“We screwed up — here’s what we learned”
Why this happens:
The email was humble and sincere, unlike what one would expect in a cold email.
When to use:
Use for case studies, storytelling, or to prove you are experienced (but authentic).
Like this? Read our conversion guide 91 Compelling Email Subject Lines Proven to Increase Conversions
“Not sure if you need this – but worth a try”
Why this happens:
It feels authentic and less stressful. Don’t mak uk phone number library the subject line too dramatic to avoid being labeled as spam.
**This is important —** because 70% of cold emails end up in spam simply because of a poor subject line (Growthlist).
Model for top talent
Here’s what this year’s top-performing cold email subject lines have in common:
What not to do in 2025
Let’s discuss the types of cold topics that didn’t do so well this year:
- Fake posts like “Reply:” or “Retweet:” – these used to work. Now they sound like spam.
- Buzzwords – People are easily the impact of time of day on internet speed attracted to words like ‘cutting edge’, ‘solutions’ or ‘innovation platform’. Keep it human.
- ALL CAPS OR !!! — these can be triggering. Worse, they make you seem untrustworthy.
- Generic phrases — “Just checking in” or “Let’s connect” don’t provide a reason to open.
Also worth noting: email open rates for cold marketing campaigns range from 40% to 60%, but response rates are only around 1% to 5% (GMass) – so every word counts.
Writing Your Own
Want to write your own cold email south africa numbers subject line? Follow these 5 tips:
- Keep it short — aim for 36-50 characters.
- Add some personal information (name, company, or recent victory).
- Ask a real question or share a specific idea.
- Avoid using formal jargon. Write like you speak.
- A/B test subject lines – 3-4 versions per campaign can show what works.
If you are offering something like a presentation, report, or audit, be direct about that. A clear subject line can be more powerful than a sales pitch.