How to use the subject line generator
- Type the Email topic, for example “spring collection” or “our spring webinar”.
- Choose the Email type: Announcement, Newsletter, Promotion, Reminder, Welcome, Event invite or Re-engagement.
- For a promotion, fill in the Offer, such as “20% off”.
- Tick Include a
{first_name}merge tag if your email service supports personalisation. - Set How many and change Variation, then copy two or three lines to test.
What it does and when to use it
The subject line decides whether an email is opened at all. Writing a fresh one for every send gets repetitive, and it is easy to fall back on “Newsletter #12”. This tool offers a quick set of familiar subject shapes that suit the purpose of the email, such as an invitation, a nudge or an offer, using your topic.
Once you have a subject, the button inside the email can come from the CTA generator, and a strong opening line from the headline generator. Make sure the email itself ends with a clear sender block; the email signature generator can build one.
How it works
Every email type has its own small list of patterns, for example:
| Email type | Sample pattern |
|---|---|
| Announcement | Introducing {topic} |
| Newsletter | {n} things about {topic} worth reading |
| Promotion | {Offer}: {topic} |
| Reminder | A quick nudge about {topic} |
| Event invite | Save your seat: {topic} |
| Re-engagement | Still interested in {topic}? |
The patterns are shuffled with a seeded random number generator based on the Variation number, topic and email type. Your topic is inserted as you typed it, with a capital letter only when it starts the line. With personalisation on, the first, third and fifth lines (and so on) get {first_name}, at the front, and their first letter is lowered. Everything happens in your browser.
Worked examples
Default promotion. Topic “spring collection”, offer “20% off”. The six lines include Spring collection — 20% off this week and Treat yourself: 20% off on spring collection.
Personalised welcome. Email type Welcome, merge tag ticked. Lines alternate, starting with {first_name}, thanks for joining — let's get started followed by You're in — what happens next.
Event invite. Topic “our spring webinar”, 5 lines. The list includes Save your seat: our spring webinar and Last chance to register for our spring webinar.
Limits and tips
- Some patterns may not fit your topic, such as “Welcome to spring collection”. Choose the topic wording with the pattern in mind, or edit.
- “Last chance” and “this week” are time claims. Use them only when they are true.
- Avoid all capitals and long rows of exclamation marks; they look like spam to readers and to filters.
Frequently asked questions
Will the {first_name} tag work in my email tool?
How long should a subject line be?
Why do I get only five or six ideas?
Is it OK to start a subject with "Re:" to get attention?
How do we know nothing is uploaded? Test it yourself on the privacy proof page.