Before you can convert an email subscriber and make a sale, you first have to get them to open your email. That’s easier said than done when faced with an overcrowded email inbox and time-pressed readers.
Still, you can improve your chances by crafting an effective sale email subject line.
This article reveals 20 of the best subject lines for sales you can use in your email campaigns. We also provide tips you can incorporate into your writing process and set your sale subject lines up for success.
Importance of an engaging subject line
Well-crafted email subject lines are essential for sales for two key reasons.
First, they’re the first thing your target audience will see when your email hits their inbox. Many of these people will use them to decide whether (or not) to open an email.
Thus, it’s no exaggeration to say that an email subject line can decide an email’s open rates. In fact, up to 47% of email recipients decide to open emails based on the subject line alone.
The reality is you’ll need to craft good email subject lines to get your emails opened. If potential customers don’t get past the subject line, they won’t read the email body. And if they don’t read the body of the email, you can’t convert them.
Secondly, effective email subject lines can help you capture attention.
Every prospective customer who receives your emails likely gets dozens more from your competitors. That’s not counting the other sales emails they receive from unrelated companies or the internal communications from their workplaces.
Crafting a good email subject line can help your email stand out in your customers’ crowded inboxes.
Intriguing and catchy subject lines can grab a prospect’s attention and convince them to open your emails. In essence, they can boost your email open rates and put you on the path to higher conversion rates.
20 effective email subject lines for sales
Here are 20 effective sale email subject line examples you can apply to different types of sales situations:
1. Cold email subject line
It can be challenging to get anyone to open emails from sources they don’t know, let alone fresh prospects. The lack of a common connection, along with the risk of falling victim to cybercrime, drives this wariness.
When you’ve no option but to send cold emails to drive sales, how do you establish trust with your email subject line?
One excellent way is to offer value upfront, as the subject line in the above image does.
What makes it effective?
This cold email subject line is effective because it offers value, encouraging the recipient to open the email.
Other inspiring examples:
- Optimize your task workflow
- Show your home some love
- Expand your impact with career-critical skills
- Start strong in Q3
- [Name] here are [Country’s] most in-demand careers right now.
2. Follow-up email subject line
Follow-up emails are necessary for moving a prospect through your sales funnel. Having moved past the awareness, interest, and desire stages, some people may still need one last push to take action and get their wallets out. Following up with these customers is how you make them take the plunge.
The above image is an excellent example of a subject line done right for a follow-up email.
What makes it effective?
This subject line uses encouraging words and a tick emoji to grab attention. By declaring that the recipient is on the right track, it piques interest and inspires curiosity. Customers who’ve forgotten about their interaction with the company or brand will be compelled to open the email if only to remind themselves.
Other inspiring examples:
- Hey, [name], what are your thoughts on [thing]?
- Hi, [name], have you tried [product or service]?
- Here’s what to do next
- Are you in?
- Let’s get your [recipient’s goal] over the finish line
3. Meeting request email subject line
Whether hosting a webinar, demoing a product or service, or having a virtual face-to-face with a prospect, you’ll need to send out meeting requests. They’re how you’ll sell prospects on your offerings and, eventually, drive sales.
Also, in industries with longer sales cycles, prospects must have multiple meetings before deciding whether to work with a company.
Email subject lines that fall into this category don’t have to be overly complicated, as is the case with the one in the above image.
What makes it effective?
A meeting request email subject line should communicate its purpose: to set up a meeting and secure the recipient’s attendance. It is even better if it mentions the product or service being sold. The above subject line ticks both boxes.
Other inspiring examples:
- Got a minute? Let’s talk about [thing]
- Free on [day of the week]?
- Meet up for [product/service] demo
- Let’s build a plan for [client’s goal]
- Thanks for meeting with us on [day of the week]
4. Welcome email subject line
Welcome emails target prospects and customers at the interest stage of the buyer’s journey. They are, in a manner of speaking, the recipient’s first taste of your brand and set the tone for the customer experience you promise to offer.
While a simple greeting can do the trick, as in the above image, some creativity wouldn’t hurt. For example, you could use ethical bribes (discounts) to warm your customers up and make a quick sale.
