by Greg Hague
This is part one of a three part series.
DELETION MACHINE
I often feel like a deletion machine. Bang, bang, bang . . . how fast can I dump all those unwanted emails? Bet you do too.
But then you hesitate. An email subject line grabs your eye. You think, I don’t want to take the time to read this – but you do.
You don’t know the sender, but you’re compelled to open the darn thing anyway. The subject line is so intriguing, you have to take a quick peek.
Emails from people you know? When I see a killer subject line from family or friends, I think, Wow, my son, wife or buddy really came up with a good one.
Pretty cool . . . always impressive.
What about when looking for a job? Right now I am interviewing candidates to find a top-notch executive assistant. I won’t bother to meet with an applicant until I assess their communication skills through a few emails.
What do I look for first?
An engaging subject line.
THE KILLER SUBJECT LINE
There are two general subject line strategies depending upon the impression you want to make.
A “CUT TO THE CHASE” SUBJECT LINE . . . it’s the essence of your email.
* Use it to ask a key question.
* Use it to summarize what you want them to do.
* Use it to make a key point.
A “DON’T BE BORING” SUBJECT LINE . . . it appeals to an emotional trigger.
* The fear-invoking line:
Don’t let your child be embarrassed on the first day of school.
* The newspaper headline:
Savvy Dad discovers secret to eternal happiness.
* The curiosity line:
How to identify when people lie.
* The benefits line:
Earn $1000 a day while you travel and play.
* The question line:
Do you know how to make people like you in 90 seconds or less?
The bottom line on the subject line? It’s the gist of your email.
Savvy Says . . .
The subject line is your first impression – and you know what is said about first impressions.