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If you haven’t read my last blog post on how to write email subject lines that increase open rates, go ahead and read that first before this post. 

I mean, you don’t have to. This post can also be read on its own, but it is a continuation of the previous post. So, to get a more comprehensive understanding of email subject lines, you should read the other first and then read this one. 

In this post, we’ll take it a step further. You’ll learn the different types of email subject lines you can use, with examples and when to use them. 

Make sure you read until the end. I’ll be sharing some email subject line hacks for entrepreneurs short on time. I’ll even throw in some time-saving templates you’ll definitely want to have. 

Okay, let’s get into it. 

15 Best Email Subject Lines 

Different email goals call for different approaches. Here are a few types of subject lines I think as a small business owner you’ll need to use:

1. Introduction Subject Line

You can use this type of subject line when you’re reaching out to a new audience or introducing a new product, service, or team member.

You know what they say about first impressions, right? Your subject lines should be simple, clear, and welcoming to ensure you leave a positive and lasting impression. 

Don’t do too much, and don’t do too little. 

Here are some examples:


“Introducing [Brand Name]: Here’s How We Can Help You”
“Excited to Meet You! Let’s Get Started with [Service/Product]”
“We’re Thrilled to Have You! Unlock Your Welcome Gift Inside”
“New Here? Let’s Get You Set Up with [Product/Service]”

You can add a free product or discount to your introduction email subject line as a bonus. It’s a sure way to keep people’s attention. 

2. Referral Subject Line

Referral subject lines are designed to leverage your existing customers to bring in new ones. It’s great because word-of-mouth is still one of the best marketing practices. 

These emails often promote referral programs or special offers for both the current and referred customers. 

The subject line should clearly communicate the benefit of referring a friend.

For example:
“Refer a Friend and You Both Get $20 Off!”
“Share the Love—Earn Rewards When You Refer Friends”

Use referral subject lines to motivate your audience to participate in a referral program, creating a win-win situation for your business and them.

3. Survey Subject Line

Survey subject lines encourage your audience to participate in a survey, providing valuable feedback for your business. 

The only way you can grow as a business is by constantly providing value to your audience, and the best way to know what they find valuable is simply to ask them. 

These subject lines should emphasize the importance of the reader’s opinion and, if applicable, mention any incentives for participation.

For example:
“We Value Your Opinion—Take Our 2-Minute Survey”
“Help Us Improve—Share Your Feedback & Win a Prize!”

Use survey subject lines when you’re seeking customer feedback or doing market research. Making the subject line clear and inviting increases the likelihood of responses.

4. Thank You Subject Line

A thank you subject line expresses gratitude to your customers or audience, making them feel appreciated. 

Who doesn’t love being thanked? 

Whether it’s thanking them for a purchase, subscription, or feedback, or maybe you’re just feeling grateful and want to thank your audience for sticking with you. 

These subject lines should make your audience feel all warm and appreciated. 

For example:
“Thank You for Your Purchase! Here’s 10% Off Your Next Order”
“We Appreciate You—Thank You for Being a Valued Customer”
“Thanks for Being a Loyal Customer”
“You’re Awesome! Thanks for Your Support”
“Thanks for Signing Up—Here’s a Special Offer Just for You”

Use thank you subject lines to build stronger relationships with your audience by showing genuine appreciation for their support or engagement.

5. FOMO subject line 

As I mentioned in the last post, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is a powerful psychological trigger that encourages people to act quickly before an opportunity passes them by. 

These subject lines work best when promoting limited-time offers, exclusive deals, or events that have a clear deadline.

For example:
“Only 3 Hours Left—Don’t Miss Out on 50% Off!”
“Last Chance to RSVP—Event Tickets Almost Gone!”

You should use FOMO-driven subject lines when you want to create urgency and encourage your readers to take immediate action. But don’t use them too much, or they will start to lose their effect.

6. Funny subject line 

Everybody loves a good laugh. 

Have you ever read a funny subject line and didn’t open the email? 

I haven’t, and I’m willing to bet neither have you. That’s because humor is a great way to grab attention and stand out. 

A funny subject line can spark curiosity and create a positive association with your brand, making your email more likely to be opened.

For example:
“We Like Big Bundles and We Cannot Lie 😏”
“Oops… We Accidentally Sent You a Discount!”

Okay, these might not be the most hilarious subject lines, but hey, I never said I was funny. 

I’m just trying to make you understand. 

You should use funny subject lines when you want to inject personality into your emails, especially for more lighthearted or playful campaigns. Just ensure the humor is appropriate for your audience.

7. Vanity-appealing subject lines 

Everyone is a little bit vain. People want to look good, feel good, and be told they are good. Vanity-appealing subject lines tap into your reader’s desire to look or feel better. Whether it’s improving their appearance, social status, or professional standing, these lines cater to your audience’s need for self-improvement.

