Throughout the day, your prospects’ and colleagues’ email inboxes are flooded with standard subject lines.
They see “I hope you’re well,” “Just checking in,” and “Wanted to follow up” faster than Gary Vee drops the F-bomb.
About thirty-five percent of email recipients report that they open emails because of the subject line alone. CoSchedule’s headline experts recommend appealing to people’s curiosity in order to get that magic click.
What is the best way to pique a prospect’s interest? Use humor. Knowing your audience is essential when writing fun email subject lines. It is probably not a good idea to lead with an amusing subject line when following up with a CEO following a conference.
When a prospect you’ve been talking with for a couple of weeks suddenly goes quiet, these fun email subject lines can reactivate the conversation.
1. “Pairs nicely with spreadsheets”
There may not be a direct application to every industry, but this Warby Parker subject line works well for B2B prospects.
They can receive spreadsheets full of positive numbers at their next meeting if you present them with your product/service.
2. “Don’t invite Steve to that meeting. He’ll dress like a ghost.”
Why do you refuse to open this email — our last from Funny or Die? I’d like to schedule the demo we’ve been discussing. My promise is not to dress like a ghost at that meeting.” “On second thought, you should invite Steve too.” “In the interest of schedules, I would love to schedule that demo.”
3. “Since we can’t all win the lottery …”
Would you like an attention-grabbing subject line?
This Uber original is the real deal. Use our product to make more money overnight, but you’ll become more productive in your job, like winning $10 on a scratcher.”
I like the way it’s quick, funny, and shows you don’t take yourself too seriously.
4. “Revised policy regarding jean shorts at work”
Whether you like this clothing policy or not comes down to a personal preference. The subject line of this Funny or Die newsletter is sure to cause someone to take a second look at it.
Add a sentence in your email saying, “Although it probably won’t be a good idea, does it make 15-minute demo with me less painful?”.”
5. “Need a day at the beach?”
If you hear your prospect will be planning the board meeting over the next few weeks, leave some space.
However, when it’s time to reconnect, it might be necessary to get back on their radar with something special.
“Need a day at the beach?” is a Travelocity-inspired subject line. Start by saying, “I know you have had a lot on your plate lately. I wish I could send you somewhere with umbrella drinks and beach chairs, but all I can do is offer you this [product/service]…”.
Tell them how your company can give them time to take a real vacation — or at least an afternoon off.
6. “HBO GO Password?”
Your friends are familiar with this email whether you sent it five minutes before a new Game of Thrones episode. Also, if you’ve recently got HBO GO.
It is likely that a prospect will be curious to see another Funny or Die-inspired gem coming from you. Incorporate a humorous statement such as, “Just kidding, I use my college roommate’s distant acquaintance’s second nephew twice removed’s HBO GO account. But while I’ve got you here, I’d love to find out where we stand with the contract.”
7. “3 bizarre steps to being better at your job”
Play around with the steps inside your email. Here’s how it works, 1: Buy two venti double-shot espressos over ice, give one to a coworker, and watch the effects unfold. 2: Bring fresh donuts to the office every Monday, and you’ll become everyone’s employee of the month. 3: Request a demo of my [product or service], and save your company so much time they’ll be begging you for a promotion.”
Adapt step three for any call to action that fits the objective of your email. Change “Ask me for a demo” for “Ask me to send over the contract” or “Let’s schedule that follow-up call.” This is a versatile and friendly way to nudge your prospect to the next step.
8. “Dad jokes. I’ve got ‘em.”
You better deliver a good dad joke, since everyone loves them. Let’s give the people what they want, “Why do chicken coops only have two doors? If they had four, they would be chicken sedans!”
Give your call to action and promise not to tell more jokes if they sign the contract by week’s end.
9. “You can’t buy this on Amazon …”
Your product/service probably isn’t available on Amazon. Wouldn’t that be amazing? If they’re ready to sign, you can give them the option of getting free same-day shipping on the contract.
10. “I like you better than my nephew right now.”
Does the prospect go dark? I’m sure they’ll still open this email. You can grab their attention by saying, “I liked you better than my nephew, Theo, the last time we spoke. Would you like to reconnect this week?”
