The 5 Ways to Improve Your Prospecting Email Subject Lines

Have you ever wondered which email subject lines work best? Of course you have. The challenge is that, as one individual salesperson, it’s incredibly difficult for you to get enough data about what works, and what doesn’t.

But thanks to my friends at Yesware, you don’t have to wonder about email subject lines anymore.

Yesware recently released some outstanding data on email subject lines—and as a result, we now know conclusively what works, and what doesn’t. In this video, I’m going to show you 5 ways to improve your prospecting email subject lines, using Yesware’s ground-breaking results as a guide.

Email Prospecting Tips Video Summary:

1. Avoid “Can you chat?”

According to the data, this subject line actually decreases open rates over the average email by over 50%. Now, interpreting the data can always be tricky because there can be a lot of factors at play. But I think this distinction really makes sense. The reality is that prospects and customers don’t want to chat with you—or with anyone.

It’s incredibly vague and really implies, “I want to suck value from you.” So instead, moving forward, think to yourself, “How can I, even in the subject line, demonstrate value and knowledge, instead of just taking up someone’s time?”

2. “Next steps” is a go.

Including the words “next steps” in the subject line actually increased the open rate by over 40%. This obviously implies that you have had some prior interactions with the prospect or customer, but “next steps” is a powerful phrase because it connotes order and clarity, which humans are naturally drawn to. So, be sure to include the phrase “next steps” in your follow-up email subject lines.

3. “Thank you” emails get opened and replied to.

In fact, they get 40% more opens than the average sales email. The data shows that these emails really are worth that little extra effort. People both open and engage with these emails. Of course, make sure that you’re also giving value in the process, so it’s more than just saying “thank you.”

4. Stop “touching base.”

The data showed that email subject lines about “touching base” were well below the average open rate. No email feels weaker to me than just touching base. They’re a total waste, and people don’t want to open them.

Think about this logically: Put yourself in the shoes of your prospect, and imagine that you get an email that says “touching base” in the subject line. Are you really inclined to open it? Of course not. It’s just screaming, “I want to take from you!” Drop the touching base, and focus instead on offering value.

5. Keep it short.

Each additional word in the subject line decreases the open rate. That’s amazing information. In fact, past five words in the subject line, you fall below 50%. I’ve personally always wondered about this one and I suspected as much, but I never had solid proof. Now we do!

First off, most email systems actually cut off subject lines past the first few words. Second, it’s always important to make your point simply and clearly. Too many words means that you don’t really know exactly what your point is. Get right to it.

For more information on open rates from Yesware, be sure to read their full report on email subject lines by clicking the here.)

So there you have it. Now you know The 5 Ways to Improve Your Prospecting Email Subject Lines. I want to hear from you. Have you ever used these subject line tips before? If so, what was the result? Be sure to share below in the comments section. Ill respond to every comment I possibly can.