Best Practices for Email Subject Lines + 194 Top Examples

First impressions are everything, right? Well, when it comes to email subject lines, this old saying holds true. Indeed, the best email subject lines are the first step toward crafting impactful campaigns and achieving email marketing success. It’s the first thing your audience sees in their inbox, and it often determines whether your email is opened, ignored, or straight up deleted.

In this article, we’ll explore the key elements of a great subject line, as well as share email subject line best practices for crafting ones that stand out. Plus, we’ve included a long list of email subject line examples to inspire your next campaign.

What Makes a Good Email Subject Line?

A good email subject line does more than just announce the email’s content: it grabs attention, maybe makes you look twice, and clearly that it’s worth your time to open it. It should be concise, compelling, and relevant to the recipient, and therefore increase the chances of your email being opened, read, and clicked on. 

But if only it were so simple, right? Understanding how to write email subject lines is a bit of an art, and can make the difference between a high open rate and, well, a high unsubscribe rate. Let’s unpack all that goes into good email subject line success.

Email Subject Line Best Practices

Now that we’ve established the importance of having good subject lines for emails, it’s time to dive into strategies that can actually make a difference for your email campaigns. From creating a sense of urgency to using personalization and intrigue, we’ll cover the email subject line best practices that can bump up your email marketing game a notch. Plus, we’ll highlight common mistakes to avoid, ensuring your emails feel authentic and professional. 

1. Do: Create a Sense of Urgency

It’s hard to resist a great opportunity that just won’t last – whether that’s a sale, a limited-time product, an exclusive event, or some other get-it-while-you-can offer. By strategically emphasizing deadlines, scarcity, or exclusivity in your subject lines, you can highlight the value of your offer and get your recipients to take that much-desired action.

How to Implement a Sense of Urgency

1. Use Time-Sensitive Phrases: Include language like “today only,” “limited time,” or “ends soon” to create urgency. For example, “Flash sale: 50% off ends at midnight!”
2. Highlight Scarcity: Mention limited availability to add a friendly nudge. For instance, “Only 3 spots left – book now!”
3. Combine Urgency With Exclusivity: Frame the offer as exclusive to the recipient while emphasizing the time limit. Example: “Your VIP early access ends in 12 hours!”
4. Use Numbers or Specifics: Adding precise deadlines or quantities increases credibility and impact. Example: “Sale ends in 4 hours” or “5 seats left in this week’s webinar.”

The below email combines a sense of urgency with precise details on the offer – plus it adds a playful emoji (another “do” we’ll touch on shortly).  

2. Do: Personalize

Personalization is one of the most effective ways to make your email subject lines really land with recipients – and to leverage the power of strategic email marketing. For example, when you’re building an email list, you can gather recipient names and thus craft personalized email subject lines that have a sense of connection and that grab attention. Emails that feel custom-made, rather than generic, are far more likely to get opened because they speak directly to the reader’s needs, interests, or past interactions with your brand.

How to Implement Personalization:

1. Use the Recipient’s Name: Incorporate their first name to set a friendly vibe. Example: “Jenna, here’s your member discount!”
2. Reference Past Behavior: Customize the subject line based on their previous interactions, like purchases or browsing history. Example: “Still Interested in Those running shoes? Let’s make them yours”
3. Include Location or Preferences: Make the subject line location-specific or aligned with their preferences. Example: “Discover the best rock climbing spots in Colorado”
4. Segment Your Audience: Along the lines of referencing past behavior or location, considering grouping recipients based on various criteria in order to create even more targeted and relevant subject lines. 
5. Avoid Overdoing It: While personalization is powerful, overusing it or coming across as invasive and forced can feel off-putting. Keep it genuine and relevant.

Implementing personalization elements – such as a recipient’s name, or segmenting your lists – is a feature you’ll want to look for in your email marketing platform. With SiteGround Email Marketing, for example, you can take advantage of these capabilities, along with one of the most user-friendly and intuitive platforms available, making it easy to get started and see results quickly.