11. “C’mon, it’s Friday and you’re killing time anyway”
Make an unusual approach by contacting your silent prospect on a Friday afternoon. This is lighthearted, friendly, and probably true. If they see this subject line in their inbox on Monday morning, it will still stand out and make them smile.
12. “What’s your Uber rating?”
Have you checked yours recently? Your prospect may not have done so. This will spur their interest, and your first sentence could sound like, “If we were your driver, you’d be a 5!” We can’t help that one Uber driver who threw up in the backseat, but we can help….”
13. “I’m just a girl/boy …”
This subject line is a reference to the classic film, Notting Hill. In that movie which Julia Roberts’ character says, “I’m just a girl, standing before a boy, asking him to love me.” Your task is to rewrite that iconic line in this email.
If you want, start with the introduction and then follow up with “… I ask you to submit your September expense reports.”.
14. “You have this in common with Steve Jobs”
Another great subject line for piquing readers’ curiosity. Send an email beginning, “You’re both great at spotting the next big thing. Are you ready to make it a reality? I’d love to give you a presentation this week.”
15. “Swipe right on us.”
You’re waiting for your prospect to make the final decision between you and your competitor? Then send them this email. You can even go the extra mile. Put together one more faux dating profile describing all the features of your product/service.
16. “The most important meal of the day”
Would you like some feedback on a slide presentation or a blog post? We believe that breakfast is feedback from champions, and it is also the most important meal of the day. If you want to cleverly ask a coworker for their opinion, you can send them an email with this subject line. And then followed by, “Feedback is the breakfast of champions, so please take a look at this and let me know.”
17. “Is Twilight the best movie ever made?”
How old were we when we were this young? Add this one of our fun email subject lines to your next message, and follow it up with a playful sentence. One example is “Was that just me?” or “I’m curious why you opened that email from me.” Do not say R-Patz isn’t giving you anything.
18. “Coffee’s for closers”
In your email, include this “Glengarry Glen Ross” line in your subject line and say, “…and I’m thirsty.” It sends a good-natured message to prospects reminding them you are interested in their company.
As with anything in sales, use good judgment when sending out these fun email subject lines. After you’ve made sure the designs align with the values and branding of your company, you can really unleash your creativity.
19. “If they made a movie about your life …”
Please use this email line when you need your colleague to complete a survey or attend a meeting.
Use your email as a follow-up to the subject line.
This survey could be the highlight of any movie about your life. They would make a movie about you saving the world while filling out this survey.” It can seem silly (and flattering), to pique their interest and get them to fill out the survey.
20. “How to organize your VHS collection”
I know you’re not the only one who waxes nostalgic for Friday nights spent at Blockbuster.
Let’s schedule a 10-minute conversation before you start alphabetizing your box sets. In that case, I can let you know how organized our [product/service] can make you.” Bonus points if you link to this life-saving product.
21. “Is it too late now to say sorry?”
You might recognize this line just by humming the melody in your head to its song. Justin Bieber’s song “Sorry” deals with wanting to apologize to an ex but being worried too much time has passed.
Hopefully, you haven’t made any similar mistakes at work, but if you’ve allowed some time to pass without talking, use this subject line. And then follow it up with something like “Sorry we haven’t kept in touch!” You’ll reopen the lines of communication in a funny, memorable way.
22. “Mom’s gonna love this”
We all want to make our mom happy. Original from Brit + Co, this subject line reflects that behavior. Say something like, “Your mom will love the ease with which [product/service] will make your life. And I will appreciate that you are allowing me to pay her back with the commission I will receive.”
Conclusion
Brands that use humor well are often underutilized by customers. Steve Olenski, the chief marketing strategist at Oracle, says, “Humor shows the human side of a brand.”
When incorporated into an email marketing campaign, it can be very effective for increasing the number of subscribers who open the emails.
Thus, you set the stage for further engagement, and ultimately more readers will check out your offers.
So, fire up your autoresponder and get your funny juices flowing with these fun subject lines for emails.
Let us know what you think in the comments below!