How to Write Subject Lines That Increase Your Email Open Rates
Simple Techniques To Write Subject Lines That Increase Open Rates
How to Write Subject Lines That Increase Your Email Open Rates
If you’re looking to boost your email open rates, your subject line is your first and most important tool. Think of it like the cover of a book. It needs to strike a balance between being informative and intriguing—because without an eye-catching subject line, your email won’t even get opened.
In this post, I’m going to share simple but effective techniques that can transform your subject lines and help you get more opens, clicks, and sales!
Why Subject Lines Matter
Did you know that 47% of people open an email based on its subject line? That’s huge!
And here’s a stat that should stop you in your tracks: 69% of recipients report an email as spam just from the subject line alone.
Your subject line isn’t just a header; it’s the deciding factor in whether or not your email is even seen. So, getting it right is crucial.
What Makes a Good Subject Line?
A great subject line should be:
Concise: Keep it brief and to the point.
Attention-grabbing: Spark curiosity or highlight a benefit.
Relevant: Make sure it speaks to your audience’s pain points or desires.
Now let’s dive into the best subject line strategies.
Types of Subject Lines That Work
Personalized
Example: Hey [Name], are you still coming?
Feel-Good
Example: You deserve everything new and fabulous!
Funny
Example: Boom shakalaka! Let’s hit it!
Curiosity-Driven
Example: 10 bizarre tips that can improve your life…
Offer Incentive
Example: Want to access this freebie?
Relate to Pain Points
Example: How to avoid burnout during your launch.
Simple
Example: [Company Name] invites you to [event].
The Science Behind Effective Subject Lines
Certain tactics can significantly improve your open rates:
Urgency: Subject lines that create urgency can increase opens by 22%.
Personalization: Including the recipient’s name boosts open rates by 18%.
Announcement Emails: The word “alert” in subject lines can boost open rates by 62%.
The Word "Video": Including "video" in your subject line increases open rates by 19%.
Subject Line Dos & Don’ts
Dos:
Be creative and unique.
Appeal to emotions like curiosity, empathy, or FOMO.
Use action words (e.g., "Don’t miss this opportunity!").
Personalize where possible (using “you” or “your”).
Keep it short—4 to 5 words is ideal.
Don’ts:
Don’t use deceptive subject lines or all caps.
Avoid jargon and complicated words.
Don’t overuse exclamation points or spammy phrases like "quick question" or "exclusive invitation."
How to Avoid Spam Filters
Spam filters are tricky, but by avoiding certain words, you can ensure your email makes it to the inbox. Here’s a quick tip: steer clear of:
ALL CAPS TRIGGER SPAM
Sales and Marketing Related Spam Words
Financial Spam Words
Urgency and Pressure Inducing Spam Words Money
Shady or Unethical Spam Words
Tools to Help Write Effective Subject Lines
To make your life easier, I’ve compiled a list of useful tools and resources:
List of spam words to avoid: https://www.activecampaign.com/blog/spam-words
Spam word checker: https://www.mailreach.co/email-spam-test
Test email for deliverability & see where it lands:
Writes subject lines:
https://www.hoppycopy.co ** MY FAVORITE!
https://www.activecampaign.com/free-marketing-tools/subject-line-generator
BONUS: Download "Subject Lines Cheatsheet" + AI Prompt to write your subject lines and a list of sample subject lines for event reminder emails here:
https://magneticbrandonline.com/subjectlines
