In email marketing, the first words you say to recipients is your make-or-break. It determines whether you will get a click or not. Proof of that is that 33% of email recipients open email based on subject line alone. That’s why it is important that your subject line has a good hook.

A hook is what grabs your recipient’s attention, which is interesting enough to make them open your message. But if statistics say that you need to write a 50-character or fewer subject line for an above average open rate, how would you get that hook when you draft in your email newsletter software?

Here are tips on how to write an email subject line with a hook to ensure higher open rates.

Personalized

We all want to feel connected, and a personalized message gives us that. In fact, personalized subject lines are 22.2% more likely to be opened. So, use your customer information to call your recipient by their first name or sending them offers that is of their interest.

“Hi John, have you seen this deal yet?”

“We made deals just for you.”

“Dinner with your 3 friends, on us.”

Hungry for Information

We all value information, especially if it teaches us new knowledge that useful for our daily lives. Here’s a chance to promote your “How To’s” and “Guide.”

“A Beginner’s Guide to Baking Chocolate Cakes”

“How to Apply for a Credit Card and Get Approved”

“Your 10-Point Checklist for Moving into Your New Home”

Solve Problems

Your customers are facing different challenges and problems, and it’s an opportunity for you to be relevant by communicating solutions in your email subject line.

“You don’t have to face acne forever.”

“How to Find the Best Car for You”

“5 Ways to Fund Your Dream Business”

Fear of Missing Out

Because people always want to get the best of offers, the fear of missing out creates a sense of urgency. Statistics show there’s a 22% higher open rate on subject lines that create a sense of urgency and exclusivity. Use this to your advantage to keep your recipients interested in your offer. While words like “Urgent!” become handy, there are many ways to do this.

“Oops! You got two days left…”

“It’s your last chance to…”

“It’s NOW or NEVER”

Greed

Who doesn’t want to get more? Admit it or not, you cannot resist something that gives your extra benefit or makes you feel that you are getting more than what you deserve.

“Get VIP access now.”

“50% Off on Your Choice of Items.”

“Buy 2 for a price of 1.”

Curiosity

We are naturally curious about things, so tease your recipients a bit with curiosity to push them to click your email.

“10 Best Makeup Deals. #7 is Irresistible.”

“Oh-oh, we did something to your account.”

“I have a question for you.”

“We need to talk.”

Vanity

Everyone desires to be wanted, liked, and accepted. It’s a human weakness you can use to create the need to open your email. Give your recipients something to boost their self-esteem.

“10 Red Lipsticks for that Gorgeously Kissable Lips”

“You deserve the Best Online Shopper Award!”

“Defy Aging with these 10 Beauty Products”

Humor and Wit

It’s been said that to win a woman’s heart, you have to make her laugh. The same thing rings true with your email subject. You better bring out that wit you have in your arsenal.

“Beyonce got Jay Z; We got what you need from A to Z.”

“10 Give Away Deals We Can Barely Profit From”

Retargeting

When customers check on your products or services but do not convert with a purchase, it’s a chance for you nurture them down the sales funnel with retargeting. Here, you go back to them with an offer that will hard to resist or will remind them to complete the action.

“You seem to forget something. Here’s a 15 discount.”

“Still need a handbag? Check our new offers.”

“You missed something! Get your voucher here.”

Use Top Keywords in Your Email Subject Line

Aside from a hook, it’s also advantageous to know which words attract opens from your email recipients. One of these is “alert,” which can increase opens by 61.8%.

Email subject lines with “tomorrow” render 10% more opens than those without. Other words such as “new,” “sale,” and “video” can also enhance open rates significantly. Other recommended words are “bulletin,” “news,” and “save.” Also, use “daily” instead of “monthly” or “weekly.”

It pays to know how to craft your email subject line effectively. Opening your email is your customer’s first step to the conversion process. Higher open rates mean more chances of conversions. So, the next time your work in your email or e-newsletter, take the time to string the perfect words together!

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