How to Write a Great Subject Line: Get More People to Open Your Emails

As a chapter leader, you put time and effort into every email you send — but none of that matters if your members aren’t opening them. Your subject line is your first (and sometimes only) chance to grab someone’s attention and get them to open your message.

The good news? Writing a great subject line isn’t complicated. With a few simple tips, you can improve your open rates and make sure your chapter communications are seen.

Why Subject Lines Matter

Think about how many emails land in your inbox each day. Your members experience the same thing. Your subject line needs to quickly tell them why your email is worth opening.

Strong subject lines:

• Help your emails stand out
• Drive higher open rates
• Increase event attendance and member engagement
• Make your chapter’s communications more effective

7 Tips for Writing Better Subject Lines

1. Keep It Short and Sweet

Aim for 40–50 characters or less. Most people check email on their phones, so shorter subject lines display better and get the point across quickly.

2. Be Clear, Not Clever

Your members should immediately understand what your email is about. Avoid vague or overly clever phrases — clarity always wins.

3. Create Urgency or Curiosity (Genuinely)

Adding urgency or sparking curiosity encourages action:

• "Last Chance to Register for This Month's Event"
• "3 Big Reasons to Attend Next Week's Meeting"

Just be sure not to overdo it — your message still needs to match the content of your email.

4. Personalize When Possible

If your email platform allows, add the recipient's name or reference a local event to make the email feel more personal:

• "John, Don’t Miss Tomorrow's Chapter Mixer"

5. Use Action-Oriented Language

Start your subject line with strong verbs to prompt action:

• "Join Us for Our June Networking Mixer"
• "Register Now for the Upcoming Coatings Course"

6. Avoid Spammy Words

Certain words can trigger spam filters or turn off readers, such as:

• "Free!!!"
• "Act Now!"
• "Lowest Price Ever"

Keep it professional and relevant to your members.

7. Test Different Approaches

If your platform allows A/B testing, experiment with different styles of subject lines. Pay attention to what gets better open rates and apply what you learn.

5 Sample Subject Lines You Can Use

• "Join Us: June Networking Mixer This Thursday"
• "Early Bird Registration Closes Tomorrow!"
• "You're Invited: Special Industry Presentation Next Week"
• "Reminder: Upcoming Coatings Training – Limited Spots"
• "New Sponsorship Opportunities for Local Businesses"

A Simple Subject Line Formula

Here’s an easy formula to follow when writing your next subject line:

[Action] + [Event or Benefit] + [Timeframe (if needed)]

Examples:

• "Register Now: July Chapter Meeting — Seats Filling Fast"
• "Don’t Miss: Vendor Networking Opportunity Next Week"

Final Thoughts

Subject lines don’t need to be complicated to be effective. Even small improvements can help ensure your chapter emails are seen and acted on. Try applying just one or two of these tips the next time you send an email and watch how your open rates improve.

Have question or need help getting started? Reach out to chapters@ampp.org. We are here to help!

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