The following email not only uses the recipient name to establish a connection and draw attention, but it leverages user behavior and interests in order to make a targeted recommendation, and entice the reader to see what’s inside.

3. Do: Use Numbered Lists

Numbered lists are a tried-and-true method for capturing attention and can be a great way to make good subject lines for emails. Despite their simplicity, numbered lists perform exceptionally well because they provide structure, create intrigue, and make content feel more approachable and digestible. 

How to Implement Lists:

1. Be Specific With Numbers: Use odd numbers like 3, 5, or 7, as they tend to feel a bit more authentic and rounded out. Example: “5 ways to boost productivity today”
2. Highlight a Benefit: Combine the number with an actionable benefit for the reader. Example: “9 tips for effortless meal prep”
3. Keep It Relevant: Ensure the number and content align with your audience’s interests or pain points. Example: “3 reasons your website might be losing traffic”
4. Be Concise: Avoid overly long subject lines – keep the number and value clear in just a few words.

Take a look at the above email, which uses a list combined with a benefit in order to motivate action. Even if you haven’t contemplated organizing your style, it’s rather hard to resist learning five quick ways you might be able to do so.

4. Do: Use Questions and Commands

Incorporating questions and commands into your email subject lines is a clever way to grab attention and fuel action. Questions invite curiosity, prompting readers to seek answers in your email – it’s reflexive! Commands, on the other hand, provide clear instructions and create urgency, making it easier for recipients to take the next step. Both approaches encourage engagement, which is never a bad plan when it comes to standing out in overpacked inboxes.

How to Implement Questions and Commands:

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Use questions that highlight a problem or opportunity relevant to your audience. Example: “Struggling to find time for yourself?”
2. Give Actionable Commands: Use action words like “discover,” “learn,” or “claim” to guide the reader. Example: “Claim your free ebook today!”
3. Pair With a Benefit: Show what’s in it for the reader by including the value they’ll gain. Example: “Ready to simplify your morning routine?”
4. Combine Techniques: Pair questions and commands for added impact. Example: “Want to save time? Start with these 3 tips!”
5. Keep It Short: Ensure your question or command is concise and easy to understand at a glance.

The below email implements a question with a splash of intrigue. It inspires the recipient to wonder not only what they might be doing to participate in their city’s story, but, perhaps even more so, what the email might have inside.

5. Do: Use Emojis

Don’t underestimate the power of an emoji. The addition of emojis is a super simple and yet creative way to give your email subject lines a little extra pizzazz. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they convey emotion, and can help reinforce the message of your email. 

How to Implement Emojis:

1. Keep It Subtle: Limit your use to one or two emojis to maintain professionalism and avoid overkill.
2. Test for Compatibility: Ensure your emojis display correctly across different email clients and devices. Some emojis may not appear as expected.
3. Don’t Use Emojis in Place of Words: Along the same lines, since sometimes emojis may not show up (or show up as expected), avoid replacing words with emojis. Use emojis to complement, not replace.
4. Use Emojis for Emphasis: Highlight key points, like urgency or excitement. Example: “⏳ Limited time offer: act fast!”

Using emojis in your subject lines can make your emails feel fresh while giving them a colorful edge in a text-heavy inbox. The below email uses emojis to support the context, make the message more playful, and help the email stand out.

6. Do: Keep it Short

How long should email subject lines be? Well, by keeping it short, you are more likely to grab attention and communicate your message quickly, especially on mobile devices. With limited space in email previews, brevity ensures your email subject line gets straight to the point and avoids being cut off. Good subject lines for email are clear, clever, and easier for recipients to process at a glance.

How to Implement Short Subject Lines:

1. Focus on One Idea: Stick to a single, clear message to avoid overloading the subject line. Example: “Limited time: 20% off today!”
2. Keep It Under 50 Characters: Aim for subject lines that are brief enough to display fully on most devices. Example: “Last chance to save!”
3. Test Different Lengths: While shorter is generally better, test variations to see what resonates most with your audience.
4. Prioritize Mobile Users: Just as with all email marketing design, it’s super important to always preview your subject lines on mobile to ensure they’re visible and impactful.

