The goal is to write great subject lines that engage your readers and get your emails opened — Here’s what you should consider when trying to write open-worthy subject lines for noisy inboxes in today’s digital landscape. Keep it short: Subject lines should be as short as possible, but still contain enough information to get your message across. Knowing which email clients your subscribers use can be helpful, but this isn’t always possible. Keep in mind that mobile apps like Gmail will generally cut off anything after 40 characters unless the reader drags the notification down to expand the info.

Segment your audience: Do not send the Industry Email List same generic subject line to your entire list. Instead, segment your list by different demographics or behaviors to create more relevant email subject lines for unique groups. This segmentation with your email subject lines should definitely help boost your open rates. Get personal: People expect personalized content. Beyond using each subscriber’s name, the best subject lines for open rates are crafted by using unique information you’ve collected about locations or interests. This information should be that which your subscribers have openly shared with you, directly to you — zero-party data.

Be specific, yet concise: Which email are you more likely to open? “Yum, mac and cheese” or “Yum, bacon and white truffle mac and cheese.” People aren’t going to take the time to wonder if your email might interest them. Let them know what’s inside right away by getting specific with your subject line. Use language that evokes action: Make your proposition clear from the beginning — how do you want your readers to take action? What do you want them to do? Eat, shop, donate, wear, relax, listen? Use verbs that help readers visualize themselves taking action. However, make sure to avoid spam words.