Start your email journey right: Try best subject lines for higher open rates

Introduction

Email subject lines are the most important factor when it comes to whether or not a recipient opens an email. Writing effective subject lines that grab the recipient’s attention and entice them to open and read the entire message is a critical step in the email communication process. There are some best practices companies can implement to ensure that their messages have a high open rate.

It is important to note that it is not enough to simply write a good subject line and send the message. Organizations need to regularly test and monitor the performance of their subject lines and adjust as needed to maintain open rates. This paper will discuss the best practices for crafting high-performing subject lines and provide a step-by-step approach for testing variations.

How Email Subject Lines Influence Open Rates

When sending email blasts, the first impression for the recipient is the email’s subject line. It is the only visible element the recipient sees before opening the email. As such, it is critical to write subject lines that are compelling and relevant. Studies have found that 47% of recipients open emails based on the subject line alone.

The goal is to create a sense of urgency that encourages a recipient to open the email and read the entire message. To get high open rates, subject lines must be precise and succinct while also creating an expectation of value.
 It is also important to make sure the subject line accurately reflects the body of the message and the organization’s brand.

Key Elements of Subject Lines

When writing subject lines, organizations should keep the following elements in mind:

Keep it concise – Subject lines should typically be between 40-50 characters. Some e-mail programs may truncate long text, and text that is too short may not provide enough context.

Personalize when possible – Personalized subject lines are more likely to be opened than generic ones. Organizations should consider using a recipient’s name or segmenting the list based on the content of the message to add a personalized touch.

Focus on the benefit of the message – Focus on the value the recipient will gain from reading the message. Use active language and action words.

Be specific – Use clear and specific language so that your message is conveyed correctly.

Stay on-brand – Make sure the subject line matches the tone and style of the organization’s brand.

Test and measure performance – Regularly test and measure the performance of subject lines to identify the most effective ones and adjust as needed to maintain high open rates.

Subject Line Strategies

When creating subject lines, organizations should keep their audience in mind and focus on the benefit of their message. Here are several strategies to consider:

Use curiosity to capture attention – Curiosity is a powerful driver and can be used to capture the recipient’s attention and encourage them to open the email.

Generate urgency – Use active language and action words to generate a sense of urgency and compel the recipient to open the email.

Offer discounts, coupons, or giveaways – Entice recipients with the promise of discounts, coupons, or giveaways to encourage them to open the message.

Use storytelling elements – Stimulate recipients’ imaginations and inspire them to read the entire message

Keep it simple – Don’t use complex jargon or overly creative subject lines.

Avoid overpromising – Don’t give false expectations in the subject line.

Stay away from spam triggers – Be sure to avoid words, phrases, or punctuation that can trigger a spam filter.

Testing Subject Line Variations

Organizations should regularly test and measure the performance of their subject lines to identify the most effective ones and adjust as needed. Here is a step-by-step approach to testing subject line variations:

Segment lists – Segment lists based on the content of the message to ensure the right subject lines are being sent to the right recipients.

Write multiple versions – Write multiple versions of the subject line.

Send test emails – Send a test email with each version of the subject line to a small sample of recipients.

 Monitor performance – Monitor the open rates of each version and compare the results.

Adjust as needed – Adjust the subject line as needed based on the results.

Conclusion

Email subject lines are an important component of the email communication process. Organizations need to put into place strategies and best practices to craft effective subject lines and ensure their messages are opened by the intended recipients. This paper examined the key elements of effective subject lines and summarized specific tactics to consider. Finally, it outlined a step-by-step approach for testing and measuring the performance of subject line variations.

Organisations may improve the likelihood that recipients will open and read their emails by implementing these best practises and techniques.

About Apoorva: 

Apoorva is a technology services company that assists software products with ideation, developing prototypes, programming, creating a digital marketing presence and accelerating sales through direct contact. Over 150 for-profit and non-profit organizations, such as Xcel Energy, PeopleCare Health Services, Frontier Airlines and Centers for Spiritual Living have trusted Apoorva to build software. 

Apoorva was founded in 2001, has more than 50 employees, and uses proprietary and proven methodologies to bring technology products to the market. Contact us / Visit apoorva.com for more information.