How can you use subject lines to build relationships with your email contacts?

1 Be clear and concise

The first rule of writing effective subject lines is to be clear and concise. You want to convey the main purpose and value of your email in a few words, without being vague, misleading, or spammy. A clear and concise subject line helps your email contacts to quickly understand what your email is about, and why they should open it. It also shows respect for their time and attention, and avoids confusion or frustration.

3 Be compelling and actionable

The third rule of writing effective subject lines is to be compelling and actionable. You want to spark your email contacts' curiosity, interest, and motivation, and to encourage them to take the next step. A compelling and actionable subject line helps your email contacts to see the benefits and urgency of your email, and to feel excited or intrigued by your offer or proposal. It also boosts your email's conversion rate and response rate. You can make your subject line more compelling and actionable by using power words, numbers, questions, or commands.

4 Test and optimize

The fourth rule of writing effective subject lines is to test and optimize. You want to find out what works best for your email contacts, and to improve your subject lines based on data and feedback. Testing and optimizing your subject line helps you to learn more about your email contacts' preferences, behavior, and expectations, and to adapt your email strategy accordingly. It also enhances your email's performance and results. You can test and optimize your subject line by using tools like A/B testing, analytics, or surveys.

5 Be consistent and respectful

The fifth rule of writing effective subject lines is to be consistent and respectful. You want to maintain a positive and professional relationship with your email contacts, and to avoid damaging your reputation or credibility. A consistent and respectful subject line helps you to build trust and loyalty with your email contacts, and to reinforce your brand identity and values. It also prevents your email from being marked as spam or ignored. You can be consistent and respectful by following the best practices and etiquette of email communication, and by avoiding deceptive, aggressive, or inappropriate language.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?