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Email Subject Lines Capitalization Best Practices

Struggling to create catchy and effective email subject lines? Worry no more! We’ve got your back. In the bustling digital realm where inboxes are constantly flooded with new messages, standing out is the name of the game. Here, we’ll unravel the secrets to crafting email subject lines that not only capture attention but also entice readers to click through. With a blend of creativity, strategy, and a sprinkle of finesse, we’ll guide you on a journey to transform your email campaigns. A few simple adjustments can take your emails from the realm of the overlooked to the spotlight of your recipient’s inbox. And the transformation? You won’t believe the difference!

We’ll delve into the nuances of word choice, capitalization, and personalization that make all the difference. Whether you’re promoting a product, sending a newsletter, or simply reaching out to engage your audience, the right subject line is your foot in the door. It’s the first impression, the curtain opener, and your chance to spark a connection.

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Table of Contents

Should I Capitalize My Subject Lines?

Capitalizing subject lines can be a tricky question. They are the first thing recipients see, so it’s important to get it right. It adds professionalism and clarity. Important words or phrases stand out, and this increases the chances of your email being opened. Consistency in capitalization builds trust with your audience.

There are exceptions to the rule of capitalizing the first letter of each word. Title case is used for some subject lines. This means capitalize major words, but leaving articles, prepositions, and conjunctions lowercase unless they are the first or last word. For example, “Important Announcement: Changes to our Services.”

Do not fully capitalize your email subject lines i.e. “LAST CHANCE TO SAVE!” as these can trigger spam filters.

Good Subject Line Formatting and Email Subject Capitalization Best Practices

Email subject lines are key for effective communication. Formatting and capitalizing them correctly greatly impacts the reader’s attention and response rate.

Use Sentence Case Capitalization

It is not necessary to capitalize every word in an email subject line. In fact, it is generally recommended to use sentence style capitalization for email subject lines. This means you would capitalize the first word of the sentence and any proper nouns, while keeping the rest of the words lowercase. There are certain words that should always be capitalized in email subject lines, regardless of their position in the sentence. These include proper nouns (names, locations), acronyms, and the first word of the subject line

This approach is generally seen as more friendly and less formal than title case capitalization. It mirrors the way we communicate in everyday language, making your emails feel more personal and less robotic.

Example: “Get the latest updates on our services”

Some guides suggest capitalizing the first word, nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in subject lines. Stop words, not listed, are only capitalized if they are more than three letters long.

Avoid All Caps

Using all uppercase letters can come across as shouting to your recipients, which is not only off-putting but may also trigger spam filters. This practice can significantly reduce your email open rates as it often is associated with aggressive marketing or spam.

Instead, you can use other techniques like using bold, italics, or adding exclamation marks to make your point.

Example: Instead of “LAST CHANCE TO SAVE!”, use “Last chance to save!”

Keep It Short and Sweet

A concise, straight-to-the-point subject line will more likely capture the recipient’s attention and convey your message effectively. It’s advisable to keep your subject lines between 4 to 7 words. This length is optimal as it prevents your subject line from being truncated on mobile devices, ensuring your audience gets the full picture in the preheader text.

A short subject line is easier to comprehend quickly, which is crucial given the fleeting attention span of email recipients. It also leaves room for curiosity, enticing the recipient to open the email for more information. While it might be tempting to provide more details in the subject line, it’s the intrigue and clarity that often prompt the recipient to explore further. So, when crafting your subject lines, aim for succinctness and clarity, ensuring that each word serves a purpose and contributes to your overall message.

Here are some examples of short and sweet subject lines that are to the point and easy to grasp:

“Flash Sale Today!”
“New Arrivals Await”
“Your Account Update”
“Meeting Reminder”
“Exclusive Offer Inside”
“Winter Collection Live”

Tips for Effective Email Subject Lines

In this section, we’ll unveil a treasure trove of actionable tips that will empower you to compose subject lines that resonate with your audience, spark intrigue, and propel your engagement metrics upward.

Be Mindful of Spam Triggers

Words like “free”, “discount”, or excessive use of exclamation marks can trigger spam filters, causing your emails to land in the spam folder instead of the inbox. Moreover, they can appear salesy and may deter recipients from opening the email.

Reivew these list of spammy words to avoid using.

Personalize Where Possible

Personalization, such as including the recipient’s name or referencing a previous interaction, can grab attention and make the email feel tailored to the individual. It shows that there’s thought and relevance behind the email, increasing the likelihood of engagement.

Example: “John, discover the benefits of our premium membership”

Focus on the Benefit

Showcase the value of your email – make it clear what readers will gain. Create urgency with words that urge action. Personalize subject lines with details or points that your readers may relate to. Avoid cliches – they appear spammy and don’t get noticed.

