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Welcome Email Examples to Engage Your Subscribers

Beefree team
Beefree team
Sep 19, 2023
Welcome Email Examples to Engage Your Subscribers
Welcome Email Examples to Engage Your Subscribers

First impressions are powerful, and that’s just as true when you’re marketing your brand as it is when you’re getting dressed for a job interview or getting ready for a first date. When you send a welcome email to new subscribers, that email is a first impression and a first step in creating a strong customer relationship, so it’s imperative that you get things off on the right foot. A welcome email campaign can start to build credibility and loyalty, showing benefits long past that initial message.Want to create lasting customer relationships? A strong welcome email should put your branding front and center, let subscribers know they’re valued, and give readers an idea of what they’ll receive as subscribers. To guide your welcome email design, here are a few welcome email examples and tips from our email marketing pros.

What is a welcome email?

A welcome email is simply the email you send to people when they first subscribe to your email list. These emails are usually brief and straightforward but they serve several purposes:

  • Confirming for subscribers that their sign-up was successful
  • Giving a warm welcome to new subscribers
  • Building on subscribers’ excitement about your business by telling them what they can look forward to from your emails so that they stay engaged with your brand

In these ways, your welcome email will set the tone for your future relationship with this new subscriber, so make it count!

15 Examples of great welcome emails 

Where do you start when crafting an effective welcome email that sends the right message and nurtures lasting customer loyalty? While every welcome email will be unique because it should be true to your brand, there are plenty of ideas and techniques you can use. We’ve curated 15 stellar examples of welcome emails to inspire your design process.

1. Sprouts

Type of welcome email: Brand introduction

One approach you can take to your welcome email is to use it to introduce the subscriber to your business. Give them an overview of who you are, why you’re a fantastic partner for them to have, and why they’ll love being a subscriber and customer. Check out how the grocery chain Sprouts tells new subscribers what makes them special in their welcome email.Subject line: Hey Hailey, welcome to Sprouts!This welcome email from Sprouts makes it as easy as possible for you to go shopping. The message gives you a peek inside the store complete with photos and an explanation of symbols used on their signage. For customers who have never shopped at Sprouts before, this welcome email example makes it simple to get started.Why it works:

  • Introduces the brand’s shopping experience and what it has to offer
  • Invites readers to engage further with text alerts
  • Tells subscribers what to expect from future emails
  • Makes the branding prominent by featuring the brand colors
welcome email design example

2. Le Prunier

Type of welcome email: Discount code

A discount code is a great component to add to your welcome email design. They give subscribers an incentive to shop while also making them feel appreciated as subscribers. Welcome emails with offers can boost revenue by 30% per email compared to welcome emails without offers. Try sending a simple 10% off discount code, like Le Prunier does here.

Subject line: Welcome to Le Prunier!Le Prunier uses the 10% discount to thank the reader for subscribing and to prompt them to shop the site, but its welcome email goes beyond this too. It puts its welcome message front and center so subscribers feel like they’ve been warmly embraced and it gives a brief elevator pitch too, introducing subscribers to the brand’s core product.Why it works:

  • Features a simple design that’s easy to understand and doesn’t overload the reader with information
  • Gives the subscriber the high points of the core product and its benefits
  • Offers enough of a discount to encourage subscribers to shop
welcome email example

3. KIND Snacks

Type of welcome email: Product features

We’ve already talked about using welcome emails to introduce a subscriber to your business, but you can also take a more detailed approach by offering an overview of your core products. This serves the purpose of not only introducing the subscriber to what you have to offer but also attracting their attention and enticing them to click through and shop. KIND Snacks does this by showing off some of its most mouthwatering snack bars.Subject line: Welcome to the KIND familyThis welcome email example provides a nice overview of KIND’s products. In a simple single-column layout, KIND lists four of its most popular products, providing a photo, simple description and CTA button for each. At the end of the email, readers also have the option to “Shop All Snacks” via a separate CTA button that leads to the entire store.Why it works:

  • Uses clever puns and relatable messaging to build familiarity with subscribers
  • Features high-quality images that are appetizing and appealing
  • Offers a discount to give subscribers more of a reason to click on their appetizing featured products
welcome email to customer

