Unique, Eye-Catching Subject Lines: 20 Examples to Get Your Emails Opened

If we listen to online business experts, email marketing is one of the most effective ways to sell today.

Your subscriber list, that is, the people who have freely given you their details because they’re interested in your content, your articles, your services and your business proposals, could be the opportunity to win customers by email that you’ve been waiting for.

If you put time and effort into creating attractive newsletters that are well structured, with unique, eye-catching subject lines, calls to action where they belong, and content that’s interesting and useful for your subscribers, it would be a shame if those subscribers didn’t open the email you send them because the subject line didn’t grab their attention.

That’s why in this article I want to give you 20 ideas for unique subject lines, with examples, so you can write irresistible subject lines for your subscribers, send your email open rates soaring and get them closer to the 100% everyone dreams of

What Are Unique Subject Lines in Email Marketing?

In email marketing, unique, eye-catching subject lines are essential for capturing the recipient’s attention and increasing your email open rate.

When writing these subject lines, it’s important to think about your audience and what would interest them or catch their eye the most. Testing different approaches and measuring the results can also help you discover which kinds of subject lines work best for your specific campaign.

8 Key Tips for Writing Unique Subject Lines

If we look at the statistics, they tell us that email marketing has been skyrocketing in recent years and that open rates for commercial emails have risen by 80% over the last three years.

That’s because, on the one hand, subscribers are willing to receive information from the companies they follow; and on the other, the subject lines being used are increasingly well researched to get the desired result: making whoever receives the email feel an irresistible urge to open it and read its content.

That’s why it’s so important to create unique subject lines, so that each email has an easier path to conversion:

1) You Have a Few Seconds to Make an Impact

It’s estimated that recipients take about two seconds to read the subject line and decide whether to open the email or send it to the trash.

So whatever you write there must be striking, concise, genuine and interesting for the person receiving the email.

2) Think Short and Direct

Another thing to keep in mind is the use of mobile devices. Most of us have email apps on our phones, so the subject line should contain very few words so that it displays properly on phones and doesn’t get cut off halfway.

For the same reason, structure what you write so that the most important part appears at the start of the sentence.

As you can see, the subject line is as important in email marketing as the title you give your articles, because it’s what makes your readers read it or skip it.

3) Take as Much Time as You Need

Give this the time it deserves, so your email open rates reach levels you never dreamed of before.

4) Brevity and Clarity

The best email subject line is short and clear.

Try to keep it between 30 and 50 characters, since many email clients cut off longer subject lines.

Make sure the subject line gets the main idea of the email across in a concise, easy-to-understand way.

5) Use Keywords and Numbers

Include relevant keywords and numbers in the subject line to capture the recipient’s attention and highlight the content of the email.

Numbers can help highlight statistics, promotions or offers, while keywords can sum up the main topic of the email.

6) Personalization and Relevance

The best email subject line is personalized and relevant to the recipient.

Use the recipient’s name, location or information about their interests to build a personal connection and show that the content of the email matters to them.

7) Create Urgency or Curiosity

Grab recipients’ attention by creating urgency or sparking their curiosity.

Use words and phrases that convey the idea that the content of the email is valuable, exclusive or available for a limited time.

You can also ask questions or pose riddles that encourage the recipient to open the email to find out more.

8) Avoid Words and Phrases Considered Spam

To make sure your email subject line isn’t marked as spam, avoid words and phrases that can trigger spam filters.

For example, avoid terms like “free”, “offer” or “discount”, and don’t overuse exclamation marks or question marks.

And to help you get there, I’m going to give you some ideas you can adapt to your business’s niche and the content of your emails. Let’s get started.

Tailor Your Unique Subject Lines to Different Subscriber Segments

To get the most out of your email subject lines, it’s essential to tailor them to your different audiences and subscriber segments.

This ensures your emails are relevant and appealing to each specific group, boosting your open and click rates.

Segmentation is essential for personalizing your email marketing campaigns.

By dividing your subscribers into groups based on factors such as demographics, interests, behavior and level of engagement, you can create email subject lines that speak directly to their needs and interests.