The following email subject line is short but sweet. The play on words – suggesting the season, but also to take action – gives you a quick idea for what’s inside, in addition to creating a bit of curiosity.

7. Do: Generate Intrigue

Intriguing and catchy email subject lines add that little extra spice that helps to create interest and compel recipients to open your email. By creating a sense of mystery or posing an enticing question, you encourage readers to find out what’s inside. This approach taps into their natural desire to uncover information and gives your email an extra advantage in their inbox.

How to Implement Intrigue:

1. Ask a Provocative Question: Use subject lines that invite readers to explore a surprising or intriguing topic. Example: “What’s the one thing you’re missing in your morning routine?”
2. Tease a Secret or Surprise: Hint at valuable or unexpected content without giving it all away. Example: “We’ve got big news – can you guess what it is?”
3. Create a Cliffhanger: Use ellipses or leave the subject line unfinished to build suspense. Example: “This one hack will change everything…”
4. Balance Mystery With Clarity: While it’s good to tease, provide enough information to convey the email’s purpose.
5. Avoid Being Too Vague: Intrigue should spark curiosity, not confusion. Keep the subject line engaging yet understandable.

Nothing beats a little good old fashioned intrigue. In the next email, the sender has leveraged not only personalization, but they tease the reader about a “startling trend.” It grabs attention and makes you want to open the email and see what’s so concerning. 

8. Don’t: Use Clickbait

Speaking of generating confusion, while it might be tempting to use flashy or exaggerated subject lines to grab attention, clickbait can backfire and harm your email campaigns. Misleading email subject lines may lead to initial opens, but they often disappoint readers, erode trust, and hurt your brand reputation in the long run.

How to Avoid Using Clickbait

1. Match Content to Subject Line: Ensure your subject line accurately reflects the email’s content. Example: Instead of “You won’t believe what’s inside!” use “5 tips to boost your marketing ROI.”
2. Focus on Value: Highlight the genuine benefit of your email rather than relying on over-the-top language. Example: “Get ready for 20% off this weekend!”
3. Avoid Overpromising: Be realistic about what you’re offering to avoid disappointing your audience. Example: Don’t claim “Everything is on sale” if there are conditions.
4. Use Clear Language: Stick to straightforward, honest subject lines that highlight value without exaggeration.
5. Monitor Feedback: Pay attention to your email marketing metrics – particularly open rates and unsubscribes – to identify and avoid subject lines that might feel clickbaity to readers.

9. Don’t: Use Spammy or Promotional Words

Using overly promotional or spammy language in your email subject lines can be a major turn-off, never mind that it can trigger spam filters. Words or phrases that seem too salesy or exaggerated may cause your emails to end up in the junk folder or be ignored by readers, ultimately harming your campaign’s effectiveness.

How to Avoid Spammy Language

1. Choose Natural Language: Write subject lines that sound conversational and authentic, not overly polished or salesy. Example: Use “Save on your next adventure” instead of “Huge sale! Click now!!”
2. Avoid Overused Words: Be thoughtful about using words like “guaranteed,” “urgent,” or “limited time only” unless they are genuinely applicable and paired with context.
3. Limit Excessive Symbols: Emojis are great and all, but avoid overdoing it when it comes to using them. Also, mind the overuse of exclamation marks – it can all come across a bit spammy. Example: Replace “🔥🔥 Deal of the century!!! 🔥🔥” with “Your exclusive savings awaits.”
4. Focus on Benefits: Emphasize what your audience will gain without sounding overly promotional. Example: Highlight “3 ways to save on your next trip” instead of “Act now for big savings!!!”.

