The subject line is one of the elements that influences the success of your email campaigns the most. But it’s not always easy to find the inspiration, or to know what type of subject line to use to entice people to open your emails. Listed below are 19 examples of subject lines in 9 different styles that will help you pinpoint the proper style to use for specific campaigns.
The different styles and examples are broken down into categories that will vary based on your campaign’s goal. Click on the links below to bring you to the most relevant section for what you are trying to achieve.
What are you trying to achieve with this email?
- Share educational content (blog post, video, etc.)
- Promote a sale or exclusive offer
- Promote an event
If you send a newsletter in which there are a few different components, choose the main objective (the most important one), and make your subject convey that particular message.
Goal: Share educational content (blog post, video, etc.)
The “How To” style (to promote content)
This type of subject line is a classic, and for good reason; it works like a charm. With this style, you are promoting the fact that your readers will learn something useful. Concentrate on concrete benefits.
Examples:
- How to grow your business in just 15 minutes
- How to plan activities every family member will love
The “Humour Pays” style (to promote content)
Include a dash humour – making your audience smile makes your email irresistible. Who doesn’t like to laugh right? This requires a little more reflection and creativity, but it can really pay off – in terms of open rates.
Examples:
- 10 tips to take over the world…mouhaha!
- How to manage the terrible twos (parenting tips)
The “Curiosity is Everything” style (to promote content)
We are all curious by nature! When things are intriguing to us, we automatically want to know more. And that’s exactly why people open these. You can do this by asking your subscribers a question (and answering it in your email), by promising something interesting (photos or a gift), or by making the subject line vague or unusual.
Examples:
- Have you ever used this technique?
- 10 habits that will make you rich
Goal: Promote a sale or exclusive offer
The “Hurry! Limited Time Offer” style (to promote a sale)
This type of subject line is meant to entice people to act, in one of two ways: by communicating a sense of urgency (end date) or a feeling of exclusivity. No one likes to miss their chance to get a special deal.
Examples:
- Last Day | 33% OFF everything in-store
- 24 hours left – Don’t miss out!
The “Curiosity is Everything” style (to promote a sale)
We are all curious by nature! When things are intriguing to us, we automatically want to know more. And that’s exactly why people open these. You can do this by asking your subscribers a question (and answering it in your email), by promising something interesting (photos or a gift), or by making the subject line vague or unusual.
Examples:
- Your gift is waiting…
- This is what every woman wants for Valentine’s Day
The “Humour Pays” style (to promote a sale)
Include a dash humour – making your audience smile makes your email irresistible. Who doesn’t like to laugh right? This requires a little more reflection and creativity, but it can really pay off in terms of open rates.
Examples:
- Love is in the air! (Valentine’s Day email)
- We’re feeling generous!
Goal: Promote an event
The “Curiosity is Everything” style (to promote an event)
We are all curious by nature! When things are intriguing to us, we automatically want to know more. And that’s exactly why people open these. You can do this by asking your subscribers a question (and answering it in your email), by promising something interesting (photos or a gift), or by making the subject line vague or unusual.
Examples:
- Everyone’s talking about our special guest
- Our annual friends & family event is better than ever!
The “Don’t Miss This” style (to promote an event)
With this subject line style, you want to communicate to your subscribers that if they miss this event they are missing out on something very important. The best way to do this is by putting the emphasis on what they will learn (quality of the content), on the famous people who will be presenting their knowledge, or on networking possibilities.
Exemples:
- Learn what’s new in artificial intelligence
- Don’t miss your chance to meet Obama!
- Meet 250 potential clients
The “Hurry! Limited Time Offer” style (to promote an event)
This type of subject line is meant to entice people to act, in one of two ways: by communicating a sense of urgency (end date) or a feeling of exclusivity. No one likes to miss their chance to get a special deal.
Examples:
- Last Day! Save $150 on memberships
- Only 24 spots left – reserve now
Are you looking for a simple email marketing solution designed for small businesses in Canada? Cyberimpact is for you! Create your account now!