13 E-mail Subject Lines That Got Oodles Of Clicks | E-mail Marketing
Wowzers, I’m shoveling through the e-mails I sent in the last 30 days and I simply can’t believe how many subject lines I’ve written. Never mind the e-mails!
But the problem is, sometimes a fantastic e-mail gets buried under a terrible subject line and nobody opens it up!
SOO, I thought you would like to see real examples of e-mail subject lines that were super successful. Successful e-mail subject lines got oodles of clicks!
Here’s 13 E-mail Subject Lines That Got Oodles Of Clicks:
This is crazy [First Name]…
Speeding In Mike Dillard’s R8…
How To Get Red-Hot Qualifed Leads <---In spite of the typo!
The Stinky Truth About Twitter
BoBN Monday Edition (Hot Stuff)
11 Quick Tips
The plane trip from hell…
Keyword Stuffing Secrets…
The votes are in, [First Name]…
Got a mysterious gift…
Super targeted leads with Facebook…
The MYTH of the “upline”
It’s dead again…
Here’s the weird thing:
Traditional copywriting “theory” states that your headlines should always have a strong benefit in them and that pure “curiosity” headlines are almost never successful.
Well, traditional copywriting theory is WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! (When it comes to writing e-mail subject lines that get your e-mails opened…)
You see, I have a handful of “super subject lines” I will never share with anybody.
They’re pure “curiosity” subject lines that I will guard with my life.
Because these subject lines have the highest open rates I’ve ever seen. And, these subject lines were all used during extremely crowded e-mail weeks when people were getting slammed with waaaayyyy too many e-mails…
You may still have them in your e-mail inbox right now…
So now, when I absolutely have to write subject lines that gets clicked, I use a different set of guidelines than the average marketer.
Which I’m about to reveal to you for the first time ever. Here they are:
1. Position yourself against the junk and clutter.
2. If you have something you KNOW they want then use a boring and purely descriptive subject line that simply tells them what the e-mail is about…
2. Always “infuse” your subject lines with curiosity.
Believe it or not, those three secrets (especially #1), are what got me the number three affiliate marketing position with What’s Working Now.
Seriously, I would have been lucky to place fifth, sixth, or seventh without these e-mail marketing strategies.
You don’t have to share these e-mail marketing tips, tricks, and secrets with your friends on Twitter, but it’s definitely appreciated. 
To your success,
Jason The “Better Networker”
68 Comments
Michael Novak on May 27th, 2010
I have to agree with Josh. Pure Money!!!
Thank you a ton for this information. Will start using these in my email marketing right away.
Catch you later!
– Michael
[Reply]
Michael T. Makahamadze on May 27th, 2010
Hey Jason,
I think I’m definitely going to have a relook at your email messages that I have saved – I will definitely get something out of those. It would also be worth comparing your blog headlines and your email headlines too. Straight benefit and how-to subject lines may not be as effective as they used to be, simply because everyone seems to be using those now.
Curiosity definitely gets me clicking and going into that email.
Have a great day
Michael
[Reply]
May 27th, 2010 at 10:55 am
I think that’s the problem now.
“How To” is always a powerhouse… but big huge promises are dismissed in a blink… whereas… the e-mail that looks different… sounds different… gets clicked.
[Reply]
jackie hall on May 27th, 2010
Wowzers! Great Post Jason! Thanks for sharing your secrets with us 
[Reply]
May 27th, 2010 at 10:55 am
No problem Jackie.
I try to keep a few aces up my sleeve for rainy days but these are the best tips I have when it comes to subject lines.
[Reply]
Melodie Kantner on May 27th, 2010
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! I love learning about better headlines. It has been my weakest area and the most important for me to work on.
I must have some kind of mental block because I have been writing newsletters for over 12 years and took several copywriting courses. I spend longer on the headline than I do the articles.
I love your articles.
Thanks
Melodie
[Reply]
May 27th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Thank you Melodie.
Headlines are one of those tricky things that I think I’ll spend a lifetime mastering.
Subject lines are similar… but gosh… if the traditional formulas don’t seem to cut-it these days then it’s time for innovation. 
Benefit headlines still rule the day… but cutting through the silly piles of articles and e-mails is often about contrast instead.
[Reply]
Dwayne Huggins on May 27th, 2010
Hey J
Subject headlines do make a massive difference, I also think the relationship you have with your list is also super important.
Your a nice guy, most people (everyone) likes you, so they will happily open your emails (some wait in all day just to get it).
Now take a less liked cartoon character, get him/her to send the same email with the same subject line to his/her list and the open rates will be way different.
Just my $0.03
Dwayne
[Reply]
Mary Thayer on May 27th, 2010
Jason,
Great info! I am going to have to start studying your emails a little closer, especially your subject lines!
