Sales email subject lines that get opened (with examples)
The best cold subject lines are short (3–7 words), specific, lowercase, and curiosity-driven — never salesy. Here are the patterns that work, with examples, and the ones to avoid.
Short answer: cold email subject lines that get opened run 3–7 words, name something specific to the recipient, often go lowercase (reads personal, not broadcast), and spark curiosity without sounding salesy. Skip hype words, ALL CAPS, and anything that reads like a newsletter.
Patterns that work (with examples)
- Question: "quick question about {company}'s pipeline"
- Referral/mutual: "{mutual} suggested I reach out"
- Observation: "noticed {company} is hiring SDRs"
- Specific outcome: "cutting {company}'s ramp time"
What to avoid
Salesy ("Boost your revenue 300%!"). Vague ("Following up"). Anything with FREE / !!! / ALL CAPS — those tank opens and deliverability at once (see spam triggers).
Test it
Autocloz A/B-tests subject lines per step and reports reply rate — the metric that matters more than opens.
> Start free — A/B test subjects and optimise for replies, not vanity opens.