It’s pretty clear how effective email marketing strategy is in e-commerce; here is one study to prove:
Email marketing begins with one key component: the email subject line. This little amount of content can be the difference between your email being read or ignored. Globally, 30% of marketers cite email marketing as having the highest ROI of all digital marketing channels. With inboxes full, you need a subject line that sticks out, connects with your target audience, and encourages engagement.
Let us find out how to write the best email subject line for your e-commerce business. We will also discuss recommended email subject line best practices and increase open rates to inspire your next campaign. You will also learn how to write the best email subject line.
Why Do Subject Lines Matter?
The subject line is the first thing people see when they open your email. It determines whether your communication is opened, deleted, or flagged as spam. According to a study, 47% of email receivers open an email based on the subject line, while 69% report emails as spam based on the subject line.
When thinking about how to write the best email subject line. Know that your subject line should be brief, relevant, and compelling. It should quickly convey the importance of your message while stirring up the interest or urgency among the receivers.
Best Practices for Writing Email Subject Lines in E-commerce
Before we get started with samples, let’s go over some email subject lines and best practices for creating effective subject lines. By following these guidelines know how to write the best email subject line, you can increase email open rates and drive conversions.
1. Keep it short and sweet
Another thing is how to write the best email subject line. Subject lines of 50 characters or less tend to fare better. Because many individuals see emails on mobile devices, extended subject lines might be chopped off. Keep your subject lines simple but informative.
Example:
“Flash Sale: 50% Off Ends Tonight!”
“New Arrivals: Get Yours Before They’re Gone!”
2. Establish a sense of urgency
Adding urgency or scarcity greatly increases your open rate. Words like “limited time,” “only today,” or “last chance” lead to a fear of missing out (FOMO), causing readers to open your email immediately. This is how to write the best email subject line.
Example:
“Hurry! Only a few items remain in stock.
“Last Chance to Save 30% Today”
3. Personalize the subject line
With personalization, you can make your email stand out. You can make an experience more relevant and engaging by addressing them by name or mentioning their previous action, such as a recent purchase or browsing history.
Example:
“John, Your Favourite Sneakers Are Back in Stock!”
“We missed you! Here’s a special offer only for you.
4. Use numbers and lists
Numbers add clarity and structure, making the email content simpler to understand. They also recommend that the email include a concise, practical list of advantages.
Example:
“5 Ways to Style Your New Jacket”
“Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer”
5. Spark curiosity
To grab your audience’s interest, start with a question. Create a subject line that piques their curiosity but does not reveal too much information. Another way how to write the best email subject line is by sparking curiosity. This is a great strategy to prompt them to open the email to find out more.
Example:
“This Secret Sale Won’t Last Long!”
“We’ve Got Something Special for You…”
6. Add emojis (But use them wisely)
Emojis can add visual appeal to your subject line and make it stand out in a busy inbox. However, use them carefully and verify that they are consistent with your brand’s tone and message. If thinking about how to write the best email subject line, then avoid using emoticons excessively, as they might come across as unprofessional or gimmicky.
Example:
“Summer Sale Is Here! Get 30% off.
“A surprise gift just for you.”
7. Emphasise the benefit
Consider the value or advantage of opening the email as this is the email subject line best practices. What is in it for the reader? Whether it’s a discount, an exclusive deal, or useful advice, make sure the advantage is obvious and appealing.
Example:
“Fetch 20% Off Your First Order”
“Free Shipping on All Orders Over $50”
8. Run A/B tests on different subject lines
A/B testing identifies what works best for your target audience. Create two different subject lines and distribute them to small groups of people on your list. In fact, 64% of email recipients open emails based on the subject lines alone. The subject line that works best in terms of open rates should be used for the remainder of your campaign.
9. Utilize Seasonal Trends and Holidays
Aligning your email marketing with holidays or seasonal patterns can increase their relevance and timeliness. Use the subject line to capture interest in a certain event or season.
Example:
” Spooky Deals: 30% Off Halloween Costumes!”
