Web Site Promotion

Dos and Don'ts for Email Subject Lines

Using the address lines appropriately is important, but so is using the subject line effectively. The better your subject line, the better the chance that your e-mail message will be read. The subject line is the like the cover of a book. The impression your readers get from the subject line plays an important role in whether your message gets read. With that in mind, we've got some Dos and Don'ts for you:

DO make your subject line as specific as possible. If you're replying to someone's e-mail, use their subject line with whatever clarification is necessary.
DON'T use generic subject lines like "Your phone call," "The information you requested," or "What we were talking about." Those subject lines used to be okay, but more and more spammers are using them.
DON'T make subject lines to long-generally no longer than about 10 words.
DON'T USE ALL CAPITAL LETTERS OR EXTRA AMOUNTS OF PUNCTUATION IN YOUR SUBJECT LINE!!!!!????????
DON'T use a misleading subject line. If you're sending out a press release, don't use the subject line of "Your phone call." This will damage your credibility and possibly get your e-mail address tossed into somebody's e-mail filter so they never see any more of your e-mail messages.
DON'T leave the subject line blank. That's like having a book with a blank cover. Make sure your subject line says something, even if it's just a basic "My feelings on xyz."
DO learn how to use informal subject lines for business. The real trick to many business relationships is to change them from formal to informal. There are so many stodgy, formal, boring business communications that one that reads smoothly and easily can stand out-but this only works if you can write well!
DO make sure your spelling and grammar are correct.
DO make sure your subject line is compelling, interesting, and screams out, "Open this e-mail!"