10. Don’t: Put it in all Caps

Using all caps in your email subject lines may seem like an effective way to grab attention, but it often comes across as aggressive or unprofessional. Plus, all caps can trigger spam filters, negatively impacting your email deliverability. So instead of standing out in a positive way, it can actually have the opposite effect, making your email appear too salesy or even like spam – big no-nos on many levels. 

How to Avoid Capitalization Misuse

1. Use Title Case or Sentence Case: Stick to standard capitalization rules. For example: “Exclusive offer just for you” instead of “EXCLUSIVE OFFER JUST FOR YOU!”
2. Strategically Capitalize: Use capitalization sparingly to draw attention to specific words, but only when it feels natural and adds value. For example, rather than “OUR BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR STARTS NOW” go with, “Our biggest sale of the year starts NOW.”
3. Experiment with Emphasis: Try using punctuation like dashes or colons for emphasis rather than capital letters. It allows you to create a natural pause or separation, making the message clearer and more engaging without resorting to ALL CAPS. For example, in “Exclusive offer: save 20% on your first order,” the colon breaks the subject line into two distinct parts. The first part, “Exclusive offer,” grabs attention, while the second part, “save 20% on your first order,” delivers the benefit.
4. Use Short, Impactful Words: Keep your subject line concise and impactful, rather than relying on caps to convey urgency.

Email Subject Line Examples

Now that we’ve covered the key elements of crafting the best email subject lines, it’s time to dive into the real meat of the matter – a comprehensive list of email subject line examples to inspire your next email marketing campaign. Whether you’re writing a warm welcome email, a time-sensitive sales pitch, or a creative holiday greeting, we’ve got action-inspiring email subject line examples for you. 

Cold Email Subject Lines

Cold email subject lines are all about making a strong first impression. They need to be intriguing, relevant, and inviting enough to turn a stranger into a potential connection or customer.

1. Transform your [specific industry] results with ease
2. How we helped companies like [customer company] thrive
3. Your solution to [specific pain point] starts here
4. Take the next step toward [specific goal]
5. The fastest way to achieve [desired outcome]
6. Cut costs and boost results in [specific timeframe]
7. See what’s missing in your [specific process]
8. Looks like we both want to improve [specific goal]—let’s talk about how
9. We’ve got the tools to help you succeed
10. Simplify your path to [key business goal]
11. Helping [industry professionals] save time and money
12. I saw you attended [event/conference]—let’s connect!
13. [Mutual connection] thought we should connect
14. Struggling with [specific issue]? We have a fix
15. Stop wasting time on [inefficient process]—here’s how
16. Increase [metric] with this simple change
17. I see you’re passionate about [topic]—me too! Here’s something that could help

Follow-Up Email Subject Lines

Building connections doesn’t end with the first email – it’s all about the follow-up. Great follow-up subject lines grab attention, show purpose, and encourage the reader to reconnect or take the next step.

18. Just checking in – any questions about [product/service]?
19. We’re still here and ready to help!
20. We don’t want you to miss out – final reminder!
21. It’s been a minute – here’s 10% off just for you!
22. We’re here to answer your questions, [Name]
23. Still thinking about it? Let’s talk
24. What’s the best time for us to revisit your options?
25. Just checking in – anything you’d like to discuss?
26. I wanted to share some new info with you on [product/service]
27. If you’re still on the fence, here’s something that might help
28. Thought I’d follow up and see if you had any more questions
29. Time’s running out to take advantage of [offer] – let’s chat soon!
30. Is now a good time to reconnect?
31. Just wanted to circle back – let me know your thoughts
32. Thought this might be helpful for your decision
33. Any updates on your end? I’m here to help

Welcome Email Subject Lines

Welcome emails require their own unique subject lines, as they set the stage for your relationship with new subscribers. They should feel warm, inviting, and exciting – like the digital equivalent of rolling out the red carpet.

