First things first, a compelling email subject

“even the best sales pitch email in the world would come across as something terribly ineffective…”

It’s no wonder how a simple email subject can make a world of difference, even the best sales pitch email in the world would come across as something terribly ineffective if nobody is enticed enough to read it. That is why it’s imperative to have a compelling email subject.

But it’s not to say that an iron-clad email subject is enough to get the sales and leads gushing in. A criteria that has to be satisfied is Congruence. You see, in many ways a good email subject is only as good as its copy.

That’s because the email subject functions as a promise of the content that can be expected from opening the email. So a good email subject with a weak copy only aims to disappoint. Whereas, a weak email subject with a good copy doesn’t even pique enough curiosity and anticipation to even activate the desire to continue reading.

So while you are contemplating different subject titles for your email, always ask yourself, how well does your email subject and copy work together to bring across a point and lead the reader towards a desired action.

Here are 5 email subject styles along with their examples:

1. Straight-forward

Straight forward, no fluff email subjects are the best default when starting out, whereby you are trying to appeal to consumers or businesses that receive plenty of spam daily. Stating the offer early in your subject title also allows for corporate decision makers to easily comprehend the offer at hand, rather than decipher catchy phrases containing those tiresome corporate buzzwords.

• 30% off Corporate T-shirt printing
• Arts-n-Crafts Mid-year sale, 15% off Everything
• Mother’s Day Dinner bookings open – No queuing needed

2. Numbers & Lists

Lists are great in piquing curiosity. It comes across as fun and interesting content since it promises a list of things attached with relevant trivia. This type of emails are great for distancing from the topic of mundane work, and works to entice the reader with fresh content.

• 5 weird ways to losing weight fast
• 3 most chanced upon YouTube videos
• 7 office personalities that we all adore

3. Scarcity

Scarcity in marketing simply means to use the fear of shortage (or fierce demand) to sell more. But of course, it’s important to use scarcity in terms of providing transparency about the amount of stocks left, rather than a hook to clinch a sale. When scarcity is used responsibly, it becomes a very helpful and positive tool to build trust with customers. That’s because customers will come to realize that the scarcity is real, and that when an offer expires, it really does.

• Pay $5.00 for $15 in Grab Credits (24 hours ONLY)
• Ending Soon! 1-for-1 Lunch Promo Last Day!
• 3 Pairs of Tickets left! Spend a min. of $25 to claim yours today

4. Phrases and popular culture

Integrating popular phases and quotes into your subject title is an extremely fun way to engage your audience too. With the proper application, it says to your audience that “We are on the same page, and in on the inside joke”. Best used for marketing to fan bases.

• Going… going… Last day Zalora promo gone…
• Oh Coffee, I love you 3000 – Claim your cuppa today!
• Mini light sabers for the first 10 purchases – May the force be with you!

4. Humour

A sure-fire way to engage your mailing list and to get plenty of opens is to actually make them laugh. And a humorous email subject is just what the doctor ordered. But of course, use this wisely, because too many quips and you may come across as too jokey to be taken seriously. So there’s definitely a fine line to walk in the application of humour.

• Since we can’t all win the lottery
• Need a day at the beach?
• Where to Drink Beer Right Now at 6am

No doubt there are plenty of other styles we can apply to our email subject titles, but these are a pretty solid couple ways to start. Especially when marketing to lists of prospects who are not highly familiar with your business, it’s important to keep things simple and professional.

And of course, be absolutely sure that your email subject is relevant to the content accompanying it – here’s a guide to writing an effective email advertisement.