Today, I’m going to show you exactly how to write subject lines that get your emails opened, read, and clicked. These are the same strategies I’ve used to build multiple successful online businesses.

Let’s dive into the five proven formulas that work every single time…

Formula #1 – Front-Load Your Value (Or Watch Your Emails Get Deleted)

The most important words in your subject line need to be right at the beginning. This isn’t just a preference – it’s critical for getting your emails opened.

Think about how you scan your own inbox. You’re probably looking at the first few words of each subject line to decide if it’s worth your time. Your readers are doing exactly the same thing.

Here are some examples that work:

• “How To Write Email Newsletters That People Actually Want to Read”
• “Get your prospects to read your emails with this FREE guide”
• “Your free guide to writing better emails waits inside”

Notice how each one immediately tells you what you’re going to get. There’s no mystery about the value being offered.

Formula #2 – Use Numbers To Stop The Scroll

Want to make your subject line instantly stand out in a crowded inbox? Use numbers.

Statistical data, page lengths of downloadables, or specific discounts – they all work because they’re concrete and specific. They catch the eye and provide immediate context.

For example:

• “How To Write Email Newsletters That Convert 30% More Customers”
• “A 20-page Guide on Writing Newsletters That Convert”
• “Email Marketing Secrets That Boost Your Email Open Rate By 20%”

Numbers work because they make your promises more tangible and measurable.

Formula #3 – Action Words That Drive Instant Opens

Your subject line is actually your first call-to-action. Remember – your main goal is to get them to click, so you need to write your subject lines in a way that compels action.

The key is using strong, actionable verbs that encourage immediate response. For example:

• “Write better emails today with this FREE guide”
• “Download this FREE 20-page guide on writing better newsletters”

Notice how each example tells the reader exactly what to do next.

Formula #4 – Create REAL Urgency (While Still Being Genuine)

Creating genuine urgency in your subject lines can dramatically increase open rates. The key word here is “genuine” – your urgency needs to be real and meaningful.

This could be:

• A legitimate deadline for a discount
• A true limited-time offer
• A countdown to an event or launch

Examples that work:

• “Gone Tomorrow – How to Write Email Newsletters That Convert”
• “8 Hours Left to Download Your Free Guide on Writing Emails That Convert!”

Formula #5 – Stand Out In A Crowded Inbox

Sometimes, standing out means doing something unexpected. That’s where strategic use of emojis comes in.

Most email platforms now support emoji display in subject lines. These colorful icons can help your email pop out in a full inbox. But here’s the key – use them sparingly:

• Only use one or two per subject line
• Don’t include them in every email
• Make sure they’re relevant to your message

Okay so we’ve got 5 strategies, but how do we know if these are ACTUALLY working and leading to a more engaged audience?

The Data Behind What Actually Works

This is where data becomes your best friend. Your email software will show you which subject lines are performing best for your audience. There are two key metrics to watch:

1. Email Clickthrough Rate – This tells you how many people clicked on your email out of everyone who received it.
2. Email Delivery Rate – Remember that email service providers usually have limits (often around 100 emails per hour). Going over these limits can affect how many people actually receive your emails.

Testing Your Way To Success

Many email platforms allow you to run A/B or split testing for your subject lines. This is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. By testing different approaches, you can see exactly what resonates with your audience.

How Subject Lines Connect to Your Entire Email Strategy

Here’s something crucial that most people miss – your subject line isn’t just about getting opens. It’s the first step in a carefully crafted sequence.

Think of your email like a slippery slide:

• The subject line gets them to open
• The preview text builds intrigue
• The opening paragraph hooks them in
• Each section leads naturally to the next
• The call-to-action closes the deal

Your subject line makes a promise, and your email content needs to deliver on that promise. This creates trust and keeps your readers opening your emails again and again.

When your subject line aligns perfectly with your email content, you’re not just getting opens – you’re building a relationship with your readers. They learn to trust that your emails are worth their time.

How Everything Works Together

Start by implementing just one or two of these subject line strategies. Test them against your current approach and watch what happens to your open rates.

Remember:

• Put your most important words first
• Use numbers when possible
• Include strong action verbs
• Create genuine urgency when appropriate
• Test different approaches and learn from your data

The key to success with email marketing isn’t just getting your emails opened – it’s about delivering value consistently. Your subject line is just the beginning of that journey.

Most importantly, always analyze your results. Your email software will tell you exactly which subject lines are working best for your specific audience. Use this data to continuously refine and improve your approach.

By mastering the art of subject lines, you’re not just improving one element of your email marketing – you’re transforming the effectiveness of your entire campaign.

But remember, the subject line is just the FIRST STEP.

Here’s three more tips that can dramatically improve your email performance.

Bonus Tip #1: Master The Preview Text

Ever notice that short line of text that appears next to your subject line in Gmail? That’s prime real estate that most marketers completely waste.

Your preview text is like your subject line’s wingman – it should work together with your headline to seal the deal and get that open.

The key here is simple: use this space to build on your subject line’s promise and further pique your reader’s interest. 

Don’t just let it default to the first line of your email.

Bonus Tip #2: The Smart Way To Use Emojis

Listen, emojis in subject lines can be incredibly powerful… or they can make you look completely unprofessional. 

It’s all in how you use them.

Here’s what works:

• Stick to one or two emojis maximum per subject line
• Don’t use them in every email (save them for impact)
• Make sure they’re relevant to your message
• Use them to enhance, not replace, your message

The goal is to help your email pop out in a crowded inbox, not look like a teenager’s text message.

Bonus Tip #3: Format For Maximum Readability

Remember those boring college textbooks? The ones with endless walls of text? Your emails should be the exact opposite.

Here’s how to make your emails actually enjoyable to read:

Make it scannable:

• Use visual sections with clear breaks
• Add bold headlines above key paragraphs
• Break up text with bullet points
• Highlight important parts with italics

The easier you make it for people to read your email, the more likely they are to take action.

Alright, now it’s time to take action. 

Review your recent emails and see how you can apply these principles to your next campaign. Remember, even small improvements in your open rates can lead to significant increases in your overall results.

Ready to put these email marketing tips into action? I’d love to hear how these strategies work for you. Share your results and let’s keep building better email campaigns together.