Email Subject Lines That Get Opened (+ Examples)
You can write the best email in the world, but if the subject line flops, no one reads it. The subject line has one job: earn the open. Here's how to write ones that do. 💖
What makes a subject line work?
- Curiosity — make them need to know more
- Value — promise something useful inside
- Specificity — concrete beats vague
- Brevity — short enough to read on a phone
- Human — sound like a person, not a billboard
Subject line formulas + examples
- ❓ Question: "Making this email mistake?"
- 🔢 Number/list: "3 captions to steal this week"
- 👀 Curiosity: "I almost didn't send this…"
- 🎁 Value: "Your free content calendar is here"
- ⏰ Urgency: "Last chance — closes tonight"
- 💬 Personal: "Quick question for you"
What to avoid
- 🚫 Spammy words (FREE!!!, $$$, "act now")
- 🚫 ALL CAPS and too many emojis
- 🚫 Vague lines like "Newsletter #14"
- 🚫 Over-promising and under-delivering inside
- 🚫 Subject lines so long they get cut off on mobile
Frequently asked questions
How do I write a good email subject line?
Keep it short, specific and curiosity- or value-driven, write like a human, and avoid spammy words and ALL CAPS. Aim for under about 50 characters so it doesn't get cut off on mobile.
How long should an email subject line be?
Short — ideally under about 50 characters — so it displays fully on phones, where most emails are opened. A punchy, specific line beats a long descriptive one.
Do emojis in subject lines help?
A single relevant emoji can help your email stand out, but overdoing it looks spammy and can hurt deliverability. Use them sparingly and only when they fit your brand.
Why are my emails not being opened?
Usually a weak subject line, sending at the wrong time, or list fatigue. Test more specific, curiosity-led subject lines, use the preview text well, and make sure you're delivering real value so people keep opening.
Keep reading 🤍
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