110+ Proven Email Subject Line Examples 2025 (by Category)

Your email subject line is like a coffee shop name board on a busy street. Just like coffee shops bustling in the city, there are many emails that a user receives in their inbox. Without a proper neon sign and should I say, aesthetic, you might just walk past a coffee shop! Thus, working on catchy email subject lines thoughtfully is of utmost importance.

What is an Email Subject Line

Technically, subject lines are the first impression of your email. The headers that are visible in notification and the inbox before opening the mail. You definitely don’t want your readers to think, ‘Oh, what a drag!’ (Naruto Fans Assemble!) A huge mass of 47% decide whether to open an email based on it’s subject line alone! There’s more to it! Whether an email is spam or not is decided solely based on a subject line by 69% of people.

Why are Email Subject Lines Important?

• Open Rates Live and Die by Them: You might have the perfect email and information. But if you fail to work on good subject lines for emails, the open rate is going to be affected.
• They Set Expectations: An effective email subject line gives a sneak peak into the content of your email. Thus, it sparks curiosity to open it up.
• It’s Your Hook: You want to be a Pineapple on a Pizza! Honestly, with multiple emails hitting our inboxes, our eyes would definitely be caught by a fruit pizza in the crowd of pepperonis!

Okay, but how to actually craft good subject lines for emails? The next section on best practices is definitely going to help you out in this front!

Best Practices for Crafting High-Converting Subject Lines

Keep It Short and Punchy:

The ideal email subject line character limit is 6-10 words or about 50 characters. With increased mobile users, lengthy subject lines get cut-off in smaller screens.

Be Clear Over Clever:

It is usually believed that mystery helps and intrigues users to open and email. However, clarity helps conversions better. This is because the user knows what to expect from the email.

Use Action-Oriented Language:

Use action verbs like Unlock, Download, Reserve, Claim, Explore, etc. to clearly state what is expected out of users.

Personalize When Possible: 

Personalization like using the name, words like you, your, you’re, etc. can boost open rates by 26%. Many email marketing tools support mail merge features or provide name tags for automation.

Avoid Spam Triggers: 

There are certain spam triggers like ALL CAPS, excessive punctuation, and words like Free, Make Instant Money, Buy Now etc. Avoid using such clickbait-y tricks.

The Psychology Behind Great Subject Lines

Marketing is closely associated with audience psychology. So, this section helps you understand why some words work better than the others for your email subject line.

Curiosity 

Our brain loves closures. We’re hardwired to close open loops and thus subject lines that leave you curious work wonders. For example,

• We need to talk….
• This fell out of your pockets!
• Won’t you miss this cutie!

Urgency & Scarcity

We definitely hate it when we miss out on something amazing! Exactly the FOMO. It’s like Rachel saying, “Everyone I know is either getting married, or getting pregnant, or getting promoted. And here I am…getting coffee, that’s not even for me!” Dear lord, the fear of missing out from what is hip and trending. Don’t you see almost every creator, influencer, brand replicating an ongoing trend! Checkout the following examples of FOMO email subject lines.

• Only 3 spots left for tomorrow’s event!
• Join the Elite Club Right Now
• Final Hours to Save 50%
• Everybody’s Wardrobe is Shouting Summer, Is Yours Ready?

Relevance

You can take up any current or upcoming festival, news, or some timely events. Furthermore, understand user behavior during that time period. And you can easily whip up a catchy creative subject line for emails. Take the following ones for instance.

• Complete Your Profile for Highest Views!
• Hit Your Summer Body Goals at 30% Off
• Running Late on Christmas Gifts? Get the Quickest 1-Day delivery!
• Your March Reports are Shining Bright

Reciprocity

Show the value that you’re providing via email directly with a clear subject line. Instead of beating around the bush, be upfront about your offer. See how the following examples are clear and show value.

• Free Guide: Ace the Creator Market with 12 Actionable Tips
• An Exclusive Invite + Free Gift
• What You Actually Need for Skincare, Right Here!

Keywords That Work (and Don’t) in Email Subject Lines

If you don’t want your emails landing in spam boxes, here are some tips you should keep in mind. There are certain words that should be avoided while drafting the best email subject line.

