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100 Email Subject Lines That Guarantee Opens and Clicks
Proven Subject Lines to Boost Your Email Marketing Success
Kanishka Kumawat
November 6th, 2024
Have you ever stared at your email’s subject line field, wondering how to craft the perfect hook?
We’ve all been there.
An email’s subject line can make or break your open rates, engagement, and overall campaign success.
That’s why we’ve compiled 100 of the best email subject lines ever seen.
These gems will make your audience think, “What the hell? Where was this when I needed it?”
The Magic Behind the Subject Line
Here are a few subject lines from my inbox that I couldn’t help but click:
There’s one I get every Monday from Arnold’s Pump Club. I know it’s coming, and I always look forward to it because it gives me that positive boost to start my week right.
Another one always catches my eye with a no-nonsense overview of what’s happening in the US stock market. As someone who’s keeping an eye on my investments, it’s exactly what I need to stay in the loop.
Then there’s Smart Nonsense—a daily comic newsletter. Their subject lines are always spot-on, sparking just enough curiosity to make me open it without thinking twice.
Before we dive into the list of killer subject lines, let’s talk about what really makes a subject line stand out.
Here’s the secret sauce:
Curiosity: Tease just enough to make people want more.
Urgency: Create that “I need to open this now” feeling.
Relevance: Make sure it hits home with your audience.
Personalization: Speak directly to the recipient, like you’re writing just for them.
Clarity: Keep it simple and clear—no one likes guessing games.
The Psychology Behind Compelling Subject Lines
Understanding the mental triggers that drive action can elevate your email marketing strategy. Here’s how key psychological factors can make your subject lines irresistible:
Curiosity Gap:
The curiosity gap is the space between what people know and what they want to know. By crafting subject lines that hint at valuable information without fully revealing it, you urge the reader to fill that gap. Example: “You won’t believe what happened next…”
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out):
FOMO taps into the fear that one might miss out on something important, exclusive, or time-sensitive. Subject lines that convey scarcity or urgency can push readers to act immediately. Example: “Last chance to get 50% off!”
Personalization:
Personalization makes the reader feel recognized and valued. It goes beyond just using their name—it’s about tailoring the content to their interests and behaviors. This connection increases the likelihood of engagement. Example: “[Name], here’s a deal just for you.”
Emotion:
Emotional triggers can strongly influence behavior. Whether it’s excitement, urgency, happiness, or even fear, subject lines that evoke emotion are more likely to prompt an immediate response. Example: “Don’t miss out on the happiest moment of your year!”
Value Proposition:
A clear value proposition answers the reader’s question, “What’s in it for me?” It’s about offering something that the reader perceives as valuable, whether it’s a discount, a solution to a problem, or exclusive content. Example: “Unlock your free guide to success.”
Social Proof:
Social proof leverages the power of the crowd, suggesting that if others find something valuable, the reader will too. It’s a psychological nudge that can make the reader feel compelled to join in. Example: “Join 10,000+ happy customers.”
Pattern Interruption:
Our brains are wired to notice things that break patterns. A subject line that defies expectations or uses an unexpected phrase can grab attention because it disrupts the normal flow of information. Example: “This email isn’t like the others…”
Framework for Writing a Killer Subject Line
Understand Your Audience
Identify their needs and interests.
Segment for targeted messaging.
Define Your Objective
Focus on the primary action you want (e.g., open, click, purchase).
Draft and refine
Brainstorm multiple variations.
Keep it short (40-60 characters).
Use action words and emotional triggers.
Test and Optimize
A/B test different subject lines.
Analyze results and iterate.
Subject Lines That Create Curiosity
The goal is to intrigue and compel action—making your audience curious enough that they can’t resist clicking to find out more.
Here’s a collection of subject lines designed to do exactly that. Each one teases something interesting or valuable, encouraging your audience to engage:
“You won’t believe what we have in store for you!”
“This email will change your life…”
“Open this email to find out a secret…”
“What you need to know about [topic] now”
“We’ve got something special for you”
“We need to talk…”
"The one thing you're missing in your social media strategy"
"We've cracked the code on viral TikTok content"
"This unusual tip tripled our email open rates"
"The e-commerce secret nobody's talking about"
"You'll never guess what we found in our customer survey data"
"The surprising truth about influencer marketing ROI"
"Is this the future of remote work tools?"
"What Gary Vee doesn't want you to know about content creation"
"The hidden danger in your morning coffee routine"
"We were shocked by these customer loyalty survey results"
"The unexpected benefit of our new project management app"
"This small change made a big difference in our team productivity"
"The real reason behind high bounce rates"
“I quit...”
“Are you making this mistake?”
“Shh… this is just between us”
“A little something just for you”
“Why didn’t anyone tell me this?”
“You’re one step away from greatness”
“Surprise! Open for a special treat”
“This one’s too good to miss”
“The one thing you’re not doing that could change everything…”
“You’re in for a surprise!”
“You’ve never seen an offer like this”
Subject Lines That Spark Urgency
The goal is to create a sense of time running out, making the reader feel they need to open the email immediately or risk missing out. Urgency-driven subject lines tap into the fear of missing out (FOMO) and are incredibly effective in driving immediate action.
Here’s a list of subject lines designed to create that sense of urgency:
“Only a few hours left!”
“Don’t wait – limited time only”
“Last chance to save big!”
“Hurry! Offer ends tonight”
“Your exclusive deal is expiring soon”
“Act fast! Limited quantities available”
“Flash sale – today only!”
