The Subject is the Subject

We all scan our inboxes looking to the Subject: field to determine what e-mails we will spend our time on. That’s why it is so important to make sure your Subject: field represents the content and context of your e-mail.

Here are some tips to ensure your Subject: is all about the subject at hand:

• The Subject: field only needs to be a handful of words that are clearly representative of what your message contains. Make sure your choice of words are clear and concise. Good: Let’s Get Together Next Week. Not So Good: Can we get together at that restaurant on main street around the corner from the shoe store next week sometime how about maybe next Friday?
• The Subject: field is not the place for your message or URL or any actionable information. It is just a guide to the content within. Good: You have to check out this site! Not So Good: http://thewebsiteurlherethatyouwantthemtocheckout.com.
• Refrain from being too general. One word Subject: fields can be misidentified as spam and not relay what your message is about. Good: Need your help with my new puppy. Not So Good: puppy.
• Don’t use an old e-mail with an old Subject: that doesn’t represent the current conversation. Take the initiative to change the Subject: field to reflect the current topic of conversation.
• Always have a Subject:. Here again, no Subject: can cause your e-mail to be misidentified as spam.

Subject: fields that are short, sweet, accurate and to the point are the way to get your subject across!

You may also be interested in:

• The Subject: Field is for the Subject!
• Are You Spammy?
• 10 E-mail Etiquette Resolutions for 2010