Start implementing these best practices today. Don’t let your competitors get ahead – seize every chance to stand out. Take action now and see the difference in your open rates!

Keep your email subject line capitalization accurate – you don’t want a grammar-obsessed colleague to reply harshly!

Create Urgency, But Don’t Overdo It

Creating a sense of urgency in your email subject lines is a proven tactic to entice recipients to take action. Phrases like “Limited time offer” or “Last chance” can evoke a fear of missing out, prompting readers to act swiftly. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance to prevent desensitizing your audience with overused urgent phrases.

Utilizing phrases such as “Action Required” or “RSVP by [Date]” can highlight the time-sensitive nature of your content without appearing overly pushy. It’s essential to maintain a tone that resonates with your audience while conveying the urgency subtly.

Moreover, it’s advisable to vary your language and approach to creating urgency. For instance, instead of always using “Last chance,” you might alternate with phrases like “Offer ends soon,” “Hurry, while supplies last,” or “Final hours to save.” This variety keeps your messaging fresh and less predictable, which can help maintain the effectiveness of the urgency you’re trying to create.

Avoid Misleading Language

Misleading subject lines can erode trust and lead to higher unsubscribe rates. It’s essential that the subject line accurately represents the content of the email to maintain a positive relationship with your audience.

Misleading subject lines can also have a detrimental effect on your email deliverability. If recipients frequently mark your emails as spam, email service providers may start directing your emails straight to the spam folder, significantly reducing the chances of your emails being seen, let alone opened.

Here are some examples of misleading subject lines.

False Advertising: Claiming a product can do something it can’t, e.g., “Lose 20 pounds in 2 days!”
Exaggerated Claims: Overstating the benefits or features of a product, e.g., “The world’s best coffee!”
Bait and Switch: Advertising a product at a certain price or feature, then offering a different or inferior product when the customer shows interest, e.g., advertising a high-quality item but then trying to sell a lower-quality item.
Hidden Fees: Not disclosing additional costs upfront, e.g., “Only $19.99!” but with a hidden membership fee.
Misleading Headlines or Subject Lines: Using headlines or subject lines that don’t match the content, e.g., “You’ve won a prize!” when the email is actually about signing up for a contest.

Formatting and capitalization matter. Follow the best practices and watch your communication soar! Be creative and make those subject lines stand out.

Keep It Active

Active voice is your ally in crafting compelling email subject lines. It propels your message forward with energy and clarity, directly engaging your recipients. Here’s how to harness the power of active voice in your email campaigns:

Employ Strong Verbs: Kickstart your subject lines with verbs that evoke action and enthusiasm. Instead of “Discounts on Selected Items Available”, opt for “Snag Your Discounts on Selected Items Now!”

Personalize with Precision: Address your recipients by name and speak directly to them. For instance, “John, Uncover Exclusive Deals Awaiting You!” creates a more engaging and personalized touch compared to a generic “Exclusive Deals Available”.
Be Direct and Dynamic: Cut through the noise by getting straight to the point. “Explore Our New Collection Today!” is direct and invigorating, encouraging immediate action.

Personalize the Subject Line

To make your email stand out and grab the attention of the recipient, personalizing the subject line is essential. Customizing it can establish a connection and encourage the reader to open and engage with your email.

Here are 3 tips to consider when personalizing:

Use the recipient’s name. This adds a sense of familiarity and makes the email more personal. People tend to open emails that address them by name over generic greetings.
Reference previous interactions or interests. If you have talked before or know what they like, mention it in the subject line. This shows you understand their needs and increases their curiosity.
Tailor the language and tone. Adjust it based on the relationship with the recipient. For a formal one, use a professional tone. And, for a more casual one, friendly/humorous language can help create a connection.

Create Curiosity

One of the potent tools in your email marketing arsenal is the ability to spark curiosity with your subject lines. By weaving a veil of intrigue around your emails, you invite recipients on a journey of discovery, urging them to delve into the content that awaits. Here’s how you can master the art of curiosity-inducing subject lines:

Craft Enigmatic Phrases: Employ phrases that hint at hidden knowledge or untapped potential, such as “Unlock the Secrets to…” or “Discover the Untold Story of…”. These phrases beckon readers into a narrative, promising a reward for their curiosity.
Pose Provocative Questions: Questions like “Are You Making These Common Marketing Mistakes?” or “What’s Your Customer Loyalty Score?” prompt reflection and engagement. They also suggest a value in the answers that lie within the email.
Tease Exclusive Insights: Offer a glimpse of exclusive information or special offers, like “Sneak Peek: Upcoming Sale!” or “Exclusive Insights from Industry Experts Inside!”. This creates a sense of exclusivity and urgency.
Utilize Power Words: Incorporate power words that evoke emotion or curiosity. Words like “Unveiled”, “Exposed”, “Secret”, or “Revealed” can be very effective in piquing interest.