The key to making sure your email does not end up in the “Junk” folder is crafting an intriguing subject line. This aspect, which is often ignored, is vital when it comes to cold emailing.
Source: HubSpot
As you’ll see, the fate of your mail – whether it’s read, clicked on, or converted – depends on your subject line.
It might seem heavy for such a little text, but don’t worry. Once you grasp the essentials of a powerful subject line, creating some of your best cold email subject lines will be second nature.
So, what are some good subject lines for cold emails?
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What Makes a Good Email Subject Line?
Creating a “good” subject line is an art that varies based on your target audience, industry, and the receiver’s position in the sales funnel.
However, there are some guidelines you can follow to create cold email subject lines that work::
- Conciseness is Key: Keep it short and sweet; a brief subject line is more likely to capture and retain attention.
- Personal Touch: Customize your subject line for each recipient to create a connection.
- Engage Interest: Craft a subject line that piques curiosity or poses a compelling question to draw the reader in.
- Offer Real Value: Communicate your subject line’s benefit or value proposition to entice the reader.
- Create a Sense of Urgency: Use timely language to encourage immediate opening and action from the recipient.
- Stay Authentic: Ensure your subject line reflects the email content to avoid misleading them.
Focusing on these detailed aspects will make your subject lines more likely to resonate with recipients.
Read: Unlocking the Secrets of Cold Email Lead Generation: A Comprehensive Guide
25 Best Cold Email Subject Lines
Now that you have a better understanding of what makes a great topic line let’s look into some examples from these areas:
- Industry-Specific Solutions
- Collaboration & Partnership
- Personalized Proposals
- Performance Improvement
- Innovative Ideas & Insights
Industry-Specific Solutions
- “[Recipient’s Name], Grow in [Your Industry]”
- “Ideas for [Recipient’s Company] in [Industry]”
- “[Recipient’s Name], Boost Your [Industry Process]”
- “[Recipient’s Company]: New in [Industry]?”
- “For [Recipient’s Name]: [Industry] Success Tips”
- “[Recipient’s Name], Grow in [Your Industry]”
The subject line above is direct and personal, using the recipient’s name to get their attention instantly. It shows growth and progress within their field and makes the recipient feel valued and appreciated. This is a great choice since it directly addresses the receiver’s desires for their profession.
- “Ideas for [Recipient’s Company] in [Industry]”
The subject line of this positions an email as a source for tailored and creative suggestions for the recipient’s business. The recipient is made to feel that the email has specific, potentially valuable information that can benefit their business. The power lies in the promise of custom solutions.
- “[Recipient’s Name], Boost Your [Industry Process]”
The subject line is personally and professionally relevant, as it mentions the recipient’s name and a specific procedure within their field. It suggests a chance to improve a particular element of their job and appeals to their desire to be efficient and successful.
- “[Recipient’s Company]: New in [Industry]?”
Contrary to the above subject line, this one piques interest by pointing out recent developments or new trends within the receiver’s field. It makes recipients feel like they are missing important information and leverages the fear of missing out (FOMO) to encourage opening emails.
- “For [Recipient’s Name]: [Industry] Success Tips”
The final subject line in this category directly benefits the recipient – tips to be successful in their field. It’s designed to make the reader feel that the email is practical, actionable, and tailored to their needs. The power lies in its promise to bring personal and professional development.
Collaboration & Partnership
- “[Recipient’s Name], Let’s Work Together”
- “Partnership Idea for [Recipient’s Company]”
- “Team Up with [Your Company], [Recipient’s Name]?”
- “[Recipient’s Company] + [Your Company] = Success”
- “Collaboration Offer for [Recipient’s Company]”
6. “[Recipient’s Name], Let’s Work Together”
Using this subject line immediately establishes a personal connection by using the recipient’s name. It directly proposes collaboration, making the receiver feel singled out for a potential partnership. Its straightforwardness is its strength, offering a clear invitation to engage.
7. “Partnership Idea for [Recipient’s Company]”
This subject line focuses on the recipient’s curiosity about the company’s growth. This suggests that the message is an exclusive partnership idea, giving the recipient the impression that it’s a unique opportunity tailored to their business. The feeling of exclusivity and the potential benefits is what makes it successful.
8. “Team Up with [Your Company], [Recipient’s Name]?”
This subject line targets the recipient’s interest in their company’s growth. It suggests that the email contains a bespoke partnership idea, making the receiver feel there’s a unique opportunity tailored to their business. The sense of exclusivity and potential benefit makes it effective.
9. “[Recipient’s Company] + [Your Company] = Success”
This is a straightforward equation that promises mutual benefits and success. It helps the receiver envision an partnership, appealing to their need for growth in their business and success. The simple promise of mutual benefit is the reason it works.
10. “Collaboration Offer for [Recipient’s Company]”
Lastly, this subject line is direct and concise, indicating that the email contains a specific collaboration proposal for the recipient’s company. It makes the receiver feel that a tailored offer is waiting, which could benefit their business. The specificity and direct offer of value drive its effectiveness.