How Do You Tailor Subject Lines to Each Segment’s Specific Needs and Interests?

When tailoring your email subject lines to different subscriber segments, keep these tips in mind:

• Use language and a tone that suit each segment. For example, if you’re targeting a group of young people, you could use a more informal, conversational style than you would with a segment of professionals.
• Address each group’s specific needs and interests. For example, if you have a segment of subscribers interested in money-saving tips, you could focus your subject lines on exclusive deals and discounts.
• Include keywords or phrases that are relevant to each segment. This will help capture your subscribers’ attention and highlight why the email is relevant to them.

20 Unique, Eye-Catching Subject Line Examples to Get Your Subscribers to Open Your Newsletters

I’ll try to be as specific as possible when writing these subject lines, but you’ll need to adapt them to the content of your newsletters.

Writing something generic that has little or nothing to do with the content of the email won’t get you anywhere.

That way, your subscriber will open the email, feel let down and never open anything from you again. So, I’ll say it again: adapt the examples I give you to your own content.

Personalize them!

1. “Would you like to get…?”

Happiness, fame, fortune, friends, customers, etc. Starting with a question that also sparks the recipient’s desire is always a good option.

One example could be: “Would you like to hire my professional services?” That is, if your newsletter offers your professional services.

Don’t give in to the temptation of writing something generic and unachievable (lots of people do).

Something like “Want to be a millionaire? I’ll show you how”.

Whenever I get an email with that subject line, I picture the person who wrote it in a run-down hovel, stealing the neighbor’s Wi-Fi on an ancient computer they got from their town’s social services.

2. “Today only…”

This creates the urgency to take action so as not to miss out on the opportunity. Either you open the email now or you miss the chance to get valuable information, special offers, discount coupons, etc.

The more time you give subscribers to think, the less chance you have of them opening the email.

Saying “Today only, until 7 p.m. only” is not the same as “This year only, until December 31 only, this summer only”

As you can see, if I have until December 31 to take advantage of the offer, I’ll open the email when I have time, if I ever remember to open it at all.

But it also happens with phrases that cover a shorter period: “this week only”, “for the next two weeks only”, etc. The more time you give the recipient, the less urgency they’ll feel to open the email, and the less likely they are to open it after a few days, weeks or months…

3. “Get…”

Starting the sentence with a verb that calls for action usually gets the recipient to take action. As long as the rest of the sentence makes an impact.

Compare: “Get more customers by boosting your visibility with my professional services”.

With: “Get to lose your health or even your life by giving me all your money”.

Action verbs are very important, as they’re the first word the subscriber will read. But the rest of the sentence still needs to make an impact to get the result we want from that email.

Other action verbs: create, share, learn…

4. “Reasons why…”

A good way to convince people to do something is to give them reasons to do it.

“Reasons to open this email: you’ll gain more visibility with your customers”

If you combine this type of subject line with another type, such as numbers, you’ll have an even better chance:

“5 reasons to open this email:”

5. “Numbers”

Our minds subconsciously respond much better to numbers and figures. That’s why starting a subject line with a number gives the reassurance that what follows is true and trustworthy:

“5 reasons to trust my professional services/products”

“10 benefits of shopping at my online store”

6. “Statistics”

We trust statistics almost instinctively. So using that to our advantage will always increase our open rate.

But even though we instinctively trust statistics, my advice is to cite the reliable source behind the figure, either by saying which company reports it or even by linking to it.

Phrases such as: “80% of my customers increase their income“, “3 out of 4 visitors to my website become customers“

Just make sure the statistics are trustworthy and the data has been verified. If it sounds like a lie, you’ll be down one subscriber.

7. “Call the Subscriber by Name”

Everyone knows that bulk emails to subscribers aren’t personalized for each subscriber, but starting the subject line with the recipient’s name always grabs more attention.

Something like: Hi John Doe, I made this for you

Andrea, I think you’re going to love this

If your database isn’t very large and it’s perfectly segmented by topics of interest, it’s easy to add the recipients’ names one by one before sending the emails. It’s also very important to keep an eye on your email frequency, since sending too often or not often enough can mean failing to connect with your customer.