“Ending soon: Don’t miss out”
“This won’t last long!”
“This will be gone in 24 hours…”
“You’re on the verge of losing this—act now!”
“If you don’t open this now, it’s over…”
“We’re holding this for you, but only for [X] more hours…”
“This opportunity dies at midnight—last chance!”
“The clock is ticking—grab this before it disappears!”
“This is your final reminder—don’t miss out!”
“Today’s the day—your last shot at this!”
“Once it’s gone, it’s gone—open before it’s too late!”
“We’re about to close this—are you in?”
Subject Lines That Are Highly Relevant
Highly relevant subject lines resonate with your audience by addressing their specific needs, interests, or industry. These subject lines are tailored to the recipient, making the email feel personalized and directly applicable to them. When done right, they position your email as valuable, timely, and worth opening.
Here’s a list of subject lines crafted to be highly relevant:
“Here’s what you need to know about [topic]”
“Your personalized guide to [topic]”
“Important update for [your industry]”
“Don’t miss these tips on [topic]”
“Your exclusive [industry] report”
“The best advice for [professionals]”
“How to master [skill]”
“Your guide to success in [field]”
“What [experts] are saying about [topic]”
“Essential tools for [industry]”
“Get ahead in [industry] with these tips”
“The latest trends in [field]”
“What you should know about [topic]”
“Proven strategies for [professionals]”
“How to excel in [your field]”
“The ultimate resource for [industry]”
“Stay ahead with these [field] insights”
“Your roadmap to success in [industry]”
“Critical updates for [professionals]”
“Boost your [field] skills with this”
Subject Lines That Feel Personal
Subject lines that feel personal go beyond just including the recipient’s name—they make the reader feel like the email was crafted specifically for them. While using a name can add a personal touch, true personalization comes from understanding your audience’s preferences, needs, and behaviors. These subject lines should create a sense of connection and exclusivity, making the recipient feel valued and understood.
Here’s a list of subject lines designed to feel personal:
“[Name], we’ve got something just for you”
“A special offer for our favorite customer”
“You’re invited, [Name]!”
“Hey [Name], check this out!”
“[Name], don’t miss this exclusive offer”
“For your eyes only, [Name]”
“A little gift for you, [Name]”
“We thought you’d love this, [Name]”
“[Name], here’s something special”
“Just for you, [Name]”
“Exclusive access for [Name]”
“[Name], we saved the best for you”
“A personal message for you, [Name]”
“Hey [Name], don’t miss this!”
“You’re going to love this, [Name]”
“[Name], this is for you!”
“An offer you can’t refuse, [Name]”
“[Name], your exclusive deal awaits”
“For you only, [Name]”
“Specially for you, [Name]”
Subject Lines That Are Clear and Concise
Subject lines that are clear and concise get straight to the point, making it immediately obvious what the email is about. These subject lines are effective because they don’t waste the reader’s time—they tell them exactly what they can expect, whether it’s a discount, an update, or something they need to act on right away. Clarity and brevity are key, ensuring the reader knows the value of the email at a glance.
Here’s a list of subject lines that exemplify clarity and conciseness:
“Sale ends tonight!”
“You’re missing out!”
“Instant savings inside”
“Update your account”
“Your gift is waiting”
“Claim your reward”
“Exclusive deal for you”
“Limited seats available”
“Your upgrade is ready”
“Action required”
“Your next adventure awaits”
Measuring and Analyzing Subject Line Performance
Track these key metrics to evaluate and improve your subject line effectiveness:
Industry average: 38.69%
Calculation: (Number of opens / Number of emails delivered) x 100
Indicates subject line effectiveness in grabbing attention
Industry average: 1.85%
Calculation: (Number of clicks / Number of emails delivered) x 100
Shows how well email content delivers on subject line promise
3. Click-to-Open Rate (CTOR)
Calculation: (Number of clicks / Number of opens) x 100
Measures email content engagement for those enticed by the subject line
Should be less than 0.5%
Calculation: (Number of unsubscribes / Number of emails delivered) x 100
Indicates whether subject lines set appropriate expectations
Should be less than 0.1%
Calculation: (Number of spam complaints / Number of emails delivered) x 100
Shows if subject lines appear spammy or misleading
Final Thoughts
There you have it – 100 of the best email subject lines ever seen. These lines are crafted to increase your open rates, pique curiosity, and drive engagement. Now it’s your turn to put them to the test.
But creating great subject lines is just the beginning.
To truly maximize your email marketing potential, you need a platform that empowers you to reach your audience effectively.
That’s where beehiiv comes in.
User-Friendly Interface: beehiiv makes it easy to create, send, and manage your newsletters, even if you’re new to email marketing.
Advanced Analytics: Track the performance of your subject lines and overall campaigns with in-depth analytics, helping you refine your strategy over time.
Segmentation and Personalization: Tailor your content to different audience segments, making your emails more relevant and engaging.
Growth Tools: With beehiiv’s built-in growth features, like Boosts and Magic Links, you can effortlessly expand your subscriber base and increase engagement. Learn how the Geekout Newsletter made over $25,000 solely from beehiiv Boosts.
Monetization Opportunities: Whether through subscriptions, ads, or partnerships, beehiiv provides the tools you need to turn your newsletter into a revenue-generating machine.
Sign up for beehiiv’s 30-day free trial and try it for yourself!
Happy emailing.
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