What makes it effective?
Glassdoor’s welcome email subject line is effective because it uses a play on words (“the right door” and Glassdoor). Not only does it show the company’s witty side, but it also instills confidence that the recipient is dealing with the right company. All without coming off as boastful.
Other inspiring examples:
- Welcome! Here’s 20% off
- Welcome to the [your company name] family!
- Hi, [name], welcome to [company]
- You + [company name] = Ready for Action
- Get ready for takeoff! The destination: online visibility
5. Personalized email subject line
Personalized email subject lines aren’t that different from other subject lines in terms of content. They can have a welcoming message, request a meeting, perform follow-up, and so on. The one detail that gives them their identity is the inclusion of the recipient’s name.
What makes them effective?
Companies employ email segmentation to send only the most relevant content to recipients, increasing the chances of engagement.
Other inspiring examples:
- Hey, [name], here’s a 50% discount on all products
- [name], master your inbox now
- [name], big news about [product or service]
- Does your budget match your lifestyle, [name]?
- [name], you’re specially invited to [event]
6. No-response subject line
Like follow-up email subject lines, no-response subject lines act as a gentle nudge to get the recipient to take action. The difference between the two emails and subject lines lies with the prospect.
A typical follow-up email attempts to re-engage an interested prospect, whereas a no-response email follows up with a seemingly uninterested person.
The above image shows a quintessential no-response subject line by Schneider Electric.
What Makes It Effective?
It uses blunt language, almost to the point of guilt-tripping the recipient into a response. While such a strategy can be risky (coming off as standoffish or desperate), it works here because the subject line is framed as a question.
In other words, it gets the recipient thinking about the demerits of not continuing the relationship further.
Other Inspiring Examples:
- Hey, we know you’re busy…
- In case you’ve had a change of heart about working with [your company]
- Re: [your last email]
- Still interested?
- Can we assume you’ve changed your mind about [product or service]?
7. Win-back email subject line
Win-back emails are an email automation staple and aim to either get disengaged customers back on their customer journey or encourage paying customers to continue the relationship. These goals give you leeway in how you write the email’s subject line.
You can strike a humorous tone, as Grammarly does in the subject line above (and use emojis while doing so). Or, you can be more formal and sell these customers on other product offerings they could try. Expressing concern for the customer’s well-being can also work.
What makes it effective?
Grammarly’s win-back email subject line works because it employs humor while adhering to best practices. The subject line uses 13 characters in total (counting spaces and the emoji). This combination of levity and brevity ensures the recipients’ heartstrings and funnybones get pulled and tickled whether they view it on desktop or mobile devices.
Other inspiring examples:
- It’s been a while…
- Have you tried [new products or services]
- Glad to have you back. Here’s [discount] on us
- We hope you’re okay?
- Hi, [name], here’s what you might have missed
8. Urgent action required subject line
You’re not limited to the email body when trying to drive sales. You can get the ball rolling right from the recipient’s email inbox using subject lines that convey urgency.
As the above email shows, these subject lines boil down to urgent language and limited-time offers. By putting a time limit on a perceived benefit (a discount, product in limited quantities, etc), you compel the recipient to take action.
What makes it effective?
As if using the word “final” wasn’t enough, the Semrush Team dials up the urgency to a 10 by including an alarm clock emoji.
Other inspiring examples:
- Last day to save 45% on Premium
- Final hours to save 25% on [Company’s] [product or service]
- 1 week left: Save your spot to see [Celebrity) at [Event]
- Deadlines are coming up fast—save your seat in top programs!
- Last call for 50% off – Dribbble’s 12-week Product Design Course
9. FOMO email subject line
The fear of missing out (FOMO for short) can compel people to take action that benefits your bottom line. That’s the idea behind this style of subject line.
You have many options regarding the irresistible benefit your customers won’t want to miss out on. You can offer limited items, discounts, or even information, as Upwork does in the above image. The only rule is that it has to be something your customers value.
What makes it effective?
Upwork’s FOMO subject line is effective because it adheres to the rule of offering something of value to the customer (in this case, critical information).
