4 Apr 2025 | By - Sudha Mariappan

Email marketing could be an announcement of a sale at your go-to store, or a notice to pick up an item that you've left in your cart online.

Email Marketing is an integral way businesses communicate with us. But the thing is, your email inbox is likely full of messages vying for your attention.

So, how do some emails get noticed when others get ignored?

It begins with the subject line. Think of it as the title of a newspaper. If it's dull, you throw it away. If it grabs you, you open it up.

A great subject line is brief, snappy, and leaves you wanting. It's the first thing you notice, and it determines if you're going to click or delete.

Companies spend lots of time getting it right because email is an inexpensive and influential way to reach someone. With so many companies emailing, the subject line has become their weapon of choice to cut through the noise. It's not about pushing products, it's about reaching out to you on a personal, exciting level.

In this blog, we discuss why email marketing is more crucial than ever before, how businesses leverage it to communicate with consumers, and above all, what the optimal subject lines are that grab your interest.

Read Also: Top 7 Email Marketing Strategies to Improve Your Sales

Why Email Marketing is Becoming Important

Email marketing isn't new, but it's becoming more popular by the day. Why? Because it works. Folks read their emails constantly on their phones, while at work, or even when watching TV.

It's an inexpensive direct connection to customers that reaches them directly in your inbox, where you are most apt to notice them. Companies like it because it's a way to communicate with you without breaking the bank.

Another reason email marketing is so big is that it's personal. Brands can send you messages that feel like they're just for you, like a friend saying hello. They can address you by name, remind you of something you've been looking at online presence, or give you a discount on something you love.

This makes you feel special, and that's a big deal in a world where we're all busy and distracted. In addition, emails don't evaporate like a social media post. They remain there until you open them, providing brands with a greater opportunity to catch your attention.

Here’s a stat to prove it: 59% of people say emails from brands influence their buying decisions. That’s more than half! It shows how much power a good email has.

Businesses know this, so they’re putting more effort into making emails that you’ll actually want to read. With so many ways to connect, like texting or apps, email still stands out because almost everyone has an email address and uses it daily.

Email marketing also allows brands to establish trust. When you send useful advice, news, or special discounts, you become more than an organization in our eyes, you are part of what we do regularly.

It is like receiving a letter from one who understands. That is the reason why email marketing is never going away. It is inexpensive, easy to use, and continues to become better at standing out to me.

How Do Brands Use Email Marketing?

Brands employ email marketing in intelligent ways to reach out to you. It's not about sending you random messages, it's about understanding what you like and when to contact you. Brands use various strategies to send emails in marketing.

One of the ways they do this is by sending welcome messages. When you subscribe to a newsletter or make your first purchase, they send a warm "hello" with a discount or some advice. This makes you feel positive about subscribing and keeps you engaged.

Another trick is to remind you of something you forgot. Ever shop online and add something to your cart, then abandon the website? Companies pay attention to that.

They'll send you an email that says, "Hey, you left this behind!" with a photo of the product. It's a soft reminder to get you back. They may even include a tiny discount to make it more appealing. This is effective because it's personal, and it indicates they're watching what you do.




Brands also send emails to pass on major news, such as a new item or a sale. They'll taunt you with clues or countdowns to create anticipation. For instance, they may email you a week in advance of a sale commencing, and again on the day it goes live. This makes you privy to information and feels like an insider.

They also enjoy sending you birthday emails with a little bonus, such as free shipping or a coupon. It's a tiny thing, but it puts a smile on your face and keeps the brand on your radar.

Then there's the narrative component. There are brands that send you emails describing their history, their customers, or how their products improve people's lives.

These aren't as in-your-face advertisements and feel more like a conversation. They may request your input or present a brief survey so you feel included.

By combining fun, offers, and personal touches, brands make emails worth looking forward to, not another delete-worthy message.

Read Also: How to Write Email Newsletters that People Actually Want to Read

Best Email Marketing Subject Lines to Engage the Audience

Now, let's move on to the best part: the best email marketing subject lines that make your eyes pop out.

These are the short lines that compel you to pause and read an email, even when your inbox is packed with them. An effective subject line is like a hook; it draws you in with a few words.

Brands have experimented with tons of concepts to discover what works, and we're revealing some of the best here. These are straightforward, memorable, and proven to get people to click.

