How to Write Email Subject Lines That Get Clicked [Full Guide + Examples]

A good subject line decides if your email gets opened or ignored. It’s the first thing people see in their inbox. A good one makes them curious. A bad one gets skipped.

One small line can make the difference between success and failure. It has to grab attention in just a few words. There is no second chance. That’s why subject lines matter so much in email marketing.

In this guide, I’ll share how to write email subject lines that people click. You’ll see real examples, easy tips, and common mistakes to avoid in email marketing.

Why Subject Lines Matter?

An email is useless if no one opens it. The subject line is your first and best chance to make that happen. It’s what helps your message stand out in a busy inbox.

People get dozens of emails every day. Many of them are ignored. Your subject line has to compete with other newsletters, promotions, and personal messages. If it doesn’t catch attention fast, your email is gone with a single swipe.

Good subject lines can raise your open rate. Higher opens mean more chances for clicks, sales, or responses. That’s why the most successful email marketers spend time crafting them.

Types of Subject Lines

Not all subject lines work in the same way. Some will make people curious. Others focus on content benefits or demand quick actions. Here are a few headline types:

1. Curiosity-driven – Makes readers wonder what’s inside. Example: “You won’t believe what we found”.
2. Benefit-focused – Tells them what they’ll get. Example: “Boost your sales in 3 days”.
3. Urgency-based – Pushes quick action. Example: “Sale ends tonight”.
4. Question-based – Starts with a question. Example: “Are you making these mistakes?”.
5. Personalized – Uses the reader’s name or details. Example: “John, this offer is just for you”.
6. Clear and Direct – Tell readers exactly what to expect. Example: “Save 20% on Your Next Purchase”.
7. Offering Value – Offers something helpful for readers at no cost. Example: “Free Guide: Grow Your Instagram Followers”.

The correct heading type depends on your email’s audience and goal. Use them wisely to keep your emails fresh and interesting.

How to Write Email Subject Lines That Get Clicked (Step-by-Step)

---

Writing email subject lines that attract more clicks isn’t easy. But with the proper steps, you can do it and boost engagement.

This guide breaks down how to write email subject lines that get clicked, step-by-step.

Whether you’re new to email marketing or want to improve your open rates, these tips will help you reap more benefits from the future campaigns.

Let’s get started!

1. Know Your Audience

Before writing anything, think about who will read your email. Are they business owners, students, or busy parents? Each group responds to different words and styles. Understanding them helps you choose the right tone and focus.

Knowing my audience helps me write email subject lines that grab attention. Think about what they care about and what will make them open your emails.

If you understand their needs and interests, it will be easier to create catchy email subject lines that speak directly to them. Using words that match their language and tone works best.

Avoid generic phrases and focus on clear, inviting messages. This approach helps you write the best email subject lines that boost open rates.

2. Keep It Short

Keep my email subject lines short and sweet. Long subjects get cut off, especially on mobile devices. Most people read subject lines on mobile. That means you get around 40–50 characters before it gets cut off. Shorter lines are easier to scan and remember

When you focus on brevity, my message becomes clearer. This is one of the best email writing tips I use. Short subjects make people curious without overloading them.

Using clear and concise words helps you create catchy email subject lines that get opened. It’s a simple way to improve results and stand out in crowded inboxes.

Learning how to write email subject lines that are brief but effective will boost your open rates. Keeping it short keeps readers interested right from the start.

Examples:
❌ “Check out our amazing new collection of summer shoes”
✅ “New Summer Shoes Are Here”

3. Lead With the Most Important Words

I always lead my email subject lines with the most important words. People often skim their inboxes, so grabbing attention early matters.

Putting key information at the start helps you stand out subject lines. This will make your message clear, even if it gets cut off on small screens.

Using strong, relevant words first creates curiosity and encourages opens. This approach will help you craft catchy email subject lines.

Starting with the most important words helps you create the best email subject lines that get clicked every time.