4. Yard House

Type of welcome email: Free gift

Customers can unsubscribe from your mailing list just as quickly as they subscribed, so it’s important to keep them engaged from the start. One way to do this is to reassure them that they have made the right choice by welcoming them with a free gift. Check out how restaurant chain Yard House has used this technique to generate enthusiasm from their subscribers immediately.Subject line: You’re officially a House Insider!After giving subscribers a warm welcome, Yard House lays out the perks for subscribers,like inside peaks at new menu items and an updated list of the latest beers on tap, but the main draw is a free appetizer for their next visit.It’s also important to note that Yard House sends this welcome email as soon as somebody signs up for the company’s newsletter. It’s best not to wait too long to send a welcome email to a customer. When they opt in to your emails, your brand is on their mind — they’re expecting to receive a message. So your welcome email is more likely to be opened and read if you send it right away.Why it works:

  • Features an appealing and on-brand design
  • Clearly articulates why the subscriber should be glad they signed up and should continue to subscribe
  • Encourages subscribers to visit the restaurant with the special offer of a free appetizer
welcome email design

5. Sephora

Type of welcome email: GIF

Many of your subscribers get dozens or even hundreds of emails every day. You want your welcome email to stand out so it delivers the message that you have carefully crafted. One clever and fun way to do this is with an eye-catching GIF. The movement of the GIF grabs readers’ attention and draws them in so they’re more engaged in the introduction to your brand.Subject line: Welcome to Sephora! 🎉Sephora uses the cute GIF at the top of the welcome email to snag the subscriber’s attention and then it uses other techniques to welcome the subscriber and tell them what the brand has to offer. It highlights a few of its exclusive products and its free rewards program. And we absolutely love the checklist at the bottom of the message: The “Your Sephora Welcome Series” lets readers see what’s coming to their inboxes next.Why it works:

  • Uses a GIF that’s attractive and engaging but isn’t so complex that it makes the email download slowly
  • Gives subscribers an incentive to take a step further and join the brand’s rewards program
  • Recommends products to encourage readers to shop
best welcome email example
welcome email gif

6. Monday.com

Type of welcome email: Social confirmation

Showcasing that other people are using a product is a great way to encourage new customers to sign up because they think, “if that many people use this, they must be enjoying it!” That’s an excellent strategy for a variety of different marketing projects including your welcome email. Let subscribers know that they’ve now joined a popular club (or could join it by taking the next step and becoming a customer). One brand that does this well in its welcome email is Monday.com.Subject line: Welcome to monday.comIn this welcome email example from Monday.com, the company includes a user statistic, tapping into the bandwagon effect to get more people to jump on board. To add even more reasons to enjoy the brand’s product, it provides a bulleted list of features, shining a light on the benefits of Monday.com’s services and letting you know how the platform works.Why it works:

  • Speaks to users’ desire to find out why the product is so popular
  • Keeps the email short and to the point, serving as a true introduction without overwhelming readers with information
  • Encourages ongoing engagement with a clear call-to-action to take subscribers to their accounts and explore the platform’s features
simple welcome email design

7. Purina

Type of welcome email: Getting to know you

Your welcome email doesn’t just tell subscribers about your brand - it can tell your brand about subscribers too. When you strategically use your welcome email to ask for more information, you can better serve your new customers. You’ll be able to use that information to segment your emails, sending each subscriber relevant, personalized content they want to read.You can create segments based on geographic location, purchase history, or other information about your customer. It’s all a matter of what you’re able to learn about your subscribers, and your welcome email is an excellent place to start. Take a look at Purina’s welcome email and how they use this strategy.Subject line: Bee, welcome to the Purina familyIn this welcome email, Purina asks new customers for more information about their pets. The “tell us about your pet” CTA button takes you to a page where you can check off whether you have a dog or cat and input their name, birthday, and size. All of these questions provide Purina with more opportunities to specifically market to individual customers.Why it works:

  • Uses a clear CTA to direct subscribers toward the customer profile
  • Maintains a simple design so the CTA doesn’t get lost in the clutter of too much information
  • Builds familiarity with the brand by highlighting the brand’s values with the three icons and statements at the bottom
welcome email example

8. Warby Parker

Type of welcome email: Keeping it simple

A welcome email doesn’t have to be overly detailed and complex. In fact, a simple, straightforward design with plenty of white space will allow your subscribers to take in your core message without being distracted by other information. One brand that does an excellent job of using strategic white space is Warby Parker:Header: "You're all signed up"

Warby parker welcome email examples

The brand also grabs their subscribers’ attention with a clever GIF:

warby parker gif

Warby Parker‘s mission is to make shopping for glasses simple, easy, and fun. The company’s welcome email reflects that brand mission with a simple message that’s easy on the eyes—clean and modern-looking with lots of white space—but still exudes a fun energy with the animated graphic right at the top. There is good support for GIFs in email clients (see this Litmus report on the subject), and they are a great way to put some fun in your messages.

