10 Email Subject Lines that Grab Customers’ Attention

Email marketing is a powerful tactic for many small business owners to promote their products and improve sales. Emails can be created and distributed without incurring much cost. It can even be customized for a group of customers to ensure you target the right group. The problem is customers are bombarded with emails like never before. They have limited time and attention span to open, let alone read the email. So how do you grab their attention and make them open the email? The key is what you put in the subject line. Boring subject lines that put readers to sleep will never make it to the content. Use the 10 tips below to create attention grabbing subject lines that will compel the reader to open the email.

1. Give Them a Taste

Ask any television executive how to keep people coming back for more. The answer is simple: cliffhangers. Subject lines that leave readers hanging are difficult to resist opening.

2. Tap into Trends

Put popular trending topics to work for you. Use a reference or spin off of a hot topic to boost readership. Check out your social media feed for examples. From “acai berries” to “Super Bowl snacks,” you’ll have no trouble spotting these.

3. Create a Showdown

Few people can resist opening “Zombies vs. Three-Legged Cats.” Whether they’re ready to take a side or just curious which side will come out on top, conflict grabs a reader’s attention.

4. Make a Connection

Inboxes are overflowing. When you’re reaching out to someone for the first time, it’s a good idea to start out with the connection. An email labeled “We met at Toastmasters” reminds the recipient who you are.

5. Cut to the Chase

Sometimes your best approach is the direct one. Just like a newspaper headline, put the most important information up front.

6. Tug on the Heart Strings

Emotions aren’t just for Valentine’s Day. Using emotional words can make an email get noticed. Try something like “Love These Decorating Tips” and see what kind of response you get.

7. Leave It Blank

This one may be a bit gimmicky, but it’s a nearly surefire way to get people to click. Leaving the subject line blank is an email dare, and who can ignore a dare?

8. Give Them a Sneak Peek

Who doesn’t want a little insider information? Store promotions use this tactic all the time, offering a “sneak peek of our Fall line.”

9. Make It Local

A good way to personalize emails is by referencing a reader’s location. People are naturally drawn to topics relevant to them. When sending mass emails, break them up by region so that you can customize the subject lines.

10. Give Them a Last Chance

An implied deadline is a powerful motivator. If recipients fear they might miss out on an opportunity, they’ll be quick to click and read. Announcing a “limited time offer” has been a golden ticket for infomercials and businesses. Translate that into higher read rates for your own emails.

So there you have it. Use these 10 examples to make crafting attention-grabbing subject lines simple. See which subjects work best for you and then get creative. Your response rate will be reward enough.