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Thanks to all of you who responded to my recent email requesting feedback on what you’d like to see covered in this newsletter going forward. It inspired this week’s topic and the way it’s explained.
Last week, we explored the power of the elevator pitch—a concise way to explain who you are, what you do, and why it matters. This week, let’s apply the same concept to email marketing, specifically to crafting subject lines.
Scroll down for some specific tips.
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The elevator pitch in your email marketing
Your email subject line is like the elevator pitch for your email message. It’s your one shot to grab attention and get your email opened. Here’s how to make it count:
Start with the outcome. The best subject lines offer a clear benefit to your audience. Like in your elevator pitch, you answer: “What problem do I solve, and why should anyone care?” For example, instead of “Check Out Our New Features,” try: “Save Time with These 3 New Features.”
Keep it short and snappy. Aim for 6–8 words or fewer. Subject lines are often cut off on mobile devices, so front-load the value. Think of it as your email’s opening line in a conversation.
Make it personal. If possible, use your recipient’s name or reference their interests. You can also address your audience by name (e.g., “Money-saving news for baseball fans” instead of each person). Personalization signals that the email is relevant to them and not just a mass message.
Test and tweak. Like any good elevator pitch, subject lines improve with feedback. Use A/B testing to find what resonates with your audience. Test different tones, lengths, and value propositions. Study your analytics!
Here are a few subject line examples to inspire you:
“Boost Your Open Rates by 20% (Here’s How)”
“End Inbox Overload: One Simple Trick”
“What Every Marketer Should Know About Retention”
Remember, a great subject line isn’t about tricking someone into opening your email—it’s about being clear, compelling, and delivering value. When your subject line is strong, your email gets read. And when your email gets read, your message spreads.
Check out these free articles I wrote for even more help with your email marketing.
Thanks for reading. See you next week.
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