Why it works:

  • Uses a simple design to keep the core message from becoming choked by clutter
  • Creates a positive association with the brand through happy and lighthearted messaging
  • Provides a CTA that invites subscribers to start shopping
  • Uses a GIF to engage readers and stand out

9. Rolling Stone

Type of welcome email: Social media engagement

Your welcome email is an introduction to your brand, so it’s an excellent place to let subscribers know where they can learn more about you. When you feature your social media pages in your welcome email and link to them for an easy user experience, you encourage the subscriber to become more invested in your brand and be part of your community. Check out how Rolling Stone does this:Header: "Thank you for signing up for the Rolling Stone Newsletter!"Rolling Stone doesn’t inundate subscribers with content right away. Instead, the magazine’s message is simple: “Thank you.” It confirms for subscribers that the newsletter will be on its way, and in the meantime lets them know where to connect with Rolling Stone on social media.Why it works:

  • Simplistic design keeps the focus on welcoming subscribers and highlighting the brand’s social media pages
  • Social media icons are recognizable but still within the brand’s color scheme, keeping them consistent with the brand’s image
  • Let subscribers know what they can look forward to in the newsletter
rolling stone newsletter welcome email

10. Everlane

Type of welcome email: Strategic imagery

Some new subscribers are learning about your brand for the first time while others might have been familiar with your brand for years before subscribing. In either case, using the right photography or imagery can immediately build more familiarity between the subscriber and your brand. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, so featuring one powerful image in your welcome email can set the tone for the way new subscribers see your brand.Everlane knows the power of one fantastic photo and they put this to work in their welcome email.Header: "Hello"Everlane has one of the simplest top navigations we’ve seen, allowing the eye to go straight to the brand’s beautiful black-and-white photography. The photo is right at the top, with barely any overlaid text. Subscribers who want to shop or read more can click through to the website, but for those who can only spend a few seconds, photography sends an immediate message about the style of the brand and what to expect.Why it works:

  • The featured photo takes up most of the email and clearly communicates the chic yet simplistic nature of the brand and its products
  • The introductory offer in the header navigation stands out because of the design’s simplicity
  • Email is straightforward and to the point without trying to push subscribers in too many different directions
Everlane welcome newsletter

11. Lord & Taylor

Type of welcome email: Value proposition

When a customer subscribes to your mailing list, you get a more engaged customer who will see your brand routinely and will be more likely to buy frequently and become a loyal long-term customer. But what does the subscriber get? You can answer that question in your welcome email by listing out the perks and the value the subscriber is getting. This encourages them to not only stay subscribed but to open your emails when they come in. Check out how Lord & Taylor does this:

Lord & Taylor welcomes subscribers with a list of the three things you can expect from their emails: trends, brands, and deals. It’s the value proposition behind their campaigns, the “why” you made a good move by signing up. The message is coupled with great photography, a pop of brilliant yellow, and one takeaway: shop now. There’s no need to scroll on and on; in fact, there’s barely any reading to do. The shortlist says it all quickly and beautifully.

Why it works:

  • Articulates subscriber perks clearly and cleanly
  • Features on-brand styling and imagery
  • Grabs attention with a banner announcing free shipping
Lord & Taylor newsletter

12. Bumble and bumble

Type of welcome email: Exclusivity

Everyone wants to feel special and feel like they’re part of something unique. You can give subscribers that validation in your welcome email by making them feel like they’ve joined an exclusive club. Whether or not your subscriber list or your rewards club actually is exclusive or limited, you can use messaging and imagery that makes subscribers feel like elite insiders. Take Bumble and Bumble’s welcome email for example:

Header: "You Made The List"

The “you made the list” headline immediately makes subscribers feel wanted and included. Bumble and Bumble continue in that vein by showcasing the perks of being part of the club, like exclusive offers and backstage access. Subscribers feel more like a part of the community and more invested as a result.

Why it works:

  • Positions mailing list as elite and desirable so subscribers want to stay on the list
  • Uses imagery from the backstage of a fashion show to enhance the idea that the subscriber is now an insider
  • Guides subscribers toward the next step of shopping or visiting a salon with an online discount code and an easy way to find the nearest salon
Bumble and Bumble exclusive welcome email

13. Moo

Type of welcome email: Inviting entertainment

When a customer subscribes to your mailing list, it’s (hopefully) the start of a more engaged, active relationship with that customer. While many brands aim to encourage that added engagement in their welcome email by incentivizing the subscriber to go shop, you can also do it by enticing the customer to come to your site for entertainment. Intrigue them with the content you have to offer and beckon them to your site for an enjoyable read.

