Email Subject Lines That SUCK! (for musicians & artists)

Welcome to Ads Plus Funnels, your go-to resource for eCommerce & Shopping advice for musicians and artists. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of email subject lines, focusing on those that simply don't work. By understanding what makes a subject line ineffective, you will gain the knowledge necessary to craft compelling ones that engage your audience and improve your open rates.

The Importance of Email Subject Lines

As a musician or artist in the eCommerce world, email marketing is a powerful tool to connect with your audience, promote your products, and generate sales. However, crafting effective email subject lines is the first crucial step towards attaining success. Your subject line is the first interaction your audience has with your email, so it needs to capture their attention and entice them to open it.

The Characteristics of Sucky Subject Lines

Let's dive into the characteristics of subject lines that simply suck and fail to drive engagement:

• Vague and Boring: Subject lines that lack clarity or fail to create curiosity will likely get ignored. Avoid generic phrases or being too vague about the content of your email. Instead, make your subject lines specific and intriguing.
• Overly Salesy: Subject lines that scream "Buy now!" or focus solely on promoting your products or services tend to come across as spammy and can turn off your subscribers. Strive for a balanced approach, incorporating value and relevance to engage your audience.
• Repetitive and Predictable: Sending emails with subject lines that are always the same or highly predictable can lead to decreased open rates over time. Your audience needs variety and freshness to maintain interest and engagement.
• Poorly Written or Grammatically Incorrect: Subject lines that are difficult to understand, riddled with grammar mistakes, or contain misspellings can harm your brand's credibility. Always proofread and ensure your subject lines are clear and error-free.
• Misleading or Clickbait-y: While creating curiosity is essential, misleading subject lines or clickbait tactics can damage trust with your audience. Your subject line should accurately represent the content within your email.

Crafting Engaging Subject Lines

Now that we've identified the characteristics of sucky subject lines, let's explore effective techniques for crafting engaging ones that captivate your audience:

1. Personalization

Personalization is key to establishing a connection with your audience and making them feel valued. Include their name or other relevant details in your subject lines to grab attention and increase open rates. For example, "Hey [Name], Exclusive Offer Just for You!"

2. Curiosity and Intrigue

Make use of curiosity to pique your audience's interest and entice them to open your email. Use intriguing statements or tease the content inside without giving away too much. For example, "Discover the Secret Sauce Behind Jaw-Dropping Artwork!"

3. Urgency and Scarcity

Creating a sense of urgency or scarcity can motivate your audience to take action. Limited-time offers or limited availability can help drive open rates. For example, "Last Chance: 24-Hour Flash Sale on Music Merchandise!"

4. Emotional Appeal

Appealing to your audience's emotions can be highly effective. Emphasize the benefit or transformation your products or content can provide. For example, "Unleash Your Creativity and Ignite Your Musical Journey!"

5. Clever Wordplay

Using clever wordplay or witty puns can make your subject lines stand out and create a memorable impression. However, ensure that it aligns with your brand and resonates with your audience's sense of humor. For example, "Get in Tune with Unbeatable Deals!"

Remember, crafting engaging subject lines requires experimentation, testing, and understanding your specific audience. Monitor your open rates and adapt your subject lines accordingly to continuously improve your email marketing campaigns.

Conclusion

Creating email subject lines that grab attention and compel your audience to open your emails is a crucial part of successful email marketing. By avoiding the characteristics of sucky subject lines and implementing effective techniques, you can improve your open rates, boost engagement, and drive sales for your eCommerce business as a musician or artist. Stay creative, test different approaches, and always prioritize providing value to your subscribers.