34. Your welcome gift is ready and waiting inside
35. Welcome to [brand]! Here’s how to get the most out of it
36. Thanks for joining us! Your special offer is inside
37. Welcome to the family – thanks for subscribing
38. Welcome aboard! Enjoy 10% off your first purchase
39. Your first step with [product/service]: let’s get started
40. Say hello to your new [brand/product] experience
41. Ready to dive in? Your quick guide to [product/service] awaits
42. A note from our founders
43. Enjoy 10% off your first order with us – just for you
44. Let’s get started: your welcome guide is inside
45. Welcome to [Brand]! Let’s get to know each other.
46. You’re in! Here’s what’s next.
47. Everything you need to know about [Brand]
48. Hello, [Name]! Here’s how to connect with us.
49. Meet [Brand]: What to expect from us

Promotional Email Subject Lines

Promotional emails aren’t just about deals – they’re your chance to delight, surprise, and inspire someone to take action. A great subject line grabs attention, teases what’s inside, and gets readers excited to click and discover what’s waiting for them.

50. Meet our newest [product/service] – now available!
51. Introducing our newest [product/service] – see what’s new!
52. The next big thing is here – be the first to try it
53. Discover what makes [product] stand out from the rest
54. Get to know the features you’ll love in [product/service]
55. You’re invited to be the first to try [new product/feature]
56. Unlock expert tips on using [product/service]
57. [Product/service] tips and tricks you didn’t know you needed
58. The [product/feature] everyone’s talking about
59. What makes [product/service] the best? Find out here
60. [Product/service] just got better – check out the new updates
61. Special access to [product/feature] – just for you
62. Step-by-step: How to use [product/service] to its full potential
63. Last chance to get your hands on [product/feature]
64. Discover why [product/service] is getting rave reviews
65. We just introduced something new – find out what!

Newsletter Email Subject Lines

Newsletters are your chance to catch up with your audience and share what’s new. A great subject line pulls them in, gives a hint of what’s inside, and makes them excited to stay in the loop.

66. Fresh off the press: The latest from [Brand]
67. Let’s catch up: Here’s what’s new!
68. In case you missed it: This week’s top stories
69. Your November wrap-up: What’s new in [industry/topic]
70. Your weekly pick-me-up from [Brand]
71. What our community is buzzing about this week
72. Here’s what you need to know about [topic] this month
73. Catch up on everything happening at [Brand]
74. What’s making waves in [industry]? Get the details
75. Here’s what’s new and noteworthy at [Brand]
76. What’s on the horizon for [industry/topic]? Get the scoop
77. New this week: [topic/feature/product] you don’t want to miss
78. What our [readers/shoppers/customers] are loving this week
79. This week at [Brand]: Highlights from our community
80. Grab your coffee—here’s this week’s roundup from [Brand]
81. Fresh updates and trends: See what’s new

Catchy Email Subject Lines

Catchy email subject lines are like a perfect opening act – they grab attention, set the tone, and get your audience excited to see what’s next. It’s important to note, however: while catchy subject lines should do just that – catch one’s attention – the content of the email should live up to and align with the subject line. Otherwise you just end up with a big “don’t”: click bait. 

82. The wait is over – something big has arrived!
83. Ready for something that will make you smile?
84. We couldn’t keep this to ourselves any longer
85. Here’s the [tool/product/service] you didn’t know you needed
86. Change the way you [action] – starting now
87. If you like [X], you’ll love this
88. A little surprise to make your day
89. Ready for something a little unexpected?
90. Can you guess what we’ve been working on?
91. Upgrade your [productivity/experience] with just one click
92. You didn’t think we’d forget, did you?
93. Let’s make your day a little bit better
94. Here’s a fresh take on [topic/solution]
95. [Benefit] in just three steps – start here
96. It’s not magic, it’s [product/feature]
97. Why did we wait so long to share this?

Sale Email Subject Lines

Sale email subject lines are your secret weapon for turning interest into action. They highlight irresistible deals, create a sense of urgency, and make it harder for readers to resist opening to learn more.