To see this in action, take a look at Moo’s welcome email:

Header: "Thanks for singing up to the MOOsLETTER!"

Moo does a great job of covering a lot of ground without overwhelming readers. They intrigue the reader with the promise of inspiring stories and helpful tips right off the bat. By using a large, easy-to-read font, keeping messages brief, including great images, and allowing for white space and breathability between sections, Moo also squeezes in multiple calls-to-action (go to the website, get 10% off, connect on social) without it feeling like too much.

Why it works:

  • Appeals to subscriber’s desire for entertainment and enjoyment rather than just pushing them to make a purchase
  • Uses a clean and simple design so the CTA and the promise of great content aren’t lost
  • Includes an appealing discount but doesn’t push a purchase as the only goal of the email
moo sign up email

14. Mario Batali

Type of welcome email: Exclusive content

When someone signs up for a mailing list, there’s always still a question in their mind about whether the emails will actually pay off and be the right choice. Even if your mailing list is free, customers have to ask, “Is the content I’ll get worth the burden of having more emails crowding my inbox?” You can show them immediately in your welcome email that they made the right choice by giving them exclusive and exciting new content right away. Chef Mario Batali, for example, does this in a seamless way:Header: "Thanks for signing up for Mario Mail!"Mario Batali doesn’t mess around with his welcome email. Open it up and readers find their first Mario recipe, front and center. By diving into quality content right away, Batali makes an instant connection with readers and provides them with exactly what they are looking for. Plus, the photography is gorgeous, the text is easy to read, and there’s no clutter.Why it works:

  • Presents valuable content without delays or making subscribers jump through hoops
  • Gives subscribers a preview of what they can expect to see in future emails and why they’ll be glad they signed up
  • Uses a navigation bar in the header to subtly invite subscribers to check out other types of content from the brand
Mario Batali email

15. West Elm

Type of welcome email: Urgency

So much of marketing can be described as capitalizing on opportunities when they arise, and your welcome email is an excellent opportunity. The subscriber is already engaged enough to sign up so you know they’re interested in your brand, making this the perfect time to offer a discount to encourage them to shop. But you can take advantage of this opportunity even more by creating a sense of urgency for that discount.A limited-time discount makes customers want to shop and save right away because, if it slips their minds later, they might miss out on the savings altogether. Check out how West Elm uses this strategy in their welcome email:West Elm truly motivates readers to jump over to their site and get shopping: they offer a coupon right at the top and a noticeable alert that the discount is only valid for one week. They also make it easy to take advantage of the deal by including a simple, clickable menu reflecting the offerings of their site (furniture, bedding, etc.). By using gorgeous photography and keeping the email simple and full of links, readers almost can’t help but wander right over to its website.Why it works:

  • The combination of a discount code and a very obvious time limit on that code prompts subscribers to shop now
  • Beautiful and inviting photography is visually appealing and makes subscribers envision how the brand’s products could give their homes a similar look
  • The email design is simple and straightforward, with enough detail to catch subscribers’ eyes but not so much to lose sight of the message and CTA
welcome to west elm email

Welcome Email Examples Key Takeaways and Tips

The examples above are all effective welcome emails but they each use their own strategies and designs to make subscribers feel included, encourage sales and conversions, and nurture long-term subscriber relationships. Any of these designs can inspire your welcome email development, but your design isn’t the only factor in your emails’ success. Use these tips and takeaways to make your welcome emails even more effective:

Put thought into your subject line:

Your subject line should be appealing and eye-catching but it should also make the intention of the email clear. Try customizing subject lines like these:

  • Welcome to ! Here’s a little treat.
  • You’re in! Welcome to the club.
  • Thanks for subscribing! Here’s 10% off to show our appreciation.

Be quick:

You want your welcome email to go out as soon as possible after a customer subscribes - ideally, you should set up automation that triggers the welcome email immediately when a new customer subscribes. This will capitalize on the subscriber’s engagement with and interest in your brand at that moment.

Consider a welcome email series instead of a single welcome email:

You could start with an immediate email that confirms the customer’s subscription and gives them a discount code to shop. A day or two later, you could follow it with a more thorough introduction to your brand or the features of your site, and another follow-up email could encourage further interaction by highlighting your social media pages and other ways to engage with your brand.

