Do you know how long it takes to win that first impression?

Seven… SECONDS!

Yes, you read that right. Not hours, not minutes, but seconds.

That’s why you need a catchy email subject line every time you send an email.

Maybe you’ve written an amazing email, but if your subject line doesn’t get their attention, your subscribers won’t open the email.

Every email opened means more potential sales and revenue, and even a tiny increase in your open rates can make a big difference for your business. This is why every unopened email is a leaving money on the table.

The simplest and most effective way to write good subject lines for higher email open rate is to capitalize on the basics of human psychological tendencies.

Put yourself in the shoes of your subscribers and ask yourself which subject lines you would “have to click”, and voila, you are a step closer to achieving a much better opening rate.

Here are 10 ideas for email subject lines that grab attention:

1. Scarcity (FOMO)

Most people find it practically impossible to resist the fear of missing out (FOMO). Add an element of scarcity (limited availability) or urgency (limited time) to get them to open the email. For example: [URGENT] tonight it’s gone.

2. Curiosity

Leave your subject line open-ended so subscribers will be curious, like a cliffhanger that can only be satisfied by opening the email. You can make your subscribers curious by asking a question, promising something interesting, or simply saying something that sounds strange or unusual. For example: Don’t open this email!

3. Funny

If your subject line makes your subscribers laugh, they’ll have to open it. Being humorous requires a bit more thought and creativity, but it can really pay off in terms of your open rates. For example: Oops: Someone hadn’t had their coffee this morning

4. Vanity

People love to be liked, accepted and even admired by others. It’s a part of being human. Promise something in your subject line that makes the subscriber look better to others. For example: You won’t be able to stop looking in the mirror

5. Greed

Everyone loves a great deal… even if you don’t really need the item right now. That’s why sales, discounts and special offers work really well in your subject lines. For example: It’s Friday and everything is 30% off

6. Laziness

Even people who aren’t inclined to be lazy would prefer an easier solution over the long and hard route. You can give your subscribers an easier way to achieve their goals by offering a shortcut, or a useful resource that saves a lot of time and energy. For example: [E-book] 100 email subject lines no one can resist

7. Pain Points
Use your subscribers’ pain points (you need to know them, obviously) to get them to open your emails by solving that problem for them. For example: Grow your business by investing 5 minutes a day

8. Retargeting
Retargeting emails are sent to subscribers when they fail to complete an action or a step in your sales funnel. These emails bring your subscribers back to your sales process. In your subject lines, overcome objections, offer something to sweeten the deal, or let them know that something ‘bad’ is going to happen if they don’t take action. For example: We are not going to give up on you

9. Personal
Including your subscriber’s name is one way to make your subject lines more personal. You can also use casual language, share something personal, or use copy that communicates familiarity or friendship. For example: Can we meet on Thursday, Richard?

10. Straightforward

When in doubt, make your subject line simple and straightforward. For example: I need your help

SPLIT TEST EVERY SUBJECT LINE

The most important rule for subject lines is ALWAYS, always split test them.
For every email create 2 or 3 different subject lines (preferably from different categories above).
That’s the only way you can learn what works and what doesn’t with YOUR subscribers.

Now It’s YOUR Turn

For five minutes… come up with as many ideas as you can… could YOU come up with one subject line in each category? Give it a try and post it below…