MustangList.com Blog

We looked through our inbox and picked out a few holiday subject lines that we thought were good as well as some that needed help.

Let’s start with some basics about subject lines…

1. Most important information goes at the beginning of the line.

2. Don’t use all capital letters.

3. Make sure your subject lines are not too long. 40 to 50 characters max.

4. Don’t repeat your from address.

5. Don’t overuse the word “Free”.

6. Don’t overuse punctuation.

Having reviewed a couple of basics, let’s look at a few subject lines that we found, that needed help.

Subject Line: Old Navy: Your Holiday Offer is Here

Problem: Does not tell you what the offer is.

Subject line: Macys.com: FREE SHIPPING + The Gifting Event: Great gifts for everyoneAND YOU!

Problem: Too many capital letters, subject line is too long, too much punctuation. Spacing is not proper.

Here are some subject lines we thought were well done.

Shutterfly: 2 days to enjoy holiday cards on us

Brookstone: Full-size authentic arcade games–just like you remember

Frontgate: Remember, Save 20% Site-wide at Frontgate.com

Here are a few generic subject lines we liked.

Gift baskets for less than $45.

Gifts under $15, No S&H.

Buy before December 5, get 20% off.

Order by 12/23, Holiday delivery guaranteed.

Stocking Stuffer Special - Get a $10 gift card with purchase.

If you come across any especially noteworthy subject lines, let us know about them.

Sending your customers, prospects, etc., holiday email communications is a great way to stay in touch with the people your business depends on. A few quick tips:

1. Don’t wait! Get started right now. Your competitors are getting started with their holiday mailings right now, so should you. Most businesses that benefit from the end of year holiday season start sending their holiday communications the first of November. Starting at this time gives you a chance to connect with the early shoppers and build your brand awareness with those who will purchase later in the season.

2. Send regularly through the season. Many large companies particularly the retailers send frequent communications during the holiday season. They do this for a reason, it is effective. Many users of MustangList.com send two or three different versions of an email promotions highlighting different products and / or specials. You certainly don’t want to send too many communications to your list(s) and you must be sensitive to your audience, however sending regular, reasonably spaced communications, with a consistent message during the holiday season can be very effective.

3. Plan ahead and put your holiday campaign on auto pilot. Think through what your want to communicate in your campaigns. It can be sales, specials, featured products, events, etc., and then list what you want to send and when. Next pick a holiday template you like, create a series of mailings and schedule them to go out on the days you have chosen. By doing this ahead of time you have one less thing to worry about and can focus on your customers during this very busy time of the year.