Difficult Subjects Part 2: How Do You Think That Up?

So how do you think of those subject lines for email? Do you use the first one that comes to mind? That might be fine, but what if you want to get out side the box? Here are a couple of ways to think of new subject lines.

• Brainstorm - Take 10 or 15 minutes, and just think about the subject line. Take a stroll around the office with a sticky pad and jot down your ideas. Sometimes we put too little thought into the subject, even though that is the first thing the customer sees. This time is well worth it.
• Get other's input - Print out your email creative, and post it next to the office coffee pot, water cooler, whatever. Have people write what they think would be a good subject line on a notepad next to the creative. Sometimes, the best way to think outside the box is to get someone else to think for you.
• Test, Test, Test - Sound familiar? It's because we can't stress it enough. In this case, take 2 or 3 of your favorites from the list of subject lines you've thought of, and then pick 1 or 2 others at random. Test them all to a small group and see what works best.