Quality counts:

Even if a customer already knows your brand well by the time they subscribe, your welcome email is an introduction to the value your mailing list brings. Use only high-quality images and valuable, interesting content to show subscribers that you’re worth the sign-up.

Personalize your welcome emails:

For example, you might have one design for the core of your welcome email but you can add personalized product recommendations or content recommendations at the bottom based on what the subscriber has viewed on your site. This both prompts the subscriber to shop and also makes the email feel more relevant to them.These tips and best practices can help you take your welcome email from a simple subscription confirmation to an excellent tool for strengthening your customer base.

Create welcome emails easily with a template

Now that you have all the secrets to creating an effective welcome email, let’s get to work! When you use the right tools, it’s simpler than you think. With the Beefree email editor, welcome email design is made easy. Our HTML email editor allows you to either create your own welcome email from scratch (with no HTML knowledge needed) or to start with one of our skillfully crafted templates. Find one of our welcome email templates that works for you, like this “Thanks for signing up!” template by Martin Nikolchev.

Use this template in Beefree!

Use this template in Beefree!

…or the “Hiring Simplified” email by designer Navid Nosrati.

Use this template in Beefree!

Use this template in Beefree!

Editor’s Note: This post was updated on September 2023 to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

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three email about welcome series

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60 Fall Email Subject Lines To Increase Autumn Sales

Discover the best fall email subject lines to drive conversions. Click here to explore a collection of expert subject lines to boost your fall email engagement.
Beefree team
Sep 5, 2024

The arrival of fall not only brings a change in the weather but also opens a window of opportunity for email marketers to tap into the sales season.

Did you know that according to OptinMonster, a striking “47% of email recipients open an email based on the subject line alone?” This makes your email subject lines a key player in your autumn marketing strategy. 

Let’s dive into a world where creativity meets strategy, exploring a variety of fall email subject lines designed to captivate your audience and boost your autumn sales.

Fall email subject line tips

Let’s explore some pivotal tips that will elevate your fall email subject lines and ensure they capture the essence of your message and the season.

1. Personalize with a touch of seasonal warmth

Utilizing data like past purchases, location, or browsing history allows you to craft subject lines that speak directly to the individual, enveloping them in a personalized experience that feels inviting.

2. Avoid the spam trap with thoughtful wording

Crafting a subject line that avoids the dreaded spam folder is akin to carefully stepping through a patch of crunchy fall leaves – it requires thoughtfulness and precision. Steer clear of using all caps, excessive exclamation points, and words that are commonly associated with spam, such as “free” or “buy now.” Instead, focus on creating a natural, conversational tone that gently guides your subscribers into your content.

3. Incorporate timeliness and urgency

Infusing your subject lines with a sense of timeliness and urgency, such as highlighting a limited-time offer or a flash sale, can encourage subscribers to open your email promptly. Ensure that the urgency is genuine and the offers are valuable to maintain trust and engagement with your audience.

4. Highlight your brand’s personality

Fall is a season that comes with its own array of playful language and puns. Whether it’s playing with phrases related to leaves, pumpkins, or cozy sweaters, a clever pun can add personality to your communication.

5. Embrace A/B testing for your subject lines

By testing two variations of your subject lines you can gain insights into which phrases, keywords, or emojis resonate best, enabling you to send the more effective subject line to your list. 

60 Best Fall Email Subject Lines 

From the allure of sales and the unveiling of new collections to the playful charm of puns and the festive joy of holidays, each of these subject lines is a pathway into the heart of your subscribers. 

Fall sale or discount subject lines

Incorporating the seasonal charm of fall into your sale subject lines not only enhances their appeal but also creates a timely and relevant context that can resonate with your subscribers, inviting them to explore your offerings and, ultimately, make a purchase.

Subject line examples:

  • "🍂 Fall Into Savings: Up to 50% Off Starts Now!"
  • "Harvest the Savings: Exclusive Fall Discount Inside!"
  • "Sweater Weather, Sweeter Deals: 30% Off Fall Fashion!"
  • "Unbe-leaf-able Deals: Your Exclusive Fall Sale is Here!"
  • "Autumn Exclusives: Enjoy an Extra 20% Off Sale Items!"
  • "Fall in Love with Our Autumn Sale: Up to 40% Off!"
  • "🎃 Spooktacular Savings: Frighteningly Good Deals Inside!"
  • "Cozy Up to Exclusive Fall Discounts – Limited Time Only!"
  • "A Cornucopia of Savings: Shop Our Fall Sale Now!"
  • "Rake in the Deals: Your Fall Discount Awaits Inside!"