Examples:
❌ “We have discounts this week”
✅ “Claim Your Discount Today”

4. Add Curiosity Without Being Misleading

Add curiosity to your email subject without misleading subscribers. A little mystery encourages people to open your emails.

Choose words that create interest without promising something you can’t deliver. This will build trust with your newsletter readers.

Creating the best headings means balancing curiosity with honesty. If the subject overpromises, people might feel tricked and stop opening your emails.

Learning how to write email subject lines that are both intriguing and truthful will help you keep your audience engaged. This is one of the best email writing tips that I follow for long-term success.

Examples:

• “You Forgot Something…”
• “This One Trick That Works Every Time”
• “Guess What’s Back?”

5. Use Numbers or Lists

Using numbers or lists in email subject lines grabs attention quickly.

People like knowing what to expect and how much information they’ll get.
Numbers make subjects clear and easy to scan. For example, “5 Tips to Boost Sales” or “3 Secrets to Better Emails.” These formats create curiosity and promise quick value.

I’ve found that adding numbers helps my subject lines get more clicks.
Numbers give readers a reason to click and see what’s inside.

Examples:

• “7 Ways to Save on Groceries”
• “50% Off Ends Tonight”
• “3 Steps to Better Sleep”

6. Test Different Versions

Testing different versions of email subjects will help you find what works best. Create a few subject variations and send them to small groups. Then, check which one gets the most opens.

This approach lets you understand what catches your audience’s attention. Sometimes a slight change in wording or length will bring a big difference.

Trying multiple options helps you write catchy email subject lines that perform well. Gradually, this process will improve your results.

You should avoid guessing and rely on real data. Testing keeps your emails fresh and appealing, ensuring your audience stays interested and clicks more.

Examples:
Version A: “Get 20% Off New Arrivals”
Version B: “New Arrivals: 20% Off for You”

7. Avoid Spam Triggers

Avoiding spam triggers in subject lines keeps your email messages out of the junk folder. Certain words and symbols raise red flags with email filters.

I stay away from all-caps, excessive punctuation, and words like “free,” “urgent,” or “guaranteed.” These words can make your emails seem spammy.

Choosing transparent and honest language helps your email subject lines feel trustworthy. This will boosts open rates and builds a better connection with your readers.

Staying careful with word choice keeps your campaigns effective and readers happy. It will also improve the chances to reach your emails directly in the inbox instead of spam.

Examples:

• ALL CAPS
• Too many exclamation marks
• Words like “Free!!!” or “Make $$$ Fast”

8. Personalize your emails

Personalizing emails makes your email subscribers feel more direct and engaging. Add the recipient’s name in your subject line. This will catch the recipient’s attention and create a connection.

Details like location, past purchases, or interests will help you write subject lines that speak to each reader. It shows you care about them and their needs.

Personalized subject lines tend to get higher open rates. They stand out among dozens of emails and make readers curious.

If you focus on personalization, your emails don’t seem generic or treated like spam. Then, your recipient most likely opens your newsletter.

Examples:

• “John, your order is ready”
• “Maria, we picked these just for you”
• “Your last login was 3 days ago”

9. Ask a question

Using a question in your email subject line is a smart way to improve your open rates. Questions make people pause and think. They will create curiosity, encouraging readers to open your email to answer.

When I write catchy email subject lines, I often include a question to engage readers immediately. This approach feels personal, like you’re starting a conversation.

Ask questions that relate to your audience’s interests or problems. If the question hits a chord, they’ll want to know more.

Examples:

• “Ready to Double Your Sales?”
• “Want More Website Visitors?”
• “What’s Stopping You From Sleeping Well?”

10. Use Time Limits

Adding a time limit to your email subject lines creates urgency. If you use phrases like “Today only” or “Ends tonight,” people feel they need to act fast. This pushes them to open the email before the offer expires.

