Wandering in search of those sparkling words to light up your subject line?
No worries! Our sales experts at Sparkle had been in your shoes wandering through the same darkness.
Later, they found their way out through the shades of eigengrau.
| 🗣️ Eigengrau – Grayish dark you see with your eyes closed. |
From looking through hundreds I’ve come up with the top 50 follow-up subject lines.
What to wait for?
Let’s dive right in!
Key Takeaways
- Follow-up email subject lines are crucial for improving email open rates, brand awareness, and conversions in email marketing campaigns. The subject line is often the deciding factor for whether an email gets opened or ignored.
- Effective follow-up email subject lines should be concise, clear, personalized, highlight benefits, create an appropriate sense of urgency, and have an optimal frequency based on audience data.
- The 50 compelling examples of follow-up email subject lines are categorized for different scenarios such as after networking events, job interviews, sales meetings, free trials, and more. This offers a valuable resource for crafting attention-grabbing subject lines.
Table of Contents
What Is a Follow-Up Email Subject Line?
| A subject line is that short text at the top of an email defining what the email is about. When it refers back to a previous conversation made through email or other means to continue that discussion, it is known as a follow-up subject line. |
A good follow-up subject line helps your message get noticed instead of getting lost with all the other emails.
When compared to the initial subject line, the follow-up subject line is a polite reminder that refers back to the earlier email, helping to keep the conversation going.
Difference Between Initial and Follow-Up Email Subject Line
Not all subject lines are created equal! While an initial email aims to grab attention from a cold start, follow-ups need a slightly different approach.
Let’s see how they differ to craft the perfect line for each scenario.
| Aspect | Initial Email Subject Line | Follow-up Email Subject Line |
| Purpose | Grab attention, pique interest | Reinforce existing relationships, build upon previous interaction |
| Relationship | Establishing a new connection | Continuing an ongoing conversation |
| Focus | Introduce a new topic/offer | Follow up on a previous discussion or action |
| Tone | Compelling, intriguing | Contextual, referential |
| Length | Typically shorter and punchier | Can be slightly longer, providing more context |
Important of Follow-Up Email Subject Lines
With inboxes overflowing, compelling follow-up email subject lines are crucial for email marketing success. A study states that 64% of people decide to open emails based on the subject line alone.
Strong follow-up subject lines are important because they:
- Stand out in crowded inboxes: An attention-grabbing line can make your message stand out amidst the inbox clutter. It catches the recipient’s eye.
- Improve brand awareness: Using lines that connect with the audience can boost brand recognition and leave a memorable impact.
- Optimize email marketing ROI: Crafting follow-up subject lines enhances email open rates and conversions. It maximizes the return on investment (ROI) in email marketing endeavors.
- Drive conversions: Thought-out subject lines are key players in the success of email marketing strategies. They drive up open rates, click-through rates, and ultimately conversions.
- Guide the buyer’s journey: Follow-up subject lines serve as guides for recipients. They navigate through different phases of the buyer’s journey in email marketing initiatives.
Tips for Writing a Follow-Up Email Subject Line
You know, writing a good follow-up email subject line can be tricky. Here’s what I’ve learned from experience:
1. Personalize for Connection:
- Utilize CRM data and sales intelligence to gather details about the recipient’s role, company, industry, interests, and recent news/updates.
- Incorporate these specific details into the subject line to create an immediate sense of relevance, e.g. “Ideas for [Role] at [Company’s] new [Market] expansion.”
- Reference any previous interactions or conversations to continue the dialogue naturally, e.g. “Following up on our [Event] discussion.”
- Use a friendly, conversational tone that aligns with the recipient’s communication style from prior exchanges.
- Avoid generic phrases; stick to authentic, tailored messaging that resonates personally with the recipient.
2. Highlight the Benefits:
- Make sure your email subject line clearly shows the benefit or value that the recipient will get from opening it.
- It could be a deal, a helpful resource, an important update, or any other valuable information.
- When people know what they stand to gain, they’re more likely to want to read your email.
