We all know the power of a compelling, engaging and thought-provoking email subject line. It's the key to cracking the code of having your subscribers open your emails, read your content and click links to get to your sales pages, blog posts and landing pages.

However, there's something missing that makes it all work together: Knowing what subject lines work best. But, how do you know?

Split Testing.

That's right - you need to split test different email subject lines to see which ones get higher open rates. Once you begin to see different open rates, you'll begin to incorporate the elements of the higher open rate email subject lines in your emails going forward.

For example, let's say you're about to send an email to your list of 1,000 subscribers on a new blog post. The first thing you need to do before even thinking about the body of the email is come up with the subject line. You need to answer these questions:

So, you come up with a basic email subject and then continue with the rest of the email and send it out to your list. Chances are you had a few different ideas or variations - but you just couldn't decide.

What is engaging and interesting to the viewer?

What is compelling and thought provoking to the viewer?

What is going to make your email "stand out" from the rest in their inbox?

What is going to get a reaction like - "wow, that's cool - I've got to read that!"

So, you come up with a basic email subject and then continue with the rest of the email and send it out to your list. Chances are you had a few different ideas or variations - but you just couldn't decide.

That's where split testing comes in. Instead of using just one email subject line, split test using your #2 choice and see what the response is. If you did just one email and that generated an open rate of 30% - great. But, if you chose tosplit test the second subject line and got an open rate of 40% - bingo. You know which one would work better for you in the future.

I'll explain it this way. An open rate of 30% for 500 people and 40% for the other 500 people is not as good as an open rate of 35% for 1000 people. Why? You don't have the benefit of knowing that the subject line of 40% worked best and be able to refer to the elements of it in the future.

I split test pretty much every email I send out. And pretty much every email marketing system can support it relatively easily. I'm a stickler for split testing as many different email subject lines to see which ones generate the highest open rates.

Split testing emails is one of the best ways to gauge how your list responds to your marketing efforts - often better than your emails and web copy.

So, the question is: Are you giving it enough thought? Try split testing for your next email campaign and see what the results are for higher open rates. You'll be glad you did.

Until next time... Learn It, Love It, Live It!

Derek Fredrickson, Authentic Internet Marketing Specialist, is founder of the Authentic Internet Marketing System, the proven step-by-step program that shows you exactly how to authentically market your business online, in record time...guaranteed. To get your F.R.E.E. videos and receive his authentic internet marketing articles on attracting more leads and converting more sales online to multiply your current revenues, visit http://www.derekfredrickson.com.