Reestablishing a connection with someone after a period of silence or disconnection can be challenging, but a well-crafted email can help bridge the gap. When it comes to reconnecting, the subject line of your email is crucial as it often determines whether your message will be opened or ignored. A good subject line should be engaging, concise, and relevant to the recipient. It should also convey a sense of familiarity and friendliness, especially if you’re reaching out to someone you’ve had a previous relationship with, either personal or professional.
Crafting the Perfect Subject Line
Personalization: Start with the person’s name. Addressing someone by their name adds a personal touch and can significantly increase the chances of your email being opened.
Reference a Shared Experience: If you have a shared experience or memory, referencing it can be a powerful way to reconnect. It shows you’ve taken the time to remember important details about them.
Keep it Short and Simple: Ensure your subject line is concise. Aim for a few words that capture the essence of your email. Lengthy subject lines might get cut off on certain devices, losing the impact.
Avoid Spam Triggers: Be cautious of words or phrases that might trigger spam filters. Words like “free,” “discount,” or “limited time offer” can land your email in the spam folder, even if your intentions are genuine.
Curiosity: Pique their curiosity without being misleading. A subject line that prompts questions can encourage openings.
Professional yet Friendly: Depending on your relationship, maintain a professional tone if necessary, but always strive for friendliness. You want the recipient to feel approached, not confronted.
Examples of Reconnection Subject Lines
For Personal Relationships:
- “Long time no talk, [Name]!”
- “Missing our conversations, [Name]”
- “How life has been treating you?”
For Professional Relationships:
- “Touching base after [event/meeting]”
- “Following up on [previous discussion]”
- “New opportunities and catching up”
For Acquaintances or networking:
- “Hi [Name], hope you’re doing well”
- “Reaching out from [mutual connection/event]”
- “Let’s reconnect and grab coffee?”
After the Subject Line
Once you’ve crafted a compelling subject line, remember that the body of your email is just as important. It should be personalized, concise, and clearly state the purpose of your email. If you’re looking to reconnect on a personal level, sharing updates about your life or asking about theirs can be a great way to start. For professional reconnecting, mentioning a recent achievement, a piece of news related to their industry, or an opportunity can be a good starting point.
Conclusion
Reconnecting with someone via email can be a delicate matter, and your subject line is the first step in making a good impression. By being considerate, creative, and genuine in your approach, you can increase the chances of your email being well-received. Remember, the goal of a reconnection email is not just to be opened but to spark a meaningful conversation or rekindle a relationship. Approach it with thoughtfulness, and you’ll be more likely to achieve your goal.
What makes a subject line effective for reconnection emails?
+An effective subject line for reconnection emails should be personal, concise, and free of spam triggers. It should also reference a shared experience or memory, if applicable, and pique the recipient’s curiosity without being misleading.
How can I ensure my reconnection email is not considered spam?
+To avoid having your email flagged as spam, avoid using words or phrases commonly associated with spam, such as “free,” “discount,” or “limited time offer.” Keep your subject line and email body personal and relevant to the recipient.
What should I include in the body of a reconnection email?
+The body of your reconnection email should be personalized and clearly state the purpose of your email. For personal relationships, sharing updates and asking about the recipient’s life can be a good start. For professional connections, mentioning recent achievements or industry news can be relevant.