Include countdowns or deadlines in your best email subject lines that deal with limited-period deals so that you will get quick responses.

Overusing urgency can make your emails feel fake, so use it wisely. Adding an absolute deadline makes your subject lines more powerful and encourages readers to open your email sooner.

Examples:

• “Sale Ends at Midnight”
• “Final Hours to Register”
• “Offer Ends in 3 Days”

11. Add Emojis (But Don’t Overdo It)

Using emojis in your email subject lines beautifies and highlights your message.

However, don’t use too many emojis. It makes your email messy and unprofessional.

Keep emojis relevant to your content. For example, a shopping bag emoji works for sales emails.

Test your subject lines with and without emojis to see which looks best. This balance helps keep your message clear while making it fun.

Examples:

• “🎉 You’re Invited to Our Event”
• “🔥 Hot Deals This Weekend”
• “☕ Free Coffee for Subscribers”

12. Borrow From Other Industries

Looking outside your industry can give fresh ideas for writing email subject lines. Retail, entertainment, and news media use catchy phrases that attract readers.

Borrowing these styles helps you find subject lines that feel new and exciting. For example, urgency tactics from sales emails or curiosity from headline writing can work well in any niche.

Watching trends in different industries boosts your creativity. Using their approaches in your emails keeps content interesting and increases open rates.

13. Learn From Your Best Performers

Analyze your best-performing email subject lines to get new ideas. Check which subject lines get the highest open rates. Then, study what made them work. Was it a question? A number? Or maybe urgency?

Learning from what already succeeds saves time and effort. It helps you write new subject lines that works.

When you find patterns, repeat them with fresh twists. Tracking success also helps you avoid mistakes and weak ideas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Email Subject Lines

---

Email subject lines turn your campaign success or failure. Avoiding common mistakes is key to getting more opens and clicks. Some errors can turn readers away or even land your emails in the spam folder.

In this section, I’ll highlight the common mistakes marketers make while writing email subjects. Knowing what to avoid helps you write better subject lines and improve results.

Let’s look at the common mistakes that hold many emails back.

1. Making Subject lines Too Long

Long subject lines can’t appear fully in inboxes, especially on mobile. If your main point is at the end, readers may never see it. Keep it short and focused.

2. Overusing All Caps and Punctuation

“READ THIS NOW!!!” looks spammy. It can annoy readers and trigger spam filters. Use emphasis sparingly and only where it truly matters.

3. Using Clickbait Without Delivering

If your subject promises something amazing but your email doesn’t deliver, readers will lose trust in you. Later, they’ll stop opening your emails altogether.

4. Being Too Vague

A subject like “Check this out” tells the reader nothing about the content. Give them a reason to click by being specific.

5. Ignoring Your Audience’s Interests

If your readers signed up for marketing tips, sending them subject lines about pet grooming will confuse them. Stay relevant to why they joined your list.

6. Using Too Many Spam-Trigger Words

Words like “Free,” “Win big,” “Lose weight fast,”, “Congratulations,” or “Act now” can send your email straight to the spam folder. Choose natural, conversational language instead.

7. Forgetting to Test

What you think is a great subject line might not work for your audience. Without testing, you’re guessing. A/B testing will give you an idea about subject lines that works.

Final thoughts

Crafting email subject lines that get clicks takes practice. Minor tweaks can increase email open rates and increase your pages’ readers.

Focus on the clear, honest messages to attract clicks. Use power words and numbers. Keep your lines short and point.

Testing different styles helps you find what works best for your audience. Avoid excessive or misleading sentences to build trust.

Each email is an opportunity to connect with your readers and customers. Monitor user clicks and make changes in your strategies accordingly.

Start applying these ideas today and watch your engagement grow. Writing subject lines that grab attention isn’t magic—it’s a skill you can develop. Your audience is ready to click when you give them a reason.

Read 10 Social Media Marketing Tips Small Businesses Can Use Today