Email subject lines are tricky business. 47% of marketers say they test different subject lines to optimize their emails’ performance. We know what subject lines are. They are what you see when an email lands in your inbox. The following construction email examples showcase the best email subject lines?
47% of marketers say they test different email subject lines to optimize their emails’ performance.
What are email subject lines?
They are what you see when an email lands in your inbox. But, what are good email subject lines? An effective subject line will compel the recipient to open the email and explore your value proposition. It gets you halfway to gaining a new client!
And how do you write an email subject line? Let’s dig a little deeper into email subject lines examples and tips to see how we can transform an ok one into a great one.
Email Subject Lines Examples
Email Subject Lines for Introduction
Just OK – Not that effective
- We’d like to introduce ourselves
Too generic, doesn’t mention the trade or company name - We’re a new mechanical contractor in the area
Doesn’t state any differentiators - Contact us for all your electrical wiring needs
Too generic, doesn’t stir any curiosity, falls flat - Building Codes Explained
While short, it falls flat, doesn’t mention a pain point or ask a question - We Build Anything from Bridges to Bookstores
Interesting but too generic, no company name or mention of the trade - Need an Electrical Contractor? OR Need a General Contractor?
While these are short and ask a question, they are too generic, don’t state any differentiators or stir curiosity.
GREAT – High Open Rates
- {First Name}, give {Company Name} a chance to bid your next construction project
Uses personalization, states the company name, is humble - Our Sprinkler Systems Have a 0% Fail Rate
States a great company differentiator - {Company Name} was named ‘Best Mechanical Contractor in the South East’ by ENR
Uses company name and a differentiator - We Are a Top 10 Sprinkler Contractor. Let’s Work Together.
Short, mentions a differentiator and uses an action-oriented verb. - What it takes to build an energy-efficient home
Stirs curiosity, short, to the point - Partner with BMP Plumbing on Your Next Project OR Team up with BMP Plumbing on Your Next Project
Short, uses an action-oriented verb, mentions the company name - Trouble Finding Your Way Through Building Codes?
Asks a question, mentions a pain point, stirs curiosity - Concrete Specialists. We Can Build Bridges and Bookstores.
To the point, mentions trade and capabilities. Capabilities could be used to mention exactly the type of project that the prospect is involved in at the moment.
Email Subject Lines for Sending Proposals
Just OK – Not that effective
- {First Name}, here’s our proposal
Too generic, doesn’t mention what the proposal is for or the company name - {First Name}, attached is our proposal
Same as above, too generic, no mention of the project or company submitting proposal
GREAT – High Open Rates
- {First Name}, thanks for the invitation to bid {Project Name}. Attached is our proposal.
A bit long but great because it uses personalization and the project name - {First Name}, attached is {Company Name} proposal for {Project Name}
This is probably the best for sending proposals. Uses personalization, company name and project name.
9 Tips to Write Good Subject Lines
Tip 1 – Personalize Them
Address your subscribers directly in your email subject lines where applicable by including their first name. One of the most interesting findings is that the use of both first and last names has a positive impact on email open rates. Mailchimp research showed that using only a first name was particularly effective when addressing someone in the government and other industries but had a negative effect for the legal industry. Give this type of email subject for project proposal a try and see how it can improve your open rates.
Tip 2 – Keep Them Short
Many recipients open their messages on their mobile devices, so make sure they can see the entire subject line. It is recommended that an email subject line has fewer than 50 characters. MailChimp, suggest no more than 9 words and 60 characters. That is a tall order, right? We’re not all poets! But we can cut the fluff. Remember, you can elaborate on your subject line in the Preview text and of course the body of your email.
Tip 3 – Use Action-Oriented Verbs
Using action-oriented verbs in subject lines is a good way to prompt the recipient to open the email. Examples of action-oriented verbs are ‘partner’ or ‘team up’.
Tip 4 – Ask a Question
Identify a question or a pain point your prospect may have. Ask the question in the subject line and answer it in the body of the email. “Wondering if you need a 5-year inspection or a 1-year one?” or “Trouble Finding Your Way Through Building Codes?”
Tip 5 – State the Facts
Construction professionals are looking for concrete — no pun intended — facts and figures. Not generalizations like “the best” or “must have”. Use numbers. Grab subscribers’ attention with some metrics, then offer supporting content in your body email. “XYZ Company Rated in Top 10 by ENR”
Tip 6 – Cut to the Chase
Be specific. Tell it like is. Say what you do and be sure you can do what you say. Provide support for your facts in the body of the email. When it comes to construction emails, short, to the point, and informative does it.
Tip 7 – Be Creative
Construction professionals are creative by nature. Together they create what it takes to build anything from family homes to warehouses to skyscrapers. Tap into that creativity. Inspire and energize your clients with your email subject for business proposal.
Tip 8 – Stir Curiosity
They say that curiosity kills the cat. But it also allows one to come up with answers, solutions, even inventions! Suffice it to say, do not give your recipe for success away in the subject line, or the email body for that matter. Allow them to find it for themselves. Send them to your website or have them pick up the phone… You can stir curiosity and increase open rates while still having a professional subject line for email outreach.
Tip 9 – Break the Rules
Last but not least, follow your gut. Sometimes long subject lines cut it. Just make it authentic. Put thought into it. Always consider who you are addressing that email to, and what you want them to do, even if it is just to build your network of leads.
Tip 10 – DO NOT Use Words that Trigger Spam Filters
Do not use the following words in your subject line because they may cause your email to be flagged as spam (visit Autopilot for more examples):
- Important Information
- Urgent
- Free
- While Stocks Last
- Exclusive Deal
- Sign Up
- Act Now
- Last Chance
- ! (exclamation marks)
- 😊 (emoticons)
- ALL CAPS
Conclusion
A single word in your email subject lines can determine whether your readers will open your emails. To a large extent, the content of your message determines which words you use. However, it helps to run your subject by the criteria in this article before you hit the Send button. You can also use an email subject line builder or grader such as NetAtlantic’s tool to improve your open rates. Also try A/B testing to see which subject lines your prospects prefer. Most mail platforms provide open and click-through rates for emails. Keep track of those metrics to see what works and what doesn’t. But, most of all, be mindful of your audience and use your words wisely!