The Subject Line That Gets Opened

The Subject Line That Gets Opened

A reporter opening 200 replies decides in a glance. Your subject line is the doorway. Here is a simple formula.

Pattern: [Your role] on [their exact topic].

Example: "Dentist on whether charcoal toothpaste works."

1. Start with your credential in two or three words.
2. Add the word "on."
3. Finish with the precise thing they asked about.
4. Keep it under about ten words so phones do not cut it off.
5. Skip "Re:", "URGENT", and exclamation marks; they read as spam.

Think of it like a labeled file folder: the reporter sees exactly what is inside before opening.

This tells the reporter two things instantly: you are qualified, and you read the request. That is most of the battle.

Try this today: write three subject lines for one request and pick the clearest. Clarity beats cleverness every time.