Let’s face it: if your email subject line doesn’t grab attention, the rest of your email might as well not exist. Subject lines are the gatekeepers—they’re the difference between getting opened or getting deleted. The good news? You don’t need to be a professional copywriter to write subject lines that work. You just need a few simple strategies.
1. Keep It Short and Clear
No one’s got time to decode a cryptic subject line. If people have to guess what your email is about, they’re skipping it. Clarity beats cleverness every time. That doesn’t mean you can’t be creative—it just means you need to make your point fast.
Examples That Work:
“Your free guide is here”
“3 ways to grow your email list today”
Skip the fluff. If you can say it in five words, don’t use ten.
2. Create Curiosity
People are naturally nosy (it’s science). A subject line that teases something interesting makes them want to know more. The trick? Don’t give away the whole story—just enough to make them curious.
Examples That Work:
“You’re making this mistake”
“The one thing every [industry] pro needs”
Curiosity works because it feels personal. Just make sure your email delivers on the promise, or you’ll lose trust faster than you gained it.
3. Use Numbers and Lists
Numbers catch the eye. They promise something specific, and people love quick wins. If your email has tips, tricks, or steps, call that out in the subject line.
Examples That Work:
“5 quick tips for better marketing”
“Top 3 tools for busy entrepreneurs”
Odd numbers tend to work best (don’t ask me why—just trust the data).
4. Add a Personal Touch
People like feeling special. Using personalization in your subject line—like a name, location, or even something like “your business”—makes the email feel less generic and more tailored.
Examples That Work:
“Jenny, your checklist is ready”
“Your [business name] growth plan”
Pro tip: If you’re not collecting enough data to personalize subject lines, start now. Even basic info can make a huge difference.
5. Test It Out
Here’s the truth: no one nails the perfect subject line every time. That’s why A/B testing exists. Try out two versions of a subject line—one with a question, one with a number, for example—and see what gets better results.
Data beats guessing every time, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Your Subject Lines in Action: The next time you write an email, spend a little extra time on the subject line. It’s not just the opening act—it’s the star of the show. If you’re stuck or need a second opinion, send me your drafts. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes (or me—I love crafting subject lines) can make all the difference.
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