Every year, Black Friday fills inboxes with tons of emails, all trying to grab the attention of shoppers. In 2024, over 116 million marketing emails were sent on Black Friday. It is a 20% increase from the year before.(Learn about the forecast data for 2025) This means it is harder than ever for e-commerce managers, marketing teams, and retail brands to stand out.
Shoppers are looking for great deals but are also overwhelmed by so many promotions. That is why your email subject line is super important. It is the key to getting your email opened instead of ignored.
Here we will show you why strong Black Friday subject lines matter, how to pick ones that match your brand, and share real examples and tips. This will help your next email marketing campaign get more opens, clicks, and sales during the busiest shopping time of the year.
Why Black Friday Email Subject Lines Matter & How to Pick the Right Ones?
During Black Friday, shoppers are focused on finding deals. They don’t spend much time on each email and their inboxes are full of offers. About 64% of shoppers decide to open an email just by reading the subject line. That means your subject line directly affects how many people open your email and how much money you make.
Good subject lines create a feeling of urgency, exclusivity, or value. They tap into the fear of missing out (FOMO) that drives many Black Friday buyers. Simply put, the right words can turn an email that is ignored into one that brings lots of sales.
1 Why Subject Lines Are So Important on Black Friday?
Black Friday inboxes are packed, and attention of people is quick to fade. Your email subject line can be the difference between someone opening your email or skipping it. Here is why subject lines matter and how to choose good ones to get better results from your emails.
2 Simple Tips for Writing Great Subject Lines
First decide what your email is about to create subject lines that really work. Are you thanking loyal customers by giving early access? Or are you reminding people about a last chance deal? Make sure your subject line matches your goal.
Here are some easy ideas you can try:
- Urgency: Ends in 3 Hours – 50% Off Everything
- Curiosity: You Will Want to See This Black Friday Deal…
- Exclusivity: VIPs Only: Early Black Friday Access
Next, keep your subject lines consistent across your emails but don’t just repeat the same message. Each one should build excitement.
3 Important Tips for Choosing Black Friday Subject Lines
It is important to balance urgency with honesty. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Otherwise, people might stop trusting you and unsubscribe. Always keep your message real and true to your brand.
Most people about 70% open Black Friday emails on their phones. So, keep your subject lines short under 40 characters and put the most important info first. For example, 50% Off Ends Tonight works better than Tonight Only: Save Up to 50%.
When you send your emails and who you send them to also matters a lot. Sending too early means your email might get lost in the inbox; sending too late means you might miss people ready to buy. Emails sent around 8 PM to get the most opens which is 59%.
Try testing different send times to see what works best for your audience. Also, send different emails to different groups, like VIPs, deal hunters, and loyal customers, to get better results.
Finally, test different subject lines to see what works best. Try sending a few versions to small groups and pick the winner before sending to everyone. This helps you get the best open rates.
10 Black Friday Email Subject Line Ideas
During Black Friday 2024, emails with words like exclusive, today only, or last chance got 20% more opens than plain subject lines. So, you should also use these ideas to connect with your customers and boost your Black Friday sales.
Here are ten types of email campaigns with easy-to-use subject lines that get great results. You can tweak these to fit your brand!
1 Early Access & VIP Offers
Give your best customers a special head starts before the big sale.
- VIP Only: Black Friday Deals Live Now
- Early Access: 30% Off Before Everyone Else
- Your Exclusive Black Friday Preview Awaits
- Because You are on Our List: Early Black Friday Savings
2 Countdown to Black Friday
Build excitement as the big day gets closer.
- 3 Days Left: Black Friday Starts Soon
- Countdown to Black Friday: Unlock a Sneak Peek
- Your Early Bird Advantage Starts Tomorrow
- Black Friday Approaching, Set Your Alarm!
3 Black Friday Launch Day Emails
Grab attention when the sale is live and competition is tough.
- It is Here: Black Friday Starts Now!
- 50% Off Everything, Black Friday is Live
- Your Best Deal of the Year Awaits Inside
- Black Friday Doorbusters Are Waiting
4 Last Chance & Cyber Monday Prep
Push customers to act fast and get ready for the next sale.
- Final Hours: Black Friday Ends at Midnight
- Black Friday’s Over, Cyber Monday Starts Now
- Last Call for Your Favorite Deals
- One More Chance: Black Friday Wrap-Up Sale
5 Abandoned Cart Reminders
Bring back shoppers who left without buying.
- You Left Something Behind, Black Friday Discount Inside
- Your Cart Misses You, 20% Off Still Available
- Items in Your Cart Are Going Fast!
- Last Chance: Finish Your Purchase Before It’s Gone
6 Flash Sales & Limited-Time Deals
Create urgency for quick-buyers.
- Flash Sale: 2 Hours Only, Black Friday Deal
- Limited Stock Alert: Shop Before Midnight
- Hurry! 60-Minute Deal Inside
- Only a Few Items Left, Black Friday Frenzy
7 Special Offers for Loyal Customers
Make your subscribers feel special with exclusive deals.
- Just for You: Black Friday Offers Inside
- Thanks for Being Loyal, 40% Off Just for You
- VIP Members Get First Pick
- Your Loyalty Reward: Black Friday Starts Now
8 Remind Shoppers Who Browsed but Didn’t Buy
Reach out to people who looked but didn’t make a purchase.
- Still Thinking? These Black Friday Deals Are Waiting
- Your Favorites Are on Sale – Black Friday Inside
- You Viewed It, Now Save Up to 30%
- Recommended for You: Top Black Friday Picks
9 Win Back Old Customers
Bring back people who have not shopped in a while.
- We Miss You! Black Friday 25% Off Inside
- It’s Been A while, Your Deal Is Waiting
- Come Back for Black Friday Savings
- Welcome Back: Here’s an Exclusive Black Friday Coupon
10 Show Popular & Best-Selling Items
Use what’s popular to encourage buyers who are unsure.
- Top-Rated Black Friday Deals, Selling Fast
- Shoppers Love These, Grab Yours Before They’re Gone
- Most Bought This Week: Black Friday Favorites
- Trending Now: Fan Favorites at Black Friday Prices
Start Black Friday with Aurora SendCloud's ready-made email templates
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too many boring phrases: Subject lines like Huge Black Friday Sale get lost because lots of emails say the same thing.
- Using clickbait: If your subject line promises too much but does not deliver, people will stop trusting you and won’t open your future emails.
- Ignoring mobile users: Long subject lines get cut off on phones. So, important words might not show up.
- Not testing your emails: Trying out different subject lines (A/B testing) can make a big difference even changing one word can help.
Avoiding these mistakes helps your emails stay trustworthy and consistent during Black Friday.
Conclusion
The best Black Friday subject lines are clear, urgent, and honest. They catch attention right away and make people want to open your email without using tricks that feel like spam.
If you are in e-commerce or retail, plan your subject lines early and test different versions to see what works best. Remember, getting your email opened is just the first step. Good subject lines start the journey that leads to clicks and sales. Keep your messages exciting, test often, and build excitement with every email.
As more brands compete each year, those who get creative and use data to improve their subject lines will stand out and sell more.
