Optimal subject line lenght

11 replies
Today I read an article about the optimal length of subject lines for email lists. The article states that the best subject lines are between 6 and 10 words. What do you think? What do you usually try to accomplish with your subject line (other than try to get your email open).
#lenght #line #optimal #subject
  • Profile picture of the author actionplanbiz
    i always like to hit the benefit & goal on he subject line with the fewest words possible, this is usually 4-8 words
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    • Profile picture of the author myob
      Try to emulate newspaper headlines or magazine titles such as with a catchy (but tastefully encompassing) slogan or clever play on words.

      Length is not really important, but be aware that many people (perhaps 47% or more according to some industry reports) read their emails from mobile devices.

      I keep subject length consistently at about 50-60 characters, which does seem optimum for my subscribers. In addition, you need to artfully brand yourself with a memorable From {name}.

      Another reason that shorter subject lines work better overall for CTR may be that longer lines tend to "give away" too much.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Tandan
    AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE. Simple. People on a list have the attention span of a 16 year old (no offense to mature teens intended). Short, sweet, to the point. Engaging. Screw grammar. Screw manners. Get it opened. Period.
    Make sense?
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    As a rule the shorter the better. Good note above about mimicking news articles, or TV headlines for that matter. Follow the pros to get pro like results.
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  • Profile picture of the author writeaway
    People are busy. Short but powerful headlines work the best. Sadly, you will only know what works with your list through experimentation.
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  • Profile picture of the author hustlinsmoke
    I never put a word count or character count on it. Just has to mean something to a majority of the people. I've seen them all and emulate alot. If it makes me click I'm going to do a rephrase of it and use it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Lady D
      I also read a similar article.
      In my opinion - someone will open your email if you make them curious or make them to understand the value of opening.

      Subject lines like "Sad" "Important" "Impressive" are short, but do you want to read next?

      Most email marketers will say that they are spinning their wheels to come up with an eye-catching headline for their next email campaign. But the truth is that another parameter – not less important – determines if the subscriber will open your emails or let them pile up in the (not "best") inbox, and that is the "from" field.

      The relationship you have with your list+interesting subject lines will get you more 'opens' and 'clicks'.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lady D
    Just adding an interesting read: 100 Greatest Headlines
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  • Profile picture of the author jasonwojo
    Focus on short and causes emotional response (curiosity, etc)

    Here's a decent list of words:

    http://www.iwant2help.us/images/Persuasive_Verbs.pdf
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  • Profile picture of the author vedremo
    Banned
    Originally Posted by akash47 View Post

    Today I read an article about the optimal length of subject lines for email lists. The article states that the best subject lines are between 6 and 10 words. What do you think? What do you usually try to accomplish with your subject line (other than try to get your email open).
    It's always effective if you utilize a subject line that is less than 50 characters. Make sure to capitalize on the Benefits or Uses. Always put yourself in the readers' shoes - will a particular subject line catch your attention? Will you ignore seeing that kind of subject line? Does it entice you? Is it engaging enough?, "What's in it for me?", etc. Always remember to utilize and capitalize on people's emotions and intellect.
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  • Profile picture of the author ClaudiaIM
    A good rule of thumb is "As long as it needs to be", but not longer. Most great copywriters that I know try to shoot for 20 words or less.
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