“Black Friday Starts Now – 40% Off Everything!”
10. Ask a question
Questions can be an effective technique for engaging readers by prompting them to consider their own needs and aspirations. It piques people’s interest and urges them to open the email to find the solution. This is another point to consider when writing the best email subject line.
Example:
“Ready for the Best Summer Ever? “
“Need a Wardrobe Upgrade?”
Types of E-commerce Email Subject Lines and Examples
Let’s look at several types of e-commerce emails and the subject lines that work well for them. Here is a list of ways to write the best email subject line.
1. Promotional Emails
E-commerce relies on promotional mailings. These emails provide discounts, specials, or special deals, and the subject line should clearly state the benefit to the consumer.
Examples:
“50% Off Everything – This Weekend Only!”
“Get Your Exclusive Discount Now: 20% Off Sitewide”
“Summer Sale: Buy 1, Get 1 Free on All T-Shirts”
2. Abandoned Cart Emails
According to Hotjar, the open rate for abandoned cart emails is 39.07%, while the average email open rate is 21.33%. These abandoned cart emails urge consumers to finish their purchase and often include an incentive to return. A well-written subject line can rekindle interest and drive people back to your website.
Examples:
“You forgot something!”
“Complete your purchase now.”
“Are you still thinking it over? Here’s 10% off to complete your order.”
“Don’t Miss Out! Your Cart is Waiting.”
3. Welcome E-mails
The welcome email sets the tone for your interactions with new subscribers. It’s your time to create a good first impression and establish your business.
Examples:
“Welcome to our family!” Here’s 10% off your first order.
“Hello and welcome! Discover your exclusive benefits! Thank you for joining us! Claim Your First Order Discount.
4. Back-in-Stock Emails
When popular goods return to stock, use the subject line to spread excitement among consumers.
Examples:
“Your Favourite Product is Back in Stock – Don’t Miss Out!”
“It’s back!”
“Get it before it’s gone again.”
“Great News: The Item You’ve Been Waiting For is Here!”
5. Seasonal or Holiday Emails
As previously said in the email subject lines, best practices, such as seasonal or holiday emails, are an excellent approach to relate your marketing to current events or times of the year.
Examples:
Spring is here! Refresh your wardrobe with 30% off.
“Holiday Gifts Made Easy: 25% Off Everything!”
“Deck the Halls with These Holiday Deals! “
6. Referral Program Emails
If you have a referral program, email marketing is an excellent approach to promote it. A clever subject line will encourage consumers to share the word.
Examples:
“Share the Love: Earn $10 When You Refer a Friend”
“Refer a Friend, and You Both Get 20% Off.”
“Do you know someone who would love us? Invite them and get rewards.”
7. Feedback/Review Requests
Post-purchase emails, comments, or reviews help you build customer connections and provide useful information. Subject lines should emphasize the significance of the customer’s viewpoint.
Examples:
“How was your experience? We’d appreciate your feedback.
“Tell Us What You Think and Get 10% Off Your Next Order”
“Your Opinion Matters – Leave a Review”
Avoid These Subject Line Mistakes
While creating subject lines seems basic, there are several frequent traps to avoid:
Being too vague: Subject lines that are ambiguous or do not provide any genuine value are easily overlooked.
Overpromising: Do not create a promise in your subject line that your email cannot keep. This will annoy your viewers.
Overusing ALL CAPS or excessive punctuation!!!: This might come off as spammy or aggressive, which can result in your email being filtered into the spam folder.
Using Clickbait tactics: While you want to pique people’s interest, make sure your subject line accurately describes the substance of your email. Misleading subject lines can undermine confidence.
Top Email Subject Line Keywords
Selecting powerful and effective keywords in your email subject lines can significantly boost open rates. Here are some powerful and attention-grabbing words:
Exclusive – Generates the impression of special access or inside knowledge.
For instance: “Exclusive Offer Just for You!”
Limit Time Only – Urgency can be an excellent motivator to get recipients to open your emails quickly before missing out.
An example would be “Limited Time Only: 50% Off Your First Order! Take Advantage Now!”
