Making a great first impression is critical when it comes to sales. Your sales email subject lines are an opportunity to hook your reader and convince them to open your email.
To help you get started, we’ve gathered some of the best email subject line examples that will positively impact your sales process. These examples will flow your creative juices if you’re looking for inspiration or need a good laugh.
Qualities of a Good Email Subject Line
Whether you’re reaching out to a CEO or a sales team, a good email subject line is essential if you want your message to be read. After all, with so many emails vying for attention in our inboxes, it’s important to make sure your subject line stands out.
Short
If your subject line is too long or vague, there’s a good chance that your email will get lost in the shuffle. On the other hand, if it’s too short or doesn’t give the reader a clear idea of what the email is about, they may not even bother opening it.
The key is to strike a balance. Ensure your subject line is clear enough to give the reader a good idea of what the email contains but don’t give away too much information. Also, keeping it under 60 characters is important; if it’s longer, it could get cut off depending on how the recipient’s inbox is displayed.
Urgent
In today’s fast-paced world, ensuring your cold email subject lines include a sense of urgency is essential. With so much competition for people’s time, you must immediately grab their attention and let them know your message is important. Otherwise, they’re likely to scroll right past it.
Personalized
When someone receives an email, they see the subject line first. If your subject line is boring or generic, your prospective customer will likely delete your email without reading it.
On the other hand, a personalized subject line can help you stand out from the countless emails in their inbox and increase the chances that they’ll read what you have to say.
Offers Value
A well-crafted subject line can help build rapport and establish trust between you and the recipient. By offering value and being relevant, you’ll be more likely to stand out in an inbox and get your message heard.
50 Sales Email Subject Lines to Use Today
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite catchy email subject lines for sales—from cold outreach to follow-ups—to help you get more creative with your outreach.
Best Cold Sales Email Subject Lines
Cold emailing can be challenging, especially with lackluster subject lines. Here are some of the most compelling subject lines out there to help inspire your cold emailing strategy.
- “Just wanted to drop a quick note.”
The ideal subject line for a cold email balances being friendly but not too eager, and “Just wanted to drop a quick note” does just that. It shows you’re interested in talking to the person without being overly forward.
- “I found you through [referral name].”
One effective trick is to include the name of a referral in the subject line. Of course, this method can only be used if you were referred to your recipient by someone else. Including the name of a mutual connection creates a sense of camaraderie that makes people more likely to engage with the email.
- “Thoughts on this?”
This subject line is short and inquisitive, showing your interest in your recipient’s opinion. Plus, it’s a great way to start a conversation. Chances are, your recipient will be eager to share their thoughts, and you’ll be able to build a rapport from there.
- “Is there too much on your plate?”
It’s a question that makes the recipient stop and think and is relevant to almost everyone. After all, who doesn’t feel like they have too much on their plate sometimes? The key is not to overthink it; a simple, straightforward question can be just as effective (if not more so) than a clever pun.
- “Fellow [University or Company] alumni here!”
Alumni networks are more willing to help someone they share an affiliation with—especially if it involves an institution that’s meaningful to them.
- “Discover what’s possible with [product or service].”
This subject line is short and sweet. It also creates a sense of intrigue and wonder with the word ‘Discover,’ hinting at an innovative product or service.
- “Save $X with [product or service].”
If your product or service has a clear and proven ROI, it’s important to highlight that fact early on in your outreach. Mentioning your product or service’s cost savings can catch the eye of companies looking to improve their efficiency.
- “Crazy idea”
This subject line is an effective way to get someone on your email list’s attention. It’s a little out there, but not too crazy that it would turn them off. Plus, it shows you have an idea you’re excited about and are not afraid to share.
- “Is there any way I can help?”
Use this one to build a sense of empathy with your target audience. Everyone faces challenges at work, and addressing your ability to help them with your product or service can be an effective angle.
- “Question about your [X process]”
Asking about your recipient’s process can help them understand how your solution can improve efficiency. This subject line is short but generates curiosity about the next question.
Best Follow-Up Sales Email Subject Lines
Sales professionals know that following up with potential and current customers is essential to building relationships and closing deals. Let’s explore the best follow-up email subject lines to capture your audience’s attention.
“I’d love your thoughts on that meeting.”
If you recently had a sales call or demo with a prospective client and haven’t received a response, this subject line can remind them of your interaction. It also invites them to share their thoughts and engage with you.
2. “A quick question for you…”
This one is brief and lets the recipient know you will not take up too much of their time. Additionally, it’s friendly and implies that you’re not just trying to sell them something—you’re genuinely interested in getting to know them better.
3. “Invitation to [webinar or event]”
If you know your prospective client could benefit from an event or webinar your company is hosting or is affiliated with, include it as a subject line. Providing value from the get-go is key, and it shows your thoughtfulness.
4. “A glimpse of what’s to come.”
