Hey there! Welcome to this comprehensive guide on email subject lines. If you’re someone who regularly sends emails, then you will surely know how important the subject line is. In this guide, we will discuss the dos and don’ts of email subject lines to help you craft the perfect one that will increase the chances of your email being opened and read. Let’s dive in!

âś… Do keep it short and straightforward

Your subject line should be short and to the point. Avoid writing long subject lines that will make it difficult for the recipient to understand what the email is all about. An ideal subject line should be between 50-60 characters. It should clearly convey the message you want to send across.

A person looking at a phone with a short and straightforward email subject line

❌ Don’t use spammy words

Including spammy words like “Free,” “Urgent,” “Limited time offer,” etc., can trigger spam filters and make your email go straight to the recipient’s junk folder. However, if it’s unavoidable to use such words, then look for synonyms that convey the same meaning without triggering spam filters.

A deleted email with the word "SPAM" in the subject line

âś… Do personalize

Personalizing the subject line with the recipient’s name, company name, or any other relevant information can increase the chances of your email being opened and read. It shows that you’ve taken the time to tailor the message to the recipient.

A person holding a phone smiling at a personalized email subject line

❌ Don’t be misleading

Don’t use tricky or misleading subject lines to get people to open your email. This can be frustrating for the recipient and can harm your brand’s reputation. Always ensure that your subject line reflects the content of your email.

A person looking at a phone with a misleading email subject line

âś… Do use action-oriented language

Using action-oriented language can prompt the recipient to take action. Words like “Download,” “Register,” “Buy now,” etc., can make your email more compelling and encourage the recipient to open and respond to your email.

A person clicking on a phone with a compelling email subject line

❌ Don’t use excessive punctuation or special characters

Using excessive punctuation or special characters can make your subject line look spammy and unprofessional. It’s best to avoid using them altogether.

A person holding a phone with an email subject line full of exclamation points and special characters

âś… Do A/B test

Testing different subject lines and seeing which one performs better can give you valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t. A/B testing can help you understand the recipient’s behavior and preferences.

A person holding a phone comparing two email subject lines

❌ Don’t write subject lines in all caps

Writing subject lines in all caps can make it difficult to read and may come across as aggressive or pushy. It’s best to avoid writing subject lines in all caps.

A person looking at a phone with an email subject line in all caps

âś… Do create a sense of urgency

Creating a sense of urgency can prompt the recipient to take immediate action. Limited-time offers or deadlines can be great ways to create urgency in your email subject lines.

A person holding a phone with a time-sensitive email subject line

❌ Don’t make it too salesy

Your subject line shouldn’t be too salesy or pushy. It’s important to strike a balance between a compelling subject line and a pushy one.

A person holding a phone with a salesy email subject line that is too pushy

Phew! That was a lot of information. We hope that this guide has been helpful in understanding the dos and don’ts of email subject lines. The key takeaway is to keep it short, personalized, and action-oriented while avoiding spammy words and excessive punctuation. Don’t forget to A/B test to see what works best for your audience. Happy emailing!

A person holding a phone with a "successful email subject line" banner in the background