Email Subject Lines

An email subject line is a brief summary or description of the content of an email message. It appears in the inbox of the recipient and gives them an idea of what the email is about before they open it. The subject line is typically located at the top of the email, and it should be short, clear, and relevant to the content of the email.

The subject line is important because it helps the recipient prioritize and organize their inbox. If the subject line is compelling, relevant, and informative, the recipient is more likely to open the email and take action on it. On the other hand, if the subject line is vague, irrelevant, or misleading, the recipient may ignore or delete the email without reading it.

In business and professional settings, it’s important to use a clear and concise subject line that accurately reflects the content of the email. This can help ensure that your email is read and responded to in a timely manner.

What are some best practices for writing a sales email subject line?

Writing an effective sales email subject line is critical to getting your emails opened and read. Here are some best practices for writing a sales email subject line:

1. Be clear and concise: Use simple and clear language to convey the key message of your email. Keep the subject line under 50 characters so that it can be fully displayed in the recipient’s inbox.
2. Personalize it: Use the recipient’s name or other personal information to make the subject line more relevant and personalized. This can help to catch their attention and increase the likelihood that they will open the email.
3. Use urgency: Create a sense of urgency by using words such as “limited time,” “urgent,” or “last chance.” This can encourage the recipient to take immediate action.
4. Highlight the benefit: Focus on the benefits or value proposition that your email offers. Use words such as “save,” “free,” “discount,” or “exclusive” to create interest and attract attention.
5. Avoid spam triggers: Avoid using words or phrases that are commonly associated with spam emails. Examples include “make money fast,” “earn extra income,” or “lose weight quickly.” These can trigger spam filters and cause your email to be sent to the recipient’s spam folder.
6. A/B test: Try testing different subject lines to see which ones work best. This can help you identify what resonates with your audience and improve your open rates over time.

The subject line is your first chance to make a good impression and get your email read. By following these best practices, you can increase the likelihood that your sales emails will be opened and read by your target audience.

Why is it so important that a sales email has a good subject line?

A good subject line is critical for a sales email because it’s the first thing the recipient sees and determines whether or not they open and read the email. Here are some reasons why a good subject line is important for a sales email:

1. Grabs attention: A good subject line grabs the recipient’s attention and entices them to open the email. It should be relevant, personalized, and compelling to encourage the recipient to read further.
2. Increases open rates: The subject line is the primary factor that determines whether the recipient opens the email. A good subject line can increase open rates and improve the chances of converting the recipient into a customer.
3. Builds credibility: A well-crafted subject line can help build credibility and establish trust with the recipient. It can demonstrate that the sender understands the recipient’s needs and is offering a relevant solution.
4. Sets expectations: The subject line sets expectations for the content of the email. If the subject line is misleading or irrelevant, the recipient may become frustrated and lose trust in the sender.
5. Differentiates from competitors: In a crowded inbox, a good subject line can differentiate the email from the competition. It should stand out and make the recipient want to open the email.

A good subject line is crucial for a sales email because it determines whether or not the recipient will engage with the content. It’s the first impression that the recipient has of the email, so it’s important to make it count. A well-crafted subject line can increase open rates, build credibility, and ultimately lead to more sales.

Tips for Writing Effective Sales Email Subject Lines

Writing effective sales email subject lines can be challenging, but it’s crucial for getting your emails opened and read by your target audience. Here are some tips to help you write effective sales email subject lines:

1. Be clear and concise: Your subject line should clearly and concisely communicate the key message of your email. Use simple language and avoid jargon or technical terms that might confuse or alienate your audience.
2. Personalize it: Personalize your subject line by using the recipient’s name or other relevant information. This can help to catch their attention and make them feel valued.
3. Create a sense of urgency: Use words or phrases that create a sense of urgency, such as “limited time offer,” “act now,” or “don’t miss out.” This can encourage the recipient to take immediate action.
4. Highlight the benefit: Use your subject line to highlight the benefit or value proposition that your email offers. Use words such as “save,” “free,” “discount,” or “exclusive” to create interest and attract attention.
5. Ask a question: Asking a question in your subject line can pique the recipient’s curiosity and encourage them to open the email to find out more. Just make sure that the question is relevant and related to the content of your email.
6. Keep it short: Keep your subject line short and to the point. Use no more than 6-10 words to make sure that it can be fully displayed in the recipient’s inbox.
7. Avoid spam triggers: Avoid using words or phrases that are commonly associated with spam emails. Examples include “make money fast,” “earn extra income,” or “lose weight quickly.” These can trigger spam filters and cause your email to be sent to the recipient’s spam folder.

