70+ Sales Email Subject Lines for Higher Open Rates

You may ask — what’s a good subject line for cold email?

We’ve all been there — staring at a blank screen, fingers hovering over the keyboard, trying to conjure up the perfect sales email subject line.

It’s like trying to find the secret code to unlock a hidden treasure chest, except the treasure chest is your prospect’s inbox and the code is a combination of wit, curiosity, and intrigue.
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But fret not, fellow sales warriors! Whenever you’re trying to reach any prospect using their business or personal email address — we’ve done the hard work.

At pipl.ai we compiled a list of 70 sales email subject lines that are practically irresistible to prospects. These effective subject lines have been tested, tweaked, and refined to ensure maximum open rates, read rates, and response rates.

So, buckle up and prepare to dive into a world of subject line sorcery, where your emails become the shining stars of inboxes everywhere.

And remember, with great power comes great responsibility — wield these subject lines wisely and watch your sales soar!

What makes an effective cold email subject line?

Crafting an effective new cold email subject line is an art form that combines psychology, creativity, and a touch of wit. A good subject line should pique your prospect’s curiosity, provide enough context to understand the email’s purpose, and compel them to open and read your message.

Here are some key elements that make a new subject lines effective:

Curiosity: A great subject line sparks curiosity, making prospects want to learn more about what’s inside the email. Strike a balance between giving enough information and leaving some mystery to create intrigue.
Relevance: Your subject line should resonate with your prospect’s interests, needs, or pain points. Make it clear how your email relates to their situation or industry.
Personalization: Including the prospect’s name, company, or a specific detail about their work in the subject line demonstrates that you’ve done your research and creates a personal connection.
Brevity: Keep it short and sweet. Aim for under 50 characters to ensure your entire subject line is visible on most devices and email clients.
Emotional Appeal: Tap into your prospect’s emotions by using words that evoke excitement, urgency, or even a little fear of missing out (FOMO).

Couple examples of basic, yet effective cold email subject lines:

Hey [First Name], is this the solution you’ve been searching for?

3 ways [Company] can crush the competition

[First Name], save time and money with our latest offer

Exclusive invite: Don’t miss our [Industry] event!

This is the elusive art of crafting a captivating cold email subject line. It’s all about cutting through the noise and convincing your prospect that opening your email is the best decision they’ll make all day.

Make your subject line personal

A little personalization can go a long way in the world of cold emails. It’s like the difference between a generic greeting card and one that’s handwritten with inside jokes and heartfelt sentiments.

Adding that personal touch to your subject line shows your prospect that you care enough to do your research and cater to their individual needs.

Who doesn’t love feeling special, right?

Here are some tips for making your subject lines personal:

Use the prospect’s name: Including your prospect’s first name in the subject line can instantly grab their attention and foster a sense of familiarity.
Mention their company: Referencing your prospect’s company shows that you’ve done your homework and your email is relevant to their business.
Highlight a recent accomplishment: Congratulate your prospect on a recent achievement, such as a promotion, award, or successful project, to demonstrate your interest in their success.
Connect to a shared interest or experience: If you know your prospect has a particular hobby or attended a recent event, use that as a conversation starter in your subject line.
Refer to a mutual connection: If you have a mutual acquaintance, mentioning their name can add credibility to your email and pique your prospect’s curiosity.

Examples of personal subject lines:

Hey [First Name], our mutual friend [Mutual Connection] recommended I reach out

Congrats on [Company]’s recent success, [First Name]!

[First Name], loved your insights on [Industry Topic] at [Event Name]

As a fellow [Shared Interest] enthusiast, I thought you’d appreciate this, [First Name]

Keep it short

In a world where attention spans are shorter than a toddler’s tantrum, brevity is your new BFF when it comes to cold email subject lines.

Keep it short and sweet, folks.

No need for a Shakespearean soliloquy when a few carefully chosen words will do. And let’s be real, ain’t nobody got time to decipher a novel-length subject line on their phone screen.