Personalized Proposals
- “[Recipient’s Name], Here’s Our Idea for You”
- “A Special Offer for [Recipient’s Company]”
- “[Recipient’s Name], A Plan Just for You”
- “Your Custom Plan from [Your Company]”
- “[Recipient’s Company], We Have a Proposal”
11. “[Recipient’s Name], Here’s Our Idea for You”
This subject line instantly signals an individual approach by directly addressing the recipient. It suggests that the email has an idea designed to make recipients feel valued and thought of. Personalization and exclusivity make it appealing.
12. “A Special Offer for [Recipient’s Company]”
Using this subject line targets the recipient’s business interests directly. It suggests that the email contains an offer uniquely designed for their company, fostering a sense of exclusivity and potential advantage. The effectiveness lies in its promise of a tailored benefit.
13. “[Recipient’s Name], A Plan Just for You”
When using this subject line creates a sense of individual attention and care by indicating a personalized plan for the recipient. It makes the receiver feel that the email is not just another generic message but something specifically designed for their needs, which increases the likelihood of engagement.
14. “Your Custom Plan from [Your Company]”
Like the above, this subject line suggests a bespoke solution or strategy your company provides, personalized for the recipient. It appeals to the receiver’s desire for tailored assistance or guidance, making them feel that the email has significant value specifically for them.
15. “[Recipient’s Company], We Have a Proposal”
Lastly, this subject line is straightforward and business-like, indicating that the email contains a proposal for the recipient’s company. It makes the receiver curious about the proposal, especially if it’s perceived as a potential opportunity for their business. The direct approach and the hint of a business opportunity make it effective.
Performance Improvement
- “[Recipient’s Name], Improve Your [Process] Now”
- “10x Better Results for [Recipient’s Company]”
- “Boost [Area] at [Recipient’s Company]”
- “Enhance Your [Service], [Recipient’s Name]”
- “Upgrade [Process] at [Recipient’s Company]”
16. “[Recipient’s Name], Improve Your [Process] Now”
This subject line is personal and targeted to action. The recipient is addressed directly and it suggests improvement in a particular process. The immediateness of “Now” encourages swift action, making the recipient feel that immediate and significant benefits are just a few steps away.
17. “10x Better Results for [Recipient’s Company]”
This subject line promises significant improvement, as measured by 10x better.’ This is a bold claim that is sure to grab the attention of the recipient, especially customized to their business. The success lies in the prospect of an impressive and tangible improvement.
18. “Boost [Area] at [Recipient’s Company]”
By recommending a significant improvement in a specific aspect of the recipient’s business, the subject line directly addresses the desire to increase business expansion and efficiency. It makes the recipient feel that a targeted positive change can be made and drives them to discover more.
19. “Enhance Your [Service], [Recipient’s Name]”
Personalized with the recipient’s name, this subject line implies a direct improvement in a service they are involved with. It suggests a tailored solution or advice, making the receiver feel that the email offers valuable, actionable insights.
20. “Upgrade [Process] at [Recipient’s Company]”
This subject line implies a gradual change or improvement to an area of work at the recipient’s company. It conveys a sense of modernization and advancement and appeals to the recipient’s desire to remain up-to-date and efficient.
Innovative Ideas & Insights
- “[Recipient’s Name], Exciting Trends in [Industry]”
- “Quick Wins for [Recipient’s Company] in [Industry]”
- “Rethink [Industry] Strategy at [Recipient’s Company]”
- “[Recipient’s Name], Stay Ahead in [Industry]”
- “Drive Change in [Industry], [Recipient’s Name]”
21. “[Recipient’s Name], Exciting Trends in [Industry]”
In this case, the subject line is excellent because it’s designed to stir curiosity and interest by mentioning exciting trends. The use of the recipient’s name is a perfect impression, allowing them to believe that the email is specific information about the most recent developments in their field.
22. “Quick Wins for [Recipient’s Company] in [Industry]”
When you use this subject line, it promises quick and easy benefits that are specific to the recipient’s company in their field. This appeals to the need for fast, effective results, allowing the recipient to believe that the email provides practical and actionable guidance.
23. “Rethink [Industry] Strategy at [Recipient’s Company]”
Using this subject line challenges the status quo by suggesting a re-evaluation of strategy, prompting the recipient to consider new perspectives and approaches. It positions the email as a source of thought-provoking content to drive strategic improvements.
24. “[Recipient’s Name], Stay Ahead in [Industry]”
This subject line is appealing to the recipient’s desire to become an expert within their industry. The use of their name makes the message feel personal and direct, suggesting that the email contains important information that keeps them at the top of their field.
25. “Drive Change in [Industry], [Recipient’s Name]”
Lastly, this subject line empowers the recipient by allowing the recipient to be a change-maker in their industry. It makes them feel they provide innovative ideas or insights to initiate significant changes.
Need Assistance with Your Subject Lines?
Without question, at first, the subject line for cold emails can seem confusing. However, generating some data and seeing what works and doesn’t work will help you write email subject lines for cold emails that work with your target audience.
Above, the best cold email subject lines we’ve mentioned are a great starting point. From there, you can start better understanding what words are for your audience and optimize.
If you want to avoid this procedure, let us help you. We’re email marketing professionals with years of experience. We handle everything from testing to optimizing and executing your email campaigns. To see how we can help, book a free 30-minute call with us today.