For example:
“Look Your Best This Holiday Season with Our New Collection”
“Stand Out from the Crowd with These Exclusive Tips”

You can use these subject lines for campaigns related to beauty, self-care, fashion, or any product that enhances your audience’s lifestyle or image.

8. Greedy subject lines

Everybody loves a good discount, and that’s where greedy subject lines come in. They appeal to your reader’s desire to get something valuable at a low cost—or even better, for free. These work well for discounts, giveaways, or promotions that emphasize a substantial gain for the customer.

For example:
“Get 70% Off—For Today Only!”
“Claim Your Free Gift with Any Purchase”

Use greedy subject lines when offering big discounts, sales, or freebies to entice your audience to take action.

9. Catchy subject lines

Catchy subject lines use puns, wordplay, or intriguing phrasing to grab your reader’s attention. These subject lines are memorable and often provoke curiosity, making them a great way to stand out. 

For example:
“Don’t Get Left in the Dark—Brighten Your Home with These Lights”
“Snooze You Lose! Our Best Deals Are About to Expire”

You should use catchy subject lines when you want to make an impression and get people excited to open your email.

10. Retargeting subject lines

You never want to miss an opportunity to convert a potential customer, and using retargeting emails can help you do this. 

Retargeting subject lines are designed to bring back customers who have previously engaged with your brand, such as those who left items in their shopping cart or haven’t opened your emails in a while.

For example:
“Still Interested? Complete Your Purchase Now”
“We Miss You! Here’s 10% Off to Come Back”

Use retargeting subject lines when you want to re-engage dormant subscribers or encourage customers to complete an abandoned action.

11. Straightforward subject lines

Sometimes, the best approach is to keep it simple. Straightforward subject lines clearly state the purpose of the email, so there’s no guessing involved.

For example:
“Your October Newsletter is Here”
“New Fall Arrivals Now Available”

Use straightforward subject lines when you want to ensure clarity and provide direct information to your readers. These work well for newsletters, product launches, or announcements.

12. Sales subject lines

Sales subject lines are about selling products or services, promoting discounts, or special offers. They should highlight the value or savings your readers can expect.

For example:
“Flash Sale: 30% Off Everything”
“Summer Sale Starts Now—Up to 50% Off!” 

Use sales subject lines when promoting time-sensitive deals to encourage immediate purchases.

13. Newsletters subject lines

Newsletter subject lines should be used to share regular updates or news. They should reflect the content inside and entice your reader with the most interesting or valuable takeaway from the newsletter.

For example:
“Top 5 Productivity Tips You Can Use Today”
“Your Monthly Roundup of Industry News”

Use newsletter subject lines to highlight the main topic or most valuable piece of information, giving readers a reason to open.

14. Follow-up subject lines

Follow-up subject lines are used when checking in with someone after a previous interaction, whether it’s a conversation, a meeting, or an email that was sent earlier.

For example:
“Just Checking In—Did You See This?”
“Following Up on Our Recent Chat”

Use follow-up subject lines to nurture relationships or provide reminders without being pushy.

15. Cold email  subject lines

Cold email subject lines are designed to introduce your brand to someone who may not be familiar with you yet. These should be concise, intriguing, and offer something valuable upfront.

For example:
“Quick Question About Your Business Growth”
“Here’s How We Can Help You Increase Sales”

Use cold email subject lines to spark interest and open the door for future communication without overwhelming your reader.

Each type of email subject line can be adapted based on your goal—whether you’re trying to generate clicks, drive sales, or build brand loyalty.

To make things easy for you, I’ve compiled all 15 proven subject line types, each packed with multiple examples designed to capture attention and boost engagement. You’ll find everything you need in one single and customizable document for your business.

 Download it now and start writing subject lines that drive results!

Subject Line Optimization Based on Your Audience’s Behavior

The best subject lines are data-driven. So, you should review your past email campaigns to identify patterns in what works for your audience. You should also segment your list and tailor your subject lines to different groups—whether it’s VIP customers or leads who haven’t engaged in a while.

Use tools like Mailchimp, HubSpot, or my personal favorite, Kit, to track which subject lines drive the most opens and clicks.

The best business owners use data to optimize their email strategy. Use A/B testing to experiment with different subject lines and analyze the results. Which words get the best open rates? What’s the ideal length?

The more information you have, the better decisions you can make. 

Remember, subject lines aren’t one-size-fits-all. What works for one audience might not work for another, so keep testing.

Quick Hacks for Busy Entrepreneurs

If you’re tight on time (which, let’s be real—you probably are), here are some quick tips to streamline your process:

• Use Templates: Having pre-built subject line templates, like the one I’m offering you for free, can save you a lot of time. 

• Emojis: These can make your subject line stand out visually. Just be careful not to overdo it.

• Batch Writing: Write a bunch of subject lines at once and test them over different campaigns to see what works.

That’s all I have for now. Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss other valuable posts, and see you next time!