Mary Thayer
[Reply]
Peter Montgomery on May 27th, 2010
Hey thanks Jase,
Another value packed adventure.
To be honest if your emails came with (No Subject)
I’d open them any way because I Know Like and Trust you.
Good on ya mate.
Pete.
[Reply]
May 27th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Yeah, I’m like the Indiana Jones of blogging.
Thank you Peter.
[Reply]
John Rothstein on May 27th, 2010
Hey Jason,
This is a fantastic post. I have played around a lot with email subject lines and using curiosity most often seems to work best.
Thanks,
John Rothstein
[Reply]
May 27th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Definitely.
I’m never one to rule out pure benefit subject lines if you know which benefit to hit…
But when you’re “shot gunning”… it often pays to tweak curiosity too.
[Reply]
Tommy D on May 27th, 2010
Hey J
These tips are golden, better than a free Best Buy gift card.
“Always “infuse” your subject lines with curiosity.” seems to always work for me. I notice the clicks are higher when I do infuse curiosity.
Thanks for sharing.
Tommy D.
[Reply]
May 27th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Hah,
Thanks Tommy.
Although a Best Buy gift card might work to get e-mails opened too.
I guess, it depends who’s sending it?
[Reply]
Yadvinder Singh on May 27th, 2010
The subject lines should infuse the reader with curiousty or they should be different from the usual routine and Peter says the right thing even I would open whatever comes from your side. Good day Jason
[Reply]
May 27th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Gosh, when you start getting e-mails that just say “open me” then you know I take that for granted.
[Reply]
Jerome Ratliff on May 27th, 2010
Hey Jason,
These are some great secrets, especially #1.
Thanks for passing this on. Very cool of you.
Jerome Ratliff
[Reply]
Hector Cuevas on May 27th, 2010
Thanks Jason..
Great stuff – This post is just in time since I’ll be launching a new product soon..
Infusing curiosity..? I’ll have to try that. My approach all along was being completely descriptive and I’ve been getting 50% open rates on average.. Not sure how good this is, but testing never hurts..
thanks again
talk soon
Hector
p.s. are you gonna be covering click-thrus? Long emails vs. short?
[Reply]
May 27th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Hey Hector,
Might cover click-throughs in the future.
50% is great. You’ll see that rate drop dramatically as your list grows.
Which is a good thing. Means you’re growing.
[Reply]
Ilka Flood on May 27th, 2010
Hi Jason,
Where do I send the check??
Thanks for sharing this awesome info! By the way, I have just started a “swipe file” of your headlines and will do the same with your email subject lines.
Guys, hint, hint!!
Thanks again! You’re the BEST!
Ilka
[Reply]
May 27th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Wow,
Thank you Ilka.
No checks necessary.
Glad you like it though. As for headlines. I do my best in the time available. I collect them on index cards. Which helps a great deal.
[Reply]
May 27th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Ha, index cards! Great idea! I had just put them in a word document. But index cards are more portable.
You’re a genius!
[Reply]
Gayle Buchanan on May 27th, 2010
Morning Jason
you’ve done it again, surpassed yourself!! very generous of you! I’m with Ilka – swipe, swipe, swipe!
thanks Jason
[Reply]
Derek Alvarez on May 27th, 2010
Awesome tips, Jason!
My best one so far was, “What’s the big deal with Facebook Ads?” 95.2% open rate!
Not sure I can top that one (LOL)
[Reply]
Ryan on May 27th, 2010
Hi Jason,
I enjoy your contrarian line of thinking when it comes to copywriting.
Thanks for sharing your insight!
Ryan
[Reply]
May 27th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
Thank you Ryan.
When it comes to copy I build on what works.
When the crowd goes one way… there’s money in the opposite direction.
[Reply]
Wayne Vassell on May 27th, 2010
Hey J,
That is some great value you have just given.
I am happy that you were willing to share those golden nuggets with us, believe me I am taking notes
Wayne Vassell, signing out…
[Reply]
Jeff Faldalen on May 27th, 2010
Hey Jason,
Thanks for the pearls of wisdom…
The One I really appreciate is the last
one. Why?
Well I have read many books on copy and one
of the last ones I read, thanks to you for the
recommendation, said the same thing
Another one it mentioned is inconsistent. An
example might be “The Erotic Smell of a Skunk”
These notes made it to my moleskin
Again, thanks for your contribution
Best wishes,
Jeff Faldalen
The Prospecting Funnel Guy
[Reply]
May 27th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
I was checking out those moleskin notebook at the airport last time I was in Chicago. I think I’ll pick one up next trip.
A little harder to find where I am right now.
