13 Tips on Writing an Email Subject Line (Plus 100 Examples)

Updated March 10, 2023

When writing an email, it's important to have a strong subject line that gets the recipient's attention. This can encourage them to open the email, create a positive first impression and make it more likely for them to engage with your writing. Knowing how to write a subject line can also help you communicate effectively with coworkers, mentors, employers or customers.

In this article, we explain the importance of writing a subject line, offer 13 tips on how to do it effectively and provide 100 subject line examples.

Why is an effective email subject line important?

Writing an email subject line is important because it can increase the success of your email communication. A recipient may see your subject line and any information it contains when they receive your email. Based on its content, they may decide whether they want to open the email and engage with its contents.

Since many people rely on mobile devices for on-the-go communication, it's important to have a subject line they can quickly scan. If you present them with an enticing subject line that makes them want to know more, they're more apt to open and read your email. Overall, a strong subject line can positively impact nearly every aspect of your personal and business communications whether you're applying for a job over email or communicating with a coworker.

Tips for how to subject an email

Use these tips to help you write an effective subject line for your next email:

1. Consider the length

When writing an email subject line, consider its length. While shorter email subject lines are quicker to scan, they don't necessarily improve your chances of your email getting read. Even if a shorter subject line is more likely to hold your recipient's attention, your subject line needs to reflect your email's content. If you want to use a shorter subject line, make sure it provides enough detail and makes the reader wonder what your email has to say.

2. Take a vague approach

While it helps to provide your recipient with enough details in your subject line, you can also opt for a vague subject line that leaves them with just enough information to make them want to know more. Vague subject lines like "Thankful for you" or "Hey" can get your recipient's attention and make them wonder what additional information the email contains.

3. Be specific

In some cases, it's best to use direct language in your subject lines. For example, if you're applying for a job, it's important to use specific details in your subject line such as your name, the name of the position and the documents you attached. Since hiring managers may read several emails per day, a specific subject line with plenty of detail clearly lets them know why you're emailing them.

4. Be mindful of the preview length

Before you send an email, consider how much of your subject line your recipient can read. Some email servers only show a certain amount of characters for a subject line preview. If your subject line is too long, your recipient won't get to read it in its entirety. If this happens, it's best to shorten your subject line to something they can fully read in a preview.

5. Use emojis and symbols wisely

When used appropriately, emojis can help improve open rates, especially with a younger demographic. Some emojis aren't compatible with all email clients and devices, though, so make sure to use them carefully so they don't negatively affect your brand's image. Consider that some cultures may also react to an emoji, image or symbol differently than your intended message.

6. Avoid sounding like spam

To prevent your email from getting sent to the spam folder, avoid phrases that sound too sales-driven or offer promises you can't keep. Also, avoid overusing exclamation points or all caps. While it's fine to convey a sense of urgency, it's important not to overdo it or it can deter your recipient.

7. Analyze the performance of your emails

If you're sending emails on behalf of your business, analyze their performance over time. Track the open rate and identify any patterns you see regarding the type of subject lines you used. Based on your analysis, determine which types of subject lines tend to perform best to improve the chances of your email getting opened.

8. Include your recipient's name

Whether you're sending an individual email or an email to a large group of people, consider personalizing your subject lines to grab the recipient's attention. For example, you could add their name to the subject line. When they see their name, they may feel more inclined to read your message. As with any other aspect of your subject line, try to use their name in a genuine way that doesn't feel automated.

9. Use location-specific language

You can also refer to your reader's location in your subject line to further personalize it. Since people feel connected to their hometown, using location-specific language can make them curious as to what's going on in their area. For example, you can describe local demographic data or include mention of local news and events.

10. Highlight your recipient's interests

Another way to personalize your email subject line is to connect with your recipient through their interests. If you've collected data from your users over time, you can segment your emails based on their interests. For example, if you know certain members of your audience like sports, you can create a personalized sports subject line just for them. When you call out something meaningful to your recipients, they're more likely to open your email and read it.

11. Use clickbait to your advantage

When you write a subject line, it's important to keep your recipient curious about the content of your email. Clickbait subject lines target people by providing them with a subject line they can't resist. Test out a few clickbait subject lines and track their performance. Keep in mind that what works for everyone else's audience may not work for yours.

Related: Guide: What Is Clickbait?

12. Use questions

If you're sending a sales email, consider using a question as your subject line. Questions provide your recipient with just enough information while also piquing their curiosity. When you ask a question, you imply that they can find the answer when they open your email. For example, you can write, "Are you making these three marketing mistakes?" This question implies that they can find out what these marketing mistakes are in your email.

13. Share value

The emails you send can hold some type of value for your recipient or provide them with information or something to help them. Consider writing a subject line that immediately describes the value they can find in your email. For example, the subject line "How to write a headline" lets them know they can find the steps for writing a headline within the content of your email. If you continuously provide your recipients with valuable content, they may open your emails in the future.