Other inspiring examples:
- Don’t miss out on [product or service discount]
- [prospect name], these [product category] are so you
- Here’s what’s hot at [company name]
- Want to achieve [X]? Here’s how [company products or service] can help you do it
- Better hurry! Only [number of product or service] left!
10. Discount email subject line
Discounts let you kill two birds with one stone. Not only are they excellent for showing your customers that you care, but they also motivate spending on their part.
You can offer discounts at random, as ride-hailing company Bolt does in the above image, or during specific seasons and holidays.
What makes it effective?
Bolt’s subject line gets several things right. It humanizes the company by including the sender’s name, uses personalization by referring to the recipient by name, and includes an appropriate emoji.
Other inspiring examples:
- Whoa! A discount wave!
- [Name], here’s a discount for you
- Hey, here’s a discount for your next safe rides
- Get 40% off before midnight
- Save 50% on Pluralsight skills while you can
11. Freebie/giveaway email subject line
Emails offering discounts or giveaways serve similar purposes in that they compel the customer to take (a likely, profitable) action. The difference lies in how directly the recipient’s actions affect your bottom line.
Remitly’s subject line above illustrates this point. It offers a $20 reward in exchange for customer referrals. Rather than rewarding the customer for spending on the company’s service (via a discount), it rewards them for bringing the company more customers.
What makes it effective?
The subject line puts the reward front and center. It also applies the best practice of using minimal characters to maximize the limited space a subject line can inhabit.
Other inspiring examples:
- Get 30% when you [do a thing related to your company’s products or service]
- Gifts for everyone, up to 35% off!
- Free shipping on all orders over [dollar amount]!
- Win a [product name] this [holiday season]
- Welcome back! Here’s a gift card for [brand name] products
12. Promotional email subject line
These subject lines promote your company’s brand and keep it at the top of your customers’ minds.
As the one in the above image shows, promotional email subject lines pair well with special occasions like seasonal holidays.
What makes it effective?
The subject line motivates the email recipient to gear up for the new year. At the same time, it positions Trello as a product that will help the user greet the new year as a new person.
Other inspiring examples:
- Check out our [holiday] sales!
- Fill your Christmas stocking with these stunning [product name]!
- New year, new gear!
- Our [season] collection just dropped!
- Hey, [name], [product or service] just got an upgrade!
13. Curiosity-inducing subject line
Remember our advice about using a hook for your subject lines? Inducing curiosity is one way to do it. Some people can’t resist the urge to dispel a mystery, which makes curiosity a powerful tool in your subject line-writing arsenal.
The subject line above is a potent example of how you can use curiosity to get email opens and ultimately help your sales process.
What makes it effective?
The quality that makes Semrush Team’s subject line effective is that it raises questions. Who is Gaby? How does she balance being an SEO by day and a DJ by night? Why should I care? And so on. That last question will likely make the most curious minds click on the email to learn what’s inside.
Other Inspiring Examples:
- This is NOT cool
- Want to hear a secret?
- We did it!
- Do you feel this way?
- Does this sound familiar?
14. Funny subject line
Want to get a prospective customer to drop their guard? Try injecting humor into your subject line.
You don’t have to try too hard to make your readers smile. As the subject line in the image above shows, a play on words will suffice to elicit a chuckle or two.
What makes it effective?
Redbubble’s subject line plays on the words “tote” and “totally” while promoting a collection of tote bags. It’s a fun way to stand out in a possibly packed inbox while simultaneously encouraging sales.
Other inspiring examples:
- Thrifty foodies assemble!
- Here’s the purrrfect gift for cat mums and dads!
- Don’t open this email!
- Achieve your ghouls this Halloween!
- Don’t you just love Mondays?
15. Catchy/creative subject line
A little creativity can make your email subject lines stand out. You can use puns, jokes, or other devices to warm cold customers up to your brand or brighten up their day.
Alison’s subject line displays creativity by putting a spin on a classic Notorious B.I.G song (“Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems”).
What makes it effective?