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Terrance Charles on May 27th, 2010
Good stuff Jason. I find that the most “hyped” up subject lines are the ones that doesn’t get a lot of opens as they would teach you to believe.
My most responsive subject lines are the most plain, curiosity driven and shortest ones. Simple subject lines like “hey…” or “I was sweating to get this to you…” etc pull in good.
If you can get people curious to open, then lead off with a story related to whatever your promoting instead of a hard sell, they will be more eager to respond to your emails. Great post
[Reply]
May 27th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
Definitely.
I keep my eyes on a lot of the big names and that’s one of their main tricks… the casual subject line.
They fly under the radar and get you every time.
[Reply]
Richard Kaulfers on May 27th, 2010
Great tip. If you know your list well like you said you can test some fun subject lines. My list is slowly building. Do you use icontact?
[Reply]
May 27th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Definitely icontact.
100%
I have used aweber. Even a few others.
But icontact is my pick for autoresponders.
[Reply]
Chris Owen on May 27th, 2010
Hey Jason,
I think the reason that curiosity works so well know is because everyone is using the benefit techniques. So none of them stand out.
I have the best results with either inspirational subjects, curiosity, or just using my site title does really good sometimes. I think the site title thing works so well because it also makes people curious.
My last post “How To Get Fired Up About Life” is still increasing daily on the open rate. I guess people are re-reading it. As of right now it is at 142% and has 105 comments. Doubling my personal record on a post. A little inspiration goes a long way.
Thanks for the tips Jason. Great stuff here as always. Sorry I’ve been scarce lately.
[Reply]
May 27th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Chris,
I’m going to have to head over there.
You’re really rocking it these days. I knew you would take off but man… you’re flying.
I’m with you on the benefit subject lines. That’s why I think they’re so hard to write now. Nobody believes them… there are tricks… like understating… or going completely in the opposite direction… but I think it mostly comes down to knowing what the water is like.
Right now, it’s covered in oil!
[Reply]
Clarissa Winchester on May 27th, 2010
Thanks so much for this article, Jason!! Great tips and I definitely will be using this in my own emails.
Continue to be a blessing to us and our businesses!
[Reply]
Nelson Montanez on May 27th, 2010
What a magnificent week on Email marketing. You’ve made things so much clearer for me. Thanks Jason
[Reply]
Susanna on May 27th, 2010
Hey Jason,
Killer tips. I’ve been working on my email subject lines lately and it’s really interesting (and often surprising) what gets clicked and what doesn’t.
Good stuff, THANKS!
Susanna
[Reply]
May 27th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
It’s the best way to go.
Test away and check the results.
Some weird ones work… other “fantastic” ones don’t.
[Reply]
Rhonda Miller on May 27th, 2010
Great tips Jason.
I have to agree that curious subject lines and a great relationship w/your list make all the difference in the world.
Many of my posts talk about relationship building.
Sadly, it’s not a very trustworthy world anymore and when you can build trust w/someone, you have a friend for life, even if they are a cartoon character. lol
Rhonda
[Reply]
May 27th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Oops I forgot my .com in my website just in case anyone was going to click on my name. blush blush
[Reply]
Amy Starr Allen on May 27th, 2010
So nice of you to ’spill your guts’, Jason.:)
Your knowledge and wisdom is ultra-appreciated!
xo-A
[Reply]
Holy Crap! I Can’t Believe He Shared Some of His Secret Email Marketing Headlines! on May 28th, 2010
[...] Check those out the subject lines he uses plus 3 tips for writing your own over at JasonBetter.com [...]
Matt Cassity on May 30th, 2010
I always thought so but now that you say it, I know for sure.
[Reply]
Fantastical Email Marketing Success Secrets, Even Your Mum Can Follow | Tim Scott's Blog on May 31st, 2010
[...] Check It Out —> Jason Better’s 13 E-mail Subject Lines That Got Oodles Of Clicks [...]
Alan Eames on June 11th, 2010
Jason,
You are the bomb! These are great tips and I will keep these firmly in mind whenever creating a subject line or a title for a post.
All the best,
Alan
[Reply]
Elmar Sandyck on August 12th, 2010
Hi Jason, I totally agree with you about fantastic emails getting buried in other mails because of lousy subject lines. Sometimes, I even spend more time thinking of a good headline or subject line than actually writing the content! That’s how important it is, and I’m glad you stressed it here. Thanks for sharing some of the best subject lines too — it will sure give us plenty of ideas for our own, and challenge us to be more creative!
[Reply]
Hey Jason,
I must say a big ‘Thank YOU!’
This information is money!!!!
Chat with you later…
Josh
[Reply]
May 27th, 2010 at 10:54 am
You’re right on Josh.
No word of a lie. Tip #1 will bring you some crazy good open rates. It has for me.
[Reply]