72 Best Black Friday Email Subject Lines

Email DesignNataly Birch and Andrian Valeanu • October 28, 2024 • 12 minutes READ

The busiest season for emails is looming, and to market your product, writing effective Black Friday Email subject lines becomes a must.

While customers will be full of eager anticipation over the best deals ever, business owners will hastily put things in order, lay the groundwork, map out, and certainly get psyched up since it is going to be a crazy weekend with plenty going on in both the real and digital world.

With the right tools and a well-thought-out plan, your path to success may be less intimidating. We have already covered several helpful guides to lead you through sending efficient Black Friday and Cyber Monday email newsletters; now it is time to guide you through creating the best Black Friday email subject lines, sending them to your email list, and increasing the open rate.

Black Friday email templates by Designmodo

General Rules of Good Subject Lines for Black Friday Emails

To get excellent open rates, there are several important rules to follow while creating a subject line for a BFCM email newsletter.

1. Get straight to the point

Getting down to business is a technique that works everywhere, and a BFCM email campaign is no exception. With all those incredible deals flying around, people will not have much time to procrastinate and read all their emails. Get straight to the point. Give the crowd what they want right here, right now. For instance:

• Black Friday is ON!
• SALE is HERE
• 70% OFF Everything!
• The best deal of the year!

2. Make it Simple

Subject: The Apple Shopping Event is almost here

Subject: The Black Friday Sale Starts Now

Subject: Early Access to Black Friday is Here!

There’s no need to wow subscribers with flowery language. Make it simple. If it is a sale, then say it is a sale. Show it. A best practice is to put critical information right at the beginning of the subject line in the most understandable words.

• 3-Day Black Friday!
• Starts now: 40% Off site-wide!
• 35% Off. Free Shipping

3. Make it Short

Although a regular subject line may comfortably accommodate 50-60 characters, this is not the case with BFCM email marketing campaigns. The shorter, the better. Remember, we are talking about deals, so lay them on the table. Aim for 10-12 characters to convey your message efficiently.

Subject: No Filler, No BS

Another argument in favor of this approach is that long subject lines may be cut off on smaller screens. You run the risk of losing subscribers who prefer to read on the phone, and this is a vast audience. Create short subject lines to convey a message regardless of the device.

• Last Chance Email!
• 50% Off!
• SALE Starts Now!
• Huge Discount!

4. Make it Pushy

When it comes to sales in the real world, there is no better way to motivate customers to buy something than to apply action words. Use the same trick in BFCM subject lines. Strong words always work. Try not to sound bossy: no one likes that. You need to be just a little pushy. Use such command words as”

• Take
• Buy
• Get
• Find

They are strong without being domineering or dictatorial. Moreover, customers are used to seeing them all the time and even following those commands. Use them without feeling bad.

5. Make it Numerical

Subject: Black Friday Preview: $69.95 Ancestry Kit + 30% off Sitewide

Everyone loves big numbers. The bigger, the better. If you have impressive numbers to brag about, then do it. Be specific about sales; do not hint at discounts. Lure subscribers in by showing exactly what they get.

• Get 50% Discount!
• 70% OFF!
• 24 Hour Sale!

6. Make it Personal

Personalization is a powerful tool. Subscribers will be bombarded with a ton of deals right after Thanksgiving; using their name in the subject line may help you to stand out. The trick may create a feeling that you recognize and treat a person.

Not everyone will fall for this. Some may consider it an inappropriate familiarity. So test this before putting it into action.

7. Make it Relevant to the Copy

Let’s make it clear: your subject line describes the text inside. It initiates dialogue while the content conducts it and leads to the desired action. If the two are not coordinated, subscribers may be disappointed. Align the subject line with the copy to make a smooth transition between the two.

Since users scan rather than read, the best practice is to use an appropriate design to support the subject line. For instance, use the Free Black Friday HTML Email Newsletter Templates. From the first glance, it becomes evident that the subject line that announces BFCM weekend and the copy are in sync.

Every detail exudes a vibe of the biggest shopping day of the year. With a catchy subject line and this outstanding BFCM-related email newsletter design, you will create a consistent experience and motivate subscribers to click the “Buy Now” button.

If this free template does not match your subject line, you can quickly create another using Postcards. Inside this free online HTML email template builder, you will find a vast collection of numerous handcrafted blocks. Mix and match to pull off an appropriate design, as well as customize each section without coding skills.

