Change subject line

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How do I change the subject line for my automation email?

ActiveCampaign provides the flexibility to update the subject line for any automated email campaign. This feature allows marketers to fine-tune their messaging to increase engagement and improve the effectiveness of their campaigns. Whether you're looking to clarify a message or adapt to changing circumstances, modifying the subject line is essential in ensuring that your audience is motivated to open your emails.

Introduction

Changing the subject line of an automation email can significantly impact open rates and overall engagement. A well-crafted subject line serves as the first impression for your email campaign, and it is crucial for grabbing the recipient's attention. This feature is available to users on Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plans, allowing for better communication and marketing strategies.

In this guide, we will demonstrate how to access this feature and provide step-by-step instructions on updating the subject line for your automated emails.

How to access this feature

To utilize the functionality of changing the subject line, you first need to access the Automations section of your ActiveCampaign account. Follow these steps:

1. Log into your ActiveCampaign account. 2. Navigate to the Automations overview page. 3. Select the automation you wish to modify by clicking on Edit.

After accessing the automation, you can update the subject line using either the Send an email modal or Campaign Settings modal, both of which will be outlined in the following sections.

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1. 1. Update a subject line from the "Send an email" modal ###

To update the subject line for a campaign using the Send an email modal, follow these detailed steps:

1. From the Automations overview page, click Edit for the automation you want to update. 2. Locate the Send an email action and click the action to open it. 3. Click the Subject line field and enter your new subject line. 4. Click Save.

1. 1. 1. Update a subject line from the "Campaign Settings" modal ###

Alternatively, you can change the subject line from the Campaign Settings modal. Here is how to do this:

1. From the Automations Overview page, click Edit for the automation you wish to update. 2. Locate the Send an email action containing the campaign you want to modify. 3. Click the action to open the Send an email modal. 4. Click the design to open the email designer. 5. Click Settings (gear icon) on the top right. 6. A modal window will appear. Update the Subject field with your desired text. 7. Click Save.

Configuration options and settings

When changing the subject line, it's essential to consider several configuration options that influence the overall effectiveness of your email campaigns:

- Subject line: This field directly defines what your recipients will see in their inbox. Crafting a concise, engaging subject line is critical for higher open rates.

- Save: Always remember to click Save after making modifications to ensure your changes are implemented correctly.

Best practices and tips

- **Keep it brief**: Aim for around 6-10 words. Subject lines that are too long may get cut off in email previews. - **Be specific**: Clearly convey what the email content offers to increase curiosity. - **Use action-oriented language**: Encourage recipients to take action or invoke a sense of urgency. - **A/B Testing**: Test different subject lines to see which performs better and continually refine your approach.

Common use cases with examples

1. **Promotions**: Changing a subject line to include a limited-time offer can significantly boost open rates.

  - Example: From "New Collection Launch" to "Last Chance: New Collection Launch Ends Tonight!"
  

2. **Event Follow-Ups**: Updating subject lines for post-event communications to reflect the content of the email.

  - Example: From "Thank You for Attending" to "Here's Your Event Replay!"

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while changing your subject line, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

- Ensure that the automation is Inactive while making your changes. If you edit an Active automation, set it to Inactive first. - Verify that you have saved the changes before exiting the modal. Unsaved changes will not be applied. - Double-check for any errors in the subject line text that could affect clarity or formatting.

Related features

- Automations: Explore how automations can streamline your email marketing efforts. - Emails: Learn more about creating and managing email campaigns.

FAQ

1. Can I change the subject line after the email has been sent?

No, you can only change the subject line for emails not yet sent. Contacts who receive the email after the change will see the updated subject line.

2. Will changing the subject line affect my email open rates?

Yes, an engaging subject line can significantly impact open rates, making it essential to optimize it based on your audience.

3. What happens if I forget to save my changes?

If you do not click Save, your changes will not be applied, and the previous subject line will remain.

4. Is there a limit to the length of the subject line?

While there's no strict character count limit, keeping it between 6-10 words is best for visibility in inboxes.

5. Can I schedule the change for a future date?

Currently, you cannot schedule a subject line change; it must be done manually before each email is sent.

6. Will this feature work for all email types?

Yes, you can change the subject line for any automated email campaign set up in ActiveCampaign.

7. Do I need to deactivate my automation to change the subject line?

Yes, if the automation is active, you should set it to Inactive before making changes to the subject line.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be able to effectively change the subject line for your automation emails and enhance your email communication strategy. ```