You spend too long creating killer email sends for them to just sit in your prospects’ inbox or worse – be bulk deleted. Our six tips on how to write email subject lines for eCommerce brands tell you everything you need to start winning the open rate battle.
The subject line is the most crucial part of getting your carefully curated email opened. Without an attention-grabbing subject line, your email might never see the light of day. It’s the key that unlocks the door to your message.
When it comes to improving your email marketing campaigns, the subject line is one of the most important parts of your email.
You need to capture attention and compel action in just a few words. Your subject line is often the deciding factor between an opened email and one that’s ignored.
But how do you create subject lines that break through the noise and get your emails opened? This blog will show tips on writing compelling subject lines that boost your open rates and elevate your email marketing efforts.
Why Subject Lines Are Key to Open Rates?
You’ve gone to the trouble of growing your subscriber list, but in eCommerce that’s only half the battle, when you’ve got the contacts you now need to entertain them and show them you know them.
The email subject line is your only shot at convincing someone to open your message. In fact, 47% of recipients open an email based solely on the subject line.
Nearly half of your email’s potential success hinges on those few words at the top. Therefore, improving your email subject lines is vital for better open rates and can ultimately impact the success of your entire campaign.
A well-crafted subject line can spark curiosity, encourage urgency, and establish a personal connection with your audience, increasing engagement and improving customer retention. It can become a cornerstone of your email marketing strategy, keeping your brand in mind and fostering long-term loyalty.
So, how do you master the art of the subject line? Here are six proven tips to make your subject lines stand out.
1. Keep it Short, Sweet, and Impactful
When it comes to email design and subject lines, brevity is key. Long subject lines can get cut off, especially on mobile devices, where most people check their emails.
The shorter and more impactful your subject line, the better your chances of grabbing attention.
Aim for 6-10 words that capture attention. Don’t overcomplicate your subject line; instead, make every word count. Be direct, concise, and on-point.
Examples:
- “Flash Sale Ends Tonight!”
- “Your Exclusive Offer Inside”
Short, punchy subject lines are easy to digest and allow the main message to shine. Get to the point, and your readers will be likelier to click.
2. Create Urgency to Drive Action
Urgency is a powerful driver of action for eCommerce audiences. People who feel they might miss out on something are more likely to act quickly. Emails with urgent subject lines have been found to generate a 22% higher open rate.
Use time-sensitive phrases such as “Limited-Time Offer” or “Ends Soon” to encourage immediate action. However, be mindful of overusing this tactic.
Examples:
- “Only 24 Hours Left to Save!”
- “Last Chance: Sale Ends Tonight”
Creating urgency can motivate your audience to act fast, significantly boosting your open rates.
3. Personalise the Subject Line
Personalisation is key to grabbing attention. Emails with personalized subject lines see a 26% higher open rate.
Adding a personal touch—like the recipient’s name or a reference to their recent behaviour—can create a sense of relevance and increase the likelihood of engagement. The easiest way to do this is by segmenting your audience.
Use dynamic content to insert the recipient’s name or tailor the message based on their interests or previous interactions.
Examples:
- “[Name], Your Exclusive Offer Awaits!”
- “Just for You: Special Deals Inside”
Personalized subject lines foster a stronger connection, which improves customer retention and open rates.
Discover how we use subject lines to energise your email campaigns and deliver more revenue.
4. Spark Curiosity
Curiosity is a powerful motivator. If your subject line teases just enough information to make the reader wonder what’s inside, they will likely open your email. The trick is to create a hook without being vague or misleading.
We leveraged curiosity and campaigns with industry leaders to deliver a 79% uptick in email ROI for Tuffwraps. So we know this approach can be super impactful.
Use curiosity-driven language to hint at the content inside the email. Be careful not to use clickbait tactics that could damage trust—always deliver on the promise of your subject line.
Examples:
- “You Won’t Believe What’s Inside…”
- “This Simple Tip Could Change Everything”
Curiosity-based subject lines can effectively pique interest and increase open rates by drawing readers in.
5. Add Visual Appeal with Emojis
Emojis can add a touch of personality to your subject line and help your email stand out in your customer’s crowded inbox, making it visually pop in a sea of text.
Studies show that subject lines with emojis can improve open rates by 56% compared to text-based subject lines. However, like any design element, they should be used sparingly.
When used thoughtfully, emojis can grab attention and add emotional context to your message.
Choose emojis that fit the tone of your message and resonate with your audience. Use them to complement the text, not overwhelm it.
Examples:
- “🎉 Don’t Miss Out on Our Biggest Sale! 🎉”
- “Ready for Your Next Adventure? ✈️”
Emojis can make your email more visually engaging, leading to higher open rates when used appropriately.
6. Test, Test, Test
Even seasoned marketers can’t predict what will work best for every audience. That’s why A/B testing is essential and one of our top tips for acing your email strategy.
Testing different versions of your subject lines allows you to see what resonates best with your audience and optimise for higher open rates.
Run A/B tests by creating two versions of the same email with different subject lines. Track the performance of each to see which generates better results and apply those learnings to future campaigns.
Examples:
- Test “Exclusive Deal for You” vs. “Hurry! Offer Ends Soon”
- Compare “🎉 Special Discount Inside! 🎉” vs. “Claim Your Discount Now”
Testing helps refine your email marketing strategy continuously, ensuring your subject lines consistently drive engagement and boost open rates.
Elevate Your Email Strategy with Our Engaging Subject Lines
Subject lines are the gateway to driving better email open rates and fostering deeper relationships with your audience. By keeping them concise, creating urgency, adding personalisation, sparking curiosity, using emojis sparingly, and continually testing different approaches, you can optimise your subject lines for success.
Effective subject lines aren’t just about immediate opens—they are pivotal in your long-term customer retention marketing efforts.
Every opened email builds trust, strengthens your connection, and keeps your audience engaged. Find out more about our bespoke eCommerce email marketing campaigns that guarantee high open rates and higher revenue.
