I still remember the first time I tried creating Black Friday email subject lines. I thought adding words like “exclusive” and “best deal” would make my emails irresistible.
But instead, my open rates took a hit, and I learned the hard way that being too generic or “salesy” doesn’t work, especially when every brand is shouting the same offers.
It’s also easy to get carried away by adding too many exclamation points or spammy words like “FREE” everywhere, which isn’t exactly effective anymore.
That’s why in this post, I’ll discuss some tips, examples, and strategies I’ve found helpful in creating winning Black Friday subject lines.
I’ve tried these things myself, and they’ve made a difference in real campaigns. So, let’s dive in and see how you can make your Black Friday subject lines stand out this year!
In This Article
The Anatomy of a High-Converting Black Friday Email Subject Line
Over the years and after a hundred different experiments for emails, I realized it’s not about what you say but how you say it, and in just a few words.
The success of any email you write is based on keeping it short, impactful, and making every word count. Below, I’ll explain about this in more detail.
Length Matters
Keeping the subject line to around 40 characters or less makes sure it’s fully visible on both desktop and mobile screens.
If it’s too long, important parts get cut off, and readers might not even see the offer. I’ve found that the best way to grab attention is to use direct language, avoid filler words, and get straight to the point.
Word Choice & Personalization
Choosing the right words can make all the difference. Terms like “Exclusive” or “Last Chance” are now overused and should be avoided at all costs.
Adding a bit of personalization, such as the recipient’s name, instantly makes it feel like you’re talking directly to them. That’s when your open rates start looking a lot healthier!
Psychological Triggers
People act faster when they think something is about to run out.
So, tapping into triggers like urgency (“Only a few hours left!”), exclusivity (“For our VIPs only”), or curiosity (“What’s inside? Find out now!”) can make your emails a lot more clickable.
Action-Oriented Language
It took me a few failed email campaigns to understand just how powerful certain words can be. During Black Friday, you need to use language that not only gets attention but also drives action.
Terms like “Flash Sale,” “Limited Time,” and “Today Only” are all known to create a fear of missing out (FOMO), prompting readers to take quick action.
Personalization and Emojis
The first time I experimented with adding a name to the subject line, I noticed a great increase in open rates.
Adding even a little personalization like “Hey [Name], Your Black Friday Deal is Here!” makes emails feel more relevant. It’s like sending a special invite instead of a mass announcement.
Emojis can be a bit tricky, though. Use them sparingly and only when they fit naturally. They can add a touch of excitement or highlight key points in your message. For instance:
- 🔥 Hot Deal: 50% Off for 24 Hours!
- 🎁 A Special Black Friday Gift Just for You
This balance of personalization and visual elements has proven effective for me time and again, especially during big sales events like Black Friday.
Types of Black Friday Email Subject Lines
When it comes to Black Friday, I’ve noticed that certain types of email subject lines consistently drive more opens and engagement.
Depending on the nature of your offer and audience, you can take various approaches. Take a look below for some inspiration.
Discount & Offer-Based Subject Lines
From my experience, being upfront about discounts works wonders. People know they’re about to receive some amazing deals on Black Friday.
As a result, giving them exactly what they’re looking for in the subject line, i.e., clear and specific offers, is essential. Phrases like:
- Up to 50% Off Sitewide!
- Buy One Get One Free
- Black Friday Mega Sale: 70% Off All Items
These types of lines cut right to the chase. The more specific you are with the offer, the better your chances of driving opens and clicks.
In past campaigns, when I included both a percentage discount and a bit of urgency in the subject lines and email itself, my CTRs jumped significantly.
Time-Sensitive and Urgency-Driven Subject Lines
Urgency is another big winner. I’ve found that when people know the clock is ticking, they act faster. If you want to create urgency, go with subject lines like:
- Final Hours to Save Big!
- Last Chance: Black Friday Deals Ending Soon!
You can even amplify this effect by using countdown timers inside the email itself.
These subject lines, paired with visual countdowns inside the email, encourage quick decisions and create a sense of “now or never.”
Teaser & Curiosity-Piquing Subject Lines
Sometimes, it’s fun to tease your audience. A little curiosity can go a long way in getting people to click simply because they want to know what the mystery is. Subject lines like:
- You Won’t Believe Our Black Friday Deals
- Guess What’s Coming on Black Friday!
