Shopify Email Subject Lines: 50 That Drive Opens and Revenue

Why Subject Lines Determine Your Email Revenue

47% of email recipients decide whether to open based on the subject line alone. Your email could have the best copy, the strongest offer, and the most compelling imagery — but if the subject line doesn’t generate the open, none of it matters. Subject lines are the single highest-leverage element of email marketing.

Below are 50 subject lines across the core Shopify email types, with the psychological principle each uses. Adapt them with your product category and brand voice.

Promotional Campaign Subject Lines

Curiosity

• “We’ve been working on something…”
• “You’re not going to believe what just arrived”
• “Something new (and you get first look)”
• “Inside: your exclusive access”
• “We’ve never done this before”

Urgency / Scarcity

• “Ends tonight: 25% off everything”
• “Last 48 hours — don’t miss this”
• “Only 12 left at this price”
• “Your 15% off expires at midnight”
• “Flash sale: 6 hours only”

Personalisaton

• “[First Name], this one’s for you”
• “Your favourites just got better”
• “We restocked the one you were looking at”
• “Based on what you love…”
• “Since you bought [product], you’ll want this”

Social Proof

• “2,000 five-star reviews. Here’s why.”
• “Everyone’s talking about this one”
• “The product our customers order twice”
• “#1 bestseller — and it’s back”
• “‘I can’t stop recommending this’ — Sarah, Leeds”

Benefit-Led

• “Look great in photos this summer”
• “More energy without the afternoon crash”
• “Stop wasting money on [common problem]”
• “Sleep better, starting tonight”
• “Your skin in 30 days”

Abandoned Cart Subject Lines

• “Your basket is getting cold…”
• “You left something behind”
• “[Product name] is waiting for you”
• “Still deciding? Here’s what other customers think”
• “We saved your cart — but it won’t last forever”
• “[Product] might sell out. Just saying.”
• “Forgot something? It happens.”
• “Your [product] is still here, but it won’t be for long”
• “Complete your order — we’ll make it worth it”
• “Your cart is having second thoughts. Are you?”

Welcome Series Subject Lines

• “Welcome to [Brand] — your 15% off is inside”
• “You’re in. Here’s what happens next.”
• “First things first: your exclusive discount”
• “The story behind [brand] (and a gift for you)”
• “Your first order: what you should know”
• “Welcome. We’ve been waiting for you.”

Win-Back Subject Lines

• “It’s been a while. We miss you.”
• “A lot has changed since you left”
• “We haven’t heard from you — here’s why to come back”
• “Still there? We have something for you”
• “Last chance to claim your reward”
• “[First name], we haven’t forgotten about you”

Post-Purchase Subject Lines

• “Your order is on its way!”
• “How’s your [product] treating you?”
• “We’d love your feedback”
• “Thank you — here’s what to expect next”
• “Your [product] arrives [day]. Here’s how to get the most from it.”

Tips for Writing Your Own

• Keep it under 50 characters for full mobile display
• Use numbers — “5 reasons”, “Save 25%” perform better than vague superlatives
• Test one variable at a time — A/B test subject lines in Klaviyo by changing only the subject line (same email, different subject)
• Avoid spam trigger words — Free!!! All caps. Too many exclamation marks.
• Match the preheader text — The preview text after the subject line should complement it, not repeat it

Open rate benchmarks for ecommerce email: welcome series 40–60%, promotional campaigns 20–30%, abandoned cart 35–45%, win-back 10–20%. If you’re below these benchmarks, subject line testing is the highest-leverage fix.