Stop Getting Ignored! Write email subject lines that stand out.

You spent hours writing the perfect email, carefully choosing every word, designing the layout, personalising the message, and making sure the offer is on point. You hit send, full of anticipation, ready to see the engagement roll in.

And then…nothing. Crickets.

No opens, no clicks, and definitely no conversions.

It’s frustrating, right? But the problem may not be your content. It could be your subject line.

According to The Ultimate List of Marketing Statistics for 2024 by Hubspot, 47% of email recipients open an email based solely on the subject line, while 69% mark emails as spam based on the subject line alone.

If your subject line isn’t grabbing someone’s attention, it doesn’t matter how brilliant the rest of your email is because no one’s going to read it. That’s why getting your subject line right so important. It ensures your hard work doesn't go to waste.

Here are four ways to do exactly that!

Make It Seasonal and Relevant??????????

Imagine it’s the middle of another unpredictable UK summer (not hard to imagine), and you’re scrolling through your inbox. You see an email subject line from FatFace that reads:

“No Sun, All Cloud = Summer Layers"

Immediately, you smile. It captures the weather and your wardrobe dilemma perfectly. You open the email for it feels timely, relatable, and as if it’s speaking directly to you. That’s the power of seasonal and relevant subject lines.

Tying your email to real-world events (weather, sports, holidays) makes it impossible to ignore. It taps into what people are already thinking about and connects directly to their reality.

Pro Tip: Wimbledon is a great example of how to use a seasonal and relevant event.

For instance, if you run a pizza delivery deal during Wimbledon, then your email subject line could read: “Serving up an Ace: 2-for-1 on match day!”

If you own an online retail store: “Ready. Set. Gift.”

Other examples:

For a Poole or Bournemouth estate agent during Sandbanks Polo:“The Polo view is better from here. Exclusive Sandbanks listings.”

TopCashbackUK nailed this last year during April showers with: “It’s raining cashback deals.”

Use an Offer as the Hook

Your audience is busy. They’re skimming their inbox, making split-second decisions on what’s worth their time. That’s why vague subject lines “Exciting News Inside!” or “Something Special for You” might not cut it.

If you’re offering a deal, a discount, or a freebie (whatever it is), lead with it.

Pro Tip: Use simple, effective subject lines, such as:

“Free gift. No catch.”

“10% off our buttery soft sweatshirt.”

Short, clear, and straight to the point.

Create FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

FOMO has happened to all of us.

You’re browsing online. You see a pair of trainers you love. You hesitate, thinking you’ll come back later. Then, an email lands in your inbox: “Only 5 left in your size!” Suddenly, you’re clicking buy now without a second thought.

That feeling? That’s FOMO in action.

When your subject line creates urgency, it taps into that same psychological trigger. If people feel they might miss out, they’re more likely to act. And trust me, it works.

But only if it’s real (fake urgency leads to “unsubscribe”).

Pro Tip: Sweaty Betty does this extremely well. Some of their email subject lines read:

“Selling fast: Our best-selling leggings are almost gone.”

“Limited edition. When it’s gone, it’s gone.”

"Level up your workout with our most wanted top!”

Let Your Customers Do the Talking

Ever noticed how much more convincing a recommendation feels when it comes from a real person versus a brand?

Imagine scrolling through your inbox and seeing: “Absolutely love this. Everything about this dress is perfect.” Well, that was an actual Monsoon subject line, and it worked.

A strong testimonial in a subject line builds instant trust. Potential customers see themselves in your existing ones, and when they read a positive review, they’re more likely to believe in your product too.

Pro Tip: Direct quotes perform best. For instance, instead of “Our customers love this bag!” try “Best bag I’ve ever owned - fits everything!”

People trust other customers more than they trust brands. A well-placed testimonial makes your email feel personal and credible.

Test and Adjust

Not every subject line works for every audience, so it's important to test. A/B testing different subject lines show you what works and what gets ignored.

Do you have a subject line that outperformed the rest? Reply and share. I’d love to hear what’s working for you.

If you get stuck, feel free to reach out anytime.

P.S. Want more marketing tips? Send me a DM today.

#marketingtips #emailmarketing #copywriting #RedaLyle