From my experience, following this up with pre-header text like “Only for the first 100 customers!” can provide just enough extra info to make the email irresistible without giving too much away upfront.
Also, check out these abandoned cart email examples that have a proven track record of bringing customers back!
Black Friday Email Subject Line Examples You Can Use Right Now
I’ve tested a variety of approaches to email subject lines, and what I’ve learned is that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel.
Below are over 20 examples that are proven to grab attention, broken down by different strategies that you can adjust to fit your brand’s tone and style.
- Urgency & Scarcity
- “Only a Few Hours Left! Black Friday Deals Inside”
- “Last Chance: Don’t Miss Out on 50% Off”
- “Hurry! Black Friday Offers End Tonight”
- Discount & Offer-Based
- “Up to 70% Off Sitewide! Black Friday Starts Now”
- “Buy 1, Get 1 Free! Black Friday Special”
- “50% Off Everything”
- VIP Access & Exclusivity
- “Black Friday Deals for Our Premium Customers”
- “VIPs Only: Get First Dibs on Black Friday Offers”
- “You’re Special! Unlock Your Black Friday Deal Now”
- Teaser & Curiosity-Piquing
- “We’ve Got a Secret Black Friday Deal for You!”
- “Surprise Discounts Just for Black Friday”
- “Your Black Friday Offer Awaits”
Avoiding Spam Triggers in Your Black Friday Email Subject Lines
I’ve discovered that there are certain words and phrases that can immediately raise red flags with email providers, which can lead to your email being filtered out.
It’s all about balancing excitement with authenticity. Here are some common spam triggers to steer clear of:
- Overuse of “Free”: While offering something free can be enticing, using “Free” too much in your subject lines can get your email flagged.
- Words like “Cash,” “Cheap,” and “Discount”: These can also be dangerous territory. It’s better to be more creative or subtle in how you present deals.
- Excessive Punctuation!!!: Adding too many exclamation points or question marks can quickly set off spam filters. Trust me, keeping it simple and clean works better.
I’ve also found that the formatting of your subject line is just as important as the words you choose. Here are a few tips on how to avoid getting flagged by spam filters:
- Avoid All Caps: Nothing screams spam more than a subject line that’s entirely in capital letters. Try using normal sentence cases or only capitalizing important words.
- Balance Text with Symbols: Using too many symbols, like “$$$” or “%”, can increase the chances of getting filtered. It’s best to limit these or avoid them altogether.
- Keep it Short and Relevant: Long subject lines risk being cut off in mobile inboxes and can make your email seem less trustworthy.
FAQs — Black Friday Email Subject Lines
Black Friday email subject lines are a popular topic of interest among our readers. Here are answers to some common queries we get asked about it:
How do you announce a Black Friday deal?
You can announce a Black Friday deal by sending out early access emails, posting teasers on social media, or creating a countdown to the sale.
Highlight the best offers and include engaging subject lines like “The Black Friday Deal You’ve Been Waiting For” to grab attention.
What do you say in a Black Friday post?
In a Black Friday post, mention the key offers, exclusive deals, and any time-sensitive promotions.
Use phrases like “Shop Now for 50% Off” or “Limited Stock Available” to create urgency and encourage immediate action.
What are the subject lines for early access sale?
Examples of early access sale subject lines include:
- “VIP Early Access: Shop Black Friday Deals!”
- “Your Black Friday Sneak Peek – Shop Now!”
- “Be the First to Get Our Black Friday Offers!”
What is the theme of Black Friday?
The theme of Black Friday is centered around massive discounts, limited-time offers, and exclusive deals.
It’s about creating a sense of urgency and excitement, often associated with big sales, shopping sprees, and early holiday shopping.
How do you market a Black Friday sale?
To market a Black Friday sale, leverage multiple channels like email marketing, social media, and your website.
Promote early access, create a countdown, and offer enticing discounts to encourage customers to act fast.
Ensure your email subject lines create urgency with phrases like “Last Chance” or “Ending Soon” to drive conversions.
Next, Best Email Practices for Black Friday & Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) are fast approaching, and if your business plans to capitalize on the biggest shopping events of the year, it’s time to make a plan! Check out this guide for email practices that can make or break your BFCM campaign.
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