6 Tips for Better Subject Lines
Posted: April 29, 2010
It happens all the time: You've written the content for your newsletter. You have all the articles perfectly squared away and laid out. Then you're faced with the task of writing a compelling subject line so irresistible that readers can't help but open and read your email.
Get your emails opened with attention-grabbing taglines
by Lisa Sparks, Constant Contact Regional Development Director, South Florida
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© geometrix - Fotolia.com[/caption]It happens all the time: You've written the content for your newsletter. You have all the articles perfectly squared away and laid out. Then you're faced with the task of writing a compelling subject line so irresistible that readers can't help but open and read your email.
The good news is you can craft powerful subject lines and article headlines that will attract readers. Here are six key steps to making it happen.
1. List your audience's hot topics.
Do you know what the chatter is in your area of business and how your audience may be affected by it? Are people worried about a decrease in sales or donations? Are they looking for ways to cut back on spending or to eat healthier? Find out what your customers and members are buzzing about, and keep a list of these topics handy. That way you'll have fodder for ongoing newsletter content. Better yet, your subject line writing will become a lot easier because you'll know what's likely to get noticed in recipients' inboxes.
If your business or organization is in an industry or marketplace that's changing all the time, it's good to examine your hot topics once a month. For more stable markets, go through this practice every three to six months.
2. Include numbers.
Headlines with numbers in them work well because they imply easily digestible content. So why not use numbers in your email subject line too? For instance:
- "Only 4 seats left for next week's seminar"
- "A 10-point plan for marketing success"
- "3 ways to turbo-charge your marketing today"
Putting a number in your subject line makes what you're saying quantifiable. "Three quick points," "Eight simple tips," "Four seats left," etc. This lets readers know exactly what they can expect and makes them more willing to read the content.
If you're trying to figure out a way to get numbers into your subject line, think about the benefit you're providing to your readers. Let's say readers are looking for marketing advice, and the benefit they're hoping to receive is more sales. A subject line of "5 ways to increase sales" will encourage subscribers to open your message.
Read all 6 tips for better subject lines.
About the Author
Lisa Sparks, Regional Development Director, South Florida, Constant Contact
Lisa is a marketing expert with experience developing and implementing marketing communications solutions for small and medium sized businesses. A former small business owner herself, Lisa uses her expertise to teach small organizations in South Florida how to build relationships through the use of email marketing. She is experienced in providing guidance, instruction, and comprehensive planning advice for the development, growth, and expansion of new and existing businesses.