Real-life example:

  • Brand Name: Hay
  • Subject line: "Crisp, cozy, colorful (and 15% off)"
  • Purpose of the email: Announce their “Autumn Sale.” 
(source)

Fall subject lines to introduce new collections or products

Introducing new collections with fall-centric subject lines seamlessly blends the anticipation of the new with the comforting familiarity of the season, crafting a delightful and enticing invitation to explore, discover, and shop.

Subject line examples:

  • "🍁 Fresh Picks for Fall: Explore Our New Arrivals!"
  • "New Season, New Styles: Shop the Fall Collection Now!"
  • "Autumn Elegance: Discover Our New Fall Jewelry Line!"
  • "Wrap Up in Style with Our New Fall Outerwear!"
  • "Fall Flavors Have Arrived: New Seasonal Menu Inside!"
  • "Step into Fall: New Boot Collection Just Dropped!"
  • "Cozy Up with Our New Fall Home Decor!"
  • "Sip into Autumn: New Fall Beverage Line Launched!"
  • "Fall Beauty Unveiled: Explore Our New Makeup Line!"
  • "Fresh Fall Reads: Discover Our New Book Releases!"

Real-life example:

  • Brand Name: Juvee
  • Subject Line: “Bringing You a Taste of Autumn” 
  • Purpose of the email: Promote the launch of their Caramel Apple drink.
(source)

Subject lines with fall puns

Fall provides a fertile ground for playful wordplay that can bring a smile to your subscribers and create a lighthearted, engaging entry point to your email content.

Subject line examples:

  • "Orange You Glad It’s Pumpkin Season? 🎃"
  • "Nuts About Our New Fall Collection!"
  • "Oh My Gourd, These Fall Deals Are Unbe-leaf-able!"
  • "Squash Your FOMO: Fall Sale Now On!"
  • "Leaf Your Worries Behind: Fall into Relaxation!"
  • "Yam-tastic! Sweet Deals on Our New Fall Menu!"
  • "Apple-y Ever After: Fall in Love with Our New Arrivals!"
  • "A-maize-ing Deals Just for You This Fall!"
  • "Harvest the Fun with Our Fall Festival Lineup!"
  • "Spice Up Your Wardrobe with Our Fall Collection!"

Real-Life Example:

  • Brand Name: FitVine Wines
  • Subject Line: "No tricks, just treats 🎃🍷🦇”
  • Purpose of the email: Promote their FitVine.
(source)

Holiday-specific fall subject lines

Crafting holiday-specific subject lines allows your brand to resonate with the festive spirit and sentiments that naturally permeate through the season. By aligning your messages with the holidays and celebrations that your audience holds dear, you create a bridge of relevance and shared joy, enhancing the connectivity and appeal of your emails during this festive fall period.

Halloween
  • "No Tricks, Just Treats: Spooktacular Deals Inside!"
  • "Unmask Frighteningly Good Offers This Halloween!"
  • "Boo-tiful New Arrivals to Spook and Delight!"
  • "Witching You a Happy Halloween: Special Treat Inside!"
Thanksgiving
  • "Gobble Up the Savings: Thanksgiving Deals Inside!"
  • "Grateful for You: A Thanksgiving Treat Inside 🦃"
  • "Feast Your Eyes on Our Thanksgiving Specials!"
  • "A Cornucopia of Thanks: Exclusive Offer Inside!"
Veterans Day
  • "Honoring Heroes: Special Veterans Day Sale!"
  • "A Salute to Savings: Veterans Day Exclusive!"
  • "Celebrating Courage: Special Offer for Veterans Day!"
  • "Thank You for Your Service: Exclusive Veterans Day Deal!"
Black Friday
  • "Black Friday Bounty: Unbeatable Deals Inside!"
  • "Sneak Peek: Black Friday Deals Unveiled!"
  • "The Black Friday Sale You’ve Been Waiting For!"
  • "Unlock Black Friday Savings Early: VIP Access Inside!"

Real-Life Example:

  • Brand Name: Carhartt 
  • Subject Line: "Black Friday: Early Access"
  • Purpose of the email: Promote their Black Friday early access sale. 
(source)

Fall subject lines that reference fall weather

Subject lines that reference the weather crafts a narrative that is immediately recognizable and engaging to your subscribers, inviting them to explore your offerings with the comforting, familiar backdrop of the fall season.