Here are some tips for keeping your subject lines short and impactful:

Aim for 50 characters or less: this length of email body ideal for ensuring your subject line doesn’t get cut off, especially on mobile devices. You can also tell the whole story in a follow up.
Focus on the main point: Determine the core message of your email and build your subject line around that. Avoid trying to squeeze in too much information.
Use powerful words: Choose words that evoke emotion, create urgency, or demonstrate value to make your subject line more compelling.
Cut the fluff: Remove unnecessary words or phrases that don’t contribute to the main message or emotional impact of your subject line.
Test and optimize: Experiment with different subject line lengths and styles to determine what works best for your audience and goals.

Examples of short subject lines:

Quick question, [First Name]
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Your next game-changer

Cut costs by 30%

Deadline approaching!

That’s it. Short and snappy, like a perfectly executed high-five.

That’s the kind of subject line that’ll grab your prospect’s attention and have them eagerly clicking to open your email.

Think of it like a fishing lure — you want to entice your prospect with just the right amount of bait, without overwhelming them with too much information.

Curiosity Subject Lines

Curiosity killed the cat, but in the world of cold emails, it’s the key to success.

By adding a dash of mystery to our subject lines, we’re tapping into our prospects’ natural curiosity and making them eager to discover what’s inside that email.

Tips for crafting curiosity-driven subject lines:

Ask a question: Questions engage your prospect’s brain and invite them to seek answers, making them more likely to open your email.
Tease a solution: Hint at a solution to a common problem or challenge your prospect might be facing, without giving away all the details.
Use intrigue: Craft a subject line that’s intriguing or unexpected, making your prospect eager to learn more.
Offer exclusive content: Suggest that your email contains valuable information or insights that can’t be found elsewhere.
Create a sense of urgency: Use time-sensitive language or deadlines to evoke a fear of missing out, driving your prospect to act quickly.
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Examples of curiosity subject lines:

“The secret to skyrocketing productivity, [First Name]?”

“How [Company] can save 5 hours a week”

“Unlocking the hidden potential of your team”

“Last chance: Exclusive offer for [Industry] insiders”

“What your competitors don’t want you to know”

FOMO Subject Lines

FOMO, baby! It’s the ultimate secret weapon for crafting cold email subject lines that’ll make your prospects drop everything and open that email.

Just add a dash of urgency and exclusivity, and watch as they scramble to avoid missing out on the next big thing. It’s like the hottest club in town — everyone wants in, but only the lucky few get to experience the magic.

Tips for crafting FOMO-inducing subject lines:

Use time-sensitive language: Phrases like “last chance,” “limited time,” or “ends soon” can create a sense of urgency that compels prospects to act quickly.
Offer exclusive access: Suggest that your email contains special offers, deals, or content that’s only available for a select few or for a limited time. Your email body may have more explanation about what you have meant to say in your personalized subject line.
Leverage scarcity: Highlight the limited availability of a product, service, or offer to make prospects feel like they need to act fast or risk losing out.
Highlight social proof: Showcase the popularity or success of your offer by mentioning the number of people who have already signed up, purchased, or benefited from it.
Capitalize on recent events: Reference a recent industry event, news item, or trend to make your email feel timely and relevant.

Examples of FOMO-inducing and creative subject lines:

“24 hours left: Don’t miss out on this exclusive [Industry] offer”

“[First Name], join 500+ experts at our can’t-miss webinar”

“Only 10 spots left: Claim your [Product/Service] discount now”

“Don’t miss out! Our best-selling [Product] is almost sold out”

“Your competitors are already using this secret weapon”

Offer something enticing

Who doesn’t love a good deal?

Offering something enticing in your subject line is like giving your prospects a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

When you promise value or a solution to their problems, they’ll be chomping at the bit to open that email and see what you have to offer.

