What email subject lines are#
The subject line and preheader are the two text fields shown in the inbox list before a message is opened. They determine whether a recipient opens, ignores, or reports the message.
Why it matters#
Subject lines are the highest-leverage copy you write. They also affect complaint rates, which feed reputation.
What Mailchimp handles#
Most platforms, including Mailchimp, generate the records or settings you need under a domain authentication or sending settings page, and expose bounce and complaint data in reports. Confirm the exact location in Mailchimp's current documentation.
What you still own#
- Keep subject lines under 50 characters so they survive mobile truncation.
- Write the preheader as a continuation, not a repeat of the subject.
- A/B test one variable at a time with a statistically meaningful sample.
- Avoid deceptive 'Re:' or 'Fwd:' prefixes, which violate CAN-SPAM and raise complaints.
Common mistakes#
- Clickbait that produces opens but drives complaints and unsubscribes.
- All-caps and excessive punctuation, which pattern-match to spam.
Frequently asked questions#
Do emojis in subject lines hurt deliverability?
Not directly. They can hurt engagement with B2B audiences and render inconsistently across clients.
Does Mailchimp set up email subject lines automatically?
Mailchimp provides the values and some checks, but publishing DNS, aligning domains, and monitoring results remain your responsibility.