Not only is this subject line creative, but it also humanizes the Alison brand. Older readers who know the lyrics to the song may get a kick out of knowing that they share something in common with some Alison employees.
Other inspiring examples:
- Ready, set, automate
- If you build it, they will come
- The stars are aligned for cyber savings!
- Burn after reading!
- If you’re reading this, life’s about to get awesome!
16. Pain point-addressing subject line
It’s easier to sell water to thirsty customers. In the same vein, you’ll have an easier time getting customers to open your emails if you address their pain points in the subject line.
The ClickUp Team applies this philosophy in the above-pictured subject line by referencing their target audience’s pain point.
What makes it effective?
This subject line makes a bold promise: to let managers manage tasks without being overly hands-on. In addition to communicating an understanding of the customer’s pain, it piques their curiosity.
Other inspiring examples:
- Searching for answers to workflow woes?
- Toxic productivity—and five tips to overcome it
- Spiraling toward app overload?
- Resource planning shortcuts for busy managers
- Your go-to employee onboarding checklist
17. Direct/straightforward subject line
Time-pressed customers appreciate subject lines that are short and leave little doubt about the content of the email.
As the subject line in the above picture shows, greetings fall into this category. Meanwhile, if you run a B2B business, your subject line can either reference your prospect’s company or your product or service.
What makes it effective?
Semrush Academy’s subject line is a straightforward holiday greeting that upholds the principles of clarity and succinctness.
Other inspiring examples:
- Clarification needed on [prospect’s situation or goal]
- Here’s how we’ll help you reach [goal]
- About the [situation] [prospect’s company] is facing…
- Some ideas to grow [prospect company] market share
- [prospect company] performance in Q2
18. Abandoned cart email subject line
Abandoned cart recovery emails are similar to win-back emails with one key difference: win-back emails aim to re-engage while these try to close on a sale.
Shutterstock’s subject line (pictured above) perfectly illustrates the above. It reminds the recipient to complete their order in as few words as possible.
What makes it effective?
The Shutterstock subject line is effective because it conveys urgency (with the use of “now”) while reminding the customer of their pending order.
Other inspiring examples:
- Aren’t you forgetting something?
- You left something in your cart.
- Don’t forget to complete your order!
- Awesomeness awaits! Check out now
- Your [product name] is waiting.
19. New arrivals email subject line
When announcing new arrivals via email, the subject line should get readers excited to learn more.
Thus, these are one of the few subject line types where it’s okay to use exclamation marks. Follow Marlee’s lead by using them sparingly (as the company has done in the subject line above).
What makes it effective?
Marlee’s subject line combines an exclamation mark and a rocket emoji. Far from being just a cute image, the rocket also signifies a launch, adding to the excitement.
Other inspiring examples:
- Check out our newest arrivals
- Hot off the press!
- These new [product name] will blow your mind
- Newest arrivals for the [Holiday name] holiday
- This just in: Trello Dark Mode is here
20. Back in stock email subject line
You don’t have to do too much heavy lifting when crafting a subject line that announces the return of one of your popular products. The chances are the customer you’ve sent the email to expressed interest in it before you ran out of stock.
Hence, a straightforward statement that references the product in question should suffice. To drive sales, consider adding a sense of urgency by stating that the product is available in limited quantities.
Inspiring Examples:
- It’s back! Get these [product name] now!
- [Product name] is back in stock!
- You asked, we answered…
- Back in limited quantities
- Restocked and ready to rock! Get your [product name] now!
How to write catchy email subject lines for sales
Now that you understand the importance of well-written sales email subject lines and have seen some examples, here’s some practical advice to make your writing process and life easier:
1. Portray an Urgency
One of the oldest sales tactics you can apply to your sales email subject lines is to create a sense of urgency. There are several ways to do it, but a time-tested method is to include the words “limited-time offer” in the subject line.
Sales email subject lines that create urgency are effective because they play on the customer’s fear of missing out on a special deal. The subject line’s time sensitivity can also pique the reader’s interest in the specific benefit the product or service on sale offers.
Use this tactic to boost your next sales email’s open rate.
2. Keep it concise
The best email subject lines sales teams should craft take the spatial limitations inherent to email inboxes into consideration.
