3 Subject Line Tricks That Actually Work

A great subject line grabs attention, sparks curiosity, and makes readers want to click.

Here are three simple ways to make your subject lines work harder and boost your open rates.

1. Spark Curiosity (Without Clickbait)

The best subject lines make people think, “I need to know more.” You don’t need to give everything away — just enough to make the reader curious.

Example: “The Simple Marketing Trick You’re Probably Overlooking.”

Curiosity drives opens, but honesty keeps trust. Avoid clickbait or misleading promises — your content should always deliver on what the subject line suggests.

2. Keep It Short and Scannable

Most people read emails on their phones, so short subject lines perform better. Aim for 6–9 words or roughly 40 characters. Cut unnecessary words and lead with the key idea.

Example: “3 Quick Fixes for Your Website.”

If it doesn’t fit on a phone screen, it’s too long. Test your subject lines across different devices to make sure they look good everywhere.

3. Personalise When It Matters

Adding a name or specific detail can make your email feel more relevant and timely — but only when it’s genuine.

Example: “Sarah, here’s how to boost your open rate.”

Personalisation works best when it adds value, not just familiarity. Overuse it, and it loses impact. Keep it natural and purposeful.

Why Subject Lines Matter

Your subject line is your first impression — and in a crowded inbox, it might be your only chance to stand out. Spending just a few extra minutes crafting the right one can double your open rate and transform your results.

At The Marketing Eye, we help businesses create smarter, more effective email campaigns that engage and convert. If you’d like to improve your email marketing performance, get in touch with our team today.

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