Sales Skills / Make the First Contact Count / Lesson 08

LESSON 08 · MAKE THE FIRST CONTACT COUNT

Subject Lines People Open

Forty ways to write subject lines that people open: honest, short and curious.

The subject line is the doorbell. Make it worth pressing.

20 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

20 tips that really help

These ideas come from Fanatical Prospecting (Jeb Blount), Cold Calling Techniques (Stephan Schiffman), The Little Red Book of Selling (Jeffrey Gitomer), and everyday practice. The first six help the most. Pick one and try it today.

TIP 1

Why subject lines matter

Most people decide in a second whether to open, so a clear and relevant line earns the open.

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Write ten for one message.

TIP 2

Keep it short

Three to seven words work well, especially on phones.

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Count the words in your last subject line.

TIP 3

Be clear

Say what is inside without clever tricks.

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Remove any riddle.

TIP 4

Be honest

The subject must match the content or trust disappears.

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Check the match.

TIP 5

Use their name sometimes

A name can lift opens when used naturally.

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Test one with a name.

TIP 6

Use a question

A real question sparks curiosity.

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Write one you would answer.

TIP 7

Use a benefit

Tell them what they gain.

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Write one benefit line.

TIP 8

Use a connection

“Sam suggested” works if it is true.

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Check your facts.

TIP 9

Use a trigger

Their recent news gives a timely reason.

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Search for one.

TIP 10

Avoid fake "Re:" tricks

It is dishonest and people resent it.

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Never use it.

TIP 11

Use the preview text

The line after the subject also gets read.

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Write it carefully.

TIP 12

Match subject and content

When they agree, replies rise.

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Reread both together.

TIP 13

Test two versions

A simple A and B test shows what works.

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Send each to ten people.

TIP 14

Keep a swipe file

Save subject lines that caught your eye.

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Start one today.

TIP 15

Say it aloud

If it sounds odd, change it.

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Read it out loud.

TIP 16

Check it on mobile

Most people read on phones.

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Send yourself a test.

TIP 17

Check the sender name

A real person’s name beats a company name.

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Use your name.

TIP 18

Respect privacy

Do not use details that feel creepy.

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Keep it professional.

TIP 19

Respect opt-outs

Always include a clear way to stop.

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Add the line.

TIP 20

Share your winners

Your team can learn from them.

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Post your best.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many sales conversations.

QUESTION

“Quick question about stock counts?”

LINK

“Sam suggested I write to you”

BENEFIT

“Save an hour on weekly orders”

NAME

“Maria, a thought on your new shop”

SHORT

“An idea for your Friday rush”

HONEST

“Not a sales email, just a tip”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Write ten subject lines

DAY 2
Pick the three best

DAY 3
Test two on small groups

DAY 4
Track open rates

DAY 5
Keep the winner

DAY 6
Retire the weak ones

DAY 7
Teach a colleague

More lessons in “Make the First Contact Count”

Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.

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