In email marketing, an unopened email is like a dagger to the back. You spend hours crafting the perfect message, yet your open-rates leave much to be desired. Where did you go wrong?
It’s All About the Subject Line
Most readers assume a boring subject line means a boring email. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Your emails may be full of inspirational, useful knowledge (of course!), but a boring subject line will mean it’s left unopened and unread in the recipient’s inbox. In other words, that’s an opportunity lost.
Let’s punch it up a little, shall we? Here are six tips to help you write sensational subject lines:
1. Show your snarky side
Everyone appreciates a sense of humor. Don’t be afraid to show yours in the form of sarcasm. It’s a great way to make your email stand out from all the rest.
2. Curiosity Won’t Kill the Cat—But it Will Get Him to Open the Email
Strike a little curiosity in your readers and see if it gets them to open up those emails. Here are a few fun examples:
5 Reasons to NOT Read my Book
The Huge PR lesson I Learned While…
I Would Be Nothing Without…
Well, This is Embarrassing…
A Behind the Scenes Look at…
3. Ask and Ye Shall Receive
The email subject line is the perfect place to ask an important question that will get your recipients thinking. This method works because readers involuntarily answer the question in their mind, making them instantly engaged.
4. Don’t End Up as Spam
A great subject line is one that’s short, descriptive and gives the reader a reason to open your email, but using certain words can trigger spam filters, sending your message to the land of lost emails. For that reason, avoid using the following words:
- Buy
- Free
- Cash
- Claim
- Collect
- Clearance
5. Personalize It
Everyone likes a message written just for them, and subscribers on your email list are no different. If you’re sending a newsletter to digital marketing professionals in Maryland, then let them know you’re speaking directly to them by saying “Hey, digital marketing pros, don’t miss out on….”. That way, your readers will know the content in the email is relevant to them.
6. Create a Sense of Urgency
You want you readers to feel the need to open the email NOW. If they think it is something that can wait, they may never open it at all. And that is an opportunity lost.
Writing sensational subject lines for emails can be hard. That’s where PPR Strategies comes in. Our staff of experienced communications professionals can help your business make the most of your marketing strategy—from crafting catchy subject lines to managing social media and public relations.
Call us at 304-876-8321 to see how we can help your business.