98. This sale’s got your name on it – literally
99. Your wallet will thank you for these deals
100. Your favorite things – now at even better prices
101. Shop now, thank us later
102. Your private sale starts now!
103. Almost sold out: Shop now for the best picks!
104. Hurry – before your size is gone!
105. Did someone say sale? Oh wait, we did!
106. Didn’t catch our sale? Enjoy a bonus day of 15% OFF
107. VIP access to our secret sale
108. Our biggest sale of the year is here
109. Grab what’s left – our sale ends soon
110. Last chance to grab your favorites on sale
111. If you wait, you’ll be paying full price 😉
112. Everything you need, now at the price you want
113. Save now, thank us later – shop the sale

Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines

Abandoned cart emails are your chance to say, ‘Hey, don’t forget this!’ A great subject line catches their eye, makes them smile, and gives them a reason to come back and complete their purchase.

114. Your cart misses you – checkout in just one click!
115. Still interested? Let’s make it happen!
116. Still thinking it over? Here’s a quick reminder!
117. You left something behind – your [product/service] is waiting!
118. Still interested? Take 20% off with this special code
119. Still interested? Here’s a little incentive!
120. Oops, did you forget something in your cart?
121. Almost there! Complete your purchase before it’s gone
122. Hurry! Your cart is about to expire!
123. We’ve saved your cart for you—use code [code] for 10% off
124. Need a little nudge? Here’s [X]% off your order!
125. We noticed you left something behind, [Name]—need help?
126. Still deciding? Here’s why you’ll love what’s in your cart
127. Only a few left in stock—grab them before they’re gone!
128. Hey [Name], you forgot something—let’s take care of that cart!
129. Complete your order now to enjoy [benefit of product]

Thank You Email Subject Lines

Thank you email subject lines are your chance to show gratitude and leave a lasting positive impression. They should feel genuine and heartfelt, reminding readers just how much they’re appreciated.

130. Your purchase made our day
131. Here’s a little something to say thanks
132. Thanks for shopping with us – here’s what’s next
133. A heartfelt thank you for partnering with us
134. You’re the reason we do what we do – thank you
135. Your order is on its way – thanks for choosing us
136. Big thanks from all of us at [brand name]
137. Thanks for helping us grow – here’s to more together
138. A little thank you from all of us at [brand name]
139. Thank you for being an important part of our story
140. Thank you for shopping small this holiday season
141. You just made our day – thank you for choosing us!
142. You’re awesome – thanks for your order!
143. You’ve made us smile – thank you for your order!
144. Your support helps us do what we love – thank you!
145. High five for your order – thanks for choosing us!

Re-engagement Email Subject Lines

Re-engagement email subject lines are your opportunity to reignite interest and encourage action. They should feel inviting and energizing, reminding recipients of the value they once found in your brand or service.

146. We miss you! Here’s 20% off to come back.
147. It’s been a while – let’s reconnect!
148. Don’t let this be goodbye – we’d love to have you back!
149. We noticed you’ve been quiet – is everything okay?
150. Let’s start fresh – here’s an exclusive offer just for you.
151. Are you still there? We’d love to hear from you.
152. Where have you been? We’ve got some exciting updates!
153. Don’t let this be the end – here’s why you should come back.
154. Here’s what you missed – it’s worth checking out!
155. We’ve saved you a spot – come back and see what’s new!
156. We’ve got new things in store for you – come take a look!
157. Hey, we’ve been thinking about you – let’s catch up!
158. Things have changed – let us show you around!
159. [Name], are you ready for a fresh start with us?
160. New products, new offers, and more – let’s get you back in the loop!
161. Ready to make up for lost time? Let’s reconnect!

Survey Email Subject Lines

Getting feedback is key to growth, and it all starts with a compelling subject line. A well-crafted survey email subject line draws readers in, and motivates them to share their thoughts.

