We see a similar story in email marketing. 33% of email recipients open emails in their inboxes based on a catchy subject line alone.
This small text holds a lot of weightage, especially if you want to do successful cold email outreach.
With the average office worker receiving 121 emails daily, you have a lot of competition to beat.
This makes writing subject lines that can stand out in the recipient's inbox a must.
A proven way to learn to write note-worthy cold email subject lines is to refer to some good examples that work.
We bring you a comprehensive list of email subject line examples for cold emailing that will offer you the needed inspiration and guidance with this guide.
Let us check them out.
Examples of cold email subject lines that create FOMO
FOMO cold email subject line example
FOMO stands for "fear of missing out." It's a common human emotion. If you've ever felt compelled to go to a party, even if you didn't really want to, because you were afraid that if you didn't show up, you'd miss out on something fun, then you know what FOMO feels like.
The good news is that you can use FOMO to write effective subject lines for cold emails.
Useful tips for creating FOMO with your email subject lines
Show that something is scarce
Use emotional words with a negative connotation
Ask questions
Use time limits to create urgency
Here are some examples for fear of missing out subject lines
[First name], Don't miss out on WFH benefits
Your competitors have adapted to this change
Everyone uses [X] now. Not sure about you?
Your competitors are attending this event
We want to give you money - today only!!
Grab a ride pass today before they're gone
Last week to complete your compliance for [compliance name]
You're missing out on points!
Now is the best time to invest in [asset type]
Free shipping on [product name] ends at midnight!
We are giving away 100 free accounts of [product name]
Examples of cold email subject lines that offer value or benefit
Value focused cold email subject line example
If you're looking for a simple formula for writing great headlines, there's no better place to start than a value proposition.
A value proposition is a clear statement of your product’s benefit to the reader in exchange for their time and attention.
How to offer value with your subject lines
Summarize the key benefit in a few words
Use simple value keywords
Present benefit as a question
Focus on benefits over features
Cold email subject line examples for providing value
You will love our research on [topic] to help you today
This article will SAVE you 20 hours every month
Can I help with your headache?
How to find peace at work
Keep calm and visit Vietnam
50% off to keep you happy
How do these people create time?
Now everyone can afford a new car
Your daily dose of free financial advice
Get a better internet connection NOW.
Examples of cold email subject lines that trigger curiosity
Example of an email subject line that creates curiosity
Curiosity is a powerful emotion. It's what drives us to explore new things and find out more about the world around us. You can use this curiosity in your marketing campaigns to get people to open your emails.
Tips to trigger curiosity with your subject lines for cold outreach
Frame subject lines as questions
Reveal partial information
Use names
Associate consequences for not knowing something
Make a secret promise
Here are some examples:
We made a blunder!
You were right about [topic name]
You should definitely check out this place
Can't decide what to wear? Try this trending fashion
HubSpot's SEO secrets revealed
Don't tell your friends about this
Why can't we just print more money?
Something is missing in your wardrobe…
Hi friend, I got one question. Got two minutes?
How has [topic] become the breaking news for today?
Examples of cold email subject lines that are short and sweet
Short email subject line example
You will hear many email marketing gurus suggest keeping subject lines short. A study found 41 characters to be an optimal length to maximize open rates.
While this is not a rule, typically, it helps to write shorter subject lines than longer ones.
Shorter subject lines take less time to read and process than longer ones, helping one browse their inbox faster.
Best practices for writing short cold email subject lines
Use numbers as numerals
Use shorter words to express similar meaning
Use action words
Be direct if appropriate
Examples of short email subject lines
This will make you laugh!
Hi, I love your blog…
Hey, look what I just saw…
Have you ever been to a weird café?
Just a photo of my cat
Do you struggle with [pain point]?
Congrats on your [item person bought]
Long week? Doing this helps
Why so serious?
She never runs out of sugar
Top picks for you, [first name]
Examples of cold email subject lines that use emojis 😎👉❤😊✌
Example of using emoji in email subject line
Emojis are a great way to engage with your customers. They're a fun and easy way to add some personality to your emails. Emojis are visual and get noticed easily.
However, the positive correlation between the use of emojis and higher open rates is still a matter of debate. We suggest that you test them for your use case and act accordingly.
