Improve Email Subject Lines to Ensure Your Customers Get Your Message

Email marketing is a great way to keep in contact with your customers – but it only works if they’re reading what you’re sending. Your first impression is your email subject line. When your subject line is catchy, compelling and informative, your recipients are much more likely to open your email. Here are some tips on creating effective subject lines:

1. Know your audience: You probably know who your customers are (if not, consider some market research [link]), but it’s important to keep in mind why they chose you. What issues do they have that your product or service addresses? More specifically, why have they subscribed to your email list? Make sure your subject line addresses their concerns and clearly expresses what your newsletter has to offer.
2. Use numbers: A headline such as “5 Tips for Organizing Your Closet” is effective because it lets readers know what to expect. It is clear from the subject line that content will be organized and easy to read. Readers know what to expect and are therefore more willing to open your email.
3. Create a sense of urgency: Throw in a deadline that encourages customers to act quickly. Without that sense of urgency, readers will often put off opening an email for later. They may or may not get back to it – so ensure they’re motivated to open it right away.
4. Consider social media sharing: The nice thing about most email marketing programs is that they make it really easy for readers to share their emails with friends via social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Often, the text associated with sharing is automatically included, so make sure your subject line is informative enough to give your customers’ friends and family an idea of what your newsletter is about.
5. Be wary of spam filters: Spam filters are quick to pick up on symbols (e.g. “50% off!”), excessive exclamation points, ALL CAPS, and words like “free” or “guaranteed.” In a way, this works to your advantage because it encourages you to be creative and really be honest with your audience. Take advantage of your email marketing program’s Spam Checker and make sure your subject line and email aren’t likely to be blacklisted.

Take advantage of a FREE Email Marketing trial with Constant Contact and get started now. Not sure where to start? For email marketing and copywriting help, contact us!