The resulting email newsletter will work across various email readers and devices flawlessly so that the message will be displayed to subscribers, no matter what.

What to Exclude from Black Friday Email Subject Lines to Stay Out of Spam

When crafting your Black Friday email subject lines, it’s vital to steer clear of elements that might trigger spam filters. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Overused Sale Words: Refrain from using words like “free,” “discount,” and “cash” repeatedly. These can alert spam filters.
2. Excessive Punctuation: Avoid overusing exclamation marks, question marks, and symbols like “$$$”. This can make your email appear spammy.
3. ALL CAPS: Writing in all capital letters can come across as shouting and may be flagged as spam.
4. Misleading Language: Stay away from phrases that aren’t truthful or that can create false urgency, such as “Act now!” or “Once in a lifetime offer!”
5. Too Many Emojis: Although a single emoji can add flair, using too many can make the email look unprofessional and suspicious.

By keeping these tips in mind, your Black Friday email campaigns will have a better chance of landing in the recipient’s inbox rather than the dreaded spam folder.

72 Best Black Friday Sale Email Subject Lines

Here is the compilation of all the subject lines you can use in your email subject lines before and during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 👇

Overall Best Email Subject Lines for Black Friday

• Black Friday Blowout: Deals You Can’t Resist!
• Unlock Black Friday: Your VIP Access Awaits
• The Ultimate Black Friday Event Starts NOW!
• Crush Your Wishlist: Black Friday Specials
• Unbeatable Black Friday: Deals of the Year
• The Main Event: Black Friday Is HERE!
• Black Friday Bonanza: Your Ultimate Guide
• The Black Friday Sale You’ve Been Waiting For

Black Friday Sneak Peek Email Subject Lines

• Shhh…Early Black Friday Deals Inside!
• Sneak Peek: Black Friday Exclusive Preview
• Get Ready: A Special Preview Just For You
• Exclusive Look: Our Black Friday Lineup
• Be the First: VIP Black Friday Preview
• Sneak Peek Alert: Black Friday’s Coming
• Early Access: Your Black Friday Sneak Peek
• Top Secret: Early Black Friday Deals Inside

Email Subject Lines Offering Free Shipping

• Free Shipping? Yes, Please! This Black Friday Only!
• Black Friday Special: Free Shipping All Day!
• Shop Now: Free Shipping Ends Tonight!
• Don’t Miss Out: Free Shipping This Black Friday
• Fast & Free: Black Friday Shipping on Us!
• Black Friday Just Got Better: Free Shipping Included!
• Ship, Ship, Hooray! Free Shipping for Black Friday
• Today Only: Free Shipping Extravaganza!

Email Subject Lines Mentioning Black Friday Deals

• Hot Black Friday Deals Inside!
• Doorbusters: The Best Black Friday Deals Await
• Epic Savings: Black Friday Edition
• Unlock the Best of Black Friday Deals
• Score Big: Your Black Friday Deal Guide
• The Hottest Deals of Black Friday Are Here
• Your Black Friday Savings Start Here!
• Black Friday Alert: New Deals Added

Huge Discount Email Subject Lines

• Insane Discounts: 70% Off This Black Friday!
• Major Price Drops for Black Friday!
• Black Friday Mega Sale: Up to 80% Off!
• Super Savings Alert: Black Friday Edition
• Unlock 75% with Our Biggest Black Friday Yet!
• Massive Discounts Await: Black Friday Exclusive
• Black Friday = Big Savings
• The Discount Event of the Year: Black Friday!

FOMO-Related Email Subject Lines for Black Friday

• Last Chance: Black Friday Sale Ends Soon!
• Don’t Miss Out: Limited Black Friday Offers!
• Hurry, These Black Friday Deals Won’t Last!
• Going, Going, Almost Gone: Black Friday Deals
• Tick Tock: Black Friday Time-Sensitive Offers
• Last Call: Black Friday Final Hours
• These Black Friday Deals Won’t Wait
• Time’s Running Out: Black Friday Countdown

Pre-Black Friday Teaser Email Subject Lines

• The Countdown Begins: Pre-Black Friday Savings!
• Why Wait? Pre-Black Friday Deals Inside!
• Get Ahead: Pre-Black Friday Exclusives
• Beat the Rush: Pre-Black Friday Sale!
• Pre-Black Friday: Deals Too Good To Wait
• Why Wait? Unlock Black Friday Savings Early
• Early Bird Catches the Deal: Pre-Black Friday
• Limited Time: Pre-Black Friday Flash Sale

