Writing Catchy Email Subject Lines – Tips & Examples To Hook Readers

Are you writing catchy email subject lines?

You know, the subject lines that hook a reader’s attention getting them to open your email?  

If your email open rates are low, chances are your subject lines aren’t catchy enough.  They may be lacking that little bit of pizzazz they need to compel your readers to open and read them.

Use these tips and examples to help you craft catchy email subject lines that will hook your readers every time.

1. Catchy Email Subject Lines Offer a Benefit

Subject lines attract attention when they point out a benefit.  For example, look at this title:

“How to lose ten pounds in 5 days”.

What captures your attention?  Losing ten pounds is a good specific, but doing it in 5 days is a benefit that gets attention.  It also peaks your reader’s curiosity making it irresistible.

Here’s another example. A subject line that says:

‘How to write an article‘

This may get some attention, but here’s a better one:

‘How to write a high ranking article in 20 minutes’

Write a high ranking article and do it in 20 minutes.  For an article writer, that’s hard to resist.

More subject line examples with a specific topic that includes a benefit.

• Speed read 20 pages in 1 hour
• Potty train your dog in 3 days
• Get washboard abs in 2 weeks
• Cut your wedding costs in half
• How to lose 10 pound in 5 days without breaking a sweat

2. Get Personal With Your Email Subject Lines

Another way to catch your reader’s attention is to use your subscribers name in your subject line.

People like to see their name in print, and when they see it they are immediately drawn to it.

You can also try using their name once in the body of the email.  Depending on the email, I may close using their name as well.

A quality autoresponder, will include  “personalization” features that give you easy ways to insert your prospect’s name into your subject line, email messages or where ever you feel appropriate.

Aweber for example, which is the autoresponder service I use, will even twitterize your email subject lines, help you create dynamic subject lines, show you how to test your subject lines and help you build urgency into your emails.

All powerful strategies for not only creating catchy email subject lines, but help you create great emails, period.

3. Catchy Email Subject Lines Use Power Words

Have you ever used power words?  They can be hypnotic and are very effective.

For example, these are power words I’ve used quite a bit and had success with:

• New
• Easy
• Free
• Exclusive
• Powerful
• Fast
• Results
• Guaranteed
• Unlimited
• Step-by-Step
• Amazing
• Secret
• Uncovered
• Shocking

These words are strong motivators for getting people to read on because they trigger our emotions, create curiosity and frankly, they’re compelling.

A word of warning though, don’t be hypey with your subject lines or make unrealistic claims.  Your readers can spot this these immediately and will be turned off by them.  For example, a subject line like:

“Earn $100,000 in 24 hours”

is  not realistic and your email will simply get deleted.

4. Use A Deadline

If appropriate, add a deadline to your subject line.

For example:

“For the next  24 hours only, get…”

“For the next 3 days only, get your ….”

“For the first 25 that respond…”

Power words, especially the words ‘free’ or ‘easy’ are particularly effective in getting people to read your email.

Combine a power word with a deadline and you’ll get the attention of your reader almost every time.

5.  Catchy Email Subject Lines Makes a Promise

Make a promise.  An email subject line that make a promise creates expectation.

But if you make a promise, make sure you deliver on it.   Never trick readers into opening your email.  Be honest and fair with all promises.

For example, if you promise something is free, it better be free or you’ve just lost credibility.

Email is still one of the best ways to attract visitors and sales, and writing catchy email subject lines is where it all starts.