Have you ever deleted any email without opening it? Ever just checked off box after box after box next to lame email subject lines and just bulk moved a dozen emails to your trash folder?
Of course you have – you’d be lying if you denied it 😉
But here’s the thing: Chances are, you at least speed read the subject line to each email. Chances are, you skimmed. And…chances are the subject line is what influenced your decision to delete instead of read.
Email subject lines are often thrown together at the last minute and treated as an afterthought. But if your subject line is what’s drawing your readers in, then you want this first impression to be your stepping out of the limo, wearing your best dress, Bachelor moment.
Can you picture it?
So, now that we know they’re important, how do we make them shine?
Well, we’re here to help take your subject lines to the next level with some super simple formulas you can use to get those emails you’ve poured your heart and soul into, READ!
Email Subject Line Formula #1: Get ‘Em Wondering
This is a classic email subject line, you’ve seen it before (and you’ll see it again) but there’s totally a reason for it.
This subject line directly ties into what you’re talking about in the email, you’re not tricking people into opening anything or using any bait and switch tactics — you’re simply asking a question!
When writing this type of subject line, start with something curiosity-invoking, like a ‘How-to’, or ‘Do you want to…’ then follow it up with something your readers will benefit from.
Here are some examples:
- How to go from [BAD SITUATION] to [GOOD SITUATION]
- How I stopped hitting snooze and took control of my morning
- I was doing it all wrong (How to write your blog posts in UNDER one hour!)
The gist of it is this: These subject lines present a problem and offer the promise of a solution when your reader clicks. Whether that’s in the body copy of the email or a link to your blog post, it’s a great way to let your readers know exactly what they’re getting when they open your email.
Email Subject Line Formula #2: Tell It Straight
Think of this one as a cousin to Get ‘Em Wondering. In this type of subject line, you’re OPENING the door to whatever you’re going to CLOSE in your body copy. The difference between this and the Get ‘Em Wondering formula, is that in this type of email, you HAVE to close the door on what you touched on in your subject line. In the first formula, you can have the answer to the question come after they’ve clicked through to your blog post. But here, you need to give them what they came for!
Here are some examples:
- This is how you [BLANK]
- I do this every single week
- This is ridiculous!
- This changed everything!
Now, we know these can seem a little bit click-baity but this is why it’s SUPER important to answer the question in the body of your email. That way it’s not click-bait, it’s just a cliffhanger to what’s inside 😉
This is a perfect example of what “serving your audience” could look like. This is a no-strings attached value-based email designed to give your audience a quick win for free.
Email Subject Line Formula #3: The Urgent One
Sometimes, it’s just better to call it what it is. You have one day left before you close sign-ups for your latest course or you are about to sell out of your newest products and your audience? They need to know. Imperative, act-now types of situations are great instances to use this formula because it’s clear, specific, and can create a sense of urgency.
Here are some examples:
- Join me LIVE for Day 3 of the Challenge!
- Last Chance to Pre-Order “XYZ”
- [$100 OFF!] Early Bird Enrollment Now Open
When you just need to get your point across and make sure people get the information right off the bat, this is a great option.
To connect with a strategic marketing partner who understands startups and the unique challenges you face in reaching your audience, book a free Discovery Call with Carter House Copy today.
