You have one subject line to make an impression, so you have to make it count. However, summing up an entire email while sparking your reader’s interest can be challenging. Furthermore, when your subject line is misleading, you decrease your chances of opens and increase those unsubscribe rates.
Also, did you know that certain words alone attract consumer clicks over others? For anyone who wants to increase email opens, a proper subject line is key. Here are some tips to help boost those open rates with a dynamic subject line.
Watch Your Language
Use buzzwords: Word choice is crucial when it comes to one-liners. With limited characters, you are better off using buzzwords. For example, the word “video.” As video becomes widely integrated across social media, it’s one of the best ways to reach your consumers, and merely mentioning the word “video” can increase open rates by 19%. Of course, you’ll have to include a video or a link to a video in the content as well. “Buy” is also a buzzword that can lead to a 27% increase in your click rate, so if you’re an e-commerce shop, consider using this word in the subject line.
Personalize: People like personalized emails, so this goes for your subject line as well. Open rates increase by 26% when subject lines are more specific (ie: using a person’s name), rather than a subject line with a blanketed statement. Also with this tactic, click-through rates are higher by about 41%. The lesson here is to keep it personal!
Use Emojis 😃💡
Subject lines can be more effective for some audiences over others, though more and more brands are embracing this trend. The emoji can add more life and personalization to rather dull wording. However, since email is available on many devices, it’s appearance is subject to change based on the interface or system.
For example, an emoji may reveal itself as a black box instead of what was intended to be a slice of pizza. Make sure you’re sending the right message by previewing your email on other devices. Additional tip: Constant Contact provides the top emojis used in their customer’s subject lines.
Fight Against Spam Filters
You can’t expect high open rates if your consumers are unable to view your emails. Certain trigger words and symbols will send your campaigns straight to the spam folder. One way to get your email flagged is if you use all capital letters or even exclamation points; plus, that sounds like you’re yelling at the customer.
Even using certain emojis may increase your chances of being filtered. Using symbols like the dollar sign or phrases like “Earn per Week” can also mark a red flag. Instead, use phrases like “You Are Not Alone” that intrigue your readers rather than making them feel pressure to earn something. In this sense, you are offering value rather than asking something directly of your consumers. If you’re ready to fight against spam, here are 438 trigger words to avoid.
Put it to the Test
Remember that testing is key to any email campaign, especially when it comes to a subject line. A/B testing can help determine the habits of your target audience. Say your test line A is a statement and test line B is a question with emojis. By comparing results, you can define your audience’s preferences. Sometimes this can vary from campaign to campaign. Many email marketing tools such as MailChimp allow this type of testing, so don’t forget this last step!
All in all, your subject line is just as important if not more important than the body of your email. Give your audience a reason to open your email over your competitors. Get creative and avoid trigger words to fight those filters.