- An example could be, “Exclusive discount for loyal customers like you!” or “The ultimate guide to [relevant topic].”
3. Keep It Short:
- Crafting content is vital but it’s just as essential to be concise when creating follow-up email subject lines.
- Try to keep them short under 50 characters so they can be fully seen on different devices and email platforms.
- Subject lines that are too long might be cut off, reducing their effectiveness.
- Crisp phrasing like “Don’t miss this limited-time offer!” can be highly effective.
4. Time Your Follow-Ups Strategically:
- The timing and frequency of follow-up emails play a role in maintaining engagement without overwhelming recipients.
- It’s important to space out your communications to show respect for their time and ensure your brand stays top of mind.
- Data analysis reveals your audience’s optimal content schedule for weekly, monthly, or aligned with customer journey milestones.
- Timely follow-ups can be achieved through automation follow-ups.
5. Create a Sense of Urgency
- It can be effective to highlight real deadlines, limited supplies, or time-sensitive updates concisely in the subject line.
- Using phrases like “offer expires”, “only X left”, or “urgent update” conveys a sense of urgency that encourages opening.
- Be sure to clarify the specific benefit or value proposition within the subject line as well.
- Avoid overusing aggressive urgency buzzwords; keep language straightforward.
Top 50 Follow-Up Email Subject Line Examples
Following up is key, but crafting that subject line? That’s an art. Here are the 50 sparkling examples to lighten your subject lines that’ll get your emails opened and keep conversations going strong.
Re-engaging a Cold Lead
Inactive leads may still be useful. Here, short and interesting email subject lines are written to reconnect with them. Examples are checking in, reminding them of what you offer, and trying to restart the conversation in an interesting way.
Follow-up Email Subject Lines
- “Still Interested in [Product/Service]?”
- “Can We Help? Address Your Challenges with [Product/Service]”
- “[First Name], We Missed You at [Company Name]”
- “A Quick Check-In Since Our Last Conversation”
- “Bringing [Product/Service] Back to Your Radar”
After a Sales Meeting
After a sales meeting, follow-ups maintain relationships and propel the sales process forward. Well-crafted email subject lines help organize notes, assign tasks, and facilitate further discussions around suitability.
Follow-up Email Subject Lines
- “Aligning Our Goals Following Our Meeting”
- “Next Steps After Our Discussion on [Date]”
- “[First Name], Let’s Keep the Momentum Going”
- “Your Thoughts on Our Meeting Agenda?”
- “Moving Forward with Our [Product/Service] Conversation”
Checking In on a Free Trial User
During a free trial period, businesses should send periodic check-in emails to guide users on converting to a paid subscription. These emails include helpful tips, highlights of premium features, and subscription options. This encourages users to upgrade and boost conversion rates.
Follow-up Email Subject Lines
- “Getting the Most Out of Your [Product/Service] Trial”
- “[First Name], How’s Your Trial Going?”
- “Tips to Maximize Your [Product/Service] Trial”
- “Ending Soon: Your [Product/Service] Trial”
- “Convert Your Trial into Success with [Product/Service]”
After a Client Onboarding Session
For newly onboarded customers, seamless introductions are key. Personalized follow-up emails ensure satisfaction by making it easier to stay connected and set them up for success.
Follow-up Email Subject Lines
- “Welcoming You to [Your Company] – Next Steps”
- “[First Name], How Was Your Onboarding Experience?”
- “Ensuring a Smooth Start with [Your Company]”
- “Your Journey Begins with Us – Onboarding Follow-Up”
- “Maximizing Your Experience with [Your Service/Product]”
After Sending a Proposal
Post-proposal, catchy follow-up email subjects are key. They rekindle interest, address concerns, and drive next steps. This results in continuing the conversation, seeking feedback, and moving deals forward.
Follow-up Email Subject Lines
- “Next Steps After Our Proposal?”
- “[Your Company]’s Proposal – A Quick Follow-Up”
- “Ensuring Our Proposal Meets Your Needs”
- “Feedback on Our Recent Proposal?”
- “How Can We Improve Our Proposal for [Company Name]?”
