Highlights
- Subject lines are crucial for open rates; question-based ones achieve 10% higher open rates.
- Personalizing email subject lines can boost response rates by up to 50%, making emails more eye-catching.
- Use 3-4 word subject lines for better readability, especially since 66% of emails are opened on mobile devices.
- Segmented campaigns can boost revenue by up to 76%, and tailoring emails to recipient specifics enhances relevance.
- Humorous subject lines can increase open rates by 47%, while urgency can significantly impact conversion rates by creating FOMO.
Have you spent hours crafting the perfect cold email? You've polished every word and fine-tuned your message. But when you finally hit send, all you get in return is silence. No responses, no engagement. It’s frustrating, right?
The subject line is your first chance to grab your recipient's attention. Without an engaging subject line, even the most well-crafted email will be in the trash.
So, in this blog post, we’ll explore why a cold email subject line matters so much and what makes a subject line irresistible. We will also share actionable tips and examples to help you get the attention your emails deserve.
What Is the Purpose of Subject Line for Cold Email?
According to a Yesware study, 1.2 million cold email subject lines that are question-based subject lines achieve about 10% higher than average open rates.
The subject line of a cold email serves several key purposes:
- Grab Attention: It acts as the first impression, grabbing the recipient’s attention in a crowded inbox. A compelling subject line can pique curiosity and encourage the recipient to open the email.
- Set Expectations: It briefly previews the email’s content, letting the recipient know what to expect. This can help set the right expectations and frame the context of the message.
- Establish Relevance: It aims to establish the relevance of the email to the recipient’s needs or interests, making it clear why the email is worth their time.
- Improve Open Rates: The effectiveness of the cold email subject line directly impacts the email’s open rates. A strong subject line can significantly increase the likelihood of the email being opened and read.
6 Effective Tips to Make the Best Cold Email Subject Lines
Standing out from the crowd is a common challenge, but can be overcome. Here are the best practices to ensure your cold email subject line doesn't hinder your goals.
Add Personalization
Your email should be personalized, and your subject line should be no different. Provide the recipient with a summary of the email's content and address them by name.
Personalizing your email subject can increase open rates by up to 50%. Moreover, using the recipient's or company name in the subject line makes it naturally more eye-catching.
Examples:
- “[First Name], what would you change about your company culture?”
- “The stage is set for [Company Name] to crush Q4 targets.”
- “Can you spare 5 minutes, [First Name]?”
- “Congrats on the promotion, [First Name]”
Make Short Subject Lines
With the daily volume of emails employers receive, they’re adept at scanning subject lines to weed out spam and sales emails. Long subject lines that run off the page and over-punctuate often scream, "Don't open me!". To make good subject lines for cold emails, use only 3-4 words.
Short subject lines make the content seem more conversational and less sales-driven. Additionally, 66% of all emails are now opened on mobile devices. Depending on the device settings, your subject line could be cut off if it's too long.
Examples:
- “Need any help?”
- “Steal my sales strategy.”
- “You’re invited.”
- “How close are you?”
Increase Relevance Through Segmentation
A generic cold email blast is less effective than a narrowly targeted one. Busy people interact with crowded inboxes by skimming messages for those specific to them.
According to the DMA, segmented email can generate up to a 760% increase in revenue. Moreover, segmentation gives recipients the impression that the email was sent to them alone by incorporating details on their location, demographics, past purchases, behavior, industry, and usage.
Examples:
- “Fresh Dallas restaurant recommendations designed just for you.”
- “ Resolve your [specific industry issue] today.”
- “Don’t buy [competitor product name] until you read this.”
Humorous Subject Lines
People love to laugh, so incorporating a joke into your subject line can break the ice. However, ensure your humor is appropriate and genuinely funny. 47% of emails are opened and discarded based on their boring subject line. Moreover, using humor can pique curiosity and encourage recipients to open your email. Make sure to deliver the joke in the body of the email to avoid disappointment.
Examples:
- “A horse walks into a bar…”
- “Let me share an awkward story with you.”
- “I’ll never look at scented candles the same way again.”
Subject Lines Showing Urgency
Adding urgency or exclusivity to your cold email subject line can create FOMO – fear of missing out. When done well, it encourages recipients to act quickly. Research by Eventbrite found that 69% of millennials experience FOMO. Catering to this can significantly impact conversion rates. However, use urgency sparingly to avoid diminishing its effectiveness.
Examples:
- “Tomorrow is the last day. Lock in before the price goes up.”
- “Time-sensitive offer on [product name]”
- “You don’t want to miss this.”
Case Study/Customer Testimonials Subject Lines
Using customer success stories can assure readers of your proposition's authenticity and effectiveness, persuading them to engage with your content. Case studies and testimonials offer proof and build trust. They show that what you’re offering has worked for others. Social Fresh found that social buttons can increase conversion rates by 158%.
Examples:
- “How [customer name] increased their revenue by 25%.”
- “[Customer name] saved $500 with our solution.”
- “Customer Story: How [name] solved their [problem].”
Summary
An effective cold email subject line is essential for grabbing attention and boosting open rates. By incorporating personalization, keeping it short, leveraging segmentation, and using humor or urgency, you can increase your email success. Remember, a compelling subject line sets the stage for your message and increases the likelihood of engagement and conversions.
FAQ
What Is A Good Subject Line For A Cold Email?
A good subject line for a cold email is concise, relevant, and intriguing. It should clearly state the purpose of your email and catch the recipient's attention.
