Quick Answer
For search, voice, and "just tell me what to do".
Generate subject line families, test one variable at a time, and feed results back into an evolving library of what works for your audience.
Key Takeaways:
- Open rates matter-but only if clicks and sales follow.
- Test one variable: curiosity vs clarity, short vs long, benefit vs story.
- Build a swipe file of winners and the rules behind them.
- Avoid spam triggers and overhyped language.
Playbook
Pick 3 subject line styles you want to test (curiosity, benefit, personal).
Ask AI for 20 variants per style with strict constraints.
A/B test on a consistent segment and send time.
Track opens + clicks + conversions, not opens alone.
Save winners and repeat monthly with refinements.
Common Pitfalls
- Optimizing for opens while trust declines.
- Changing too many variables at once.
- Using clickbait that doesn't match the email content.
Metrics to Track
Open rate
Click rate
Conversion rate
Spam complaints
FAQ
How many subject lines should I test?
Start with one A/B test per send. Over time, you'll accumulate enough data to know which styles consistently win for your list.
Should I personalize subject lines with names?
Sometimes. It depends on your audience. Test it, but don't assume it's better-often clarity or curiosity performs best.
What's the best subject line length?
There's no universal best. Many lists respond well to 4–7 word lines, but test against your own data and device mix.
Related Reading
Next: browse the hub or explore AI Operations.