Imagine ... you’re sitting at your desk, coffee in hand, staring at an inbox flooded with unread emails. Some are from colleagues, others from clients, and a few from strangers hoping to grab your attention. Your finger hovers over the delete button as you skim through subject lines - "Meeting reminder," "Quick question," "Follow-up."
Then, one catches your eye: "Karin, I’ve got a game-changing idea for you."
Suddenly, you’re intrigued. That email gets opened first. Why? Because the subject line did its job, it grabbed your attention and made you want to read more.
Now, let’s be honest: how many emails do you ignore every day because the subject line just didn’t pull you in? Exactly. And that’s why crafting a killer subject line isn’t just important, it’s everything. It’s the difference between your email being read or lost in the digital chaos.
Why the Subject Line is Your Secret Weapon
I’ve spent years writing, pitching, and coaching, and one thing I’ve learned is this: don’t underestimate the subject line!!! It might make all the difference between your email being read or not read. Think of it like the headline of a newspaper, if it’s boring, nobody buys the paper. If it’s gripping, people stop and take notice.
Take job applications, for example.
Which email would you open first?
"My application for the job as German Translator"
"10 Reasons why you should hire ME as your German Translator"
I’ve always used the second version because it sparks curiosity. It makes the reader think, "Hmm, what are these 10 reasons?" And just like that, they’re hooked. This strategy has helped me land clients for writing, translating, coaching, and speaking gigs, because it works.
10 Concrete Ways to Write Subject Lines That Demand Attention
Let’s have a closer look at some real-world examples so you can see exactly how to make your emails impossible to ignore.
1. Personalisation Wins Every Time
✅ Good: "John, I’ve got a quick win for your business"
❌ Bad: "Opportunity for growth"
Why it works: Using someone’s name instantly makes the email feel personal. I do this very often. Name first, then a compelling hook. It makes the recipient feel valued, not like they’re just another name on a mailing list.
2. Spark Curiosity (But Don’t Be Vague)
✅ Good: "The one mistake killing your website conversions"
❌ Bad: "Tips for better conversions"
Why it works: People can’t resist finding out if they’re making a mistake. It’s human nature!
3. Use Numbers for Scannability
✅ Good: "3 proven strategies to double your open rates"
❌ Bad: "Ways to improve email marketing"
Why it works: Numbers create structure, they tell the reader exactly what to expect.
4. Create Urgency (Without Being Pushy)
✅ Good: "Last chance: Your exclusive invite expires tomorrow"
❌ Bad: "Invitation to our event"
Why it works: Fear of missing out (FOMO) is real. If people think time is running out, they’ll act.
5. Ask a Thought-Provoking Question
✅ Good: "Are you making these 5 LinkedIn mistakes?"
❌ Bad: "Improving your LinkedIn profile"
Why it works: Questions engage the brain. The reader can’t help but wonder, "Am I making those mistakes?"
6. Offer a Clear Benefit
✅ Good: "How to save 5 hours a week with this simple trick"
❌ Bad: "Productivity tips"
Why it works: People want to know what’s in it for them. Spell it out.
7. Keep It Short & Punchy
✅ Good: "You’re invited (and it’s free!)"
❌ Bad: "We would like to extend an invitation to our upcoming complimentary
webinar"
Why it works: Short subject lines get read faster, especially on mobile.
8. Use Power Words
✅ Good: "Your secret weapon for crushing Q4"
❌ Bad: "Planning for next quarter"
Why it works: Words like secret, crushing, game-changer add excitement.
9. Make It Sound Exclusive
✅ Good: "For your eyes only: A special offer just for you"
❌ Bad: "New deals available"
Why it works: Everyone loves feeling like they’re getting VIP treatment.
10. Be Unexpected
✅ Good: "Oops! Did you forget this?"
❌ Bad: "Friendly reminder"
Why it works: Surprise stops people in their tracks.
11. Postponing a Meeting
✅ Good: "Alex, can we reschedule? Proposing new times!"
❌ Bad: "Meeting change"
Why? Using their name + a solution ("proposing") shows respect for their time.
12. You Chasing Client for Payment
✅ Good: "Just a nudge: Your invoice from [Date] is pending 😊"
❌ Bad: "Payment reminder"
Why? "Just a nudge" keeps it friendly, while specificity ([Date]) shows professionalism.
13. Company Announcing New Hire
✅ Good: "(Name), we love having you aboard as our (job position)! 🎉
❌ Bad: "New team member"
Why? Celebration + clarity builds connection instantly.
Final Tip: Test, Tweak, Repeat
Not every subject line will work for every audience. I’ve found that A/B testing (sending two different versions to small groups before a big send) helps me see what resonates. Sometimes, a tiny tweak - like adding an emoji (sparingly!) - can boost open rates.
Your Turn, Go and Grab Their Attention!
Next time you write an email, pause before hitting send. Ask yourself: Would I open this? If not, rework it. Be bold, be intriguing, and most importantly, make it about them, not you.
Now, go forth and write subject lines that demand to be opened. Because in a world drowning in emails, yours deserves to be read.
If you know someone who might find this helpful, don’t keep it to yourself—please share it.
You never know how much of a difference it could make in someone’s life.
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