One-Minute Communications Tips Archive
May 2010

5 Tips for Improving Email Subject Lines

Picture your email in the recipient's inbox, standing in line with 25 other messages.

Whether or not yours gets opened depends on your subject line.

Here are 5 tips for writing subject lines that compel clicks.

1. Be direct and specific. Tell the reader clearly what the email contains, in unambiguous language. You don't have to reveal everything upfront; just convey the most important point.

2. Appeal to the reader's self-interest or arouse her curiosity. Let her know what's in it for her.

3. State your benefit early. For example: instead of "Seminar on living well in retirement," write "Living well in retirement – seminar shows how."

4. Write a number in the subject line, if appropriate. Numbers draw attention.

5. Don't be predictable. Change the style of your lines from one email to the next. Ask a question, give a deadline, use a double negative.

5.5 (bonus). Test your subject lines.
 

© Arun Sinha, Access Communications. Access Communications is a marketing communications and technical writing firm based in Stamford, Connecticut, USA. Sign up for Access Communications's One-Minute Communication Tip at http://www.AccessConsultingInc.com. Once a month, you'll receive an actionable idea or technique on an aspect of business communications, distilled into about 150 words.

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