Requesting a Testimonial or Review
Gathering customer testimonials and online reviews is invaluable for businesses looking to build their reputation. Polite, direct subject lines make requesting customer reviews and testimonials more approachable for better responses.
Follow-up Email Subject Lines
- “Share Your Experience with [Product/Service]?”
- “We’d Love Your Feedback on [Product/Service]”
- “[First Name], Help Others by Sharing Your Thoughts”
- “Your Opinion Matters to Us at [Company Name]”
- “Can We Count on You for a Quick Review?”
Following Up on a Quote
When businesses send out pricing quotes or estimates to clients, follow-up subject lines act as reminders. They keep pricing communication open and move the process along.
Follow-up Email Subject Lines
- “Your Custom Quote Awaits Your Review”
- “[First Name], Any Questions on Your Quote?”
- “Ensuring Our Quote Meets Your Expectations”
- “A Gentle Nudge on Your Pending Quote”
- “Ready to Proceed with Your Quote?”
After an E-commerce Purchase
Post-purchase, retailers enhance satisfaction and loyalty through engagement. These subject lines gather feedback, offer assistance, and suggest products or upgrades.
Follow-up Email Subject Lines
- “Thanks for Your Purchase! What’s Next?”
- “Your [Product Name] and How to Make the Most of It”
- “Satisfied with Your [Product Name]? Let Us Know!”
- “Extend Your [Product Name] Experience with These Tips”
- “Thank You from [Company Name] – A Quick Check-In”
After a Networking Event
After networking events like conferences and trade shows, follow up is crucial. Craft compelling messages to turn new connections into potential leads. This continues the conversation and fosters valuable business relationships.
Follow-up Email Subject Lines
- “Let’s Continue Our Conversation from [Event Name]”
- “Inspired by Your Insights on [Topic]”
- “[Your Name] from [Event Name] – Following Up”
- “Turning Our Chat into Action”
- “Missed Connection at [Event Name]? Let’s Reconnect”
Post-Job Interview
After a job interview, send a thoughtful follow-up email. Reiterate your enthusiasm and provide additional insights. This nurtures rapport and keeps the opportunity alive.
Follow-up Email Subject Lines
The following email subjects aid in achieving these goals with flair.
- “Thank You, [Interviewer’s Name] – Reflecting on Our Interview”
- “Quick Question About the [Position Name] Role”
- “Further Thoughts on How I Can Contribute to [Company Name]”
- “Remaining Optimistic About the [Job Title] Position”
- “Eager to Bring More to [Company Name]”
FAQs
1. How do you write an email asking for a raise?
Start by stating your intention clearly yet respectfully in the opening line. Then outline your key achievements, increased responsibilities, and research on market rates for your role to justify your request. End with a call to schedule a time to discuss further. Stay professional throughout.
2. What is a good example of a subject line for an email?
“Quick Request: 15-Minute Meeting This Week?” This gets to the point while indicating the brevity of the task, creating a sense of urgency with “this week.”
3. What is a catchy subject line?
“Bad Puns Inside – You’ve Been Warned!” Using humor and setting an unexpected tone grabs attention. Just be sure to align with your brand voice.
4. What subject line gets the most open?
Concise subject lines (approx. 6-10 words), specific to the recipient’s attention, and create a sense of curiosity or urgency tend to achieve higher open rates. Being clear about the value or importance is key.
Unleash the Power of Irresistible Follow-Up Subject Lines
Well, there you have the 50 sparkling examples to light up your follow-up email subject lines!
Remember, a compelling subject line is the key to getting your emails opened and keeping those conversations flowing. With a little creativity and the right approach, you can craft irresistible subject lines that grab attention and drive results.
Don’t forget to:
- Personalize and reference past interactions.
- Highlight clear benefits and create urgency.
- Keep it concise yet intriguing.
By applying these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to mastering follow-up emails.
References
What is Email Open Rate?, SendX
How long should email subject lines be? Do shorter ones get higher open rates?, Wylie Communications
The Ultimate Guide to Setting Up Automated Email Follow-Up, Beehiiv Blog