Power Words That Boost Open Rates:

• Exclusive, Update, Alert, Today only, Limited, Gift
• Personal or relatable terms like: You, Your, We, Let’s

Words That Tank Deliverability:

• Free, Earn Money, Risk-Free, Buy Now, Winner
• These scream spam, especially when combined with:
  • ALL CAPS
  • Excess punctuation!!!
  • Emojis overload 😵‍💫🔥💰

High-Performance Keyword Examples by Context:

• Sales: Words like Flash Sale, BOGO, Limited Time. Exclusive Offer works well for email subjects.
• Content: If your work is content centric, use words like New Post, Your Weekly Round-up, Fresh Drops, Summarized Guides, etc.
• Events: Share event updates with subject lines like You’re invited, RSVP today and book your seats, Happening Near You, etc.

Good vs. Bad Subject Line Comparison Table

If you want a quick comparison to understand what email subject line works and what goes cold, here’s your answer.

Type	Good Example	Bad Example
Curiosity	You won’t believe what just launched	Check out our new product
Urgency	Only 24 hours left to claim this	Hurry up
Clarity	Your April invoice is ready	Important Info
Personalization	Hey John, don’t miss this deal	Attention valued customer
Relevance	Unlock your 2025 tax checklist	Stuff you might need

Pro Tip: If your subject line sounds like a vague corporate memo, it probably needs a rewrite.

Categorized Examples of Email Subject Lines

If you’re looking for email subject examples, then here’s your section. Stock up your subject line ideas with this categorized list of ideas.

Catchy Email Subject Lines

Catchy lines for subjects are like those catchy tunes. They tend to linger. These are used to make readers stop and click the email open.

• Your next big win is right here!
• Psst…here’s something exclusive just for you.
• We thought you’d definitely dig this!
• Stop Overthinking! This just might help.
• This update will simplify your life hugely!

Best For: Product launch campaigns, feature updates, newsletter intros, special guides, etc.

Funny Subject Lines

Humor can be risky but if used right, a game changing move. What’s more rewarding than making your readers smile or chuckle. Thus, if your brand can have a light-hearted punny tone, then you must try the Buzzinga trick like Dr Sheldon Cooper.

• This email contains 0% spam and 100% awesome.
• We Googled ourselves. You won’t believe what we found.
• Unicorns, WiFi, and this awesome deal.
• Your cart misses you more than your ex does.
• Open this. We triple-dog dare you.
• Got eye-bags coz of pending work (or ex), we’ve got you covered.

Best For: Lifestyle brands, B2C, ecommerce, lifestyle newsletters, etc.

Thank You Email Subject Lines

Relationship building emails work wonders for brands to keep customers on top. Post-purchase email subject lines, milestone emails, latest product update email, etc. work wonders. These can also be welcome email subject lines.

• Thanks for being awesome 🙌
• Your support means the world to us
• Couldn’t have done it without you!
• Just a little ‘thank you’ from us to you
• You’re kind of a big deal
• A Warm Welcome to Our Community!
• Your Joining is Like a Hug to Our Foundation.

Best For: Post-purchase, customer anniversaries, NGOs, donation responses, communities.

Follow-Up Email Subject Line

For follow-up emails on leads, post-call, or an interview, you must carefully draft an email subject line. Stay on top of the mind without being a drag, okay. Don’t worry, we have the following examples for you.

• Still thinking it over?
• Following up on our conversation.
• Quick question about [topic].
• Are you ready to take the next step?
• Here’s what we talked about…
• A Quick Overview About Our Meeting

Best For: Sales teams, recruiters, job seekers, project managers, etc.

Sales Email Subject Lines

If you want to highlight varied sales, promotions, and discounts, these email subject line examples are for you. These are usually direct, urgent, and seasonal. Be clear and relevant in

• The 48-hour flash sale starts now!
• Your discount code is inside 🎁.
• Ends tonight: 40% off everything.
• Don’t sleep on this deal.
• You saved this item. Now it’s 25% off.
• Stock Up with This Once a Year Sale!

Best For: Product promos, seasonal campaigns, cart abandonment, exclusive discounts, and deals.

FOMO-Inducing Subject Lines

If you want to promote scarcity and urgency with your email campaigns, here’s your list of subject line examples.

• Only 5 seats left…
• The clock’s ticking ⏰
• This deal disappears at midnight
• This is your last chance (for real)
• You snooze, you lose 😴
• Grab Your Favorite Item, at 50% Off

Best For: Limited-time offers, webinars, exclusive events.

Curiosity-Sparking Subject Lines

If you have some amazing content and news, you can use the curiosity factor for email subject lines.