Tips for crafting enticing subject lines:

Showcase benefits: Highlight the advantages or results your prospect can expect from your product, service, or solution.
Offer a free resource: Present a valuable freebie, such as an e-book, guide, or template, to demonstrate your expertise and build trust with your prospect.
Share a case study: Reference a success story or example of how your offering has helped others in your prospect’s industry or role.
Provide a discount or special offer: Entice your prospect with a limited-time deal, discount, or bonus offer that’s exclusive to your email recipients.
Solve a pain point: Address a common challenge or problem faced by your target audience and suggest that your email contains a solution.

Examples of enticing subject lines:

“Unlock 30% more revenue with this simple strategy, [First Name]”

“[First Name], your free guide to mastering [Industry Skill] is inside”

“How [Client Name] increased sales by 200% (and how you can too)”

“Exclusive offer: Save 50% on [Product/Service] for a limited time”

“Say goodbye to [Pain Point] with this one simple trick”

Showing a mutual connection

It’s all about who you know, baby!

Establishing a sense of familiarity in your subject lines is like slipping into a comfy pair of slippers — it just feels right.

It also puts you miles ahead of other folks trying to get through the noise and get prospect’s attention.

Here are some surefire ways to craft subject lines that’ll make your prospects feel like they’re among friends:

Name-drop a mutual contact: If you share a connection with your prospect, mention their name in the subject line to pique your prospect’s curiosity and create a sense of trust.
Reference a shared event: If you both attended the same conference or event, use that as an icebreaker to show you have common ground.
Highlight a common interest: Mention a hobby, passion, or industry topic you both care about to establish a connection and make your email feel more personal.
Leverage social media: If you connected on social media or exchanged comments on a post, use that interaction as an opener for your cold email.
Tap into company connections: If your company has worked with your prospect’s company in the past, mention that collaboration as a starting point for your conversation.

Examples of mutual connection subject lines:

“Hey [First Name], [Mutual Contact] said we should chat!”

“Spotted you at [Conference] — let’s talk [Industry Topic]!”

“Fellow [Hobby] enthusiast — have you tried this trick?”

“Loved your LinkedIn comment on [Topic], [First Name]”

“When [Your Company] met [Their Company]: A success story”

Use power words to grab prospects’ attention

Tips for incorporating power words into your email subject lines:

Choose words that pack a punch: Opt for terms that evoke strong emotions or pique your prospect’s curiosity, making your subject line stand out in their inbox.
Make it personal: Combine power words with personalization, such as the prospect’s name or company, to create a more impactful and targeted message.
Keep it relevant: Ensure the power words you use are relevant to your email’s content and resonate with your target audience’s interests and pain points.
Avoid overdoing it: Use power words sparingly and strategically to avoid overwhelming your prospect or coming across as insincere.
Test and refine: Experiment with different power words and combinations to see what resonates best with your target audience, and be prepared to adjust your approach based on your results.

Examples of email subject lines with power words:

“Unlock explosive growth with this game-changing strategy, [First Name]”

“Revolutionize your [Industry] skills with our exclusive guide”

“Skyrocket your productivity with this one mind-blowing hack”

“Discover the ultimate secret to crushing your [Industry] goals”

“Transform your [Company] with this proven, cutting-edge solution”

Here are 15 more power words that can help you create impactful email subject lines:

Irresistible
Exclusive
Jaw-dropping
Instantly
Unleash
Sensational
Skyrocket
Breakthrough
Unstoppable
Elite
Magnetic
Remarkable
Fearless
Captivating
Unforgettable

Pain Point Questions

Pain point questions in your email subject lines can be like a soothing balm for your prospects’ troubles. By highlighting their challenges or problems, you’re showing that you understand their pain and have the perfect solution to make it all better.

Here are some tips for crafting pain point question subject lines:

Identify common challenges: Research your target audience’s pain points and craft questions that address those concerns in a compelling way.
Be concise: Keep your subject line short and to the point, focusing on the main problem your prospect is likely facing.
Be empathetic: Show understanding and empathy by asking a question that your prospect can relate to, making your email more appealing.
Offer a solution: Ensure your email content delivers on the promise of your subject line by providing valuable insights or solutions to the pain point in question.
Test and iterate: Experiment with different subject lines and pain point questions to see what resonates best with your target audience.

