How do you write a clear and concise subject line for your email?

1 Know your audience

Before you write your subject line, think about who you are writing to and what they need to know. Consider their level of interest, knowledge, and urgency. Use appropriate language, tone, and style for your audience. Avoid jargon, slang, or acronyms that they may not understand. If you are writing to someone you don't know well, be polite and professional. If you are writing to someone you have a relationship with, be friendly and personal.

2 State your purpose

Your subject line should summarize the main point of your email in a few words. It should tell your recipient why you are writing and what you want them to do. Use action verbs and specific nouns to convey your purpose. For example, instead of "Meeting", write "Confirming our meeting on Friday at 10 am". Avoid vague or generic words like "Hello", "Update", or "Reminder". They don't tell your recipient anything useful and may get ignored or deleted.

3 Keep it short and simple

Your subject line should be as brief and clear as possible. Aim for no more than 10 words or 50 characters. Use punctuation and capitalization sparingly and correctly. Don't use all caps, multiple exclamation points, or emojis. They can look spammy, unprofessional, or childish. Don't try to cram too much information or detail into your subject line. If you have more than one topic or request, consider sending separate emails or using bullet points in the body of your email.

4 Make it relevant and timely

Your subject line should reflect the current situation and the urgency of your email. Use keywords and phrases that your recipient can relate to and recognize. For example, if you are replying to an email, use the word "Re:" or include the original subject line. If you are following up on a previous email, use the word "Follow-up" or refer to the previous date or action. If you need a response by a certain deadline, use the word "Urgent" or specify the date or time.

5 Proofread and test

Before you send your email, check your subject line for any errors or typos. Make sure it is clear, concise, and accurate. You can also test your subject line by reading it aloud or asking someone else to read it. Does it make sense? Does it capture attention? Does it convey your purpose? Does it motivate action? If not, revise it until it does.

6 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?