Crafting the perfect teaser emails for Black Friday isn’t just about eye-catching subject lines; it’s about creating a sense of anticipation and excitement among your customers. Here’s how you can maximize their impact:

Build Anticipation with Strategic Content

• Highlight Key Offers: In your email content, make sure to spotlight the most attractive deals. This not only draws attention but also sets the stage for what’s to come.
• Create Urgency: Use language that instills a sense of urgency. Phrases like “limited-time offer” or “act fast” can prompt quicker responses from your audience.
• Emphasize Exclusivity: Make your customers feel special by offering exclusive deals just for them. This can increase their loyalty and make them more likely to engage with your offers.

Engage with Intriguing Elements

• Countdown Timers: Incorporate countdowns to build excitement as the big day approaches. This visual element keeps the sale top-of-mind and encourages timely action.
• Sneak Peeks: Give a taste of what’s to come with sneak peeks of select deals. This can whet your audience’s appetite and keep them eager for more.
• Limited-Time Offers: Implement flash sales or early access deals to keep your audience engaged. The fear of missing out can drive immediate action.

By combining compelling subject lines with engaging content and strategic elements, your teaser emails can effectively build anticipation and drive conversions for your Black Friday sales.

VIP Sale Email Subject Lines

• VIP Early Access: Shop Black Friday Now!
• Exclusive VIP Black Friday Deals Unlocked!
• VIP Alert: Your Black Friday Pass Awaits!
• VIPs Only: The Black Friday Sale Starts Early For You
• First Dibs: VIP Black Friday Access
• VIP Exclusive: Black Friday Starts Now For You
• Early VIP Access: Shop Before the Crowd
• Welcome VIP: Your Exclusive Black Friday Preview

Cyber Monday Email Subject Lines

• Cyber Monday Madness: Last Chance for Big Savings!
• The Savings Continue: Cyber Monday Deals Are Here!
• Round 2: Cyber Monday Frenzy Starts NOW!
• Cyber Monday Reloaded: More Deals, More Savings!
• Cyber Monday Exclusive: One Day, Huge Savings!
• Act Fast: Cyber Monday Flash Sale!
• The Cyber Monday Sale You Can’t Miss
• Don’t Stop Now: Cyber Monday Deals Inside

The Power of Strong Email Subject Line

BFCM weekend sees one of the loudest email newsletters of the year. They are bold; they are strong; they are expressive, and they are undoubtedly attention-grabbing. To truly scream, they need to make subscribers open the email newsletter. It is here where the power hidden inside an appealing and strong subject line becomes clear.

A subject line stands between you and subscribers. The entire success of the mission depends on it, so be ready to put your heart and soul into creating an excellent headline. Follow our guide, and you will learn how to create high-converting subject lines for Black Friday and Cyber Monday email campaigns to reach subscribers instead of going to the spam folder.

Get Creative in Black Friday Email Newsletters

A dose of creativity does not hurt anybody. What’s more, it is a chance to be noticed since ingenious solutions are almost always eye-catching.

Ask Questions

This trick is drawn from psychology. It is in our nature to answer questions posed to us. Therefore, it will get subscribers’ attention at least for a second. Questions will help ignite interest and provoke action. Remember that the question should be relevant to the event. Make it short and straight to the point. One popular option is to start the subject line with the verb “want” or “ready” like this:

• Ready for a Black Friday Sale?
• Want to Get the Best Discount Ever?

Be Funny

This one is tricky, and not everyone will be able to use it since it should not contradict the established tone and theme. However, it can be a powerful tool.

Funny remarks and witty puns lighten the mood and make people smile, creating a positive and inviting mood. When people are relaxed, it is easier to deliver a message. Use playful, droll subject lines to get subscribers on your side.

• It’s now or never…
• Pssst! Get the 30% OFF this Black Friday
• Better Than Their Deals
• OMG, The biggest sale ever!

Be Emotional

This is another tricky but beneficial solution. Emotions are what separate you from others. Dry, dull, and impassive subject lines fade in comparison. The best way to express your feelings and make the subject line exciting is to use emojis. Not only do they convey information in an unobtrusive way, but they are also compact, giving you extra space to maneuver. You can do many things with these tiny graphical cues, from accentuating attention on discounts to stressing urgency.

Note, before using emojis in your subject line, make sure your subscribers will see them since not all email readers support them.

