3 Email Subject Lines That Got Me the Highest Open Rates (and Why They Worked)

I’ve been writing and sending an email a day since September.

I don’t have the largest email list out there but writing more than 100 emails has given me insights into what works and what doesn’t.

Here’s a list of 3 emails that got me a high open rate percentage and why:

1) SL: [Important Update] The End of the Beginning for {insert_business_name}

The reason this one worked so well is because of the [Important Update] mention.

I don’t use this often when I email my list, but I do use it a lot in work-related emails. Sometimes it’s [Action Needed] … or [Information Request] …

This little trick hints at subliminal urgency, prompting readers to open the email quickly.

But only use it when it makes sense, and don’t overdo it. Otherwise, readers might start ignoring it.

2) SL: 3 seconds of eye contact is enough

This curiosity-driven subject line also got a very high open rate.

I sent this to my public speaking newsletter subscribers, and it sparked immediate interest because it makes readers wonder:

Why 3 seconds of eye contact?
What is it enough to do?
Eye contact with who?

It taps into natural curiosity, making people want to click and find out.

3) SL: Why My Top Movie Picks Matter to You

This one blends curiosity with a personal angle.

It implies the reader will benefit directly from knowing my top movie picks.

Also, because I was sending daily emails to this list, readers had built a personal connection with me. That relationship made them curious about my personal preferences.

But…

While high open rates are something everyone should strive for, keep in mind that they’re not the ultimate objective of sending an email.

The real objective is to build trust with your readers to make more sales.

So don’t use clickbait subject lines…

Otherwise, you risk losing your readers trust, and that could be the last email they open.