Here are some examples of email subject lines with emojis
Why did you stop dreaming? 😇
🧡 These feel great 👍
Crocs are the best - this is why 😄
😃I LEGITIMATELY cannot believe this happened 😋
Why so 😑?
This will make a good joke 🤣
🤩New project! 🤩
Let us put the 💰 back in your 🧟♂️
Where will you celebrate 🥂🎇🎅🎁 this new year?
🥗🥕 Not sure what to it? Try this 👀
Examples of cold email subject lines that use personalization
Example of personalization in email subject line
Personalized subject lines are 22% more likely to be opened as they highlight exclusivity and a real person on the other side.
Valuable tips for personalizing your cold email subject lines
Use the recipient's first name in the subject line either at the beginning or end
Prefix the name with an appropriate salutation like Hi, Hello, Hey, etc.
Use the recipient's company name
Use the recipient's industry name
Use an inside joke
Good email subject line examples with personalization
Hi [first name], why you will burnout soon if...
Hey [first name], what do you think about [topic]?
Hi [first name], hit you [goal type] goals for real
Hello [first name], Are you still struggling with [pain point]?
Why we love your idea, [first name]
[first name], winter is coming. What are you doing?
Hello [first name], your SaaS growth playbook needs an update
Why does the media industry need to rethink streaming?
Why [company name] is still not in the Top 10?
A startling revelation about the [industry name] industry
The [industry name] industry's challenges need a millennial approach
Examples of cold email subject lines that are framed as questions
Example of an email subject line framed as a question
By asking a question in your subject line, you give your prospects a reason to be curious if it is relatable to them. Then, either they would click through to know your answer or check if they know the correct one.
Practical tips for framing your cold email subject lines as questions
Address the question to the reader using their name
Give them an easy question to answer
Put them in a spot
Make sure your question has a clear answer
Use a question mark
Subject line examples used as questions for a higher response rate
Is this what you were looking for?
Do you need help with [pain point]?
Are you ready for [challenge]?
How do you feel about [topic]?
Do you hate [recommended activity]?
Does [challenge] make you feel [negative emotion]?
Are you ready for [important day]?
Why should you read this article?
Did you know that [interesting fact]?
Why do you hate making money?
Is this the best way to solve [pain point]?
Examples of cold email subject lines that are humorous or funny
Example of humorous email subject line
How to make your cold email subject lines humorous or funny
Make use of puns
Don't be afraid to be bold
Make use of pop culture references
Use some sarcasm
Use emojis
Examples of funny email subject lines
I want to rent out your refrigerator
You know what they say; opposites attract
Are you an Octopus?
You Asked For It…
How do you like your coffee?
I know you quit smoking, but I can't quit you
Your new agency name is silly
Do you know where your IT guys went?
My mom wants to buy [asset type]
It's way too hot outside, so I sent you this email
Hello, my name is [sender name]. I want to ask for some money!
Examples of cold email subject lines that leverage social proof
Example of an email subject line that uses some social proof
Social proof elements are anything that makes people feel like they're not alone in their actions or opinions.
Including such elements in your subject line can make your email appear more trustworthy and increase your email open rate..
Advice for incorporating social proof in your cold email subject lines
Include your company's name if it is well-known
Mention a mutual connection
Reference a customer achievement supported by your product/ service
Highlight an award or recognition
Share reviews or ratings
Here are some examples:
We are offering an unlimited free trial. Rated 4.9/ 5 on G2
Want to check Product Hunt's SaaS solution of the week?
Everyone is talking about our new feature. Check it out
[Mutual connection name] told me that you would listen
What I learned from helping [mutual connection name]?
1000 people have already rated us 5 stars. Learn why!
How [client name] tripled headcount in 6 months?
"They are the easiest team I have every worked with."
Meet Gartner's Magic Quadrant Favorite for 3 years
We want to help you automate. Ask our customers.
Your colleagues will be there. Join them.
Examples of cold email subject lines that share a story
Email subject line example with a story
Nothing gets people's attention like a story. It's true in life, and it's true in business.
If you want your emails to get opened and read, use a subject line that tells a story.
