Welcome to our blog post all about the worst email subject lines that you should definitely avoid. Emails play a crucial role in our personal and professional lives, but a poorly crafted subject line can make all the difference between getting your message noticed and getting it deleted. In this article, we will explore what makes a bad email subject, along with a list of words and phrases that you should steer clear of when creating your email subject lines. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make our email subjects stand out for all the right reasons!
Worst Email Subject Lines
When it comes to email subject lines, a little creativity can go a long way. Unfortunately, sometimes that creativity leads us down a dark and dreadful path, resulting in subject lines that are downright horrible. In this section, we’ll explore some of the worst email subject lines ever written, and hopefully learn a thing or two about what not to do.
The Exclamation Point Extravaganza!!
We get it, you’re excited. But do you really need to convey that excitement by using more exclamation points than a cheerleading squad? Subject lines like “Hurry!!! Limited Time Offer!!!!” or “Unbelievable Sale!!!!!” might catch the reader’s attention, but it’s more likely to be the kind of attention that includes an eye roll.
The Vague and Cryptic Conundrums
Nothing screams “ignore me” more than a subject line that leaves the reader scratching their head in confusion. Emails with subject lines like “Hey, you won’t believe this!” or “Important information inside” are as mysterious as they are unhelpful. Don’t be that person who leaves others wondering whether your email is worth opening or not.
The All Caps Nightmare
Using all capital letters in a subject line is the equivalent of shouting at someone through their inbox. And let’s be honest, no one likes to be yelled at. So please, for the sake of good email etiquette, avoid subject lines like “URGENT DEAL INSIDE” or “LAST CHANCE TO SAVE BIG.” Your readers will thank you, and so will their eardrums.
The Novel-Length Subject Line
Long subject lines are the email equivalent of a never-ending monologue. They’re hard to read, they take up valuable space in the inbox, and let’s face it, ain’t nobody got time for that. Subject lines like “Hey, I just wanted to check in to see if you received my last email from two weeks ago regarding the upcoming meeting on Tuesday” are a guaranteed route to the delete button.
The Clickbait Catastrophe
Clickbait headlines may work for those celebrity gossip magazines, but they have no place in professional emails. Subject lines like “You won’t believe what this email is about” or “This email will change your life” might pique curiosity, but they also come across as deceptive and manipulative. So let’s keep the clickbait where it belongs – on Buzzfeed.
The Grammar Fail Fiasco
We’re all human, and we all make mistakes. But when it comes to email subject lines, it’s important to double-check for any embarrassing grammar errors. Subject lines like “Youre invited to our big event!” or “What’s you’re favorite color?” not only make us cringe but also make us question the credibility of the sender. So let’s embrace the beauty of spell-check and save ourselves from the grammar police.
In conclusion, creating the perfect email subject line is an art form that requires a delicate balance of creativity and professionalism. By avoiding the worst email subject line offenders, we can ensure our messages are received and opened with enthusiasm rather than eye-rolling. So let’s bid farewell to the exclamation point extravaganza, the vague and cryptic conundrums, the all caps nightmare, the novel-length subject lines, the clickbait catastrophe, and the grammar fail fiasco. Our readers will thank us, and our email success rate will skyrocket.
What Makes a Terrible Email Subject Line
You know the feeling. Your finger hovers nervously over the send button as you debate what words will epitomize the essence of your email. Should you settle for something safe and forgettable? Absolutely not! Embrace the chaos, my friend, and discover the delicious realm of bad email subject lines.
1. Blandness Boredom Can’t Ignore
Welcome to the land of dullness, where subject lines go to be forgotten. Bland email subjects are like whispers in a hurricane – easily ignored and quickly swept away. If your goal is to blend in with the wallpaper, congratulations! But if you want your email to stand out in a sea of mediocrity, keep reading.