Examples of pain point question email subject lines:

“Struggling with [Pain Point], [First Name]?”

“Tired of [Industry Challenge]? We have the solution”

“Is [Problem] holding your business back?”

“Need help navigating the [Industry] jungle?”

“Ready to conquer [Pain Point] once and for all?”

Retargeting Emails: Winning Back Prospects with Empathy and Relevance

Retargeting emails serve as a powerful way to reconnect with prospects who have previously shown interest in your product or service but haven’t yet taken the plunge. By addressing common pain points and personalizing your message, you can reignite their interest and bring them back into your sales funnel.

Here are some tips for crafting successful retargeting emails:

Personalize the message: Use your prospect’s name, company name, or other relevant details to create an engaging and tailored email experience.
Address pain points: Remind prospects of the challenges they face in their industry and demonstrate how your solution can alleviate those pain points.
Offer incentives: Provide a unique offer, discount, or bonus to entice prospects to take action and re-engage with your business.
Create a sense of urgency: Motivate your prospects to act quickly by using time-sensitive language or limited-time offers.
Cater to mobile screens: Ensure your email design is responsive and looks great on average mobile screens, as many prospects will open your emails on their smartphones.
Test and optimize: Analyze the performance of your retargeting emails, and optimize subject lines, content, and offers to improve engagement and conversions.

Examples of retargeting email subject lines:

“Hey [First Name], remember us? Tackle [Common Pain Point] with [Company Name]!”

“Last chance, [First Name]! Your exclusive offer expires soon”

“Share the same interests? Let’s talk, [First Name]!”

“[First Name], fix that broken link with our [Product/Service]”

“Don’t miss out! Secure your meeting request with [Company Name] today”

By addressing pain points and personalizing your retargeting emails, you can effectively rekindle the spark with prospects and boost conversions.

Attention-seeking subject lines

Here are a few examples of attention-seeking subject lines that are sure to make your prospects sit up and take notice:

“Stop everything and read this!”

“I have a secret to tell you…”

“Are you making these [Problem] mistakes?”

“You won’t believe what we’re offering…”

“Do you have 5 minutes to change your life?”

“The [Number]-minute hack that will change everything”

“Psst! This is for your eyes only…”

“We’re giving away [Valuable Item] — but only to our subscribers!”

These subject lines are like the flashy billboards on the Vegas strip — they’re impossible to ignore. They spark prospect’s curiosity, and entice them to open that email and see what all the fuss is about.

But let’s not forget, attention-seeking subject lines alone aren’t enough. Your email content needs to deliver on the promise of your subject line, and provide real value to your prospect. It’s like the old saying goes, “Don’t promise what you can’t deliver.”

“Hoping to help”

It’s time to put on our hero capes and save the day with some “Hoping to Help” subject lines! These subject lines are like a warm hug of reassurance, showing your prospects that you’re here to help and have the perfect solution to their problems.

Here are a few examples that are sure to make your prospects feel like you’re their personal superhero:

“Let’s solve [Problem] together!”

“Struggling with [Challenge]? Let me help!”

“I can’t stand seeing you struggle with [Pain Point]”

“Looking for a solution to [Problem]? I’ve got you covered”

“How can I help make your life easier?”

“Let’s make [Process] a breeze”

“I have a solution to your [Pain Point] problem”

“Wanted: Someone to save the day with the perfect solution to [Problem]”

“I’d love your feedback on that meeting”

These subject lines show your prospects that you value their input and are genuinely interested in hearing what they have to say.

Here are a few examples of “I’d Love Your Feedback” subject lines that are sure to make your prospects feel like they’re part of the team:

“Your opinion matters — let’s chat about that meeting”

“What did you think of our meeting? I’d love your feedback”

“Your feedback could change the game for us”

“Let’s improve together — what did you think of our meeting?”

