2 highest-opened cold email subject lines. One of them shows 86.6% open rate.

Ever hit an 86.6% organic reach on a social platform? 😲 Probably not—but guess what? You totally can with email. 📧

Here’s the deal: email isn’t just alive—it’s thriving, especially when it comes to cold outreach. In fact, a recent experiment with cold emails saw over a 50% open rate using a simple yet powerful subject line:

“Invitation for [NAME]” 🎯

The Power of a Killer Subject Line:

Your subject line is like the handshake that opens the door to your email. Get it wrong, and your email is toast. Get it right, and you’re in business.

Here are some proven cold email subject lines that have delivered insane results:

1. Sumo’s Go-To:
   “Hey [NAME], quick question” 👋
   Why it works: It’s short, friendly, and creates curiosity. Who doesn’t want to know what the “quick question” is?
2. LeadGenius’s Heavy Hitter:
   “I Found You Through [CONTACT NAME]” 🔍
   Fun fact: This subject line scored an 86.6% open rate! It builds instant credibility by referencing a mutual connection, making the email feel personal and trustworthy.
3. The “Invitation” Hook:
   “Invitation for [NAME]” 🎟️
   Why it works: It’s formal enough to grab attention but still approachable. It also hints at exclusivity, which sparks curiosity.

Why Cold Emails Work So Well:

• Direct and Personal: Unlike social posts, emails land straight in your prospect’s inbox, making them feel one-on-one.
• Free (or Nearly Free): No need to spend big bucks on ads—just a solid strategy and good email copy.
• Trackable Results: Open rates, click rates, replies—you can measure everything and tweak as needed.

How to Make These Subject Lines Work for You:

1. Personalize, Personalize, Personalize:
   Include the recipient’s name, reference a mutual connection, or customize based on their interests or needs.
2. Keep It Short:
   Most people skim their inbox, so shorter subject lines stand out and don’t get cut off on mobile.
3. Spark Curiosity:
   Give them just enough to want to open the email, but not so much that they already know what it’s about.

The Golden Opportunity:

These subject lines aren’t just clever—they’re a golden ticket to driving engagement, building relationships, and scoring fresh leads for free. 🚀💥

So, the next time you’re staring at your inbox wondering what to write, take a cue from the pros and start crafting subject lines that command attention. Your open rates will thank you. 😉

Source: https://sumo.com/stories/cold-email-templates