What are the best practices for writing a subject line that stands out in a crowded inbox?

1 Keep it short and clear

Your subject line should be concise and easy to read. Avoid using too many words, jargon, or vague phrases. Instead, use simple language that conveys the value or benefit of your email. For example, instead of saying "How to improve your lead generation strategy", say "3 tips to get more leads". A short and clear subject line can also improve your deliverability and avoid spam filters.

2 Personalize it

Personalization can increase your open rates and show your prospects that you care about them. You can personalize your subject line by using the recipient's name, company name, location, or other relevant information. For example, instead of saying "A special offer for you", say "Hi John, here's a special offer for ABC Inc.". You can also use segmentation and targeting to tailor your subject line to different groups of prospects based on their interests, needs, or pain points.

3 Use curiosity or urgency

One way to make your subject line stand out is to use curiosity or urgency. Curiosity can spark interest and intrigue in your prospects and make them want to find out more. Urgency can create a sense of scarcity and fear of missing out and make them act fast. For example, instead of saying "A free ebook for you", say "The one ebook you need to read before it's gone". However, be careful not to overuse or abuse curiosity or urgency. Make sure your subject line is relevant, honest, and aligned with your email content.

4 Test and optimize

The best way to find out what works for your subject line is to test and optimize. You can use tools like Mailchimp or HubSpot to run A/B tests and compare different versions of your subject line. You can test different elements, such as length, tone, word choice, emojis, punctuation, or questions. You can also use analytics to measure your open rates, click-through rates, and conversions. By testing and optimizing, you can learn what resonates with your prospects and improve your lead generation results.

5 Write for humans

Finally, remember that you are writing for humans, not robots. Your subject line should be friendly, conversational, and respectful. Avoid using spammy, misleading, or aggressive words, such as "urgent", "guaranteed", "last chance", or "free". Instead, use words that show empathy, value, or emotion, such as "help", "thank you", "congratulations", or "surprise". Your subject line should also match your brand voice and tone and reflect your personality.

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?