Adding the sense that your recipient is getting a preview of new features can engage them in your product’s roadmap. It also increases the chances they’ll open the email; most people are excited to glimpse something new.
5. “Hot off the presses!”
If you have a new feature in your product line or have added a service, announcing the news can be a great way to re-engage a stale prospect. This subject line creates a sense of urgency to try something fresh and new.
6. “Catching up”
This subject line communicates that you’re interested in getting back in touch and seeing how the person is doing without coming across as pushy or “sales-y”.
7. “Our next steps”
You can use this subject line to remind your prospect about what to do next in their engagement with your company. It also creates a shared sense of ownership of the sale cycle.
8. “15 min chat this Thursday?”
Suggesting a short chat can go a long way in securing commitment. After all, a 30-minute meeting can eat a chunk of the day away—shortening the discussion can make it easier for new prospects to say yes.
9. “I thought you might like this [blog, movie, podcast, etc.].”
Referencing something you discussed with the prospect and showing you’re thinking of them with a piece of media can go a long way in re-engaging leads.
10. “You made me think of this new idea.”
This is an effective subject line as it shows that you were paying attention to the conversation and came up with a new idea based on what they said. It will also make them feel good that they inspired you.
Best Introductory Sales Email Subject Lines
When you’re trying to build a relationship with a new lead, the first step is always to get their attention. And in online communication, that means crafting a great subject line for your email. The most compelling introductory emails include subject lines that are interesting, relevant, or even humorous.
- “I’m not spam, I swear!”
Everyone has an aversion to spam emails. By declaring this cleverly and light-heartedly, you’re acknowledging that you share the same pain point and won’t spam your recipient..
- “A little birdy told me you might be interested in this”
By starting with “little birdy,” you’re indicating that you have inside information about the recipient’s interests, which will immediately grab their attention. From there, you can provide more details about why you’re emailing and what you have to offer without being too intrusive.
- “Straight to the point.”
In today’s busy world, people appreciate being able to quickly and easily identify the purpose of an email. This subject line also sets the tone for the rest of the email, which should be direct and to the point. Sales teams need to get their message across quickly and efficiently, and this subject line lets the recipient know that they can expect just that.
- “Introducing: [product or service].”
This subject line tells the recipient what they’ll learn about without giving too much away. Plus, it’s brief and works as an effective compliment to your email marketing efforts.
- “Quick question about your company.”
This sales subject line shows that you’re interested in the recipient’s company and want to learn more about it. It also demonstrates that you’re not just trying to sell something but are interested in building a relationship with the company.
- “I found this article about your company and thought you’d be interested.”
This subject line shows that you’re paying attention to what they’re doing and are eager to learn more.
- “I just created a new tool/resource.”
This one will let the customer know that you have something new and exciting that they might be interested in and address their pain points up front. You’re already ahead of the game if you can create a tool or resource that solves a problem for your potential customer.
- “Are you interested in [topic]?”
This type of sales email subject line shows that you know the recipient’s interests and offer something tailored specifically to them. It’s a practical way to get the recipient’s attention and start a conversation that could lead to a sale.
- “If you’re struggling with [pain points], we can help”
This short subject line also lets the person know that you will provide a solution to their problem.
- “We both know [person’s name].”
Having a mutual connection with the recipient can go a long way in establishing rapport. It increases trust and makes your prospect more likely to engage with your introduction email.
Best Meeting Request Subject Lines
Asking for someone’s time is no easy feat. In today’s busy workplace, meetings are a sacred resource. So, when sending meeting request emails, it’s important to develop an email subject line that respects your recipient’s time.
- “15 minutes next week?”
There’s no ambiguity or room for misinterpretation in this subject line. In addition, the time commitment is very reasonable—15 minutes is hardly a significant chunk of time out of someone’s day. It shows that you’re respectful of your prospect’s time.
- “Can I pick your brain for 15 minutes?”
This type of email is likely to get a higher response rate than a generic sales pitch because it demonstrates that you have a specific need that the prospective customer can help with and promises a limited time commitment.
- “A meeting would be great!”
This subject line clarifies your request while still sounding friendly and casual. The recipient will understand there’s no pressure to respond immediately or commit.
- “A meeting to see if we’re a good fit?”
It’s specific enough to let the recipient know what the email is about, but it’s short and has a call to action. It also raises curiosity; who wouldn’t want to find out if they’re a good fit?
- “A meeting to discuss your needs?”
This shows that you’re interested in understanding the potential client’s needs and want to see if your product or service is a good fit. Plus, it’s short and to the point—no need for flowery language or long-winded explanations.
- “Is there a time we can meet?”
This is a practical way to get a meeting request across without sounding too pushy. It shows that you’re interested in meeting with the person but that you’re also flexible on when that meeting takes place.
- “Can I steal a few minutes of your time?”
We’re constantly bombarded with requests for our time, and deciding which ones are worth our limited time and attention can be hard. By being upfront about the time commitment, the sender is more likely to get their foot in the door.