The subject line is your first chance to make a good impression and get your email read. By following these tips, you can increase the likelihood that your sales emails will be opened and read by your target audience.

What Makes for Sales Email Subject Lines with High Open Rates?

Sales email subject lines with high open rates are typically short, attention-grabbing, and personalized to the recipient’s needs and interests. Here are some factors that can contribute to high open rates for sales email subject lines:

1. Personalization: Personalized subject lines that include the recipient’s name or other relevant information can increase open rates by making the email feel more relevant and important to the recipient.
2. Relevance: The subject line should clearly and directly relate to the content of the email. It should be clear to the recipient what the email is about and why they should care.
3. Value proposition: The subject line should highlight the value proposition or benefit that the email offers to the recipient. This can help to entice the recipient to open the email and learn more.
4. Urgency: Including a sense of urgency in the subject line can encourage the recipient to open the email right away. For example, phrases like “limited time offer” or “don’t miss out” can create a sense of urgency and scarcity that can increase open rates.
5. Curiosity: Subject lines that pique the recipient’s curiosity or ask a question can also increase open rates. For example, a subject line like “Want to learn the secret to boosting your sales?” can entice the recipient to open the email to find out more.
6. Clarity: The subject line should be clear and easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or overly technical language that might confuse or alienate the recipient.
7. Length: Keep your subject line short and to the point. Ideally, it should be no more than 6-10 words so that it can be fully displayed in the recipient’s inbox.

Sales email subject lines with high open rates are those that are personalized, relevant, and clearly communicate the value proposition or benefit of the email to the recipient. By following these guidelines, you can increase the likelihood that your sales emails will be opened and read by your target audience.

Cold Email Subject Lines

Cold email subject lines are crucial for getting the recipient’s attention and encouraging them to open the email. Here are some tips for writing effective cold email subject lines:

1. Personalization: Personalize the subject line by using the recipient’s name or other relevant information. This can help to catch their attention and make the email feel more relevant to them.
2. Benefit-focused: Highlight the benefit or value proposition that the email offers to the recipient. Use words such as “save,” “free,” “discount,” or “exclusive” to create interest and attract attention.
3. Curiosity: Use a subject line that piques the recipient’s curiosity and makes them want to learn more. For example, a subject line like “Are you making these common mistakes?” can entice the recipient to open the email to find out more.
4. Relevance: Make sure that the subject line is relevant to the recipient and their needs or interests. Avoid generic or spammy subject lines that may turn off the recipient.
5. Personal brand: If you have a personal brand or reputation, you can use that to your advantage in the subject line. For example, a subject line like “An exclusive offer from [Your Name]” can create interest and curiosity.
6. Urgency: Use words or phrases that create a sense of urgency, such as “limited time offer,” “act now,” or “don’t miss out.” This can encourage the recipient to take immediate action.
7. A/B testing: Try out different subject lines and use A/B testing to see which ones perform the best. This can help you to refine your approach and improve your results over time.

That the subject line is the first thing that the recipient sees, so it’s crucial to make it count. By following these tips, you can increase the likelihood that your cold emails will be opened and read by your target audience.

Follow-Up Email Subject Lines

Follow-up email subject lines are important for reminding the recipient of your previous communication and encouraging them to respond. Here are some tips for writing effective follow-up email subject lines:

1. Reference previous communication: Use the subject line to reference your previous email or conversation with the recipient. This can help to jog their memory and make the email feel more personalized.
2. Be specific: Use a specific subject line that clearly communicates the purpose of your follow-up email. For example, “Following up on our meeting” or “Quick question about [topic]”.
3. Include a deadline: If there is a deadline or time-sensitive information related to your follow-up, include that in the subject line. This can create a sense of urgency and encourage the recipient to respond quickly.
4. Use a question: Use a question in the subject line to encourage the recipient to engage with your email. For example, “Can we schedule a call to discuss [topic]?” or “Have you had a chance to review our proposal?”
5. Keep it short and sweet: Keep your subject line short and to the point. Ideally, it should be no more than 6-10 words so that it can be fully displayed in the recipient’s inbox.
6. Add a personal touch: Add a personal touch to your subject line by using the recipient’s name or referencing something specific that you discussed in your previous communication. This can help to make the email feel more personalized and engaging.
7. Avoid sounding pushy: Avoid using subject lines that sound pushy or demanding. Instead, use a friendly and professional tone that encourages the recipient to engage with your email.

