{"id":44561,"date":"2022-03-07T14:15:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-07T19:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.litmus.com\/?p=44561"},"modified":"2025-11-05T12:48:06","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T17:48:06","slug":"subject-line-tests-and-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.litmus.com\/blog\/subject-line-tests-and-tips","title":{"rendered":"Subject Line Tests and Tips You Haven\u2019t Tried"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t
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Subject line tests can help you get a better understanding of how to capture attention and cut through inbox clutter, but the \u201crules\u201d around what separates a winning subject line from a loser aren\u2019t so cut and dry.<\/p>\n

Read on to learn some of the subject line insights recently offered up by own Senior Email Marketing Manager, Jaina Mistry, on Constant Contact\u2019s \u201cGet More Opens With Great Subject Lines\u201d webinar<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t underestimate your \u201cFrom\u201d line<\/h2>\n

Your subject line helps convince your audience to open your email, but your focus should be broader than that single line of text – it should be part of a cohesive lifecycle marketing<\/a> strategy that engages subscribers at every touchpoint. According to Constant Contact, 45% of email subscribers will open an email simply based on who they think it\u2019s from.<\/p>\n

Make sure your \u201cFrom\u201d line is clearly recognized and trusted by your subscribers. In some cases, that may mean you need to include both a sender first name and your company name; in others, the company name might suffice. (A\/B testing<\/a> approaches in your \u201cFrom\u201d line is always an option, too!)<\/p>\n

Make your preview text and subject line partners<\/h2>\n

This bit of copy should be thought of as an extension of your subject line\u2013and the two elements should work together symbiotically. Avoid using repetitive messages or phrases in your subject line and preview text<\/a>, which follows it.\u00a0 Think of how they\u2019ll look in the inbox and write them to support one another.<\/p>\n

Know your audience<\/h2>\n

Constant Contact recommends sticking to subject lines that are seven words or less when emails are opened on a mobile device, but there isn\u2019t a universally ideal length. Start by digging into where your audience is opening their emails, and conduct subject line tests<\/a> to see what length gets the most engagement.<\/p>\n

Prioritize the \u201cwhy\u201d<\/h3>\n

When brainstorming subject lines, think about why<\/i> the reader should open your email. For example, the subject line \u201cMarch newsletter\u201d addresses the what<\/i>, but says nothing about why they should read it.<\/p>\n

Experiment with subject line tests to hone in on creative approaches that work best for your audience. But remember an effective subject line doesn\u2019t have to be outrageous or clever. \u201cWe have very straightforward subject lines in our newsletter, Litmus News.<\/a> In the entire subject line, we summarize the key pieces of content in the newsletter, and it works very well. Our audience knows exactly what they are going to get when they open it,\u201d says Mistry.<\/p>\n

The more you test, the more primed you are to make an impact during high-stakes seasons, like the holidays. Leading up to your big holiday, Cyber Monday, or Black Friday email campaigns<\/a>, experiment with a range of subject lines so you’re taking your best step forward. Look for inspiration in your own inbox, on Really Good Emails<\/a>, or dive into\u00a0these Black Friday email subject lines <\/a>to get ideas flowing.<\/p>\n

Update subject lines for non-openers<\/h3>\n

If you are resending the same email to try to engage subscribers that didn\u2019t open the first time, write a new subject line and update the preview text. They may have simply overlooked your email, but something about your message didn\u2019t capture their attention the first time around. Try a new tactic with your copy (whether tone, length or message) that might make them want to read the second time around.<\/p>\n

Brainstorm fresh subject line ideas<\/h3>\n

Subject line tests can help you continuously learn what gets the most response from your audience. But remember that any findings you arrive at apply to your specific subscriber list, at a specific point in time. Don\u2019t be afraid to test a variety of approaches and remain open to constantly learning more about what works.To kickstart your creative juices, try some of these approaches:<\/p>\n