How to Write Subject Lines That Actually Get Opened

You could write the most brilliant, persuasive, can’t-look-away email in the world…

But if the subject line flops?

💥 No one opens it.
💥 No one reads it.
💥 No one buys.

Your email subject line is the first impression - and often the only chance you get to earn attention in a crowded inbox.

Let’s make sure you don’t waste that chance.

Why Subject Lines Matter More Than You Think

Consider this:

The average person receives around 121 emails per day.

With such volume, it's no surprise that many emails go unread.

In fact, more than 40% of email users report having at least 50 unread emails in their inbox at any given time.

This means your email is competing with countless others for attention.

A compelling subject line can be the difference between your email being opened or ignored.

5 Proven Subject Line Formulas to Use Today

Here are five tested-and-true formulas that consistently boost open rates across industries.

Use these whether you’re promoting a product, sharing a blog post, or sending a quick offer to your list.

1. 🔥 Curiosity

Trigger interest without giving away the punchline.

• “You’re probably doing this wrong…”

• “What I never expected to learn from my worst client”

• “This simple tweak changed everything”

Why it works: Humans hate not knowing what they’re missing.

2. 🔥 Benefit + Timeframe

Tell them exactly what they’ll get—and how fast.

• “Get your first sale in 7 days”

• “Double your rates in one month”

• “Book more clients this week”

Why it works: Clear outcomes + urgency = instant interest.

3. 🔥 Question

Ask something that makes them stop and think.

• “What if your business doubled this year?”

• “Are your emails leaving money on the table?”

• “Could you take Fridays off… for good?”

Why it works: Questions spark reflection - and clicks.

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4. 🔥 Numbers

Add specificity to boost credibility and curiosity.

• “3 things your checkout page must have”

• “5 ways to stop ghosting clients”

• “7 email mistakes that kill sales”

Why it works: Our brains are drawn to numbers - they promise structure and quick wins.

5. 🔥 FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

Create urgency and exclusivity.

• “Last chance to grab this week’s deal”

• “Only 3 spots left…”

• “Doors close at midnight”

Why it works: Scarcity motivates action.

Bonus Tips to Boost Your Open Rates

Once you pick a winning formula, follow these tips to maximize impact:

✅ Keep it short: Aim for 6–8 words.

✅ Avoid spammy words: Steer clear of “FREE!!!” or “Make $$$ fast”- these can trigger spam filters.

✅ Test often: Your audience will tell you what works by clicking (or not).

✅ Pair with strong preview text: This is the second thing they see in the inbox - use it to support your subject line or build curiosity.

Because If They Don’t Open It, Your Genius Doesn’t Matter

You can have the best offer, the juiciest content, or the perfect pitch - but if no one opens your email, none of it matters.

Great subject lines aren’t fluff - they’re strategy.

And with just a few tweaks, you can turn those silent inboxes into sales, bookings, and clicks.

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