While email providers don’t impose character limits per se, they will cut off lengthy email subject lines with ellipses. In other words, you have a limited space and number of characters to get your message across.
Your email subject line should be no more than 60 characters. That said, shoot for fewer characters so your subject line appears as intended on all devices.
3. Maintain clarity
If you’re sending cold emails, the subject lines need to be clear and to the point.
Sales subject lines with an air of mystery won’t be as effective for prospects because they know nothing about your brand. In extreme cases, a cryptic sales email subject line may irritate your sales leads and cause them to mark your emails as spam.
Use plain and simple English in the subject lines of your sales emails to hint at their contents. When your subject line conveys clarity, it won’t rouse the suspicions of cautious recipients.
4. Use an interesting hook
Give your sales email subject lines exciting angles to capture the recipients’ attention. Your hooks can be mouth-watering discounts or statements that address customer pain points.
Catchy email subject lines that employ hooks will help your email stand out against the competition and, ultimately, aid your sales process.
5. Leverage personalization
Personalize your email subject lines whenever possible.
Personalized email subject lines are necessary because they make your email recipients feel they’re being addressed personally. They convey a warmth and closeness that a mass email blast can’t.
One way to personalize your sales email subject lines is by referencing past interactions. Another low-hanging fruit is to mention the recipient’s name in the subject line.
GetResponse makes it easy to personalize your email subject lines. Our AI-powered email marketing software allows you to create custom fields and assign them to your contacts. When used, the email recipient’s first name will appear in the subject line, giving it a personal touch.
6. Be original
Craft original email subject lines that set your emails apart.
An original subject line can contain information that positions your company as an expert in its field. Additionally, it can be the precursor to long-form content on your company’s website, like a study, report, or blog post.
7. Provide value
Write a subject line that provides value to your prospects.
People gravitate to information they feel will benefit them. If a subject line promises value upfront, it could compel your email recipients to open your email.
What value you can offer will depend on your audience. For example, if you cater to B2B audiences, a subject line offering value could tease a strategy that will help these businesses boost their revenue in the next quarter.
8. Use emojis
You can create email subject lines that get attention by including emojis. These colorful and whimsical graphics can be powerful tools for catching a reader’s eye in a congested email inbox.
If they’re relevant to the email (for example, emojis representative of a particular holiday or season), the better.
That said, use emojis sparingly in your subject lines. Also, A/B test the use of emojis to see whether they work with your brand and target audience.
How the GetResponse AI email generator can help
Crafting catchy email subject lines that grab attention, pique interest, and encourage recipients to dive into the body of the email can be challenging. Even the most gifted wordsmiths can expend a ton of mental energy on the writing process only to go through multiple rewrites.
With the arrival of artificial intelligence and technology like Open AI’s ChatGPT, the subject line-creation process just got easier. We have integrated this technology into our software suite to help you craft the best sales email subject line for your needs in record time.
We’ve created a native email subject line generator powered by ChatGPT that all GetResponse users can leverage when creating subject lines for sales emails. With one click, you can get a ton of customizable email subject line examples in seconds. All without an Open AI account.
All you have to do is give our user-friendly tool a few keywords and identify the industry in which your business operates, and voila! Our email subject line generator will produce relevant results without breaking a sweat.
GetResponse’s email subject line generator is available with all paid accounts. Free users can also take the feature for a spin, though they’re limited to three uses per month.
Save yourself the trouble of spending hours staring at a blank screen with our game-changing tool. Sign up for a free GetResponse account or book a demo to see how it works.
In closing
An email’s subject line can make or break a sales campaign, so you must get it right. Not only is it the first thing your recipients will see, but it also dictates whether they’ll open your email.
Luckily, there are measures you can take to craft effective email subject lines.
Start by creating a subject line that creates urgency and conveys clarity while keeping character limits in mind. Use personalization, originality, and hooks to grab attention and keep your readers interested.
Where possible, provide value and use emojis sparingly. Also, don’t be afraid to leverage AI. Apply these tips, and you’ll craft subject lines that encourage email opens.