Shopify Email Subject Line Guide: 100 Examples That Get Opened

Why Subject Lines Determine 47% of Email Opens

The subject line is the only variable between an email being opened or deleted. Across billions of email sends, subject line choice accounts for 47% of email open rate performance — more than sender reputation, list quality, or send time. Yet most store owners spend 90% of their email effort on content and 2 minutes on the subject line. This guide provides 100 proven examples across every major email type, structured by the psychological principle driving each one.

Welcome Email Subject Lines (15 Examples)

• Welcome! Your 10% off code is inside
• You’re in — here’s your welcome gift
• Nice to meet you, [First Name]
• Start here: the most popular products our customers love
• Your first order is waiting — 10% off inside
• We’ve been waiting for you
• 3 things you should know about us
• [First Name], here is how we are different
• Your exclusive discount (valid 7 days)
• Welcome to [Brand] — let us show you around
• The story behind why we started (and your gift)
• You unlocked something
• Before you browse — read this
• One more thing before you go…
• Glad you are here. Here is where to start.

Abandoned Cart Subject Lines (15 Examples)

• You left something behind
• Did you forget something, [First Name]?
• Your [Product Name] is almost out of stock
• Still thinking it over?
• We saved your basket
• Your cart is getting cold
• One question: what stopped you?
• [Product Name] is calling your name
• Other people are looking at this right now
• Your items are almost gone
• Is your wifi okay? Your order did not go through
• Last chance to claim your basket
• [Product Name] — is it the right fit?
• We kept your cart warm
• Real talk: is something putting you off?

Promotional Campaign Subject Lines (20 Examples)

• It is here: [X]% off everything
• Our biggest sale of the year starts now
• 24 hours only: treat yourself
• You asked, we listened — [X]% off
• The sale we promised you
• Finally — the sale you have been waiting for
• [X]% off ends tonight
• Flash sale: 6 hours only
• Unlock your exclusive members offer
• This week only: free shipping on everything
• New in: [Category] just dropped
• Limited edition: available for 48 hours
• Back by popular demand
• We restocked your favourite
• The edit: [X] picks for [season]
• A very important announcement
• [Month] sale: starts midnight
• The gift that sells out every year
• Bundle and save: mix, match, and get 20% off
• Just launched: [Product Name]

Winback Subject Lines (15 Examples)

• We miss you, [First Name]
• It has been a while — here is a gift
• Are you still there?
• Come back: 15% off, just for you
• What have you been up to?
• We have not heard from you in a while
• Before we go — one last offer
• We made some changes since you last visited
• Your welcome back gift expires tomorrow
• Is this goodbye?
• Still interested in [Product Category]?
• Here is what you missed
• Last chance: your exclusive offer expires midnight
• We updated our bestsellers — see what is new
• One email before we part ways

Post-Purchase Subject Lines (15 Examples)

• How is your [Product Name] going?
• A little something to go with your order
• You might love this too
• Your order — plus something extra
• How to get the most from [Product Name]
• You have been with us for [X] days — thank you
• Ready to leave a review?
• Your points balance: [X] points
• Other customers who bought this also love…
• Your next step with [Product Name]
• Ready for round two?
• Share your experience — get 50 loyalty points
• [First Name], your review could help someone
• Refer a friend and both save 10%
• You have earned [X] rewards points

Subject Line Principles

The highest-performing subject lines share common traits: under 50 characters (mobile preview limit), specific rather than generic (“Your [Product Name] is selling out” beats “Our products are popular”), create a curiosity gap or clear value, and use conversational language rather than corporate tone. Always A/B test two subject lines on every send — even a 2% open rate improvement on a 10,000-person list means 200 additional opens per email.