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 are 3–7 words, specific to the recipient, often lowercase (looks personal, not broadcast), and spark curiosity without sounding salesy. Avoid 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"), and anything with FREE / !!! / ALL CAPS — those tank both opens and deliverability (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.