Avoid Spammy E-mail Subject: Lines

If you do spammy things — spammy as identified by software that is installed to minimize spam, adware, spyware and viruses — your e-mail risks getting blocked and returned.  The Subject: field is just one criteria that software and networks look at to rate an e-mail’s spam potential.  Not being aware of your Subject: field “spamminess” can cause your e-mails to get deleted, return or not even opened!

Things to keep in mind when it comes to your Subject: field:

• In a recent survey, 35% of respondents cited the “Subject” line as the most important factor motivating them to open e-mails. Do things in the Subject: field that spammers are known to do (you know what they are — you see it all the time in your inbox) and you could be misidentified with that bunch. How you structure your Subject: field can in fact set off spam flags.
• Never leave the Subject: field blank.  Always include a short and relevant Subject.
• Avoid using the recipient’s name in the Subject: line.  If your name is not recognized you could be perceived as a possible spammer.
• Use proper punctuation and capitalization where necessary. Do not use multiple !!! or ???.
• Refrain from using Help, Hi or Please Respond type comments in your Subject: field.
• When replying, take the extra step to type REPLY: at the start of the Subject: field for a extra hint of professionalism and detail letting the recipient know you are replying to their specific inquiry and are not a spammer.

The tips above just may help to ensure your e-mail does not get incorrectly identified as spam and deleted before read.

Some More Info for You:

1. The Jury is Out Subject: Lines
2. Are You Spammy?
3. Are Your Business E-mail Spammy?
4. E-mail Subject Dos and Don’ts
5. The Subject: Field is for the Subject!