Your email’s subject line is one of the first things people see in their inbox. The subject line is crucial to get an email opened.
But how to create an awesome subject line? Here are 43 great short, sharp, inbox-friendly email subject line examples you can use and change for your business.
The subject line examples have been grouped into categories for even more inspiration.
Ready to get inspired? Read on!
Urgency or FOMO
When someone feels like they need to act quickly, they’re more likely to make a decision quickly. It’s not just a marketing tactic; it’s actually supported by human psychology. This is a useful tactic to get your readers to act. And act now.
- Uh-Oh! Looks like your subscription is expiring…
- SALE: Must end tonight!
- Grab your voucher before it expires!
- Hurry: We’re nearly out of stock
- 50% off all lines until THIS Friday
- Sales are slipping through your fingers
- CLOSING down soon?
- You’ll be paying $700 more on Friday
Curiosity
Curiosity might have killed the cat (apparently) but it can also get your emails opened. People are naturally curious. Try subject lines that don’t give a clue as to the email content but rather add a sense of mystery. Just make sure you deliver on your promise otherwise your next curiosity driven email won’t be opened.
- We have a surprise for you!
- Weird habits of the rich and famous
- Are you sure you want to open this email?
- Shhh… Don’t tell anyone
- ????
- You gotta' see this, %FIRSTNAME%
- A note to our community
- IMPOSSIBLE
Vanity
Most people want to be liked, accepted, and even revered by others. That’s why clever subject lines use vanity to get an email opened. Do this by promising something that will make the recipient look better to others. FOMO can also be used in a vanity subject line.
- How far have you come since graduation?
- Don’t get caught wearing last year’s styles
- Get the Recognition You Deserve
- Only the best for you, %FIRSTNAME%
- DON’T commit these interview faux-pas!
- Why your email open rates are slipping…
- Are you losing ground to competitors?
- say goodbye to your exclusive 20% offer
Humour
A subject line that includes a pun, a funny joke, or a funny reference to something grabs a recipient’s. They’ll want to learn more. By using appropriate humour in a subject line, you’re increasing the chances that your email will be opened. But, use humour with caution. Some recipients may not appreciate the funny side.
- The 6 worst people in your office
- Negotiating tips so good they work on your mother-in-law
- 7 ways to get noticed (with your clothes on)
- You can't buy this on eBay …
- Better than a pumpkin spice latte!
- Great! Another damn email!
Temptation
Have you seen a TV ads with close ups of a chocolate bar? They’re tempting you. It’s one example. Not only could you lure a recipient into opening your email with a promise but you could also ask them not to do something they really want to do. Imagine bitting into that chocolate bar only to discover it’s not chocolate. Make sure you deliver on your promise.
- Irresistible chocolate recipes
- Go on, treat yourself
- Take a peek at our new product line
- How hot is this car?
- Do NOT open until Monday...
- Do you want to know a secret?
Making things easier
Not everyone wants to work harder. Using a subject line that promises to make it easier for the recipient has a good chance of being opened. It’s a good example of telling the reader exactly what they’ll get in the message body. This works well when you have a good segmentation strategy. You’re solving a problem you know the recipient is having.
- Grow your customer base 10x faster with these tips
- Learn a new skill in just 10 minutes a day
- 5 ways to use up Christmas dinner leftovers
- Psst! Steal these business card templates…
- Feed your family for only $10 a day
- 3 yime-saving tips you can use right now
- Are you struggling with writing blog posts? You’re not alone
While 43 subject line examples seems like a lot, it’s how they’re used for a specific group of recipients that the most important factor.
With more and more people using email to market their business, inboxes are getting crowded.
You need to make the most of any tactics to get your email noticed and opened.
