Subject lines that work

One tough thing about raising funds is getting people to open your message. You're in the inbox next to dozens, even hundreds, of other messages, many of them brazen spam. And all you have to get opened is a few words. No color, no images, no typography -- just pure text. And very little of that. (If you've played your cards right, your name in the "from" line also helps.)

Here are some good principles for subject lines from Constant Contact: How to Get More Opens and Clicks.

1. Opposites Attract!
Put your advertising dollars to work for you!
Becomes:
Advertising NEVER Works. (If you disagree, click here)

2. The Cliffhanger
Put your advertising dollars to work for you!
Becomes:
Advertising NEVER works, unless...

3. Interest by Association
Jane Smith book signing, Wednesday at noon
Becomes:
From Oprah to our store: Jane Smith book signing, Wed. at 12

Technorati Tags: fundraising, email, nptech