Free – Everyone appreciates something for nothing, so use this approach with caution in order to avoid appearing spammy.
For example: “Get Your Free Guide to Social Media Marketing”.
Urgent: Gives an urgent feel. A good example would be “Urgent! Complete Your Registration Now!”
Now – Suggesting immediacy, using “Now” makes the recipient aware that action must be taken quickly to save big on our latest collection! For instance: “Hurry! Take Advantage Now to Save Big on Our Latest! Our Newest Collection Is Out!”
Reminder – Bring attention to something they may have overlooked or forgotten about, such as: “Reminder: Your Exclusive Discount Ends Today!”
Do Not Miss! – Creates anticipation and spurs action by showing urgency. For example: “Don’t Miss Out on This Limited-Time Offer!”
Discover – Captivates curiosity by offering new information or insights. For example: “Discover the Secrets of Effective Email Marketing”.
Three Extra Tips for Crafting Engaging Email Subject Lines
Here are three additional strategies for writing captivating email subject lines:
Personalize Your Subject Line
Tailoring emails directly to recipients’ needs with personalization will create more effective interactions, increasing engagement by including information like their name or location in the subject line of an email, such as: “John, Your Exclusive Offer Awaits!,” for instance.
Personalizing creates an emotional bond and makes the email feel like one-on-one communication.
Set the Character of the Lines
Email subject lines containing no more than 50 characters tend to perform best since shorter lines are easier for readers and are likely visible across mobile devices. An example would be: “Limited Time Offer to Save 30%!”
Keep it brief to create an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue and compel recipients to open your email.
Testing Your Subject Lines
A/B testing different subject lines can help you discover which ones resonate best with your audience. Aim to test different approaches (urgency vs curiosity) or length variations of subject lines to see which generates the highest open rates.
Conclusion
Writing good email subject lines requires creativity, planning, and an awareness of your target audience. Increase open rates and the effectiveness of your email marketing efforts by keeping subject lines brief, personalizing when feasible, stimulating interest, and emphasizing advantages. Try out alternative email subject lines and best practices using A/B testing, and keep improving your subject lines based on what connects with your audience.
FAQs
1. How long should an email subject line be for optimal results?
To guarantee complete visibility, email subject lines best practices should be less than 50 characters long, particularly on mobile devices. Short, succinct subject lines are more effective since they convey the idea quickly without being cut off. The length can vary based on the email’s content, but it is critical to maintain it clear and concise.
2. How can I improve the open rates of my e-commerce emails?
To boost open rates:
- Use time-sensitive terms such as “Today only” or “Limited time offer” to convey a feeling of urgency.
- Personalize your subject lines using the recipient’s name or previous purchase history.
- Use curiosity-driven language without being deceptive.
- A/B test subject lines to see what works best for your audience.
- Highlight a specific advantage, such as discounts or exclusive offers, that the recipient will find useful.
3. Are emojis useful in email subject lines for e-commerce?
Emojis can be useful in subject lines if used carefully and in accordance with your brand’s tone. They enhance visual appeal, make emails stand out when packed in boxes, and express emotions or seasonal themes (e.g., for gift promos or Halloween sales). Avoid employing them excessively since they might look gimmicky or amateurish if not appropriately chosen.
4. Should I personalize my email subject lines? How can I do that?
Personalization dramatically increases engagement. You can personalize your email subject lines. Here are the best practices for email subject lines.
Please include the recipient’s name (e.g., “John, here’s 20% off just for you!”).
- You are referring to previous actions, such as recent purchases or browsing history (“Your Favorite Item is Back in Stock, Sarah!”).
- Targeting based on preferences is accomplished by sending targeted offers via segmentation.
5. How can I determine which subject lines perform best for my e-commerce campaigns?
Subject lines can be tested using A/B testing (also known as split testing). During A/B testing:
- Create two subject line variants (A and B).
- Send each version to a tiny portion of your email list.
- Determine which version works best based on open rates.
- Use the winning subject line for the remaining recipients.
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