5 Subject Lines That Motivate Prospects to Open Your Emails Without Tricking Them

Here are five subject lines that motivate prospects to open your email without tricking them.

1. The Triplet

Wendy Liebman is a stand up comedian.

Here’s one of her jokes:

“I just got my first bikini. It’s a three-piece: a top, a bottom and a blindfold for you.”

It’s called a triplet: expected trait (a top), expected trait (a bottom), unexpected trait (a blindfold).

You can use a triplet in a subject line.

For example, I sent Chris Voss an email asking him to be a guest on my podcast.

In my subject line I referenced a terrotist from his book (expected), a podcast (expected) and my mother-in-law (unexpected).

Here’s the subject line:

Abu Sayyaf, a podcast and my crazybmother-in-law

2. [Problem]?

Problems get attention. It’s why you avoid puddles when you’re walking.

Example for Gravy: failed payments?

Example for a triathlon coach: Bonking?

Example for an electro light drink for marathon runners: Bloating?

3. via [Common Connection]

Leverage a commonality.

Example: via Tito

Example: triathlons

(Uncommon commonalities like hobbies or interests make people feel more connected.

4. [Job to be Done]

What job does your prospect want to get done?

Example for CaptivateIQ: running monthly payouts

5. [Emotion]

Use an emotionally charged word to tap into what prospects desire or want to avoid. Pique curiosity by creating a cliffhanger.

hate this?

despise this?

loath this?

bitter about this?

crave this?

annoyed by this?

avoiding this?