- “[Their company/your company]: [Time]”
This subject line can help you book the meeting you are looking for. If the recipient sees both companies written in black and white on a certain date, it can make the customer relationship feel more official.
- “I’ll keep it brief – can we schedule a meeting?”
The recipient of this email knows that you’re not going to waste their time with a lengthy message; instead, you’re going to get straight to the call to action. As a result, they’re more likely to give your request the time of day.
- “Time is precious – let’s meet!”
This subject line clearly states that you value the recipient’s time and think a meeting would best use it. This direct approach shows that you’re confident and assertive, two qualities that are always helpful in business.
Best Email Subject Lines When You Get No Response
When a lead falls through the cracks, it can feel impossible to recover. With these engaging subject lines, you can better position yourself to start a conversation with someone ignoring you.
- “I love this email; I think you will, too.”
This subject line conveys confidence and enthusiasm, which are sure to grab the recipient’s attention. Moreover, it shows that you’re invested in the relationship’s success.
- “I thought I heard something….”
This one implies that you might have new information that might interest the person you’re emailing. It’s a bit funny and unusual, which can help grab someone’s attention.
- “Assuming this isn’t a priority right now?”
Here’s why this works so well: it acknowledges that you haven’t heard from them in a while. It also recognizes that there’s a reason your recipient hasn’t been responding—they’re busy, they’ve forgotten, or they’re not interested.
- “I’m starting to wonder….”
This subject line hints at the possibility that there’s still time to salvage the situation, which can encourage the recipient to open the email and see what you have to say.
- “I thought you might be interested.”
The reason for this subject line’s effectiveness is simple: we all like to feel special and important. When we see an email with a subject line like this, we feel the company is reaching out to us specifically.
- “Bump”
The word “bump” is effective because it’s witty and straightforward, reminding the recipient that you want to”bump” your email up in their inbox.
- “I’m not annoying you, am I?”
The subject line accomplishes two things: first, it shows you’re aware the prospect has been ignoring your emails, and second, it expresses a willingness to maintain a relationship despite the prospect’s lack of response.
- Weekend tips in [City]
This personalized subject line shows you’re still interested in your prospect and remember some information about them. It also provides helpful information they’re likely to find useful, and potentially motivates them to engage with your company.
- “I hope you’re doing well!”
This simple gesture demonstrates that you care about them and their wellbeing. Plus, it can help build goodwill and rapport, which are essential for any successful business relationship.
- “I promise I’ll stop spamming!”
With this subject line, you’re saying, “Hey, I know you’re probably sick of getting emails from me, but just give me one more chance.” And finally, it’s a bit funny, which makes it stand out.
Tips for Writing Email Subject Lines
A good subject line can help set the tone for the rest of your email, so it’s important to take the time to craft a well-written one. A couple of key ingredients go into making a sharp subject line.
Be Genuine
In today’s age of spam and phishing, writing genuine subject lines is more important than ever. People who see a suspicious or generic subject line are much less likely to open the email. On the other hand, an email with an authentic and personal subject line is much more likely to be opened and read.
Put some thought into your tone of voice and how it conveys authenticity to your brand.
Write for Your Audience
Sales teams know it’s important to write for your audience. After all, if your potential customers don’t understand your subject line, they won’t be very interested in opening your email.
However, writing for your audience means using clear language and personalized subject lines that resonate with them.
Think about what kind of information would be most useful to your target customer and craft a subject line that speaks to them directly. This is especially important when reaching out to a CEO—tone is essential to making an impact.
Get Creative
Coming up with a catchy subject line can be tough. That’s why it’s important to get creative. Try to come up with an eye-catching and informative subject line. You can modify an existing sales email template to help guide your outreach efforts.
With a little creativity, you can craft a simple subject line that grabs the attention of your target audience.
Run Tests & Modify Your Approach
One way to improve the success of your email subject lines is to run tests and modify your approach based on the results. For example, you can use split testing with different cold outreach templates to see how other subject lines impact open rates. This will help you modify your approach as needed.
FAQs About Sales Email Subject Lines
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about sales subject lines:
A good subject line accurately reflects the email’s content and is interesting enough to make the recipient want to open it. A vague or misleading subject line will likely result in the email being deleted or sent to the spam folder.
Ensure the subject line is clear and concise—you want your recipients to know exactly what they get when they open the email. In addition, try to be creative and stand out from the rest of the sales emails that are likely flooding the recipient’s inbox.
The best subject lines of a cold email are concise and will grab your recipient’s attention. But creating a compelling subject line is half the battle—ending your email correctly can leave a lasting impression.
What You Need to Remember About Writing Sales Email Subject Lines
The best email subject lines for mass sales outreach are authentic, short, and creative. Beyond timing your email well to give it a greater chance of being viewed, subject lines are key for open and response rates. Creating a message that will resonate with your prospective customers is essential.
