When it comes to crafting effective email subject lines, one of the greatest mistakes marketers make is trying to make the sale in the subject line itself. However, the purpose of a subject line is not to make the sale, but to get the reader to open the email. In this article, we’ll explore seven email subject lines that really work, along with the psychology behind them.
Subject Line Template #1: “How to Survive ___”
The idea behind this subject line is to tap into the pain or discomfort that your prospect is experiencing or may experience in the future. As human beings, we do things to avoid pain and discomfort, and we’re more likely to open an email that promises to relieve or eliminate that pain. Examples of this subject line template include “How to Survive the Financial Crisis,” “How to Survive Bankruptcy,” “How to Survive a Heart Attack,” and “How to Survive Menopause.” These subject lines work by creating a sense of curiosity and urgency, encouraging the reader to open the email to learn more.
Subject Line Template #2: “The Biggest Mistake ___ Make”
This subject line template focuses on the negative, highlighting things that your prospect should avoid in order to achieve their desired outcome. The key to making this subject line effective is to use the phrase “the biggest mistake” rather than simply “a mistake.” This creates a sense of significance and importance, making the reader more likely to open the email. Examples of this subject line template include “The Biggest Mistake Husbands Make,” “The Biggest Mistake Wives Make,” “The Biggest Mistake Entrepreneurs Make,” and “The Biggest Mistake Car Buyers Make.”
Subject Line Template #3: “The Real Secret to ___”
This subject line template plays on our natural curiosity and desire to know secrets. We’re all nosy, and we want to know things that others don’t know. This subject line template promises to reveal a secret that will help the reader achieve their desired outcome. Examples of this subject line template include “The Real Secret to Crowdfunding,” “The Real Secret to Wedding Planning,” “The Real Secret to Teeth Whitening,” and “The Real Secret to Fat Burning.”
Subject Line Template #4: “The Fastest Way to ___”
This subject line template focuses on speed and instant gratification. In today’s world, we’re all about instant results, and we’re more likely to open an email that promises to help us achieve our goals quickly. Examples of this subject line template include “The Fastest Way to Start Your Own Business,” “The Fastest Way to Make Your First $1000 Online,” “The Fastest Way to Lose Five Pounds,” and “The Fastest Way to Cut Your Insurance Costs by 10%.”
Subject Line Template #5: “Here’s a Shortcut for ___”
This subject line template offers a quick and easy solution to the reader’s problem. We all want shortcuts and easy ways to achieve our goals, and this subject line template promises to provide just that. Examples of this subject line template include “Here’s a Shortcut for Weight Loss,” “Here’s a Shortcut for Building a Successful Online Business,” and “Here’s a Shortcut for Getting Out of Debt.”
Subject Line Template #6: “How I ___”
This subject line template is all about storytelling and vulnerability. When we read an email with this subject line, we’re more likely to open it because we’re curious about how someone else overcame a challenge or achieved success. Examples of this subject line template include “How I Grew My YouTube Channel to 1000K Subscribers,” “How I Launched My First E-commerce Business,” “How I Found My Soulmate Online,” and “How I Permanently Eliminated Headache.”
Subject Line Template #7: “About Your ___”
This subject line template generates curiosity and creates a sense of intrigue. When we read an email with this subject line, we’re more likely to open it because we’re wondering what’s wrong with our own [insert topic here]. Examples of this subject line template include “About Your Diet,” “About Your Website,” “About Your Business,” and “About Your Spouse.”
In conclusion, these seven email subject lines are proven to work because they tap into human psychology and create a sense of curiosity, urgency, or intrigue. By using these subject lines, you can increase the chances of your email being opened and your message being read. Remember, the purpose of a subject line is not to make the sale, but to get the reader to open the email. Once you’ve got them hooked, you can start making the sale.