162. Got 2 minutes? We’d love to hear what you think
163. We’ve got questions. You’ve got answers. Let’s make it happen
164. Your opinion matters – take a quick survey & be heard
165. Help us improve & unlock a special discount
166. Spill the tea – what do you really think about us?
167. [Name], what do you think of [product/service]? We value your feedback
168. Your opinion pays off – complete our survey for a special offer
169. Your thoughts could help shape our business – share them with us!
170. What do you think? We’d love your feedback!
171. We’ve got some questions – let’s hear your thoughts!
172. We value your input, [Name] – help us improve!
173. A quick survey to help us serve you better
174. Help us understand what matters to you!
175. Can we ask for your feedback?
176. We’re all ears – take our short, 2-minute survey
177. Help us make your experience even better – take our survey

Holiday Email Subject Lines

Holiday emails offer a chance to bring some extra cheer to your audience. A strong holiday subject line captures the festive spirit and encourages readers to open and engage with your special seasonal offer.

178. Don’t get left out in the cold – [offer] inside
179. All I want for Christmas is [your offer] – shop now
180. Santa called – he wants you to have [discount/deal]
181. Get your jingle on – limited-time holiday deals inside
182. Sleigh the holiday shopping – exclusive offer just for you
183. Fa la la la la… [deal] that’ll make your holiday bright
184. Feeling festive? Here’s a holiday gift from us to you
185. Merry and bright deals – only available for a limited time
186. Dashing through the deals – don’t miss our holiday sale
187. Have you been naughty or nice? Either way, we’ve got a deal for you
188. Make your season merry with 20% off
189. Hot deals for a cold season – shop now!
190. You’re on the nice list – get 15% off your next order
191. Make your holidays sparkle (without the splurge)
192. A little something to make your season brighter
193. Sleigh your holiday shopping with us
194. Less stress, more savings – holiday deals inside

The holidays are also a great time to think strategically when it comes to email marketing and sales – for expert tips on how to maximize this sale-heavy season, check out our Black Friday and Cyber Monday Guide. 

Bonus Tips for Creating the Best Email Subject Lines

Be Strategic About Email Subject Line and Preview Text

While your email subject line is the superstar here, don’t overlook the importance of your preview text – the small snippet that appears in recipient inboxes before the email is opened. Think of it as a connector between your subject line and the content inside the email. Use it to add context to your subject line and give readers an extra nudge to open your message.

Keep in Mind Sender Name and Email Address

Although this isn’t directly about subject lines, the sender name plays a significant role in how recipients perceive your emails and whether they decide to open them.

You might opt to use your company name, or, for a more personal touch, include your own name, such as “[your name] from [your company].” This approach makes your email feel more relatable and human, much like using personalization in a subject line. It helps create a subtle connection with the recipient and can increase your chances of engagement.

On the other hand, using a “no-reply” email address has the opposite effect. It makes your message seem detached and signals that you’re not interested in hearing from your customers. Ultimately, the more personal you can make every aspect of your email – from the sender name and email address to the subject line and content – the more impactful it will be.

Run A/B Tests

You can follow all these tips, but the best way to ensure your email subject lines are truly effective is by running A/B tests. This involves sending the same email to different segments of your audience, each with a slightly varied subject line.

Once the emails are sent, evaluate their performance. Which subject line resulted in higher open rates? And which one led to more clicks on your call to action? For example, if your open rate is high but your click-through rate is low, it could mean the email content didn’t live up to the expectations set by the subject line. (This is also a great way to test different elements of your email layout – from imagery, to calls to action, and more.)

By analyzing the data from your A/B test, you can identify which subject line resonated most with your audience and use those insights to improve future campaigns. 

Following Through on Email Subject Line Best Practices

Perhaps you now have a solid list of best email subject lines for your coming email campaigns – but please don’t stop there! Make sure your email content not only delivers on the subject line’s promise, but that you also follow through with a thoughtful email marketing strategy. 

By implementing “dos,” like a dash of urgency and personalizing your messages, or by leveraging one of the many above email subject line examples, you’ll see open rates, engagement, and conversions grow. These strategies aren’t just for show – they deliver real email marketing benefits, helping you connect with your audience and make a lasting impression.