exclusive offer just for you”
· “My personal gift to you”
· “Members only, you’re invited!”
· “Private: ONLY for dear customers”.
14. 3 words to use
Using the words “Sale”, “Video” or “New” in topics increases open rates.
15. Don’t bait and switch
Any promises made in the subject line must be kept in the email. For example, don’t say “27 free eBooks” and then try to sell them 27 eBooks that ‘will look free because they’ll make you a lot of money’.
I actually got this email and unsubscribed because of it.
16. Tell them what’s inside and do it right
Did they just join your list to get a free book? So your topic could be “Your new eBook inside!” Are you announcing a new service that is perfect for them? “Joan, this service is tailor-made for you.”
17. Use numbers
“Increase your traffic by 200%” is better than “How to increase your traffic”.
18. Use action verbs
Think of a subject line as a call to action – you want the language to inspire people to click on the email. By starting with an action verb, you have a much better chance of motivating them to click. For example, which of these makes you want to know more: “Notice: the new Nissans are here” or “Drive a new Nissan today”?
19. The words “Daily” and “Weekly” increase open rates
But the word “Monthly” stings them, according to Adestra.
twenty Oh yeah…
The word that increased opens by 61.8% according to Adestra? Believe it or not, it is the word “alert”. Again, don’t overuse it, but save it for those times when it really counts.
You motivated your readers to open your email with a great subject line, but now what? This is your first award. And your second, and your third. He has heard how the purpose of the first sentence in a sales letter is to get them to read the second, and the second is to get them to read the third. Treat your emails the same way, like every sentence counts.
Why does he do this.