Email Subject Line Formulas That Get Opened (With Examples)

Your subject line has about three seconds to earn a click. Everything else in your email depends on it. The good news is that you don't have to invent great email subject lines from scratch. Formulas help, and these ten examples cover the five most useful types.

Curiosity subject lines

• "The mistake most people make with [topic]"
• "I didn't expect this result"

Benefit subject lines

• "How to [get result] in [short time]"
• "A simpler way to [do something]"

Urgency subject lines (used honestly)

• "Ends tonight: [offer]"
• "Last chance to join [event]"

Personalized subject lines

• "[Name], a quick question about [topic]"
• "Your [product or plan] is ready"

Win-back subject lines

• "Still want to hear from us?"
• "We've missed you, [Name]"

Beyond the subject line

• Your sender name matters. People open emails from names they recognize.
• Preview text is a second headline. Use it to add a reason to open.
• Keep it short. Many people read on phones, where long subject lines get cut off.
• Test one thing at a time. Try two subject lines on a small part of your list, then send the winner to the rest.

Next steps

Build, send, and track campaigns in Zaap Mail to see which subject lines your audience responds to.