How to write an email subject line?
In today’s post I’m going to teach you how to successfully write an attention grabbing and professional email subject line!
Not only that, but we will see:
Shocking statistics that highlight the importance of email subject lines
What makes a good email subject line?
What to avoid when writing an email subject line?
Examples of professional email subject lines that you can use to craft your next professional email!
What is are email subject lines?
The email subject line is the most important part of the email you send, this is also the first thing an email recipient sees when they receive an email. Without a subject line an email is useless. And this is because the purpose of the subject line in an email is to give the nature of that email and grab the other person’s attention, to click and open as soon as possible.
Without a good email subject line you fall into the risk of your email being ignored or even going to spam!
Shocking statistics about email subject line
69% of email recipients will report spam based on the email subject line (zippia)
64% of email recipients decide to open or delete emails based on subject lines (Hubspot)
33% of users chose to open emails because of catchy subject lines (HubSpot)
What makes a well crafter email subject line?
1) Your subject line needs to be short: Stats have proven that the emails with the highest open rate have between 6-10 words!
Open rate by number of words in email subject line
Credit: invesp
2) your subject line needs to be clear: let your readers’ know what this email is about!
3) it needs to be professional
What to avoid on your email subject line?
1) Avoid using too much punctuation
Using too much punctuation like this “I NEED AN UPDATE!!!!” or this “???REPLY???” is absolutely a no-go!
These are actually the type of subject lines that might send you immediately to the spam or the delete folder!
However, you can use punctuation in your subject line if you do it right.
Like this:
Holiday Request - John Smith
Checking in: update needed
Meeting tomorrow?
Ok, let’s talk about the last one!
According to hubsell, email subject lines with questions have a 50% higher open rate, than emails without. And this is because a question immediately engages your reader, increases their curiosity and encourages them to open your email right away!
2) Avoid using CAPS, this might trigger the spam filters and as well the email reader.
I for sure get triggered when I get an email that comes with a subject line in all caps. It’s like… “are you screaming at me?”
3) Avoid using spammy and triggering words:
Some examples below:
#1
100% anything, for example: 100% more, 100% free, 100% satisfaction, etc.
Call now
Click here, click below
Do it today
Don’t delete
Free anything, i.e.: free access, free preview, free money, etc.
Increase sales, increase traffic
Incredible deal
Special promotion
What about emojis in the email subject line? 🤨⁉️
According to Experian, an email with an emoji in the subject line has an open rate 56% higher than an email with a plain subject line.
However, in a professional context, especially in a corporate environment, I would totally avoid it. Emojis work well in Marketing and Advertising emails, but if you are writing to your manager, or your supervisor or a client, stay away from these!
Examples of professional email subject lines
1) Invitation: Sales Meeting on (date)
This one you can use, as the subject line says, if you are organizing a specific meeting, like a sales meeting, or any other type, and you need to send the respective invite to its participants. And it’s always important to indicate the date, to make sure people don’t miss it.
2) Action Required: Review and approve (topic)
If you have something you need to run by your manager or supervisor, for their review and approval, you can use this subject line
3) Following Up On A Few Things:
You can use this one if you are waiting on any information from your colleagues or manager, or if there was a meeting and some points and/or actions are outstanding, this is a professional email subject line you can use to follow up!
And if you want more tips and examples about how to craft a professional email, check out my playlist right here:
Professional emails examples and templates playlist
