Subject Line Best Practices

A general rule of thumb for email subject lines is to write 9 words or 60 characters or less. But what should those words be? Here are the M&A best practices for getting your email opened. Do Lead with value.

"Meeting with [a potential partner]?" Your portfolio companies can be a valuable resource to a business owner. Catch a CEO's eye by providing access to your network.

Gauge interest in funding.

"Investor Intro" Be direct and transparent. Don' t make a CEO guess your purpose. This will significantly increase chances of a target opening your email.

Don't

Lean on competitor-based information.

"We invest in [insert competitor name here]" does not establish trust. A business owner will more likely be put off than intrigued to discuss their business' goals and strategies with a competitor's investor.

Rely solely on event-based personalization.

"Congrats on Your Series XX Funding Round" sounds like a sales email. If your target has received funding recently, know that their inbox is full of "Congrats!" emails. Yours will not stand out.