Tips for using storytelling in your cold email subject lines
Share a relevant story
Have an engaging story hook
Keep it incomplete
Use dashes (…) to signal that the story will be continued in the email body
Use questions
Subject line examples that tell a story
How I managed to survive without the internet
I learned to automate. Here is what happened next…
My daughter is a great dancer. I didn't know
The one project management mistake that still haunts me
We didn't start in a garage because …
Money made me HAPPY until I realized …
Hey [first name], here is a [topic] story.
My first trip to Paris was different than most
What earning $1 at the age of 8 taught me
Examples of cold email subject lines that focus on pain points
Email subject line example highlighting a pain point
Your prospects don't care about your product or service. Instead, they care about themselves, their problems, and what you can do for them.
When you know their pain points, you can highlight them in your email subject lines to draw your prospect’s attention.
How to highlight pain points in your cold email subject lines
Do your research about the prospect
Cover the problem in simple words
Use agitation words
Mention a consequence of their unsolved problem
Present the problem as a question
Subject lines that use paint points
Are you losing interest in your work?
Your [problem ] problem will soon explode.
Don't use pills to manage your work stress. Do this instead
Why will patch work not solve [problem]?
You shouldn't ignore [problem] one bit longer
How did these marketers deal with bad reviews?
Ignoring this update will plunge your traffic
Why is meeting deadlines hard?
30% executives blame [problem] for poor performance.
This is how to deal with [problem].
Examples of cold email subject lines that highlight numbers and data
Email subject line example of using numbers
The best way to use numbers in cold emails is by creating a subject line that references them directly.
Numbers give your readers a sense of progress or quantity, making them more likely to open your message.
Tips for using numbers in your cold email subject lines
Use real numbers when possible
Use numerals
Use the number at the beginning
Use signs to indicate number type ($,%, etc.)
Examples of using numbers in good subject lines
5 ways to increase your website traffic in 2 weeks
20 people viewed your profile last week
We are now #1 in customer support quality
We donate $1 for every free trial. Help us
What if $0 could save you 20 hours a month?
40% of PMs worry about app crashes
100% increase in content ROI after this change
How is ignorance causing 500 hours of wasted work every month?
There is no 3-2-1 count down to success
What I learned from 200 hours of playing this game
Examples of cold email subject lines that use ego bait
Example of ego bait in email subject line
Ego baiting refers to using a person's name or title to get their attention and make them feel important.
This works because people like to be recognized for their accomplishments, particularly when they relate to the topic at hand.
Valuable tips for using ego bait in your cold email subject lines
Make it about the reader
Research to find something they achieved recently
Address directly
Use pleasing words
Express admiration
Subject line examples with ego bait
Your feedback would mean the world to us
15 years as a CTO deserves some respect. Count me in
How did you scale your company so fast?
Congratulations on the big role, [first name]
Your speech on [topic] was incredible. Thank you!
How did you come up with that viral post idea?
Your thoughts on [topic] are intriguing
Why do I love your work on [topic]?
Now I realize how good you were at [task]
Your work helped me become a better human
Examples of cold email subject lines that include offers and promos
Email subject line example including an offer
Promotions are an integral part of any business. If you want people to take action on your email, including promotion in the subject line is a great way to get them to open.
Useful tips to include an offer in your cold email subject lines
Create urgency to claim the offer
Keep it transparent
Use clear numbers
Include expiry date/ time
Personalize to the reader
Here are some examples of using offers in cold email subject lines
Hey [first name], you have a 50% discount!
The Mega Sale is back with a better deal
Midnight will start with a 30% discount on sneakers
40% off on [product category]. Offer closes tonight at 12!
We're having a sale - 30% off everything!
This 50% coupon code is just for you
A free consulting session worth $1000 for you
The biggest deal of the year ends tomorrow
This annual subscription gives you 2 years instead of 1
You may want to check out this 20% coupon
Closing remarks on writing the best cold email subject lines
Now you know there is no “one” universal formula for writing effective cold email subject lines.
The best ones are often a mix of A/B testing, relevance, and creativity.
We hope you could find some noteworthy examples to refer to for your use case in your next cold email outreach campaign.
By the way, you are not just limited to examples anymore.
Why not just generate multiple variations of subject lines with a few simple inputs and pick the best one?