32 Proven Email Subject Lines (with Real Open Rates)
If you're serious about email marketing, your subject line is everything. It’s your first impression — and the key to standing out in crowded inboxes.
We analyzed over 100 subject lines across ecommerce campaigns. Here are the best performers, categorized by intent and theme, with their actual open rates.
Newsletter Subject Lines
Seasonal warmth + friendly tone = solid engagement.
Top performers:
“December Newsletter & 25% OFF Coupons” — 44%
“Happy Halloween from [Brand]” — 39.9%
“HAPPY EASTER” — 33.9%
Attention-Grabbing Subject Lines
Use curiosity, emojis, or emotional hooks.
Top performers:
“This is an Emergency” — 47.15%
“Catch of the Day” — 45.39%
“Hanky Panky for Valentines” — 50%
New Arrivals Subject Lines
Announce fresh products and collections with energy.
Top performers:
“Black Friday Coupon Code & New Products!” — 47.1%
“New Year, NEW FPV Goodies!” — 38%
Giveaway Subject Lines
Everyone loves free stuff. Lead with the offer.
Top performers:
“MERRY CHRISTMAS – FREEBIE – 50%OFF” — 53.5%
“Mother’s Day GIVEAWAY Winners!” — 51%
FOMO Subject Lines
Deadlines and urgency = high action.
Top performers:
“Expires at Midnight – Thanksgiving Offer!” — 40%
“Tick tock. Early holiday up to 75% off” — 39.08%
Discount Subject Lines
Lead with a strong % or value proposition.
Top performers:
“3D Moon Lamp 50% OFF” — 41.58%
“Up to 75% OFF happening right now!” — 37.31%
Sale-Based Subject Lines
Clear and to the point works best.
Top performers:
“Summer Sleepwear Sale” — 51.6%
“Holiday Special” — 48%
Sale Ending Soon Subject Lines
Scarcity plus countdown = conversion.
Top performers:
“50% off before Black Friday!!!” — 43.8%
“LAST CHANCE for Cyber Monday!” — 35.8%
Free Shipping Subject Lines
Be direct. Combine with urgency or limited time.
Top performers:
“A Special Offer – Free Shipping!” — 38%
“Free Shipping Starts Now!” — 19%
Price Drop Subject Lines
Simple and urgent. Best paired with high-impact value.
Top performers:
“Black Friday Warning: $9.99 Deals Selling Out” — 50%
“How About 40% OFF?” — 38%
Back in Stock Subject Lines
Perfect for high-demand products.
Top performers:
“[Brand]’s back for fall” — 50.2%
“Hydras Back in Stock this Saturday!” — 48%
Black Friday Subject Lines
This season converts — use it wisely.
Top performers:
“Pre-Black Friday Sale!” — 47.2%
“Black Friday Weekend Banger” — 44.85%
Mother’s Day Subject Lines
Personal, emotional, and offer-driven wins.
Top performers:
“Free with Mother’s Day Special” — 43.7%
“25% Off + FREE Lip Gloss” — 32%
Father’s Day Subject Lines
Gift-focused and time-sensitive.
Top performers:
“Father’s Day Gift Ideas” — 32.6%
“This Father’s Day, he deserves something special!” — 31.3%
Back to School Subject Lines
Seasonal savings and fun themes perform well.
Top performers:
“Start of Fall Sale!?” — 39.2%
“BACK TO SCHOOL! Come join the FUN?” — 28.6%
Final Thoughts
Use this list to spark your next campaign ideas, and A/B test everything. Even a 5–10% lift in open rate can drive thousands in revenue.
Ready to hand off your email strategy and turn it into a real revenue channel?
