The Subject Line

The subject line should be concise, clear, and meaningful. It should summarize the purpose of the email, but it shouldn’t describe it. You have to give the recipient an overview of what you will discuss in the email, but you can’t type the whole message in the subject line.

Image Source: MailerLite

Avoid using words such as Help, Important, and Urgent; people usually don’t respond well to those words. Instead of using the words, you can always add Subject Line Hashtags. People are more open to an #urgent at the end of a subject line than starting the subject line with the word Urgent.

Below are examples of bad subject lines and how you can change them into a better, more compelling subject line.

Remember that an effective subject line will grab the audience’s attention, tell them what the topic of the message is, and indicate the purpose of the message.

Example of a Bad Subject LineExample of a Good Subject Line
Re: Re: Re: let’s talk about change.  Important Project Timeline Acceleration.
MeetingPass Process Meeting – 10 a.m. February 25, 2022.
Send figures for July SalesJuly Sales Figures
Bring consultant’s report to Friday’s MeetingTomorrow’s Meeting
Need a budget for marketing reportMarketing Report
Revised resurfacing schedule for parking lotEmployee Parking
Warehouse remodeling is on scheduleStatus Report

Remember that the subject line is essential because it sets the tone and topic of the email that is to follow.

Possible Subject Line Phrases That You Can Use:

Meetings:

  • “Meeting request regarding….”
  • “Meeting follow-up needed.”
  • “Request for an informal meeting.”
  • Please see meeting availability.”