If your database is very large, you’re sure to find an email sending tool that fits your needs and budget and gives you this personalization option.

8. “How to…?”

Teaching people how to do something, how to use something, how to get the most out of something… is always a good option:

How to make a living writing about what you love

How to use our product to get the most out of it

How to save money by hiring our professional services

With this formula, the possibilities are endless. It’s almost easier to create a list of these kinds of subject lines first and then write the newsletter to go with them.

If you spend a few minutes thinking about what you or your company can offer your customers or potential customers, I’m sure you’ll come up with 10 or 12 How to… subject lines

9. Name the Product or Service

When you’re a company or a professional with a well-established reputation, you can use that fame in your subject lines.

Imagine a bulk email from Coca-Cola telling its subscribers about its new Licorice Cola, for example. In the subject line, it can include its name so that the recipient trusts it and opens it:

Coca-Cola wants to tell you about its new Licorice Cola

Mercedes-Benz invites you to the launch of its new model

I’ll manage your social media and launch your business into cyberspace

What makes these subject lines work is the fame of the company or the product/service. You should test them to see what effect they have on your subscribers but, first, you need to be known and recognized.

10. “Tips for…”

This type of subject line is related to the one I put at number 8 on the list.

It’s about showing users tips, shortcuts, little-used buttons… any feature of your item or product that gives it an edge:

Tips to get the most out of your new car/motorcycle

3 tips to get ahead of your competitors

10 tips to make your recipes tastier with our food processor

As you can see, tips go really well with numbers, another type of subject line we covered at number 5 on this list.

11. Using Emojis

The idea here is to make your subject line more visual. You can use any of the 10 types of subject lines we’ve covered so far and add emojis related to them.

The idea here is to make your subject line more visual. You can use any of the 10 types of subject lines we’ve covered so far and add emojis related to them.

You can replace specific words with pictures of those words. If you need to write the word camera, use the camera emoji; if you’re talking about cars, a car emoji.

That way you achieve two things. First, you make the message more visual and eye-catching; second, you create a little puzzle the recipient has to solve:

Today only: 3 ways to multiply your 💵 with your phone

How to keep your 🌷 from dying in the summer sun

12. Forbid It

Psychologists talk about the thrill of the forbidden. All it takes is for something to be forbidden for us to want to do it.

Don’t open this email, you might benefit from it.

Don’t open this email if you want things to stay the way they are

Whatever you do, don’t read this newsletter

It’s a marketing strategy that, as long as you don’t overuse it, can bring you a great open rate.

13. “Can I ask you…?”

Addressing your subscriber and asking them a direct question leads them to make an immediate decision: either they help you or they don’t.

If you can frame the question as needing their advice or their personal or professional opinion…, you’ll have them opening your email and eager to answer that question.

How’s our product working out for you?

Can I ask you something?

Could you help me with this?

Human nature is inherently good and curious. Normally, if answering a simple question helps someone, you’ll answer that question.

They’re not asking you for money, you don’t have to work yourself to death for free, you don’t need to invest a lot of time…

14. Exclamation Marks

A good way to “dress up” the message is to use exclamation marks. They convey urgency, energy, joy…

Buy before the promotion ends!

10 profitable business ideas. Start making money now!

It’s a classic, effective way to grab the reader’s attention.

15. Expert Opinions

Opinions from recognized experts in the field are always good for building trust. If Fernando Alonso said one car model drives better than another because he’s tried them both, would you believe him?

The problem with this type of subject line is that it has to be true and easy to prove; otherwise you’ll come across as a liar and a snake-oil salesman.

It could look something like this:

10 experts say our product is good

Here’s what the 10 most famous chefs think of our cuisine

16. Real Testimonials

Hearing someone just like you share their opinion of a product or service they’ve already tried before you is always reassuring.

It’s not one of the subject lines with the highest open rates, but it’s still effective, despite having been heavily used (too heavily) in the past

John Doe shares his experience at our facilities

Our valued customer Ana wants to tell you about her experience with our product

Testimonials must be real, from real people, giving their personal opinion… Otherwise you’ll be telling a tall tale that very few people will believe.