By following these tips, you can create effective follow-up email subject lines that encourage the recipient to engage with your email and respond to your communication.

What to Avoid in a Sales Email Subject Lines?

When writing a sales email subject line, it’s important to avoid certain common mistakes that can make your email less effective. Here are some things to avoid in a sales email subject line:

1. Overused or Spammy Words: Avoid using overused or spammy words such as “free,” “discount,” “act now,” or “urgent.” These words can trigger spam filters or make your email sound like a generic marketing message.
2. Too Long or Vague: Keep your subject line short and to the point. Avoid using overly long or vague subject lines that may not clearly communicate the purpose of your email.
3. False Promises: Don’t make false promises or use clickbait tactics to get the recipient to open your email. This can damage your credibility and make the recipient less likely to engage with your email in the future.
4. ALL CAPS or Excessive Punctuation: Avoid using all caps or excessive punctuation in your subject line. This can make your email look unprofessional and spammy.
5. Misleading Information: Don’t mislead the recipient or provide false information in your subject line. This can damage your reputation and make the recipient less likely to trust you in the future.
6. Too Pushy: Avoid using subject lines that are overly pushy or aggressive. Instead, use a friendly and professional tone that encourages the recipient to engage with your email.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can write effective sales email subject lines that encourage the recipient to engage with your email and take action.

What’s great about focusing on needs when crafting a sales email subject line?

Focusing on the needs of your target audience when crafting a sales email subject line can be a highly effective strategy for several reasons:

1. Increases Relevance: When you focus on the needs of your target audience, you’re more likely to create a subject line that resonates with them and feels relevant to their situation. This can increase the likelihood that they will open and engage with your email.
2. Shows Empathy: By highlighting the needs of your target audience, you show that you understand their pain points and challenges. This can help build trust and credibility with the recipient, making them more likely to consider your product or service as a solution.
3. Helps Identify Benefits: By understanding the needs of your target audience, you can more easily identify the benefits of your product or service that are most relevant to them. This can help you craft a subject line that highlights these benefits and makes your email more compelling.
4. Increases Response Rates: When your subject line speaks directly to the needs of your target audience, it can increase the likelihood that they will respond to your email. This can lead to higher conversion rates and more sales.

Focusing on the needs of your target audience when crafting a sales email subject line can help you create more relevant and effective emails that resonate with your audience, build trust, and ultimately drive more sales.

Email Sign off

Email sign off, also known as an email closing or email signature, is the part of an email message that comes at the end and typically includes a short phrase or statement that indicates the sender’s name and other relevant information. The email sign off is an important part of an email as it provides a polite and professional way to end your message and leave a positive impression on the recipient.

Common email sign offs include phrases such as “Best regards,” “Sincerely,” “Thank you,” “Cheers,” or “Warmly,” followed by the sender’s name, job title, and contact information such as phone number or email address. Some people also include a quote or a link to their website or social media profiles in their email sign off.

The email sign off is an important part of email etiquette and can help to establish a professional and respectful tone in your email communication. By choosing an appropriate sign off and including relevant contact information, you can make it easier for the recipient to respond to your message and keep the conversation going.

How to sign off an email?

There are many different ways to sign off an email, and the choice of sign-off can depend on factors such as the tone of the email, the recipient, and the context of the communication. However, here are some common and appropriate ways to sign off an email:

1. Best regards: This is a polite and professional way to end an email, particularly when you’re communicating with someone you don’t know very well.
2. Sincerely: This is a more formal way to end an email and is often used in business or professional contexts.
3. Thanks: If you’re thanking someone for something in your email, “Thanks” can be a simple and appropriate way to end your message.
4. Cheers: This sign-off is less formal and can be used in more casual or friendly email exchanges.
5. Warmly: This is a warm and friendly way to end an email and is appropriate for emails that have a more personal or informal tone.

