
What this guide will do for you
-
Write email subject lines that cut through the noise, grab attention and get your emails read
- Boost your open rates with proven formulas that make people want to click
- Drive more clicks with simple techniques to boost engagement and conversions
Your emails are only as strong as their subject line. It’s the first thing people see – and often the only thing they judge you by.
Nail it, and your email gets opened.
Miss the mark, and it gets ignored, deleted or worse – marked as spam.
Let’s call it out: inboxes are flooded.
You’re competing with order confirmations, discount offers meeting reminders and newsletters no one remembers subscribing to.
Building Email subject lines that actually get opened isn’t about guessing – it’s about strategy.
Treat your subject lines like the movie trailer – give a preview so they know what to expect – Anon
Email marketing, when done right, really works. Email marketing builds relationships, drives conversions to make sales and grows your business on autopilot. Email marketing is one of the most powerful tools for
- building trust
- staying top of mind and
- driving consistent sales
But there’s a catch.
Most subject lines blend into the chaos – too vague, too pushy or trying too hard to be clever. The result? Your email – no matter how valuable it is inside – never sees the light of day.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
This guide shows you exactly how to write email subject lines that:
- Cut through the noise
- Grab attention and
- Get your emails read
Email marketing is like a postcard: it’s more personal, yet direct
Jeremy Malcolm
Welcome to the step-by-step guide to write subject lines that get your emails opened
Know your goal first
Make sure your messages are purposeful, focused and aligned with your business objectives – so you’re not just sending emails, but driving real results.
Select your goal
- Engagement
- Conversion
- Education
- Awareness
- Retention
Read: Why every email needs a goal: The secret to results-driven marketing
Make it relevant - not clever
Clarity is better than creativity. Don’t sacrifice understanding for being cute, quirky and witty. People don’t want to have to think too hard – they’ve got too many priorities in their mind to want to overthink.
Keep email subjects, messages and Call-to-actions clear, concise and to the point.
Use curiosity carefully
Tease just enough to make them want to click – but avoid clickbait. Clickbait causes icks.
Keep it short
Preferably under 50 characters.
Mobile users will get cut-off lines if it’s too long.
Personalise when possible
Add their name, location or something specific to the email to make it feel tailored.
Use action words
Verbs create urgency and engagement. EG, “Fix this today,” “Unlock your bonus.”
Test emotional triggers
Try angles such as Fear of missing out, Exclusivity, Simplicity or Time-sensitivity.
Tips
- Avoid spammy words
- Words like “Free,” “Buy now,” or “Guaranteed” can land you in junk folders.
Pair with a strong preheader
The first line after your subject often shows in the inbox – make it work with the subject, not against it.
The 5-point Email subject line testing system
Writing a subject line is one thing – knowing if it will work is another. This 5-point Email subject line testing system offers quick, reliable strategies to test whether your subject line is ready to send – or needs a rewrite.
1. A/B testing
Send the same email with different subject lines to two small segments – and see which performs better.
2. Track open rates
The subject line’s main job is to get the email opened. Use open rates as your success metric.
3. Try Headline Analyser tools
Use a Free tool just like Omnisend Subject Line Tester to check tone, structure and character count.
4. Ask: "Would I open this?"
Perform a Gut check: if you were the reader, would this catch your eye in a crowded inbox?
5. Test different formulas
Try curiosity-based, question-based, number-based or urgency-driven subject lines – and compare results.
“
Make sure your emails get opened – not ignored
Stop guessing and start getting clicks. Book a FREE 20-minute Strategy Session to craft subject lines that stand out, get opened and drive action.
Because if your subject line doesn’t grab them, the rest of your email doesn’t stand a chance.
Talk to us

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Free resources and tools
Website Build Tracker
DigitalflowU Website build tracker: A simple Free tracker to to plan, build and launch Websites optimised for business results.
Email marketing planner
DigitalflowU Email marketing planner: A simple Free planner to streamline strategy, organise goals and deliver inbox influence.
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