How much more business could you be getting with higher open rates to your business email?

The subject line of your emails are the first words your reader sees… and sadly the email's subject line is often the only words they ever see. What can you do to change that?

Your readers get a lot of email. And if your readers are typical they scan incoming messages in a list format that shows only the subject line of each email.

Like so:

The function of email subject lines is to get email opened

In the world of email marketing and promotion the function of the email subject line is to get the email opened and not deleted. Getting your email message opened not only actively engages your reader it gets them to start reading the more compelling copy in the body of your email.

Don’t give too much information in your email subject line

If you tell your recipients everything they need to know (like your offer) in the subject line of your email promotion your reader has no reason to open and read your email. Give away too much information in the subject line and you’ll probably get deleted.

Here’s a subject line you would not want to use:

“Firstname, Learn how to increase your web traffic with search optimized content”

 Why is this not an effective email subject line? Because this subject line tips the reader off as to what is inside the email… The reader already knows where you are headed by reading the subject line. And, if they are not already looking for what you are offering they have little incentive to open the message and read further.

If you have not lucked into finding someone who is already convinced they need what you are offering you’re most likely going to get deleted. By not getting your reader engaged you are missing the opportunity to persuade your readers.

Notice how the following subject line does not reveal the answer and is more likely to make people curious about what will be inside the email:

“Firstname, How much web traffic are you leaving on the table with your broken website?”

Stimulate curiousity with your email subject line

This email subject line deals with the same content but in a more intriguing way. You ask a question. You arouse uncertainty. Plus, you incite a fear of loss (or losing out on an opportunity) which is a major motivator. This email subject line is more likely to get opened that the previous example.

Once your email message is actually opened you’ll have a much greater opportunity to engage and persuade your readers. Once the recipient opens your email and becomes a reader you can present your offer, your links, your contact number and a whole lot more. But first you must get your email opened.

Here are links to additional articles about writing email subject lines:

1. Email Subject Lines That Offer Benefits
2. Email Subject Lines That Get Opened
3. Using Personalization In Email Subject Lines
4. Writing Email Subject Lines