Personalizing the email subject line is the first step in the game called email marketing.
After all, if your subject line doesn’t engage your reader, how will they read the content of your email?
Email personalization isn’t rocket science, but there are certain factors you need to consider, increasing open & response rates.
In this post, I’ll focus on the 9 most important and best ways to personalize email subject lines.
Let’s move on.
1/ Recipient’s Name
A name is fundamental. It’s the first and simplest element you can personalize in your email.
We, humans, love it when we are addressed by name.
This way, you show your recipient that you are directing the message specifically to them.
How do they reciprocate? You’re automatically grabbing their attention. Attention is the cornerstone for proceeding further.
Among the 100 emails your reader received today, if yours starts with the words:
“Hi Simon, I’ve got something for you”, it means you’re way ahead of your competition.
If your email allows it, personalize it by addressing your reader by name.
Don’t forget: the email subject line is just the first step, go with the same path in your email body.
2/ Job Title
Once you have the name, I definitely recommend using the job title.
The job title is unique and requires more research and commitment from you to find and then use it.
Not only will this personalization make your reader pay attention, but they will also appreciate it. Good, the client likes you. This is another step towards increasing sales 🙂
Here are 3 examples of why you can personalize your prospect’s job title.
1. For a Marketing Manager:
“How Marketing Managers can increase customers’ engagement?”
2. For a Sales Director:
“6 Best Sales Tools for Sales Directors”
3. For an SDR Manager:
“New SDR Onboarded”
The more you relate to the current role, the more you will increase the open rate and ultimately the response rate.
3/ Location-Based Personalization
“Hey Simon, I see you’re in Warsaw. Wanna grab a coffee?”
Location-based personalization is like the GPS of email marketing; it helps you reach your destination, i.e., your recipient’s attention, more effectively.
By tailoring your subject lines based on the recipient’s location, you’re not just showing that you know where they are. Better yet, you’re demonstrating an understanding of their environment, and you’re showing that you’ve done great research!
This relevance boosts your email engagement, as it connects on a more personal & contextual level.
4/ History: Past Behavior
Leveraging past behavior in your subject lines is like showing your recipients that you’ve been paying attention and that you understand their likes, dislikes, and habits.
“Back for More, Emma? Here’s a Treat!” suggests a familiarity with their preferences, making your email feel like a continuation of an ongoing conversation.
This method not only increases the chances of your email being opened, but also strengthens the bond between your brand and the recipient. And maybe your frequent client will become your brand advocate?
It’s a personalized approach that says, “We value your choices and are here to offer more of what you love.” It’s anticipatory service at its best, delivered right to their inbox.
5/ Special Occasions
Marking special occasions in your email subject lines infuses a sense of celebration and personal attention into your communications.
“Happy Birthday, Chris! Surprise Inside!” is more than just a well-wish; it’s an acknowledgment of a milestone in your recipient’s life.
This approach shows that your relationship with them extends beyond transactions; it’s about sharing in life’s moments. It transforms a routine email into a gift, wrapped in the digital equivalent of a bow.
These celebratory nudges not only brighten inboxes but also deepen the emotional connection with your brand, making each interaction memorable.
That’s what we all—marketers—are craving, huh?
6/ Loyalty Points: The Reward System
Rewards and gifts—we all love them. Especially your clients!
Highlighting loyalty points or rewards in your subject line immediately signals value to your recipient. “You’ve Earned It, Sam! Exclusive Rewards Await!” taps into the excitement of earning and redemption. It’s a direct acknowledgment of their loyalty, encouraging continued engagement.
This approach incentivizes openness and reinforces the benefits of staying engaged with your brand. It’s a win-win; your recipients feel rewarded for their loyalty, and you maintain their interest and involvement.
7/ Purchase History: The Follow-Up
Referencing past purchases in subject lines shows your recipients that you’re paying attention to their preferences and needs. “Loved the Coffee Maker? Try Our New Beans!” leverages their purchase history to offer complementary products or services.
This strategy is about adding value to their existing investments, enhancing their user experience. It’s thoughtful, personalized, and highly effective in fostering repeat business and deepening customer relationships.
8/ Social Proof
We, as a society, tend to do what’s trending. Meaning; what others do (and buy).
Incorporating social proof into your email subject lines is a powerful way to build trust and curiosity. “Join 1,000s Who Love Our App, Alex!” leverages the power of the crowd to draw in your recipient.
It’s the digital equivalent of a bustling, popular restaurant that everyone wants to dine at.
This technique not only piques interest but also provides a sense of belonging and validation. When your recipients see that others are engaging with and enjoying your product or service, it creates a compelling narrative.
It’s not just that you’re saying your offering is great; it’s a community affirming it.
This form of endorsement can significantly boost open rates and engagement, as it taps into the human desire to be part of something larger and validated by peers.
After all, belonging is one of the key features in Maslow’s hierarchy.
9/ Interests and Preferences
Delving into your recipient’s interests and preferences can transform a generic email into a personal conversation. “Adventure Awaits, Taylor! Discover Your Next Hiking Trail” speaks directly to their passion for exploration and adventure.
This level of personalization demonstrates a deep understanding of what drives them, making your email incredibly relevant and engaging. It’s like receiving a recommendation from a friend who knows you well, rather than a faceless entity.
Tailoring your message to align with individual interests not only captivates your audience but also elevates their experience, making your brand a valued part of their personal journey.
Wrapping Up
Let me be brief: the more you personalize your email subject lines, the higher open rate & response rate you’ll get.
More personalized emails = higher sales & customer engagement. Simple as it is 🙂
What are your best ways to personalize email subject lines?
Am I missing something?
Let me know in the comments, and if you want to share something in private—hit me up on LinkedIn & X.
Thank you for reading, my dear audience!
Simon
Author Profile
- Simon Gorlak is a Digital Marketing Expert with over 8 years of experience. He specializes in 3 areas: SEO, Copywriting, and Email Marketing. Simon's blog gathers knowledge that helps Marketers & C-level to increase profits from their online businesses. Also, his content helps to reach the most difficult customers, make others' content to be read & purchased. Besides digital marketing, Simon speaks 4 languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Polish & works as a Head of Business at an Indian Start-up.
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