MARKETING   |   POSTED ON 20.08.2015

Crafting an engaging, interesting and information email is just half the battle. Your first issue is to get the email noticed and opened. You stand a much better chance of having your EDM opened if your subject line works. In order to create a great subject line we have compiled out top tips to help.

Before we get into the specific tips let’s consider some advice that, despite being over 90 years old, is more relevant today in the noise of online, digital marketing than ever before.

‘People will not be bored in print. They may listen politely at a dinner table to boasts and personalities, life history, etc. But in print they choose their own companions, their own subjects. They want to be amused or benefited. They want economy, beauty, labor savings, good things to eat and wear’ – Claude Hopkins, Scientific Advertising (1923)

With that in mind, let’s talk about creating email subject lines that get noticed:

Relevance

Email direct marketing of today can be customised to relevancy, generated based on Internet browsing history. If you know what your audience are interested in, your subject lines can be targeted specific to their current interests and needs. Consider viewers that have been searching for the terms local branding specialist:

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Simplicity

Many email readers don’t read who the email is from so by including your business’ name in the subject line you have made it easy for them to tell exactly who is contacting them. From there include your offer in the subject line too.

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Novelty

Again, people will get bored so don’t use the same style of subject line over and over. Consider using different angles such as personalised, seasonal and product specific.
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Comprehension

Great email marketing campaigns and by extension, subject lines, are those that both remember and forget. If someone was looking for a specific product six months ago chances are they have already found it, however, if your product or service is something ongoing then you have an opportunity to use subject lines to remember them. This works best when you have a clear understanding of the buying habits of your customers and your target audience.

Problem-solving

You’re busy – so are your customers. You can utilise this by offering subject lines that provide solutions to their problems. Father’s Day is coming up – remind them and provide an offer that will help them to get it sorted.

Overall email subject lines that get noticed and lead to a higher open rate are those which are short and sweet, include who they are from and describe exactly what the email will offer or provide once opened.

If you need help to create great subject lines or direct email marketing campaigns, contact your local branding specialist Liquid Creativity.

FAQs

Why are email subject lines important for marketing success?

Email subject lines determine whether your email gets opened or ignored. A compelling subject line increases open rates, customer engagement, and conversions. In Melbourne’s competitive market, businesses need subject lines that stand out in crowded inboxes and encourage recipients to take action.

What are the key elements of a high-performing email subject line?

Effective email subject lines include:

• Clarity: Clearly convey the purpose of the email.

• Conciseness: Keep it under 50 characters for better mobile readability.

• Personalisation: Use the recipient’s name or location to grab attention.

• Urgency & Curiosity: Phrases like “Limited Offer” or “You’ll Love This” encourage clicks.

• Emojis (if appropriate): Can make subject lines visually appealing.

How can businesses in Melbourne optimise subject lines for higher open rates?

• A/B test different subject lines to see what resonates with your audience.

• Use power words like “Exclusive,” “Limited,” or “Don’t Miss Out.”

• Avoid spam triggers like “Free Money” or “Congratulations” to prevent emails from landing in spam folders.

• Align with local trends by referencing Melbourne-based events or seasons.

What are some examples of subject lines that get noticed?

• “Melbourne Businesses: Skyrocket Your Sales with This Strategy”

• “Limited Spots! Exclusive Branding Tips for Melbourne Startups”

• “We Saved You a Seat—Don’t Miss Out on This!”

• “Hey [First Name], Here’s Something Just for You!”

• “Last Chance! Your Special Offer Ends Tonight”

How can businesses track the success of their email subject lines?

Businesses can measure email performance by tracking:

• Open rates – The percentage of recipients who open the email.

• Click-through rates (CTR) – How many people click on links inside the email.

• Conversion rates – The percentage of users who take the desired action.

• A/B testing results – Comparing different subject lines to see which performs better.
  Partnering with a branding agency in Melbourne can help businesses refine their email marketing strategies for better engagement.