17. Appeal to Scarcity

Nobody feels an urgent need to buy when there’s plenty of product available on the market.

But when there are only a few units left of something you’re somewhat interested in (that’s why you gave your details to be kept informed)…

Last 5 units available.

Special offer ends in two days

You can’t always use this type of subject line, but when it fits your email marketing strategy, be sure to use it.

18. World First

A very difficult subject line, but an effective one, for people who always want to be up to date and get the newest thing.

It doesn’t have to be a world first; it can be national, regional, local… The point is that it’s new and you offer it first to a select group of people.

We’re offering this exciting new release to you first

We’re the first to have it and we’re offering it to you first

19. Explain the Benefits, Not the Product

We often aren’t aware of the benefits of using a product or service. We focus on its features but not on the benefits of using it.

A great way to sell is to look like you’re not selling, and explaining the benefits of a given product in the subject line can make people more inclined to buy it. Chances are they’ll get curious and open the email. Which is the whole point.

Free time for you and your family

Fewer worries in your business’s day-to-day

20. Humor

Not every company is willing to use humor in its digital marketing strategy. But humor sold, sells and will keep selling. Take it from someone from Cádiz, who never loses their sense of humor

You don’t have to be a clown, just a little funny now and then.

Sex, lies and our social media management

Third time’s the charm: you’ll end up hiring our courier services

Email marketing works wonders if you nail your subject line

Eye-Catching Subject Lines by Type of Email

A good subject line depends on what you’re sending. Here are some ideas to adapt to your business:

If you want to know more about how to write the subject line, how long it should be and which words to avoid, read our post on the email subject line.

The best subject line isn’t guessed, it’s tested. With an A/B test, you send two subject lines to part of your list, and the version with the most opens goes to the rest.

Benefits of Unique Subject Lines in Email Marketing for Your Business

Creating unique subject lines for your emails has many benefits that can have a positive impact on your email marketing campaign.

Here are some of the most important benefits:

Higher Open Rate

An eye-catching, unique subject line grabs the recipient’s attention and motivates them to open the email, increasing your email open rate.

Better Engagement

Creative, relevant subject lines can generate more interest and curiosity, leading to greater engagement with the email’s content.

Standing Out from the Competition

In a world full of emails, a unique subject line helps you stand out and set yourself apart from other emails competing for the recipient’s attention.

Sparks Curiosity

Intriguing subject lines can spark the reader’s curiosity, prompting them to open the email to find out more.

Higher Conversion Rate

By increasing the open rate and engagement, you also increase the likelihood that the recipient will take the desired action, whether that’s a purchase, a subscription or any other conversion.

Strengthens Your Brand

Creative subject lines that are consistent with your brand voice can strengthen your brand identity and leave a positive impression on recipients.

Lower Bounce Rate

Relevant, appealing subject lines can reduce the bounce rate, since recipients will be more inclined to read the email’s content instead of marking it as spam or deleting it.

Building Anticipation

A good subject line can build anticipation and excitement around your products or services, preparing the reader for the message that follows.

Segmentation and Personalization

Subject lines that are personalized and segmented according to the recipient’s behavior and preferences can significantly increase the email’s relevance, which in turn improves the effectiveness of your campaign.

Feedback and Analysis

Testing different subject lines can give you valuable insight into what resonates best with your audience, allowing you to adjust and optimize your future campaigns.

Conclusion on Unique Subject Lines

I think I’ve given you more than enough reasons and examples to convince you by now that your marketing strategy should include sending bulk emails to your well-segmented, well-organized subscriber database.

This isn’t an exact science, which is what makes it complex, so you’ll need to keep testing the different examples I’ve given you to see which one goes down best with your subscribers.

Over time, you’ll see that some types work better for you than others. That will be the moment to perfect your subject lines and get closer to the 100% open rate everyone dreams of.

When you get close to that figure, let me know, I’d love to hear about it 😉

You can also try out these email ideas with us: sign up for Mailrelay and enjoy your free account to send emails to up to 20,000 contacts!