In addition to the sign-off phrase, you may also want to include your name, job title, and contact information such as your email address or phone number. You can also customize your email sign-off to include a quote or a link to your website or social media profiles if appropriate.

It’s important to choose a sign-off that is appropriate for the context of your email and that conveys the tone you want to communicate. By using an appropriate and professional sign-off, you can help to establish a positive and respectful tone in your email communication.

Email Sign-off Types

There are many different types of email sign-offs that you can use to close your emails, depending on the tone of your message, your relationship with the recipient, and the context of your communication. Here are some common types of email sign-offs:

1. Professional: These are formal and polite sign-offs that are appropriate for professional or business-related emails. Examples include “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Yours truly.”
2. Appreciative: These sign-offs express gratitude or appreciation towards the recipient. Examples include “Thank you,” “Thanks again,” or “Much appreciated.”
3. Friendly: These sign-offs are less formal and can be used in casual or friendly email exchanges. Examples include “Cheers,” “Take care,” or “Talk soon.”
4. Personal: These sign-offs are warm and friendly and are often used when communicating with friends, family, or close colleagues. Examples include “Love,” “Warmly,” or “Hugs.”
5. Humorous: These sign-offs inject humor into your email and are appropriate for more casual or informal exchanges. Examples include “Stay awesome,” “Rock on,” or “Later, gator.”

Remember that the sign-off you choose should match the tone of your message and be appropriate for your relationship with the recipient. It’s also important to keep it professional and respectful, especially when communicating in a business or professional context.

Formal email sign-offs

Formal email sign-offs are used in professional or business-related emails where a more serious tone is required. Here are some examples of formal email sign-offs:

• Sincerely
• Best regards
• Respectfully
• Yours truly
• Regards
• Cordially

These sign-offs are respectful and polite and are appropriate for communicating with colleagues, clients, or potential employers. They indicate that you take the communication seriously and are showing respect to the recipient.

Informal email sign-offs

Informal email sign-offs are used in more casual or friendly emails where a less serious tone is appropriate. Here are some examples of informal email sign-offs:

• Best
• Cheers
• Take care
• Later
• Peace out
• See you soon

These sign-offs are less formal and more relaxed, and are appropriate for communicating with friends, family, or colleagues you know well. They indicate that you are more relaxed in your communication and may be open to a more casual tone.

Remember that the sign-off you choose should match the tone of your message and be appropriate for your relationship with the recipient. It’s important to choose a sign-off that is respectful and professional, but also one that feels natural and comfortable for you.

Four golden rules for signing off an email

These are my four rules for effectively signing off on emails:

1. Avoid including quotes.
2. Be cautious with corporate logos, as oversized logos can draw attention away from the message. While companies may require their use, it’s important to ensure they are appropriately sized.
3. Include your title and contact information, but keep it brief. In most business emails, it’s helpful to share your essential information, but keep it minimal. For example, “Susan Adams, Senior Editor, Forbes 212-206-5571” is a sufficient signature. Avoid overloading the signature with links promoting your projects and publications.
4. Always include a sign-off. Mark Hurst, author of Bit Literacy: Productivity in the Age of Information and E-mail Overload, suggests that the purpose of a sign-off is to indicate the conclusion of a message, ensuring the recipient knows the message is complete. The sign-off serves the function of clearly communicating the message rather than merely a matter of style.

Nine email sign-offs that never fail

Here are nine email sign-offs that are both polite and effective:

1. Best regards: This sign-off is simple and professional. It conveys a sense of respect and appreciation.
2. Sincerely: This sign-off is more formal and often used in business correspondence. It is appropriate for letters to clients, customers, and colleagues.
3. Kind regards: This sign-off is friendly but still professional. It is suitable for emails to people you know well, but not well enough to use a more casual sign-off.
4. Thanks again: This sign-off is ideal for expressing gratitude or appreciation. It shows that you value the recipient’s time and effort.
5. All the best: This sign-off is friendly and informal. It is a good choice for emails to people you know well.
6. Take care: This sign-off conveys concern and shows that you care about the recipient’s well-being. It is a good choice for personal emails.
7. Cheers: This sign-off is casual and friendly. It is a good choice for emails to friends or colleagues.
8. Warm regards: This sign-off is warm and friendly, but still professional. It is suitable for emails to people you know well, but not well enough to use a more casual sign-off.
9. Yours truly: This sign-off is more formal and often used in business correspondence. It is appropriate for letters to clients, customers, and colleagues.

