In Focus

How to craft irresistible subject lines

Introduction

Anyone with an inbox (or two or three) knows email marketing is big business. It reaches millions each year with offers for newsletters, exclusive deals and solutions to problems you probably didn't even know you had.

By 2013, the number of email marketing messages sent annually is expected to reach a high of 838 billion, according to a July report by Forrester's Julie M. Katz. Despite the low cost and the potential for high returns, Katz warns that by the end of 2009, consumers will have become increasingly immune to marketing pitches sent by email as a result of the high volume of such messages.

Obviously, this all points to one conclusion: You need to set your messages apart. And one of the best ways to do this is through useful and compelling subject lines. Check out these strategies for success, along with real-life examples of subject lines that spurred audiences to action. 

 

Comments

david vallejo
david vallejo December 4, 2008 at 7:43 PM

It's also to point out the difference in strategy when you're email your own database vs a list service.

Marc Munie
Marc Munie December 4, 2008 at 4:42 AM

This is a great article with lots of hints and tips, but the real crux of the matter is in the last paragraph.

Testing is the only true way to know what works, as the saying goes email marketing is not rocket science but it is a science.

I know what you are thinking -" I don't have the time to separate my lists into endless segments" well with PureResponse (www.pure360.com) you don't have to - our unique subject line selector will automatically split test as many subject lines as your wife/work colleagues approves of to a appropriate segment of your database - then select the top performing one for the rest of your campaign.

This way you can afford to be a little more adventurous with your subject lines without fear of effecting your whole campaign.