127 Irresistible Cold Email Subject Lines That Convert

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Updated: May 13th, 2021

If you're looking to boost your email open rates and increase sales, your email subject line is the first (and most important) step in achieving those goals.

Did you know that 33% of email recipients open emails because of an engaging subject line?

That's why it's critical to craft a catchy email subject line that will get you the traffic and conversions you deserve.

We've put together a list of 127 irresistible cold email subject lines that convert.

Some are proven examples from other successful campaigns, and some are creative ideas to inspire you.

Creative Email Subject Line Ideas

Question about [goal]
I had this idea since we last spoke
Hello. My name’s Forrest, Forrest Gump. You want a chocolate?
We have [insert fact] in common ...
Want to learn more about {{solution}}?
{Prospect Name}, want to learn more about {solution}?
26 seconds (or less).
A [benefit] for [prospect's company]
Want to talk about {Topic}?
Meeting invite: [Date]
Time for a quick touch base?
Need help implementing {change due to a regulation}?
If you change your mind about partnering with [your company]
{{mutual_connection}} suggested I reach out to you
Moving On.
Idea for [topic the prospect cares about]
You are not alone.
X options to get started
Are you making these mistakes?
Should I stay or should I go?
3 weekend ideas for you
Key challenges in implementing {solution}.
Am I assuming correctly?
{Prospect Name}, Thanks from {Your Company}.
I'd love your feedback on that meeting
WILSOOOON!!
Only few seats available for {conference/training classes/etc..}
{{first_name}}, can we connect?
Feeling blue? Like baby pandas?
Ready for {{event}}?
How you doin?
Feeling [insert emotion]? Let me help
{First Name} x {Company Name}
Hi [name], [question]?
Where is the love?
A 3-step plan for your busy week
How are you dealing with {Pain Point}?
[Prospect], I thought you might like these blogs
You ok, {{first_name}}?
Adieu.
I got the good stuff. Hit me up anytime.
Can you help me out?
Goodbye, {Prospect’s Name}
Here’s what I’ll do
Your comment on {post} was insightful
Build your {team} like {favorite sports team}
Introduction
Where shall we start?
10 mins — [date]?
[Company name] + [Company name]: [Date]
10x [prospect's company]'s traction in 10 minutes
Check this out, {{first_name}}
{Prospect’s Name}, it’s finally nice to connect with {Common Ground}.
NOBODY EXPECTS THE SPANISH INQUISITION!!
{First Name}, {Pain Point}
Time to Part Ways
Thinking about {specific goal}?
Hoping you can help.
“Here’s a free idea for [topic/problem]”
Next step?
Check it out, {First name}
Did you get what you were looking for?
Did you see that ludicrous display last night?
Don’t tell my boss
HBO Go password?
Resources to help with {pain point}
Collaborate? 🤝
Hey!
Hello from the other side…
Congrats!
[Mutual connection] recommended I get in touch
Here's that info I promised you
[the e.e. cummings subject line]
What are your views on Crocs?
What would it take?
Potential cooperation 🤝
I love everything in this email!
{First Name}, What went wrong?
“Just a quick question about [goal/project]”
Want to talk about {{topic}}?
{Prospect’s Name}, here is a personal note
One Question. {question about favorite place}?
So nice to meet you, [Prospect]!
Requesting a meeting on [Day]
Oh! I forgot to mention.
Request to connect.
Are you ready for?
It’s not you, it’s me.
{{first_name}}, let’s connect
{First Name}, I love {favorite facebook group} too
Our next steps
15 minutes this week?
Permission to close your file?
Nice to meet you at {{event}}
Have you thought of {{relevant_offer}}?
Only two weeks until {regulation law}.
X tips/ideas for [pain point]
Get ready for {event}!
Looking forward to meeting you at {Conference Name}, {First name}
I found you through [referral name]
Ideas for {goal}
“A smarter/better [goal to be reached]”
Are you ready?
Hoping to help
You’re invited
{{event}}
Can I help somehow?
{Product Benefit}
Hey 👋
I hope you enjoyed {{event}}
Question about {Goal}
Can you point me in the right direction?
Are you ok?
Know this about [topic of interest]?
I thought about what you said
One last quarter to go, on track to hit {specific target}?
Do not open this email
{Mutual Connection} asked me to get in touch with you.
Things didn’t work out here. How about {playing favorite sport} next week
Your Netflix password?
BTW, {Mutual connection} told me to get in touch with you
“I would love it for us to chat about [topic/idea]”
Congrats {First name}! Have you thought of {business value}?
Need help?
Moving on
{First Name}, I just missed you!

GUIDE: How To Write A Great Subject Line

As we mentioned above, crafting a catchy subject line is critical to the performance of your email campaign.

While just a few words may seem like a small piece of your overall message, this is the first impression your audience will have before they decide whether to open your email.

If your subject line isn't engaging or appealing enough, there's a chance it could get buried in your reader's inbox.

Let's go over the proven tips on how to craft a subject line that boosts engagement:

What makes a great subject line?

First, let's discuss the fundamentals of creating a great subject line:

Spark interest and curiosity
A clear and urgent call to action
An offer/intriguing discount
Personalization (this can be done by sending out different versions of emails to subscribers based on their preferences)
Relevance - make sure your subject line covers the current trends and topics within your industry

5 Tips To Crafting a Great Subject Line

Now, let's dive into the specifics of how to create a great subject line for your next campaign:

1. Use a familiar sender name

Although this may seem obvious, it's a piece many marketers miss the ball on.

Your readers want to feel like your email is coming from a human and not a corporation or automated system.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is by changing the sender's name to YOUR name or someone in the company that is well known.

Here's a great example of this from Marketing Examples

Pro Tip

Avoid the "no-reply" sender name at all costs. This makes your email feel unfamiliar, unapproachable, and less personable.

2. Keep your subject short and to the point

If your subject line is too long, it will get cut off, which could impact your reader's chances of opening your email.

The rule of thumb (for both mobile and desktop) is to keep your subject line under 50 characters.

3. Add personal touches to your subject line

If you have access to information about your subscriber (ie. name, location, etc), you can use this to benefit your subject line and catch your readers attention.

It's important not to go overboard here, but adding even the simplest touch such as their name can build trust and rapport.

Here's a great example of a personalized email + offer I received from BarkBox with my dog's name in the subject line:

4. Avoid making any false promises

Your subject line makes a commitment to your reader, so it's important you don't stretch the truth just to simply get more opens and clicks.

In the grand scheme of things, making false promises will end up hurting your open rate as your readers will lose trust in you.

5. Give them a sneak peek of what's inside

Telling your subscriber what is inside helps with open and clicks.

For example, if you're providing your reader with a free guide or e-book, consider making your subject line something along the lines of:

"Your FREE marketing e-book awaits!"

Conclusion

If you want your email campaign to perform well, it all starts with your subject line.

Think about the emails you receive in your inbox and what makes you click vs what gets buried - odds are, the same habits go for your customer.

We hope you enjoyed our guide + list of 127 irresistible cold email subject lines that convert.

meet the author

Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.

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