Subject Line Formulas to Get You More Opens
How many of your emails are actually getting opened? If you’re struggling to grab the attention of your readers and entice them to click that elusive “open” button, then it’s time to step up your subject line game. Crafting an eye-catching and compelling subject line is the key to increasing email open rates and driving engagement with your subscribers. In this blog post, we’ll explore three powerful subject line formulas that are sure to get you more opens. So buckle up and get ready to revamp your email marketing strategy!
How many of your emails are getting opened?
Are your carefully crafted emails going unnoticed? Are you left wondering if anyone out there is actually reading what you have to say? If so, you’re not alone. With inboxes flooded with countless messages vying for attention, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to stand out from the crowd. The key to overcoming this hurdle lies in mastering the art of subject line writing.
According to a recent research study, the answer should be about 15% – 20%, depending on your industry. If you’re not getting the open rates you desire, your subject line could be the culprit.
Writing clickable subject lines can be a daunting task, but subject line formulas can help.
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The “Urgent” or “Scarcity” subject line formula
In this formula, you create a sense of urgency or scarcity in your subject line to entice readers to open your email right away. By emphasizing limited time offers, exclusive deals, or one-time events, you make recipients feel like they need to act quickly before they miss out.
EXAMPLES:
- Only 48 hours left to get FREE Shipping
- Last chance: Limited spots available for our exclusive webinar
- Hurry! Only 24 hours left for our biggest sale of the year
- Don’t miss out on these one-day-only discounts
By using words like “last chance,” “hurry,” and phrases that highlight exclusivity and limited availability, you tap into people’s fear of missing out (FOMO). This psychological trigger can compel them to open your email immediately instead of letting it sit in their inbox.
Remember to keep the urgency genuine and align it with the content inside your email. If recipients feel misled by exaggerated claims, they may lose trust in future communications from you.
Experimenting with different variations of the urgent/scarcity formula can help determine what resonates best with your audience. Keep track of open rates and adjust accordingly until you find a winning combination that consistently boosts engagement.
The “How-To” subject line formula
When crafting a “How-To” subject line, it’s important to keep it clear, concise, and specific. You want to give your readers a glimpse of what they will learn or accomplish by opening the email.
EXAMPLES:
- How to Get 500 New Instagram Followers a Day
- Master the art of baking mouthwatering chocolate chip cookies
Another key aspect of the “How-To” formula is providing value. Your subject line should promise that by opening the email, readers will gain useful information or skills that they can apply in their daily lives. This creates anticipation and motivates them to click.
Additionally, consider adding personalization to your subject lines whenever possible. Addressing recipients by name or tailoring the content specifically for their needs increases relevance and engagement.
Remember that while the “How-To” formula is effective, it’s essential not to overuse it. Mix up your subject lines with other formulas mentioned earlier such as urgency or curiosity gaps for variety.
The “Curiosity Gap” subject line formula
The “Curiosity Gap” subject line formula is a powerful tool that can pique the interest of your email recipients and compel them to open your message. This formula relies on creating a sense of curiosity or intrigue by hinting at something they don’t know or leaving a question unanswered. The curiosity gap is why we see movies or read clickbait. When you hook your audience a little, they usually want the whole story.
EXAMPLES:
- I ate only vegetables for a month and this is what happened
- Discover the secret to doubling your productivity
- Find out how this simple trick can transform your finances
By using these types of subject lines, you create an information gap that leaves readers wanting to know more. They feel compelled to click and open the email in order to satisfy their curiosity.
However, it’s important to strike a balance with this approach. You don’t want to be too vague or misleading in your subject line, as this can lead to disappointment and disengagement from your audience. It’s crucial that the content within the email delivers on the promise made in the subject line.
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Final Thoughts
Crafting compelling subject lines is essential for improving open rates and getting your emails noticed amidst crowded inboxes. By leveraging formulas such as urgency/scarcity, how-to guides, and curiosity gaps, you can increase engagement with your audience and drive better results from your email marketing efforts. Experiment with different approaches, test what works best for your audience, and keep refining your strategies over time. Remember: Your subject line is often the first impression you make – make it count!
Whatever formula you use, make sure your content delivers value. If you promise something and don’t deliver, you could lose subscriber trust and engagement.
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