Email Subject Lines

When composing an email, it is probably the first thing you will write: the email subject line. Whether you write it first or last, it will be the first thing that someone else sees. This is a huge part of why your email subject line matters. Here are tips for informal and formal email subject lines, as well as the do’s and don’ts of crafting them.

Tips for Writing Email Subject Lines

The subject line for an email is something you don’t get in a text message or direct message.

The subject line of an email is basically the title of your email. As such, it may be best to capitalize the first letter of each word in the subject line. This is more the case for formal emails, and informal emails can use all lowercase letters, if you'd prefer.

Unlike the body of your email, the subject line of your email is just that—a line. It isn’t long, so you only have so much space to get your point across. Here are some key areas to work on when composing your email’s subject line.

The Point in Your Email Subject Line

Make your meaning known right away. Pretend you are inviting some people to a get-together, then look at the following two examples. Which one “gets to the point” better?

Obviously, the second one gets to the point better. In your own emails, try to start the line with the main topic of your email. In this case, that topic is a “get-together this Saturday,” so include that near the beginning!

Conciseness in Your Email Subject Line

Part of “getting to the point” is being concise. This means you should write something short. Let’s look at our two examples again to visualize a short vs. a long email subject line.

The first example is nearly twice as long as the second example. It also takes the entire subject line to reach the point. It isn’t concise.

Clarity in Your Email Subject Line

You want your subject line to be clear. This means you want anyone to be able to understand it. Look at these two examples and decide which one is clearer.

So the first example is shorter, yes, but it’s at the cost of clarity. Someone reading this would not immediately know it refers to the Saturday party. The tone is also ambiguous, which leads us to another tip.

Fig. 1 - Be clear about your email subject.

Friendliness in Your Email Subject Line

Regardless of your email’s formality, you want to be friendly. You never want to appear harsh, vague, or indifferent. Look again at these two examples.

The first example's tone is very vague, without punctuation or emojis to clarify. One might even read it as passive-aggressive or fed-up, which hopefully isn’t the intent!

This is why the second example is better. In the second example, the writer doesn’t call attention to the other person's possible indecisiveness. Instead, they ask a simple question and include a smile, so the subject line doesn’t appear pushy.

With all these things in mind, it’s time to explore how you might introduce yourself.

Introduction Email Subject Line

When introducing yourself in an email subject line, what you do is more important than who you are (your name). Take a look at these two examples.

In the first example, John Doe announces himself as if his name carries special weight or significance. The reader would scratch her head and wonder, Who is this John Doe, and why does he want to work with me?

The second example is much better because the person receiving the email knows immediately what the emailer does and for whom. This helps to establish trust and build a bridge with whomever you might be emailing. You don’t want to appear shady or surprising.

Thank You Email Subject Line

First, thank people whenever the occasion arises! This advice isn’t to help you gain anyone’s favor; it’s simply good to do. You should be thankful for people’s time and the opportunities they give you.

“Thank you” emails don’t need to be complex, particularly in the subject line. You shouldn’t overthink it, and instead be honest and straightforward.

This is a good thank-you message regardless of the formality of your email.

Email Subject Line Examples

Here are some sample subject lines for common kinds of informal emails. These are good for friends, peers, and co-workers. You also might use these with a boss or supervisor if you have a friendly, established relationship with them.

Introduction Subject Lines

Here are some sample introductions.

1. This is [name] from [department]. Hi!
2. Hello from [department or corporation]!
3. [Position] from [department or corporation], saying hello!

Thank You Subject Lines

Here are some sample thank you subjects.

1. Appreciate the time today!
2. Thanks, [their name]! :)
3. Thank you again and hope things are well!

Subject Lines for Meetings

Try one of these as an email subject line if you just wrapped up meeting someone.

1. Enjoyed talking!
2. Hope to talk again soon!
3. Good talking with you earlier!

Fig. 2 Be kind and respectful in your email subject lines.

These are for people you don’t know or don’t know well, as well as bosses and supervisors in more formal settings. Rather than list multiple examples for generic kinds of messages, here is a list of appropriate professional email subject lines that span a variety of topics.

Check your subject line against these.

1. Regarding training: [name] from [department]
2. Thank you for the interview, [their name]!
3. Regarding the meeting at [time]. Possible to reschedule?
4. Question regarding the May 3rd assignment

You want to limit your chumminess for professional emails, but not so much that you are antiquated or unfriendly. Several informal email subject lines will work as professional email subject lines, too. You just might need to tweak a few things. Here are some things to avoid in professional email subject lines:

• Do not use emojis
• Do not use poor grammar
• Do not use too many exclamation points
• Do not make it about you (especially this time)
• Do not take anything for granted

Be warm, confident, and sincere. Good luck!