Honestly, a client told me my email subject lines were 'boring corporate spam' and I switched to using questions and numbers after that.

Ngl, I started getting a 15% higher open rate when I changed from 'Monthly Newsletter' to things like 'Can this one tip save you $200?' based on their blunt feedback.

3 comments

3 Comments

taraross7d ago

My old boss at a tech startup insisted on using clickbait style questions, but we found they hurt our brand trust over time. The trick @anna491 mentioned with the school newsletter works because it's specific and useful, not just manipulative. We started testing subject lines that state the clear benefit, like "Your Q3 report is ready" versus "What's in your Q3 report?" The straight forward ones actually had better click through rates from our repeat clients.

anna4917d ago

My kid's school newsletter used to have the worst subject lines like "Important Updates." I convinced the PTA president to try "3 Field Trip Changes You Need to Know" and parent engagement shot way up. People just ignore the generic stuff.

phoenix_bailey7d ago

People just ignore the generic stuff" is so true. I used to think you needed flashy questions to get opens, but @taraross is right about straightforward working better for trust. Seeing the real results from a specific subject line like "3 Field Trip Changes" really changed my mind on this.