Crafting Effective Email Subject Lines -What You Should Never Use (And What to Use Instead)

Let’s face it: Inbox is a crowded and noisy place.

Every day, you receive hundreds of emails from all kinds of people: colleagues, clients, suppliers, potential employers, newsletters, spam, etc. And every day, you have to decide which emails to open and which ones to ignore or delete.

But how do you make that decision? Most likely, by looking at the subject line.

But here’s the problem: most subject lines suck. They are boring, vague, generic, misleading, rude, or spammy. They don’t tell you anything useful or valuable. They don’t make you want to click on them.

And that’s a huge missed opportunity. Your email subject line is your chance to impress. It can lead to trust, value, persuasion, influence, expertise, and growth. Learn how to write one that attracts more attention.

Here are some tips and examples to help you craft compelling subject lines for your professional emails.

• Be clear and concise. Don’t waste words or time with vague or irrelevant phrases. Your subject line should be a mini-summary of your email in a few words.

For Example:

1. Sales report: we smashed our target this month
2. Must Do: File your Tax Return before 31st Jul
3. Revert Needed: (explain the criticality of situation)

• Be relevant and specific. Don’t trick or confuse the recipient with a subject line that doesn’t match what your email is really about. Your subject line should align with the content and tone of your email.

For Example:

1. New product launch: Master data update pending
2. Office Party: Surprise birthday bash of __________
3. Congratulations! you are shortlisted for another round.

• Be creative and catchy. Don’t be dull or obvious with a subject line that gets lost in the crowd of the inbox. Instead, use creativity and catchiness to arouse curiosity and interest in your email.

For Example:

1. Feedback request: can you do me a huge favor?
2. Productivity Tips: Three things you need to do to double your productivity
3. I have some shocking news for you!

• Be polite and professional. Your subject line should honor the recipient’s time and attention. Don’t be impolite or spammy with a subject line that irritates or insults the recipient. Instead, use politeness and professionalism to show that you appreciate their relationship and cooperation.

For Example:

1. Urgent: I need your help with this (please reply by today)
2. Thank you: you are awesome
3. I’m sorry: I owe you an apology

I hope this article helps you write catchy subject lines for your professional emails.

If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know.