I read these familiar headlines over and over again….usually in my junk mail folder when I’m looking for a misplaced email sent by a friend who didn’t make the whitelist. Of course, they occasionally seep like raw sewage into my real mail whereupon I automatically delete them because they’re so commonplace, overspammed and overused I know that can’t be of any real value to a busy professonal like me.

Please. For your own sake, please, please realize that the gig is UP.

We need NEW information which delivers value, punch and promise. And, oh yea, ready-willing-and-able buyers with credit card in hand. Not achingly tired cliches used by every part-time, social media barrista on break at Starbucks.

Yes, I’m so for real. Not a bad-ass kid looking for after school kicks. And, if you think I’m a dumbass for writing this column, shoot me an email at xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Lisa Simmons
Business Development
Community One Associates

This is geared mostly to law firms…easily adapted to medical by using Practice instead of Firm.

I am surprised that you did not mention personalization by incorporating the subscriber’s first name within the subject line, which all good autoresponders easily has the capability of doing.

Incorporating the subscriber’s first name at the beginning, end, or somewhere within the subject line has a positive double impact.

First, it lets the subscriber immediately know the email is from someone they know and/or have a positive relationship or business with.

Secondly, It takes advantage of a basic human desire and need to be recognized and/or special… even if it’s by a total stranger. Plus it gives each subscriber the impression they are more than just a number to you because you made the extra little effort to address them personally.

I have also found using wacky subject lines, questions, and lines pertaining to current events and news makers to be highly effective at getting your emails opened.

Wacky example: Terry, epigenetic idiopathic endogenous found in your… This subject line makes no sense at all the the general population, nor does the average person know the definition of the first three words. It is wacky, but it peaks the curiosity and urges the reader to find out what it is, and what the heck you’re talking about.

Question example: Terry, will this new law will effectivily eliminate your… The question subject line peaks one’s curiosity and interest because it seems to address something very important directly related to the reader.

Current event/news makers example: Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett wills both reveal… This subject line incorporates two of the hottest current events and news makers running right now. Even readers who have no interest in one or the other are curious to see what the two could possibly have in common.

Thanks Alex for posting such a great article on getting emails opened and allowing us to join you in sharing our own experiences and ideas.