12 Winning Subject Lines

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1) Thank You, Here’s $10 – This is a simple and effective way to show gratitude and value exchange. Just don't forget to put an expiration date on the offer.

2) Weekend in Tuscany – This was from a cataloger selling gift baskets; they used one of the gift basket names. This was a slightly different subject line to spark inspiration and get people to pay attention in a sea of general messages.

3) Double Takes – This was from an apparel retailer and highlighted mix and match items to help recipients realize their closet’s potential. It was also a slightly better offer than their traditional, making recipients look twice.

4) Don't Forget! – Use this to reinforce your most important offers, send as early as possible on your last day to give recipients adequate time to react but use sparingly or it looses its effect.

5) Save, Spend, Splurge – I liked the variety and imagery conveyed in this subject line, the sender offered a mix of useful items, nice to have items and even made me think of buying myself something.

6) Lock in Your Holiday Savings – I received this email from a cataloger, intrigued I opened to learn that I could lock in my savings coupon for the next 30 days. There was a sense of mystery in this email because I had to go to a landing page to find the percentage savings and the amount of time I had to redeem.

7) Pick the Plan to suit Your Needs – Everyone likes to be in control and make their own choices – be sure to balance this one, offering too many choices will lead to indecision, procrastination and increases the odds that they will forget about your offer.

8) Add $50 to Your Account – Offer your recipients a cash incentive to open an account or sign up for bill payment, put the credit directly into their account. A subject line like this grabs their attention and makes them read your offer; strengthen it by up-selling on the landing page.

The next four are even better if they are done right after each other.

9) Thank you for ordering (product/ service) - Be specific and thank the customer for the order they’ve placed, remind them about the advantages of the product/ service and your company.

10) How to use (product/ service) - This is an excellent way to stay top of mind post purchase; it also conveys to the customer that you’re the expert looking to enhance the value of what they’ve selected.

11) We want your Feedback - This is an opportunity to collect information, show your involvement and open the door to an established dialogue.

12) We recommend… -Using the feedback collected, personalize future offers – a complementary product, service or suggestions based on what other (like consumers) selected.

Don’t forget to join us for our monthly call on 'How to stand out in the In-Box.' The call is set for this Friday November 20th from 2 - 3 pm EST.