Do you often find yourself hitting the send button before realizing you forgot to add a subject line to your email? Or do you rush to type the subject and end up with something that fails to make an impact or even comes across as unprofessional? If so, you’re not alone. Writing effective email subject lines is an art that takes practice, but don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll provide you with a collection of examples of bad email subjects and show you how to edit them to create attention-grabbing subject lines that will get your emails opened and read. Feel free to use these examples as inspiration and edit them as needed to fit your specific needs.
The Most Awful Email Subjects
When it comes to email subject lines, there are a few things you should keep in mind. It should be short, but not too short, it should be clear and concise, and it should be enticing enough to make the recipient want to open the email.
Here are some examples of bad email subjects.
**1. No subject**
This is the worst possible email subject line. If you don’t include a subject line, your email will likely end up in the recipient’s spam folder.
**2. Too long**
A subject line that is too long will be cut off in the recipient’s inbox. Keep your subject line to around 50 characters or less.
**3. Too vague**
A subject line that is too vague will not give the recipient any idea what your email is about. Be specific and clear about what you are emailing about.
**4. Too clickbaity**
A subject line that is too clickbaity will make the recipient think you are trying to trick them into opening your email. Be honest and upfront about what your email is about.
**5. All caps**
Using all caps in your subject line is considered to be shouting. It is also difficult to read and will likely make the recipient ignore your email.
By following these tips, you can write email subject lines that will get your emails opened and read.
Bad Email Subject Line Examples
Vague and Uninformative
Subject: I need to talk to you
This subject line doesn’t provide any context or information about what the email is about. The recipient has no idea why they should open it.
Lengthy and Unnecessary
Subject: Urgent: Meeting rescheduled for Thursday at 3pm due to unforeseen circumstances
This subject line is too long and includes unnecessary details. A shorter, more concise subject line, such as “Meeting Rescheduled for Thursday at 3pm” would be more effective.
Clickbait-y or Spammy
Subject: You’ll never believe what happened!
This subject line is clickbait-y and could be mistaken for spam. It’s also vague and uninformative, and the recipient is less likely to open it.
Overly Generic
Subject: Hi there
This subject line is too generic and doesn’t stand out from the crowd. It’s also unclear why the recipient should open the email.
Unclear Call to Action
Subject: Check out our new products
This subject line doesn’t make it clear what the recipient is expected to do. A more specific call to action, such as “Visit our website to see our new products” would be more effective.
Sensitive Information
Subject: Your credit card number has been compromised
This subject line includes sensitive information that could be used for phishing or other malicious purposes. It’s important to avoid including sensitive information in email subject lines.
Inaccurate or Misleading
Subject: Final notice: Your account will be closed
This subject line is inaccurate or misleading if the recipient’s account is not actually going to be closed. Using inaccurate or misleading information in email subject lines can damage the sender’s reputation and could lead to the email being marked as spam.
Tips for Avoiding Bad Email Subjects
A well-crafted email subject line can make all the difference in whether your email is opened and read. Unfortunately, there are plenty of examples of bad email subjects that will likely end up in the trash. Here are a few tips to help you avoid these pitfalls:
- Be specific. Vague subject lines like “Update” or “Follow-up” don’t give the recipient any idea what the email is about, and they’re likely to be ignored. Instead, be specific about what you’re emailing about, such as “Product Launch Update” or “Follow-up on Client Meeting.”
- Keep it short. Subject lines should be short and to the point. Aim for around 50 characters or less. Long subject lines are likely to be cut off in the inbox, and they can be difficult to read on mobile devices.
- Use keywords. Keywords are words or phrases that are relevant to the content of your email. When you include keywords in your subject line, it makes it more likely that your email will be found in search results, and it will also give the recipient a better idea of what the email is about.
- Avoid spammy language. Words like “free,” “urgent,” and “important” can trigger spam filters, and they’re likely to make your email look like spam. Avoid using these words in your subject line, and instead focus on writing a clear and concise subject line that accurately reflects the content of your email.
- Personalize it. When possible, personalize your subject line by including the recipient’s name. This will make your email more likely to be opened, and it will also show the recipient that you’re taking the time to write a message that is specifically for them.
FAQs: Identifying Inappropriate Email Subjects
What should I avoid in an email subject line that could be considered unprofessional?
Avoid using sensational, all-caps, or excessive punctuation, which can appear aggressive or unprofessional.
How can I steer clear of using overly vague or misleading subject lines?
Provide specific details that accurately represent the email’s content to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.
What should I do instead of using subjects that are too long or difficult to read?
Keep subject lines concise, within 5-7 words, and use precise language to convey the message clearly.
How can I avoid using subjects that are overly promotional or sales-oriented?
Focus on providing value and information, rather than directly pushing products or services.
What are some common mistakes I should avoid when using subject lines with questions?
Avoid open-ended questions that require extensive answers, and ensure that questions are relevant to the email’s content.
How can I steer clear of using subjects that are too personal or inappropriate?
Maintain a professional tone and avoid using personal information or making subjective judgments.
What should I do if I’m unsure whether my subject line is appropriate?
Consider seeking feedback from colleagues or supervisors to ensure your subjects meet professional communication standards.
Wrap-Up
Well, there you have it, folks! If you’ve made it this far, either you’re a glutton for punishment or you really want to up your email game. Either way, thanks for hanging out with me for this little email subject surgery.
Remember, it’s all about grabbing attention and setting the tone for your email. So, next time you’re staring at a blank subject line, take a deep breath and avoid these email subject line don’ts. Trust me, your recipients will thank you.
Be sure to visit us again soon for more email marketing tips and tricks! I promise to keep the puns to a minimum.