To start, there's curiosity. Subject lines that lead you to question what's within are really powerful. When you notice something like "You won't believe what's waiting for you," your mind craves to know more. It's like a secret you need to figure out. Another is "What's the secret to this?" It alludes to something awesome without revealing too much.
These are effective because they trigger your imagination and make you feel you're missing out if you don't open them.

Then there's urgency. Time's running out, subject lines force you to make a quick move. Like "Last chance: 50% off ends tonight!" is like it or lose it. Don't miss out on a sale, right? Or consider "Only 3 hours left to take this! "—short and gets your heart beating just a little bit faster.

Here's a fact to support this: subject lines that include words like "now" or "limited" can increase open rates by 22%. That's because we don't like feeling like we've missed out on something great. Brands are aware of this and employ it to get you fired up.

Personalization is another champion. When a subject line includes your name or something you're interested in, it feels personalized.
"Hey Sam, this is just for you" is much more thrilling than a run-of-the-mill "Check this out." Brands can also use specifics such as "Your favorite jeans are in stock again" if they have an idea of what you've purchased previously.
It's like they're speaking directly to you, not to a large group.
This makes you more inclined to open since it comes across as personal, rather than random.

Here are some of the best subject lines that combine these concepts:

• "Don't miss this, [Your Name]!" – This is personalization with a dash of urgency. It's like a buddy yelling at you to get moving.
• "Open now for a surprise!" – This one is short and sweet and plays on curiosity. What's the surprise? You have to know.
• "Sale ends at midnight—shop now!" – The countdown creates a sense of urgency. You can almost hear the clock ticking.
• "How did they do this?" – This piques your interest in a story or trick. It's general enough to draw you in.
• "Your exclusive offer expires soon!" – "Exclusive" makes you feel special, and "expires soon" creates urgency.

Deals and offers are also enormous. Subject lines such as "20% off today only" or "Free gift on your next order" are impossible to resist. Who doesn't enjoy saving money or receiving something free?
Brands accompany these with "today" or "now" to get you to act fast. Another entertaining one is "Steal this offer before it's gone!" It's light-hearted but still compels you to click.

Then there's the emotional connection. Phrases such as "You deserve this treat" or "Tough day? We've got you" get you in touch with your emotions. They get you to perceive the email as a hug or a treat rather than a sales pitch. Brands could use "Congratulations, you've earned this!" to make you feel proud and wonder what's inside. These succeed because they speak to you on an emotional level.

Humor can stand out, Adding humor in email copies helps like anything. "Oops, we made too many!" or "Don't tell your boss about this deal" is a playful, tongue-in-cheek feel. It's a break from the same old serious thing in your email box, so you notice it. Brands that understand their people can get away with this without being too goofy.

Lastly, questions are a subtle trick to get you. "Ready for something new?" or "Did you see this yet?" gets you thinking and reacting, even if it's just mentally. It's as if the email is opening up a dialogue, and you want to get in on the conversation.

The most effective subject lines combine these stunts: curiosity, urgency, personalization, offers, emotions, humor, or questions. They're brief, straightforward, and elicit emotion. Brands subject them constantly to determine what sticks, and those are the ones that stand out.

Conclusion
Email marketing is all about grabbing your attention, and the subject line is the most important part. A good one can transform a disregarded email into a must-read. We've observed how curiosity, urgency, and personal touches get you to click, and deals and feelings keep you engaged. Brands do this trickery because it works; email is still the best way to get to you.

The next time you see a tempting subject line, you'll know why it stopped you in your tracks. Give these concepts a try if you send an email, or simply enjoy seeing them in your inbox. It's a short line with a big impact!

Want to have a great email marketing strategy? Connect with us at info@ontogendigital.com for your personalized email campaigns, and for more blog updates.

FAQs

1. Why do subject lines matter so much?
A: They’re the first thing you see. A good one makes you open the email; a bad one gets deleted.

2. What’s the best length for a subject line?
A: Short is best—around 6-10 words. It’s quick to read and fits on your phone.

3. Do emojis help in subject lines?
A: Yes, sometimes! They can make it fun, but don’t overdo it or it might look spammy.

4. How do brands know what I like?
A: They track what you buy or click on to send emails that match your interests.

5. Can I use these subject lines for my emails?
A: Absolutely! Test them out and tweak them to fit your style.