Are you using these 8 subject line formulas to get your emails opened?

The subject line is the start of the reader’s experience with your campaign, and in a world of increasing distractions, it can also be the end of their experience if you don't make it captivating and engaging.


1. The question subject line

Questions make great email subject lines because they get the reader to think about how the subject matter applies to their own life. The best questions will resonate with the reader and their past experiences, while arousing a sense of curiosity to learn more about the subject and whether their experiences are similar to others'.

2. The 'how to' subject line

The 'How to' subject line formula works so well because it forces you to describe the content of the email in very clear language. The key to success with this subject line formula is focusing on the benefit.

3. The scarcity subject line

Scarcity is a powerful driver of human behaviour. When something is in short supply, our fear of missing out kicks in and we are compelled to act. Adding a time or availability limitation encourages readers to open and act on your email before it's too late.

4. The announcement subject line

Using words like "Introducing" and "New" in your email subject line gives the reader a feeling that your email contains new, breaking information they haven't heard yet. By using words like 'Introducing' and 'New' in the subject line, you are letting people know that your email contains new information they don't know yet and are encouraging people to open the email and learn more.

5. The number subject line

Using numbers in your email subject lines is a great way to set people's expectations and provide a structure for the content of your email. The key to success with this formula is the number you use. If you are suggesting effort a reader needs to expend (like steps in a process for instance), then using a low number works better as it suggests the process is quicker and easier.

6. The curiosity gap subject line

Curiosity requires a little bit of initial knowledge first. We're not curious about something we know absolutely nothing about. However, as soon as we know even a little bit, our curiosity is piqued and we want to learn more. So try leaving a small curiosity gap in your subject lines to encourage opens.

7. The surprise subject line

Everybody loves a good play on words or a pleasant surprise. In fact, studies on brain activity show that these unexpected occurrences light up the pleasure centres of the brain. Whether it's a small chuckle or an unexpected offer that benefits the user, using surprise in your subject line causes the reader to pause while scanning through their inbox and piques their curiosity enough to open the email and learn more.

8. The personalized subject line

Working your subscriber's name into the subject line of your email adds a personal touch that is likely to catch your reader's eye. Any time you can make your reader feel like you're connecting with them on a very personal level, it builds a sense of sincerity.

In Conclusion

Your subject line is what entices your reader to open your email and pursue the information inside, so it's important to put some serious thought into this portion of the writing process.

Original article written By - Aaron Beashel

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