The use of email has steadily increased since 1971 when the first email was sent. According to estimates, there will be over 347 billion emails sent and received daily in 2023. Today, email has become a crucial tool for communication in the fast-paced business world. With inboxes overflowing with messages, making your emails stand out is more important than ever. One key element to achieving this is crafting a clear and concise email subject lines. 

A well-written subject line not only helps your recipients quickly understand the purpose of your email but also increases the likelihood of your message being opened and read. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of good subject lines in business writing, supported by research, best practices, and some examples to help you up your email game.

The Importance of Good Subject Lines

Research has shown that the average office worker receives over 120 emails daily. With this staggering volume, it’s no surprise that a significant percentage of emails go unopened. Research compiled by Campaign Monitor identifies no definitive pattern between subject line length and open rates. However, they recommend keeping email subject lines short and descriptive to ensure recipients quickly understand the email’s purpose and avoid having the subject line cut off in the email client’s preview.

Best Practices

1. Keep it short and sweet: Most email clients display only the first 50-60 characters of a subject line. Aim to keep your subject lines within this range to ensure they are fully visible. Use even shorter email subject lines if your majority audience reads email on their mobile devices since iPhone shows 35-38 characters in portrait mode and Galaxy phones show about 33 characters in portrait mode.
2. Be specific and clear: Clearly state the purpose of your email, avoiding vague or generic phrases. This helps your recipient understand the email’s content and prioritize their response.
3. Use action-oriented language: Encourage your recipient to take action by using verbs that convey a sense of urgency or importance.
4. Personalize where appropriate: Using the recipient’s name or mentioning a previous conversation can make your email more personal and more likely to be opened.
5. Avoid spam triggers: Steer clear of ALL CAPS, excessive punctuation, or words like “free” and “urgent” that may trigger spam filters.

Ideal Length

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, research has shown that subject lines with 6-10 words tend to have the highest open rates. However, the key is to ensure that your subject line is informative and relevant, regardless of length. Remember, the goal is to convey the purpose of your email clearly and concisely.

Examples of Effective Business Subject Lines

1. “Meeting Agenda: Q3 Sales Strategy – July 15th”
2. “Request for Approval: 2023 Marketing Budget Proposal”
3. “Feedback Needed: New Product Launch Presentation”
4. “Invitation: Networking Event – August 10th at 6 pm”
5. “Reminder: Performance Review Submission Deadline – June 30th”

Examples of Effective Subject Lines Between Romantic Partners

These types of interpersonal communication are designed to capture the recipient’s attention, evoke emotion, and convey the purpose of the email in a personal, engaging manner. Notice the emojis at the end of the subject lines. Emojis add a unique, playful touch to your email. Even brands that use emojis in their email subject lines see a 56% increase in unique open rates.

1. “Date Night: Let’s Plan Something Special 🥂💕”
2. “Our Weekend Getaway: Exciting Ideas to Consider 🚗🏞️”
3. “Remembering Our First Date: A Walk Down Memory Lane 🥰”
4. “Sharing Our Bucket List: Dreams and Adventures Awaiting Us 🌍✈️”
5. “Surprise Inside: A Little Something to Brighten Your Day 🎁😊”

Final Thoughts

A well-crafted subject line can make all the difference in ensuring your emails are opened and read by your recipients. By following the best practices outlined in this article and keeping your subject lines clear, concise, and relevant, you’ll increase the effectiveness of your email communications and enhance your professional reputation. So, the next time you hit “send” on that important email, take a moment to consider your subject line – it could be the key to getting your message across.