Subject Lines and Preheaders: The First Impression

Subject Lines and Preheaders: The First Impression

September 17, 20242 min read

"On average, 8 out of 10 people will read your headline copy, but only 2 out of 10 will read the rest." - BRIAN CLARK

Subject Lines and Preheaders: The First Impression

Subject Lines and Preheaders: The First Impression

The subject line and preheader are the first things your recipients see in their inbox. They're your golden opportunity to grab attention and entice them to open your email. Let's dive into the art of crafting compelling subject lines and preheaders.

The Power of the Subject Line

A strong subject line is crucial for getting your email noticed. Here are some key tips:

  • Be Clear and Concise: Clearly communicate the email's purpose without being overly wordy.

  • Create Curiosity: Spark interest by asking a question, teasing a benefit, or using intriguing language.

  • Use Strong Action Verbs: Start your subject line with action-oriented verbs to create urgency.

  • Personalization: Include the recipient's name or other relevant information for a personal touch.

  • A/B Testing: Experiment with different subject lines to see what resonates best with your audience.

The Importance of Preheaders

The preheader, often referred to as the preview text, is the short snippet of text that appears after the subject line. It's your chance to expand on the subject line and provide additional context.

  • Complement the Subject Line: Reinforce the message of your subject line and provide more details about the email's content.

  • Create Urgency: Use the preheader to create a sense of urgency or scarcity.

  • Include a Strong Call to Action: Encourage recipients to open the email by using a compelling CTA.

  • Optimize for Mobile: Ensure your preheader looks good on mobile devices.

Best Practices for Subject Lines and Preheaders

  • Keep it Short: Aim for subject lines around 50 characters and preheaders around 70 characters.

  • Use Strong Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords to improve deliverability.

  • Avoid Spam Triggers: Steer clear of excessive exclamation points, all caps, or spammy language.

  • Test Different Options: Experiment with various subject lines and preheaders to find what works best for your audience.

  • Personalization: Use dynamic content to personalize subject lines and preheaders based on recipient data.

Examples of Effective Subject Lines and Preheaders

  • Subject: Free Shipping on Your First Order!

    • Preheader: Enjoy free shipping on your first purchase. No coupon code needed.

  • Subject: Is Your Email Marketing Working?

    • Preheader: Discover the secrets to boosting your email open rates.

  • Subject: You're Invited: Exclusive Sale

    • Preheader: Get early access to our biggest sale of the year.

By mastering the art of subject lines and preheaders, you can significantly increase your email open rates and drive more conversions. Remember, these elements work together to create a compelling first impression, so optimize them for maximum impact.

Founder, KGT Agency and The Entrepreneurial Mom Collective

Kate Getchell-Tiffany

Founder, KGT Agency and The Entrepreneurial Mom Collective

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