• You won’t believe this stat
• We almost didn’t send this…
• Can we be honest?
• Something exciting is coming your way
• Open this if you like winning stuff

Best for: blogs, newsletters, launch teasers, mystery offers, etc.

Utility-Based Email Subject Lines

Not all the time an email needs to grab attention. Sometimes, it is just about getting the job done. These email subject lines require clarity, professionalism, and convey crucial information. THis section deals with such examples of email subject line.

Examples of Email Subject for Resignation

• Formal resignation - [Your Name]
• Notice of resignation - Effective [Date]
• Stepping away - Thank you for everything
• It’s an Adios!

Email Subject Line for Job Application

• Applying for the [Job Role] - [Name]
• [Name] [Job Role] Application
• Excited to Apply for [Job Role] at [Company]
• Portfolio Submission for the [Job Role] as Per [Source of Advertisement].

Email Subject for Sending Resume

• Resume Attached – [Job Title] Application
• [Your Name] – Resume Submission
• Resume & Cover Letter for [Position]

Leave Request Email Subject Line Example

• Leave Request: [Start Date] to [End Date]
• Time-off request – [Your Name]
• Leave application for personal/family reasons
• A Short Break to Rejuvenate!

Checkout how you can write out of office emails right here! 

Email Subject Lines for Friends

• Miss your face — let’s catch up?
• You’ll laugh at this one 😂
• Dinner this weekend?
• Throwback alert 📸
• Remember this?
• Major Life Update! You’re gonna need Tissues!

Cold Emailing Subject Lines

• Quick question about [Their Business]
• Loved your recent [Post/Project] — idea inside
• Can I help you with [Problem You Solve]?
• Let’s talk about growing your [Metric/Goal]
• You + [Your Company] = 🚀
• Just an Intern with Mind-boggling Ideas Inside!

Industry Specific Subject Line Ideas

Based on your industry and position, you need to tweak your professional subject line examples. These emails must speak a language of your brand, your product, or you as a person if you’re the face of your business. Following are the few examples to personalize your email subject to your business and persona.

E-commerce

• We saw you eyeing this 👀
• You’ve got great taste — now 20% off
• Treat yourself (on us!)
• Low stock alert! Grab it before it’s gone

SaaS & Tech

• Your trial is about to end ⏳
• Here’s how [Customer Name] saved 30 hours/week
• See what’s new in your dashboard
• Your monthly usage report is ready
• An Update That will Change the Game!

Education & Online Learning

• New course alert! 🚨
• Master [Skill] in just 30 days
• You’re on the path to something big
• Class starts soon – are you in?

Healthcare & Wellness

• Appointment confirmed: [Date/Time]
• Your lab results are ready
• 5 easy ways to boost your health today
• Here’s what your doctor wants you to know
• What to Do in an Hour of Emergency?

By Persona:

C-Level Executives

• Optimize your ROI in 15 minutes
• Here’s what your competitors are doing differently
• This strategy saved $100K last quarter

Marketers

• Your next viral campaign starts here
• Open rates looking low? Try this
• This subject line doubled conversions

Students

• Study smarter, not harder
• Don’t miss this scholarship deadline
• You’ve been accepted! 🎉

Freelancers / Creatives

• Get paid faster with this trick
• Client ghosting you? Do this
• Portfolio tips that win projects

And There’s More to Email Subject Lines! Would you like to look at some real-world examples of intriguing emails? Then here’s a list.

Wrapping Up

With this helpful guide on email subject lines, you not only understand best practices, psychology, and keywords of email subject lines, but also get to explore various categories. From mood specific to industry specific, these email subject lines will boost your next email campaign. Keep us posted!

FAQs

How to Write Email Subject Lines that Convert?

For conversion specific email subject lines,

• Start with a specific goal: promotion, update, nurture.
• Choose a tone: funny, urgent, formal.
• Action-driven language.
• Relevant Keywords.
• Use A/B testing and track open rates.

What is an Email Subject Line Character Limit?

Usually, you must limit your email subject lines to 40-50 characters. This amps up the readability of your email subject line which in turn positively affects your open rate.

Should I Use Emojis in Email Subject Lines?

Yes but in moderation. Certain relevant emojis can help you stand out. However, ensure that they’re not completely out of context.

What are the Best Email Subject Line Generators and Testers Online?

Subject line generators and testers  like Copy.ai, Omnisend, SendCheckIt, Mailmodo, etc. can be used for inspiration.