Create a Sense of Urgency

We could not do without stressing urgency in our subject lines during the hot sale season. Everyone is going to do this. It will work for you as well. People expect time limits, so use this technique shamelessly.

Subject: Last Hours – 30% Off Sitewide – Use Code ’30OFF’ at Checkout

A solid practice is to begin your subject line with a time limit. If you want to maximize the effect, you can also end with it. Typical examples of subject lines with stressed urgency include:

• Last day! 40% Discount
• ONE DAY
• 24 HOUR SALE
• STARTS NOW
• Discount starts Tonight
• Discount ends Tonight

Play the Scarcity Card

Another beloved instrument of email marketers is establishing a sense of scarcity. Fear of missing out is a powerful thing that stimulates customers to make a decision faster. Play the scarcity card in your subject line using popular words and phrases such as:

• Low stock
• Only 1 day
• Moving fast
• Running out
• Almost sold out

Use Preview Text for Higher Conversions

Immediately following the subject line, preview text (PREHEADER TEXT) plays a supportive role. Although you have no more than 50 characters, this will be enough to emphasize the subject line once again. Do not miss an opportunity to reinforce the first impression.

Terms to Use in Your Black Friday Email and Cyber Monday Subject Lines

From year to year, we see almost the same old words in the subject lines. Surprisingly, they do not lose their power and viability. Therefore, our all-time favorite subject line words and phrases for Black Friday and Cyber Monday are:

• Black Friday
• Cyber Monday
• Sale
• Free
• Special Deals
• Exclusive deals
• Best Offer Ever
• Free shipping
• Now
• Save
• %
• Special day
• 50% OFF Entire Store
• Get a free gift
• Save 40%
• Shop
• Best Offer
• VIP Discount
• Buy one get 50% off
• BOGO
• Get amazing deals now!
• Take 30% OFF

Recent statistics prove that they are valid, so use them in your subject lines without a doubt.

A/B Test

It may seem that the magic word “Sale” will do all the heavy lifting and generate mega revenue. However, subscribers are unique, and their preferences are unique. The first thing to do after you come up with several clever pitches for a subject line is to conduct tests. A/B tests show you what works and what does not.

First, use other seasonal sales to figure out the best converting subject lines. Then do some on-the-spot tests before BFCM to polish the results.

How Post-Black Friday Email Subject Lines Can Extend Sales Momentum

Keeping the Excitement Alive

Black Friday isn’t just a 24-hour event anymore; the shopping thrill stretches into the weekend. Clever subject lines can capitalize on this extended frenzy, transforming it into a packed Saturday, Sunday, and an eagerly awaited Cyber Monday.

Key Strategies

1. Surprise and Delight: Capture attention immediately by surprising your readers with unexpected deals. Use exclamatory phrases and emojis to hype the continuation of sales, making recipients curious about what’s next.
2. Create Urgency: Phrases like “Extended” and mentioning limited-time offers inject a sense of urgency. By indicating that deals won’t last forever, these subject lines compel subscribers to act quickly and visit your site or store immediately.
3. Competitive Edge: Subject lines highlighting offers “Better Than Their Deals Up to X% Off” or similar competitive insights can prompt customers to choose your brand over others. This angle not only piques interest but instills confidence that your deals are superior.
4. Invoke FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Play into the natural desire not to miss out on opportunities. Subject lines with elements of FOMO can lead to increased open rates, as shoppers fear losing out on these fleeting discounts.
5. Value and Personal Touch: Engaging subject lines that emphasize customer appreciation, like “You deserve something special,” build emotional connections. This tactic makes customers feel valued and more inclined to explore your offerings.

Effective Tips for Boosting Sales

• Utilize Testing Tools: Before sending your campaign, test subject lines for effectiveness. Use available tools to ensure they’re captivating without triggering spam filters.
• Highlight Exclusive In-Store Offers: If you have physical locations, integrate in-store exclusives in your email campaigns. Significant numbers of shoppers still prefer to browse and buy in person, so promote these opportunities to drive foot traffic.

By strategically crafting your post-Black Friday emails, you can maintain and even boost the sales momentum, capturing the excitement of bargain hunters and turning them into loyal customers.

Conclusion

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are coming. It is not a time to get comfortable, but you don’t have to be nutty either.

If you have a good plan, a well-thought-out strategy, and do your homework beforehand, you can enjoy this period as much as your buyers.

Use our guides to create a killer email design and campaign and save yourself from a nerve-racking weekend.