Nine email sign-offs to avoid

Here are nine email sign-offs that are generally considered inappropriate or unprofessional:

1. Love: This sign-off is too personal and intimate for business or professional emails.
2. XOXO: This sign-off is also too personal and casual for business or professional emails.
3. Yours: This sign-off is too formal and old-fashioned, and may come across as distant or impersonal.
4. Respectfully: This sign-off is often used in formal letters, but may come across as stiff and insincere in emails.
5. Best: This sign-off is too short and casual, and may come across as abrupt or indifferent.
6. Later: This sign-off is too informal and may come across as dismissive or disrespectful.
7. Talk to you soon: This sign-off is too presumptuous and may put pressure on the recipient to respond quickly.
8. Ciao: This sign-off is too casual and may come across as unprofessional or disrespectful.
9. Sent from my iPhone: This sign-off is unprofessional and may imply that you don’t take the email seriously. It’s best to disable this automatic signature in your email settings.

Why your email sign off matters

Your email sign off matters because it’s the last thing the recipient reads before closing your email, and it can leave a lasting impression. A professional and appropriate sign off can help you to come across as credible, trustworthy, and respectful, while a poorly chosen sign off can have the opposite effect.

A good email sign off can also help to create a sense of closure, and signal that the message is complete. This can be especially important in business or professional settings, where clear communication is key.

In addition, your email sign off can help to reinforce your brand or personal identity. By choosing a sign off that reflects your personality or business values, you can create a consistent and memorable impression that reinforces your message.

Your email sign off may seem like a small detail, but it can have a big impact on how your message is received and perceived by the recipient. So take some time to choose an appropriate and professional sign off that reflects your personal or business style.

Business & workplace sign offs

Here are some appropriate business and workplace email sign-offs:

1. Best regards – a polite way to end an email that conveys a sense of respect and well wishes to the recipient.
2. Kind regards – similar to “best regards,” this sign-off implies a friendly tone and a desire to maintain a positive relationship.
3. Sincerely – a formal sign-off that implies a sense of seriousness and professionalism. It is often used in business or legal correspondence.
4. Thank you – a sign-off that expresses gratitude and appreciation to the recipient for their time or assistance.
5. Best wishes – a friendly and positive sign-off that conveys a sense of good will and positive intentions.
6. Yours truly – a traditional sign-off that implies a sense of personal responsibility for the content of the message.
7. Respectfully – a polite and formal sign-off that conveys a sense of respect for the recipient and the topic being discussed.
8. Warm regards – a friendly and personal sign-off that conveys a sense of warmth and familiarity with the recipient.
9. Cheers – a casual and friendly sign-off that is often used in informal or social settings, but can also be used in some professional settings depending on the relationship with the recipient.

These sign-offs are professional, polite, and convey a sense of gratitude or respect for the recipient. They are suitable for most business and workplace settings, including formal and informal communications.

When choosing a sign-off, it’s important to consider the context of the email and the relationship you have with the recipient. For example, a more formal sign-off like “Sincerely” may be more appropriate for a job application or important business communication, while a more casual sign-off like “Cheers” may be more appropriate for a colleague or friend.

How to write good email sign offs every time

To write good email sign-offs every time, here are some tips to follow:

1. Keep it professional: Your email sign-off should be appropriate for the context of your message and the relationship you have with the recipient. Avoid using overly casual or informal language unless it is appropriate for the situation.
2. Consider the tone: The tone of your email should be reflected in your sign-off. If you are writing a formal email, choose a sign-off that is more formal and professional. If you are writing a friendly email, choose a sign-off that is more casual and personal.
3. Personalize it: Use the recipient’s name if possible, and consider adding a personal touch to your sign-off. This can help build rapport and show that you value the relationship.
4. Be concise: Your sign-off should be brief and to the point. Avoid using long or complex phrases that may confuse the recipient.
5. Review and revise: Before sending your email, take a moment to review your sign-off and make any necessary revisions. This can help ensure that your message is clear, professional, and effective.

By following these tips, you can write good email sign-offs every time and effectively close your messages with a professional and courteous tone.

Email Subject Lines FAQs