2. The Alluring Case of the Clickbait
Ah, clickbait – the siren of the internet. While its allure is undeniable, its reputation is undeniably tarnished. Sure, “This One Weird Trick” might tempt a few curious souls, but beware the wrath of disappointed recipients. Remember, trust is fragile, and once lost, it’s harder to regain than a misplaced sock in the laundry.
3. Length Matters (Just Not in Email Subjects)
In the world of email subjects, brevity is the name of the game. Rambling subject lines that rival the length of a Dickensian novel are destined for the trash bin. Ain’t nobody got time for that! Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Save your prose for the content of the email itself.
4. Overused Buzzwords: The Plague of Our Inbox
We get it. You’re innovative, disruptive, and cutting-edge. But guess what? So is everyone else. When you sprinkle your subject line with the same tired buzzwords, you become just another sheep in the herd. Avoid the clichés like the plague they are, and let your email subject soar above the mundane.
5. The Curse of the Mystery Box
Mystery can be enticing, but not in an email subject line. Your recipient’s curiosity might be piqued, but their frustration will quickly follow suit. Don’t leave them guessing, scratching their heads, or resorting to magic tricks to unravel your cryptic message. Be clear, concise, and leave the mystery for the next Agatha Christie novel.
6. Spelling Mistakes: The Ultimate Facepalm Moment
You know what’s worse than receiving an email with a glaring spelling mistake in the subject line? Nothing. Trust me, nothing screams “unprofessional” louder than that red squiggly line of shame. So don’t be that person. Proofread, proofread, and then proofread some more. Grammarly is your friend. Embrace it.
Words to Avoid in Email Subject Lines
When it comes to crafting email subject lines, it’s crucial to get it right from the start. Here are some words and phrases you should steer clear of to avoid becoming the laughingstock of your recipient’s inbox:
1. “URGENT!!!” – Pump the brakes
Using excessive capitalization and exclamation points might give off the impression that you’re in the midst of a raging emergency. Unless your email is truly a matter of life and death (which we sincerely hope it isn’t), it’s best to tone down the urgency a notch or two.
2. “FREE MONEY” – Too good to be true
Promising free money is like offering a unicorn as a pet – it’s hard to believe. Your recipients are likely to assume it’s a scam and either ignore your email or send it straight to the spam folder. Keep it realistic and avoid making wild promises that could tarnish your reputation.
3. “Make $10,000 in One Day!” – Cue the eye-roll
Similar to the previous point, over-the-top income claims make people skeptical. While it’s essential to highlight the benefits of your offering, exaggerating your potential results may come across as disingenuous. Avoid sounding like a snake oil salesman and focus on providing genuine value instead.
4. “RE: Your Recent Email” – Deceptive tactics
Using a subject line that implies an ongoing conversation when there isn’t one is misleading. It may trick recipients into opening your email, but once they realize there was no actual prior interaction, they’ll feel deceived. Your email’s content should be compelling enough to stand on its own without resorting to trickery.
5. “Heyyyyyy :)” – Overkill on the friendliness
While it’s great to maintain a friendly tone in your emails, excessive use of exclamation points and overly casual language may not be well-received by everyone. Strike a balance between being personable and maintaining professionalism to avoid coming across as overly enthusiastic or insincere.
6. “OPEN IMMEDIATELY!!!” – Desperation is not attractive
Similar to the “URGENT!!!” approach, being overly desperate for attention is a turn-off. It’s important to recognize that your recipients have their own priorities and may not be readily available to drop everything and attend to your email. Respect their time and avoid sounding desperate or needy.
7. “You won’t believe what happened next!” – Clickbait alert
Creating a subject line that mimics clickbait headlines might grab attention but could also lead to disappointment if your email fails to live up to the exaggerated promise. Be authentic and provide a subject line that accurately represents the contents of your email, ensuring your recipients don’t feel deceived.
In conclusion, steering clear of these words and phrases will help you create subject lines that resonate with your recipients and increase the chances of your emails being opened and read. Remember, staying genuine, respectful, and intriguing is the key to capturing your audience’s attention and fostering meaningful engagement. Happy subject line crafting!
