Subject lines. They’re like the bouncers of your email. You either get past them… or you’re stuck outside.
And in 2024? The rules have changed. People aren’t falling for the same old tricks anymore. So, let’s talk about what gets you through the door—and what doesn’t.
1. Shorter Is Better
You ever open an email that’s got a subject line that looks like an essay? Yeah, neither does anyone else.
In 2024, we’re keeping it short. Like, text-message short.
Why? People are opening emails on their phones. If your subject line gets cut off, they’re not reading it. Aim for 30 characters, max. Short and sweet wins.
What works: “Big news inside 🎉”
What doesn’t: “LIMITED TIME! Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy our amazing product!”
Yeah. No one’s reading that second one.
2. Get Personal
Look, people love to feel special. Like they’re getting something just for them. So, use their name. Or talk about something they actually care about.
Personalized subject lines get way more opens. It’s science. (Okay, maybe not science, but it works.)
What works: “Sarah, your weekend deal is here!”
What doesn’t: “New products just for you”
The first one? Feels like it’s talking to Sarah. The second? Feels like it’s talking to everyone.
3. Make ‘Em Curious
Curiosity kills… in a good way. You want them opening your email thinking, “What the heck is this about?”
But don’t be vague. That just feels like a trick.
What works: “You’re gonna want to see this”
What doesn’t: “Click here for something special!”
That second one sounds like a scam. Nobody wants to click on “special.” We’ve been burned before.
4. Emojis (But Chill with ‘Em)
Emojis still work. They add some color. Make things fun. But in 2024? Less is more.
One or two emojis? Cool. More than that? You’re looking like spam real quick.
What works: “Flash sale starts now 💥”
What doesn’t: “🔥🔥BIGGEST DEAL EVER!!!🔥🔥”
Don’t be that guy. You know who I’m talking about.
5. Urgency Works, But Don’t Cry Wolf
Urgency is great. “Hurry!” “Last chance!” It makes people feel like they gotta act now. But here’s the deal—don’t do it every time. If every email is “urgent,” none of them are.
What works: “Only 24 hours left”
What doesn’t: “Act now before it’s gone forever!!!”
The first one? Feels real. The second one? Feels desperate. Nobody likes desperate.
6. No More Clickbait
Clickbait subject lines are dead. People are smarter now. They see “This ONE trick to make millions!” and hit delete faster than you can say “unsubscribe.”
Don’t promise the moon if your email can’t deliver.
What works: “How to boost your sales by 20%”
What doesn’t: “This ONE secret will change your life forever!”
Come on. No one’s buying that.
Final Thoughts
Subject lines in 2024 are all about keeping it real. Shorter, more personal, a dash of curiosity, maybe an emoji or two. But don’t overdo it. And whatever you do—ditch the clickbait.
Now, go write some subject lines that make people actually want to open your emails.
You got this.
Beep boop,
Daniel Matievich