Subject lines are the gatekeepers of successful email marketing. With the right words, you can stand out, get opened, and start meaningful conversations with your audience.
If you follow the ten tips from our article, you’ll be able to craft a creative subject line too
In Part 1, we covered the basics: keep it short, get the tone right, speak directly to your readers, be clear about your message, and always answer the question: “Why should anyone care?” If you missed it, go back and check out the first five tips. If you’re ready for more – keep reading. Here are five additional subject line strategies that we’ve used successfully across industries from healthcare to lifestyle to construction.
“Open now and save 10% – today only!” That’s a subject line that checks all the boxes:
Urgency works – when used in moderation. It’s like hot sauce: a little adds flavor, too much ruins the dish. If every email screams “NOW!” or “LIMITED TIME!” readers will stop believing you. Use urgency thoughtfully to give people a reason to act today, not tomorrow.
Your audience wants to feel seen. Subject lines like “Just for you” or “Only for our top customers” tap into exclusivity and the fear of missing out – two powerful psychological triggers.
A well-crafted subject line can make the recipient feel like they’re getting a special deal or an inside look. It builds trust, drives clicks, and it keeps your brand top of mind.
Not every email is for everyone – and that’s the point. If you’re blasting the same subject line to your entire list, you’re missing out. Segment your audience and tailor your message.
Think of it like building playlists. What works for one group won’t necessarily work for another. A product tip for tech enthusiasts in Berlin might fall flat with foodies in Hamburg. The better you know your segments, the better your subject lines will perform.
Hundreds of emails flood our inboxes every day, and it’s essential to separate the signal from the noise. A short subject line with a compelling message can be the deciding factor — prompting someone to open the email or send it straight to the trash
Want to know which subject line performs better? Don’t rely on gut feeling – run an A/B test.
Here’s how it works: half your list gets Subject Line A, the other half gets Subject Line B. Then you check the open and click rates. That’s it. No stats degree needed. Just curiosity and the willingness to experiment. And remember: the alphabet has 24 more letters. Don’t stop at A and B – keep testing.
Here’s how to send your email straight to the spam folder:
→ Typos in the subject line
→ ALL CAPS
→ Too many exclamation points!!!!!!!!
Mistakes make your brand look sloppy. All caps feel aggressive. And too many symbols (dollar signs, emojis, etc.) trigger spam filters. Keep it clean, professional, and intentional. If in doubt – cut the fluff.
The best subject lines aren’t lucky – they’re thoughtful. They blend psychology, clear wording, and a little data to grab attention and deliver results.
At ITMS, we help clients craft subject lines that don’t just get opened – they get remembered. From tailored A/B tests to messaging that resonates, we build email campaigns that perform across industries and audiences.
Want to level up your subject lines – and your results? Let’s talk. We’ve got ideas that land.
