How to Write A Good Email Subject Line: 9 Top Tips

Email marketing is a powerful tool. Research shows that email has a much higher click-through rate compared to other forms of online advertising (including Google AdsWords and Facebook Ads). The trick? A shining email subject line. With bursting-at-the-seams inboxes, you’ll need to stand out. How to write a good email subject line is your ticket from lacklustre to luminous. It may also lead to abundant interest in your online shop. Did anyone say, More Sales? 

Why are Email Subject Lines So Important?

Your customers are probably feeling the financial pinch. And, they’re probably inundated with content. We need them to buy your product or service amid budgetary constraints and information overload. How to write a good email subject line is a critical business skill to harness. Its primary goal is to pique curiosity, spark interest, and convince recipients that opening the email is worthwhile. To achieve this, subject lines should be concise, compelling, and relevant to the recipient’s interests.

Indeed, the subject line serves as a preview of the email’s content. 

One way to entice your readers is to offer them an unbeatable payment solution such as Payflex’s buy now, pay later policy.

Top 9 Ways to Optimise Your Email Subject Lines for Higher Open Rates

You don’t need to be a Nobel Laureate in literature to write an engaging subject line. We have a few tips and tricks to help you become a headline writing whizz.

  1. Research your audience

To write subject lines that resonate with your audience, you need to understand their preferences, pain points, and motivations. Conduct thorough audience research and segmentation to identify different segments within your subscriber base. Tailor your subject lines to each segment, addressing their unique needs and interests.

The cherry on top is personalising your subject lines. You’ll create a stronger connection with your audience if they spot their names upfront.  

2. Craft engaging subject lines

Short and sweet. That’s rule number one when it comes to engaging subject lines. If they’re brief and clear, they’re easily scannable. Use action-oriented language to create a sense of urgency or exclusivity, compelling recipients to open the email immediately.

If you have time to do a test, play with slightly different subject lines. Your click-through rate will tell you what kind of wording resonates with your audience. 

3. Appeal to their emotions

Use emotional glimmers to evoke curiosity, excitement, or a fear of missing out (FOMO). Craft subject lines that ignite recipients’ desire to explore what’s inside the email. For example, “Unlock Your Wildest Travel Dreams with Our Exclusive Offers” could be irresistible to your adventurous readers. 

4. Show the benefit

Make it clear how opening your email will benefit recipients. Communicate the value proposition succinctly and persuasively. Show them how your email content solves their problems, offers valuable information, or presents an irresistible offer. A subject line like “Discover 10 Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Professionals” is something to play around. 

5. You’ve got the power: use attention grabbing tricks

Certain words and phrases have a powerful impact on readers. Strategically incorporate words like “limited time,” “exclusive offer,” or “urgent update.” 

6. Avoid Spam Triggers 

Email servers are wisened to the nefarious ways of spammers in the cyber world. That’s why even a hint of anything (ph)ishy will probably be relegated to the spam folder. While it’s important to capture attention, it’s equally crucial to avoid common spam triggers. Be aware of spam trigger words and phrases that can lead to your email being flagged as spam. Additionally, always comply with anti-spam regulations to maintain your reputation as a legitimate sender.

7. Is your subject line actually performing?

Before sending mass emails, test your subject lines to gauge their effectiveness. There are great email marketing tools that allow you to A/B test different subject lines. Then you can analyse their performance. Key factors to measure include open rates, click-through rates and conversion rates. You can then refine your email marketing approach and subject lines accordingly. 

8. Personalise offers or discounts

Meanwhile, if you’re offering a special promotion or discount, mention it directly in the subject line. Personalizing the offer based on recipient preferences or past purchases can further increase open rates.

9. Feel their pain

If your subject line offers to solve a common problem, your reader will be more likely to open your email.  

Ready to Increase Your Email Open Rate?

Remember, subject lines are the gateway to your email content.

Crafting effective email subject lines is an art and science. Yes you need a bit of creative flair, but with some strategic use of language and by following our top tips, you’ll have customers opening your email in no time.

If you want your email subject lines to shine, let readers know about your flexible payment solutions. With Payflex, customers can buy now and pay later.