The Secret Sauce Behind High-Converting Subject Lines

Hey, it's Jordan from the Email Intel Newsletter.

Let’s be honest…

We’ve all spent way too much time staring at a blank screen, trying to come up with the perfect subject line.

Why? Because subject lines are everything.

They’re the gatekeeper to whether your email gets opened or ignored.

But here’s the thing—there’s no magic formula for a great subject line.

However, there are a few psychology “hacks” and strategies that consistently get results, and today, I’m going to share some of the most effective ones with you.

1. Use Curiosity to Your Advantage

People hate feeling like they’re missing out on something, and curiosity-based subject lines play right into that.

Think of something like:
“Wait… Did you forget this?”
Or:
“You won’t believe what’s in this email…”

Curiosity-driven lines like these make it nearly impossible to resist opening.

2. Make It Personal

You know what grabs attention?

Something that feels like it was written just for you.

Use your customer’s first name or reference something they’ve done recently (like abandoned a cart or browsed a product).

A line like:
“[First Name], we saved this just for you!”
feels personal and relevant—and that’s what people respond to.

3. Add Urgency—But Be Real

Urgency works, but only when it’s genuine.

No one believes “LAST CHANCE” emails that never actually end.

Instead, offer a real deadline or a limited quantity of products:
“Only 3 left—grab yours before they’re gone!”

People act fast when they feel like they’re about to miss out.

4. Short, Sweet, and Direct

Sometimes, keeping it simple is the way to go.

Subject lines with 5-7 words tend to perform best.

Try something like:
“Your [Product] is almost sold out”
or
“3 tips to burn belly fat—without strict diets or intense workouts”

It’s clear, direct, and tells the reader exactly what’s inside.

5. Ask a Question

Questions are an easy way to grab attention because they engage the reader’s mind right away.

Something like:
“Need a last-minute gift?”
or
“Still looking to increase your productivity?”

Gets people thinking—and clicking.

The takeaway?

Subject lines don’t need to be overcomplicated.

Curiosity, personalization, urgency, and clarity are your best friends here.

Next time you’re stuck, try one of these strategies and see what works for your audience.

Jordan

PS - If you run a DTC brand and want to have a 15 minute strategy session with me, book a call here »