Subject line examples:

  • "Fall Breeze, Autumn Ease: Wind Down with Our Cozy Picks!"
  • "Rainy Day Rescue: Stay Dry with Our Stylish Raincoats!"
  • "Sweater Weather is Better Weather: New Arrivals Inside!"
  • "Crisp Air, Don’t Care: Explore Our Fall Essentials!"
  • "Stay Cozy in Our Must-Have Fall Layers!"
  • "Chilly Days, Stylish Ways: Warm Up with Our Collection!"
  • "Embrace the Chill: Hot Deals on Cool Styles Inside!"
  • "Leaf the Cold Behind: Warm Up with Our Hot Picks!"
  • "Autumn Showers, Stylish Hours: Waterproof Favorites Inside!"
  • "Warm Hues, Cozy Shoes: Step into Fall Comfort!"

Real-life example:

  • Brand Name: Hotel June
  • Subject Line: "Feels Like Fall"
  • Purpose of the email: Encourage travelers to book a stay at Hotel June by promoting new fall specials. 
(source)

Fall subject lines about autumn activities and events

From apple picking and leaf-peeping to festive gatherings and holiday preparations, these subject lines evoke anticipatation of these cherished moments. By aligning your messages with the activities that define the fall experience, your emails become a celebration of the season, intertwining your brand with the warmth and nostalgia.

Subject line examples:

  • "Harvest Happiness with Our Fall Collection!"
  • "Leaf-Peeping Essentials: Gear Up for Autumn Adventures!"
  • "Apple-Picking Season is Here: Grab Your Fall Favorites!"
  • "Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: Fall Flavors Have Arrived!"
  • "Get Festive: Everything You Need for Fall Gatherings!"
  • "Fall Crafting: Create Your Cozy with Our DIY Kits!"
  • "Bake Up a Storm: Autumn-Inspired Baking Essentials Inside!"
  • "Cozy Campfires Await: S’mores, Stories, and Styles Inside!"
  • "Haunted Happenings: Spooky Styles and Decor Inside!"
  • "Thanksgiving Prep Starts Now: Get Ready to Feast!"

Real-Life Example:

  • Brand Name: HomeAway
  • Subject Line: "Get in the fall spirit with a cabin stay”
  • Purpose of the email: Encourage customers to book a cabin stay. 
(source)

Elevate your fall email campaigns to new heights

The harmony between a captivating subject line and a visually engaging email design is where the true magic happens.

With Beefree’s fall email templates, you gain access to a curated selection of designs that encapsulate the warmth and vibrancy of fall and perfectly compliment your captivating subject lines.

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Beefree team
Aug 30, 2024

We’ve teamed up with Really Good Email’s Matt Helbig and a group of email experts for a roundup of the hottest email design trends.

How can you incorporate email design trends into your brand? 

“You have to know what's right for your audience, your brand, and your company. Don't just adopt a trend because it's the cool thing to do. 

Focus on the foundations, what makes a really good email is this email is customer-centric and solves a problem that someone might have. 

A lot of the time, company emails are very self-serving, but keep in mind that the person at the other end is not just a dollar sign; they are people as well. Use human language and not corporate gobbledy. 

Be clear about what you are making, why, and who it's for. Its really important to communicate your message clearly and tell people, you know, come to our site, come visit us. Send emails with a purpose and think about, “How can I make this person's day better?”

Accessibility is always a big thing. At Really Good Emails, we see a lot of all-image emails and that’s rarely ever accessible. You want to meet your readers where they are, whether it's on a mobile device or they have a disability and can't access your email. 

Beyond just including something like alt text, it's making sure your email is available on all devices that they might be reading on.

Lastly, just treat the inbox as a sacred, personal, and safe place. It is a safe place and you have some responsibility behind what you're sending to your audience. Your email should be a delight and a nice surprise in an inbox filled with annoyance and filtered spam emails. People should look forward to receiving your email in their inboxes.”

Matt Helbig, Integrated Manager at Beefree & Really Good Emails

Email design trends for 2024 & beyond 

#1: Raw & unfiltered 

“As an amateur photographer myself,  I'm always excited to see that this trend continues to gain momentum. It's all about capturing images in their most natural state with minimal to no editing or retouching.

Unlike traditional stock photos or marketing images, which are often very produced, very stylized, very polished – raw and unfiltered embrace imperfection. This style, this trend, shows real people, real environments, and it captures genuine moments.

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

It's often characterized by natural lighting, minimal post-production editing, and authentic expressions and scenarios, which makes it feel very spontaneous and very candid. 