“I value your opinion — can we talk about our meeting?”

“What’s your take on our meeting? I’d love to hear it”

“Don’t hold back — I want your honest feedback on our meeting”

“Your feedback could be the missing piece of the puzzle”

These subject lines are like the open arms of a friend, inviting your prospects to join the conversation and be a part of something bigger. They show your prospects that you’re not just interested in their business, but genuinely value their input and want to improve together.

Open-Ended Question Email

These subject lines are like a mental puzzle, challenging your prospects to think critically and engage with your message.

Here are a few examples of Open-Ended Question subject lines that are sure to spark your prospect’s curiosity:

“What’s your biggest challenge right now?”

“What’s holding you back from achieving your goals?”

“What’s your take on [Trending Topic]?”

“How do you stay productive when [Challenge]?”

“What inspired you to pursue [Interest/Hobby]?”

“What’s the one thing you wish you could change about [Industry/Market]?”

“What motivates you to succeed?”

“What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in [Industry/Field]?”

“Time for a quick touch base?”

Let’s face it — crafting follow-up subject lines can be a challenge. You don’t want to come across as pushy or desperate, but you also don’t want to be forgotten in the endless sea of unread emails. We have the secret to creating follow-up subject lines that are sure to get noticed.

Let’s take our previous example, “Time for a Quick Touch Base,” and add a follow-up twist to it.

Here are a few examples of follow-up subject lines that are sure to get your noticed

“Following up — did you get a chance to read our latest blog post?”

“Just checking in — have my personalized subject lines been working for you?”

“Quick reminder — have you had a chance to review our cold email campaign?”

“Touching base again — is our subject line game still working for you?”

“Bumping this to the top of your inbox — let’s catch up on your cold email progress!”

“Friendly reminder — I’d love your feedback on our previous touch base.”

“Hoping to connect — have you had a chance to check out our latest blog post?”

“Still here and ready to help — let’s touch base on your email campaign progress.”

These follow-up subject lines are like the friendly nudge that your prospects need to remember you and engage with your message. They show your prospects that you’re not just another faceless entity, but a real person who cares about their success.

How do you test a subject line?

When it comes to crafting effective cold email subject lines, it’s important to remember that what works for one prospect or target audience may not work for another. That’s why testing your subject lines is a crucial step in any successful cold email campaign.

Here are a few tips for testing your cold email subject lines:

Split-test your subject lines: Split-testing, also known as A/B testing, is a technique where you send two versions of your email to a small sample of your target market, each with a different subject line. You can then analyze which version received a higher open rate and use that subject line for the rest of your email campaign.
Consider your audience: Make sure your subject lines are tailored to them. If you’re targeting working professionals, for example, use subject lines that speak to their daily challenges and goals.
Keep it short and sweet: Remember, most email providers and spam filters have character limits on subject lines. Keep your subject lines concise and to the point to ensure they catch attention.
Test across different email providers: Email providers can interpret subject lines differently, so it’s important to test across a range of providers to ensure your subject line works across the board.
Experiment with follow-up subject lines: Don’t be afraid to mix things up with your follow-up subject lines. Try different approaches to see what resonates with your target.

By testing your cold email subject lines, you can improve your chances of getting your prospect hooked and achieving success with your email campaign. Remember to keep experimenting, analyzing, and refining your approach to ensure you’re getting the most out of your email marketing efforts.

Editor’s note:

Testing your subject lines is a crucial step in any successful cold email campaign. By taking the time to analyze and experiment with your subject lines, you can improve your chances of catching your prospect and achieving your email marketing goals.

Final Thoughts

Crafting effective cold email subject lines is a crucial step in any successful email marketing campaign. Whether you’re trying to capture your prospect’s attention, offer a tempting solution to their pain points, or establish a sense of familiarity, the right subject line can make all the difference. By experimenting with different approaches, personalizing your subject lines, and keeping them short and to the point, you can increase your open rates and engagement with your target market.