Cold email campaigns are a valuable tool for reaching out to potential prospects, but their success depends heavily on compelling subject lines. In fact, statistics show that 47% of recipients open emails based on the subject line alone.
Creating compelling subject lines for cold emails is essential to capturing recipients’ attention and encouraging them to open your emails. However, this can be challenging without a deep understanding of your target audience.
To help you save time and improve your cold email campaigns, we’ve compiled a list of the best cold email subject line examples and best practices. Before we dive in, let’s explore what cold emails are all about.
What is a Cold Email?
A cold email is an initial communication sent to a specific person without prior contact. These one-on-one messages are intended to start a business conversation with the recipients. Cold emails are not limited to sales prospecting; they can also serve a variety of purposes, such as contacting potential partners.
However, cold emails can yield uncertain results in terms of open rates, responses, and engagement because recipients may be reluctant to open emails from unknown senders. The success of cold emails depends on factors such as the relevance of the subject line, the number of emails sent, and the target audience.
Want to make sure your emails get opened? Try these cold email subject lines:
1. [Your company] x [prospect’s company]
This subject line is ideal for B2B sales opportunities or partnerships.
Examples:
- Sigma and Café Bar: A great combination?
- Branch and Sigma: A perfect match?
2. Are you looking to outsource [service you can provide]?
If you sell outsourced services to businesses, this is a good subject line.
Examples:
- Looking to outsource your sales?
- Ready to outsource your HR needs?
3. We are helping [type of business] grow
When selling to small businesses, this approach is a great way to pique their interest.
Examples:
- We’re helping [industry—roofing, contractors, etc.] get 3x more customers.
- Ten minutes to grow your [industry—SaaS, contractors, etc.] business?
4. Looking to improve your [goal]?
When you know your ideal customer profile well, you can use subject lines like this to appeal to their goals.
Examples:
- I will help you get more press.
- Looking to improve your sales?
- Looking to improve your [relevant to your ICP]?
Is your service or product related to a specific department within a large company? Use this subject line to be clear about who you are addressing.
Examples:
- Your marketing needs
- The missing piece in your hiring process
- Information about your sales needs
6. New [department] strategy for [company name]
Another great subject line for business emails when selling to large companies.
Examples:
- New marketing strategy for ABC company
- We have created a new strategy for the ACME sales team
7. [Type of business] also needs [your service/product]
If your company is known for serving a specific audience, other companies might ignore a cold email from you. Use this subject line to show that you offer something specific to their type of business as well.
Examples:
- Small businesses need Branch too
- Did you know that big companies use Branch?
8. [Number] benefits we can bring to your business
Want to focus on benefits rather than features? Use this subject line.
Examples:
- 3 benefits that we can bring to your business
- 4 Ways Branch Can Benefit Your Small Business
9. We can help you [achieve goal]
When contacting prospects looking to achieve a certain goal, this is a good subject line.
- Let’s build the app of your dreams
- Increase your sales reps’ productivity by 10
10. Improve your services with this tool
If your clients offer services to their customers, use this subject line to show how your product can help them.
Examples:
- Improving your [service] offering
- X ways I can improve your [service]
11. Sell more [product] with the help of [your company]
If your clients sell products to their customers, this is a good subject line to get them thinking about the results of using your service or product.
Examples:
- Sell more properties with the help of our real estate CRM
- Book more with our hotel marketing services
12. Do you want to be [objective]? Let us help you
Help your prospects imagine themselves achieving their goals using your product or service with this subject line.
Examples:
- Do you want to be #1 in the app store? Let us help you
- Do you want to exceed your quota this quarter? Let us help you
13. Could you use one of these?
This subject line includes a bit of mystery: what’s inside? Use it to spark interest in your audience.
Examples:
Do you need the best SEO tool?
Looking for a better CRM?
14. Every [role type] needs this tool
When you’re selling to a specific role within a company, this is a great subject line to show you understand their needs.
Examples:
- Every content creator needs this tool
- Every sales manager needs this tool
15. Attract [type of customer] with [your business]
Help your B2B leads see how your company can help them attract the customers they want with this subject line.
Examples:
- Attract food lovers with our restaurant app
- Attract the right leads with Close
16. [Industry] trends and your company
Are you selling to a specific industry? Are you creating an email sequence for a segment of your leads? Try this subject line.
Examples:
- Software trends that impact [business]
- Real estate trends in 2024 + [company]
17. Opportunity of [type] too good to pass up
Use this subject line selectively, when you really have a great opportunity to share with your recipient. For example, if you’re promoting a special or limited-time offer, this subject line can help create a sense of urgency.
Examples:
- Investment opportunity too good to pass up
- Real estate opportunities you don’t want to miss
18. Do you need help with [topic]?
If you sell a product or service that helps your customers with something they need to do, this subject line is great.
Examples:
- Do you need help with financial planning?
- Do you need help setting up your sales strategy?
19. [Number] steps to achieve [goal they may have]
This is a good subject line to use when the body of your email has actual steps they can follow. Ideally, one of those steps involves using your product or service.
Examples:
- 3 steps to exceed your sales goals this quarter
- 4 steps to achieve better sales-marketing alignment
20. [Number] ways we can help you achieve [goal]
This cold email subject line is great for helping your leads see that your company is interested in helping them achieve their goals, not just selling them something.
Examples:
- 5 ways we can help you achieve financial freedom
- 4 Ways Close Can Help You 10x Your Reps’ Productivity
Cold email subject lines play a crucial role in the success of your email campaigns. By following best practices and leveraging examples of eye-catching subject lines, you can increase open rates, engagement, and the overall success of your cold email outreach. Always remember to personalize your subject lines, make relevant offers, and establish trust with your audience.
Perform A/B testing regularly to optimize your subject lines based on real-time data and get better results. With these tips, your cold email campaigns are sure to have a powerful impact on your target audience.
