5 tips to get more emails opened through an attractive subject line

Jan 8, 2020

Read. 3 min.

How to Get More Opened Emails With Attractive Subject Lines

Why do we open some emails and not others...? What would cause me to spend time opening an email from someone I don't know and how relevant is the subject for me as a recipient? One of our sales stars, Alfred Nyberg, shares his best tips!

You may have the world's best message, but it won't have any effect if your recipients never open your email. Remember, it's your target group that decides whether or not you'll succeed with your subject line. If the recipients don't like what they see, the odds are very low that they'll open your email - no click, no commitment. By creating an attractive subject line, the chances are bigger that your recipient will open your email. 

Three rules of thumb

Regardless of the subject line you decide on, there are three rules of thumb to abide by: subject lines should be clear, be honest, and in line with how you want your brand to be perceived.

5 tips - Get your recipients to open your email

1. Keep it real

You don't want your subject line to sound too much like you're trying to sell something. Create the title in a way that you would do in a "real" mail, like you were about to send an email to a friend or colleague. Communicate as a real person - not an intrusive marketing expert trying to make a quick sale.

Good example: I think we do
Bad example: Increase your sales by at least 50%!

2. Keep it short

Many people open their mail on their smartphones, so it's important to keep the subject lines short and relevant. If it's too long, it can run on to a second line, or worse - the email will be categorized as spam, never to see the light of day. Based on a Leadium analysis conducted on more than 40,000 sales announcements, subject lines with four words or less get opened the most. Try to keep your subject lines short and current.

Good example: Effective exploration
Bad example: Do you spend a lot of time in your CRM calling potential customers? We know how it feels! Our system helps you!

3. Keep it personal

When you see a subject line that is addressed to you personally, it's more likely that you'll open and read the message inside. Personal subject lines are much more effective than a "general version" that is sent to everyone on your mailing list.

Good example: How satisfied are you with [company name]'s project management tool?
Bad example: We can offer you [product / service]

4. Keep it genuine

Make it your goal that the recipients of your email feel that you really want to help them by providing a product or service that'll add value. For example, try commenting on an event you both attended or an article they wrote. Try to build a genuine connection rather than trying to close the sale as quickly as possible. 

Good example: It was nice to meet you at the [event you attended], [name]!
Bad example: Let's get started! Are you interested in [product / service] or not?

5. Ask a question

Questions can arouse interest and encourage someone to open an email. Whether you strive to make the recipient feel useful by asking for information or asking them to consider their own needs and desires.

Good example: What does [the department] need at [their company]?
Bad example: This is what you need: our [product / service]

To sum it up - always think about your subject line! Keep it simple, ask a question, and be personal! Think before you click send. Would you open the email yourself? Remember to always use data and A / B test your subject line. 

Good luck! 

Start wowing buyers and hitting quotas now