What Makes a Great Subject Line? Tips to Get Your Emails Opened

Tania Pryer
Aug 8
3 min read

woman at desk with emails open on a web page on a desktop screen

Let’s be honest: your email subject line is the gatekeeper to your message. Get it wrong, and your carefully crafted email ends up in the virtual bin. Get it right, and you’ve got an engaged audience ready to take action.

But what exactly makes a subject line so good that it demands to be opened? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty (and throw in some cheeky examples along the way) to help you craft subject lines that get results.

Why Subject Lines Matter

Think of your subject line as the shop window of your email. If it looks dull or confusing, people will walk on by. A strong subject line piques curiosity, grabs attention, and promises value. In a world of overflowing inboxes, standing out is your number one goal.

Catchy Lines to Try (Cheeky, Punny, and Fun!)

Humour and intrigue are your best friends when it comes to subject lines. Here are a few examples that’ll have your readers clicking faster than you can say “open rate”:

“Oops, we f*ed up (and you benefit!)”**
“Time to stop faffing and start thriving”
“Psst... Your competitors don’t want you to read this 👀”
“Get your sh*t together - here’s how”
“You’ll kick yourself if you miss this!”
“It’s not you, it’s your strategy…”
“This deal is hotter than your morning coffee ☕”
“Don’t make me beg - open this email!”

By using puns, playful language, or a bit of cheek, you make your emails feel less corporate and more personal - like a message from a friend rather than a sales pitch.

The Science Behind Great Subject Lines

Crafting subject lines isn’t just about throwing out the sass (though it helps!). There’s a method to the madness:

Keep It Short and Sweet

Most people skim their emails on their phones, so keep your subject line under 50 characters. Think punchy, not wordy.

Add a Touch of Curiosity

Humans are naturally curious creatures. Give them a reason to wonder what’s inside:

“The one thing you’re missing in your marketing…”
“Have you tried this trick yet?”

Make It Personal

Adding someone’s name or location can make a big difference. For example:
“Sarah, your inbox will thank you for this”
“Hey Londoners, this one’s for you!”

Use Numbers or Lists

People love a quick read, and numbers promise just that. Try:

“5 hacks to level up your business today”
“The top 3 tools you need this month”

Create Urgency

A little FOMO (fear of missing out) can work wonders:
“Last chance to grab 20% off!”
“This deal vanishes at midnight!”

Test and Learn

Not sure what works for your audience? Experiment with A/B testing. Send two versions of your subject line to see which gets better results.

SEO-Friendly Subject Lines? Yep, It’s a Thing!

Subject lines aren’t just about grabbing attention - they can also help your emails show up in search results. If your readers search their inboxes for something specific, having keywords in your subject line increases your chances of being found.

For example, if you’re promoting a free eBook on marketing, try:

“Free Marketing eBook Inside – Grab Yours Today!”
“Boost Your Business with These Marketing Tips”

When in Doubt, Hire a Pro

If you’re staring at your screen, trying to craft the perfect subject line and coming up blank, don’t panic. I’ve got your back. As someone who’s written over 160 email campaigns last year alone, I know a thing or two about creating content that converts.

From cheeky puns to SEO-friendly lines, I can help you craft subject lines that boost your open rates and get your emails the attention they deserve. Whether you need a full email strategy or just a bit of brainstorming support, drop me a message - I’m here to help!

Final Thoughts

A great subject line can make or break your email campaign. By keeping it short, playful, and relevant, you’ll have your audience eagerly clicking “open” instead of “delete.” And if you’re ever stuck, just remember: a little sass, a sprinkle of curiosity, and a dash of urgency can go a long way.

Now, what are you waiting for? Start crafting those killer subject lines - or better yet, let me do it for you! 😉