It's getting harder to be noticed in people's inboxes. Yet, email is still the most effective channel to engage, convert, and retain potential customers. That is why creating an engaging email subject line is vital to catch your readers attention to open your email.

Email is the most effective channel

A Yesware study found that email subject lines between one and five words had the highest open rates. A Marketo study found subject lines with about 41 characters or seven words had the most engagement. Try not to push too much information in a message. Email subject lines like "Products celebs are wearing" or "Deals you can't miss" is to the point and will gain interest.

Try using five or less words

Studies show that personalised subject lines can increase open rates by 50%. Email subject lines sound personal when you keep the language informal and write like you're talking to a friend. For example, "Linda, we don't want you to miss out."

Combine personalisation with conversational language

<ul><li>Consider using a question to add interest or promise to show how readers can do something. For example, "Jane, here's how to boost your home's value."</li></ul> <ul><li>Ensure you know your customers' pain points and use that to offer a solution to their issues.</li></ul> <ul><li>Use the FOMO technique occasionally to boost short-term engagement. “Peter, your 20 percent discount expires at midnight.”</li></ul>

Add intrigue or feature a promise

"You", "your," "yours," and "yourself" make the reader feel more emotionally connected to your business and the message. Write about your reader, not about your business. Emphasize how the reader will benefit from reading your email.

Use second-person pronouns

Experian found that emojis in the subject line can increase open rates by 45%. But in B2B business or a more formal business, emojis may seem inappropriate. Experiment by split testing two versions of the same subject line - with and without emoji.

Experiment with emojis

Numbers lend credibility to your message. Include a statistic from a survey, a time-saving figure, the discount percentage figure, or the number of steps in your how-to-guide. For example:"40% off today only""15 ways to save on energy"

Use numbers in your email subject line

Use language that is unique to you and complements your personality. Unconventional words make your subject lines more noticeable. For example, Activewear retailer Fabletics used this subject line: “Your butt will look great in these workout pants.”

Sharpen up your unique voice

We've collated seven sources to help you specialize, strategize, and streamline your career as a digital marketer.

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You only have one chance for your email subject lines to stand out and grab your customer’s interest enough to open your marketing email.