This trend is becoming popular largely due to social media. We're very used to seeing what at least appears to be authentic situations and with consumers demanding more transparency from brands we are kind of skeptical of overly polished images or images that we may feel are too photoshopped. 

Another plus of “raw and unfiltered” is that it can evoke a sense of nostalgia and help to strengthen the connection with your audience. 

Finally, and one of the most important, I think, is that it can be very cost-effective. You don't have to pay for the big production, the expensive photographer, or all the editing.”

Kristy McCarley, Founder & Managing Director of Pure Firefly. 

#2: Chunky text

“This trend of oversized text is really dominating the visual space. If you're a design geek, this can be super fun to experiment with to add a sense of playfulness and grab a reader’s attention as soon as the email is open.

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

This trend is really popular because of the rise in appreciation for minimalism and the need to create quick digestible content. It allows you to convey that message in a really concise way. 

If you're trying to decide whether to experiment with this or if it's right for your brand, just keep in mind that you don't want it to be overwhelming. There should be a balance between the size of the text and its chunkiness so that it doesn't affect readability.” 

Kristy McCarley, Founder & Managing Director of Pure Firefly. 

#3: Deep & dark

‘’This trend was sparked or spurred by the prevalence of dark mode, but think we've moved way beyond that now. 

I just love the spectrum of dark colors that I see brands bringing into the inbox to create this kind of mood instantly within their email. 

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

My cautionary tale is to test the heck out of it beforehand. For a few email clients with some partial color inversion, darker tones turn into a salmon pink, which can strain the eyes. You obviously don't want to accidentally serve the audience that wants dark mode, something that's way outside of your brand guidelines.’’

Laura Sullivan, Head of Brand & Marketing at Inbox Monster

#4: Color blocking

"These big, bold areas of color usually help you differentiate visual hierarchy in emails or make a section in an email stand out.

If you do a little bit of Googling on the history of color blocking, apparently this is a big fashion trend coming back from the 1960’s which is what gives color blocking a little bit of a retro feel."

Justin Jordan, Head of Strategy & Community at Beefree

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

#5: Longing for Dial-up

"This trend combines old-school nostalgia with some of the new fun trends we’ve mentioned previously. This is all about the nineties being cool again. 

This summer, I have gone to so many concerts with 90s bands coming out and playing. For example, I saw a Green Day show, and they played the entirety of Dookie because it was Dookie's, I think, 25th or 30th anniversary of being released. That night, I felt like I was 18 again. The next morning, maybe not so much. But I was totally willing to relive 18 for an evening. 

If you've got that demographic, then take advantage of it. This is not for every brand; you really have to know your audience, know your style, and see if it works."

Justin Jordan, Head of Strategy & Community at Beefree

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

#6: Ticker GIFs 

"Ticker GIF also known as the repeating text, usually at the top of the email, really grabs attention and makes the email feel lively and energetic. It can add playfulness similar to the chunky text, and it's eye-catching.

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

I’m kind of on the fence about ticker text because I'm affected by movement in email. So sometimes, if it's a little too fast or if it just feels like too much, I will look away, but I know there are other subscribers, the audience that loves it and really get into it.

I say be very thoughtful about the use of it. Make sure you have enough contrast. If you're using it to highlight a key message, it can be great. Or a sense of urgency for like a promotion or limited time offer. Just be aware that it can overwhelm some subscribers and it may be distracting and sometimes it's just not the right fit for the campaign."

Kristy McCarley, Founder & Managing Director of Pure Firefly. 

#7: Styled letter 

"This trend is leading in popularity because it approaches email with a human voice instead of a product or brand. With the rise of AI, people’s spidey sense is up for things that aren't authentic and real and this approach helps tackle that. 

Style letter is a good balance between using plain text and brand elements like fonts and colors to make it feel a little bit more personalized.

In the example below, which is written by Justine, is all written in her voice, like when I read it, I could hear her reading it.

Read full email

This trends is relatively low effort. You don't always need a designer to do something like this. You can make things stand out by using bullet points or adding a GIF. 

I like to think of email almost like as a tool belt, you know, you can use a plain text email or you can use a well-designed email. It doesn't have to be one or the other. 

You just know that your reader has this problem that they’re trying to solve, and you can use different types of content to make your email get the job to be done"

Laura Sullivan, Head of Brand & Marketing at Inbox Monster

#8: Hover effects

We are seeing brands do some really cool, fun hover effects in email. It's a good way to tell people that something's clickable.

I think it's catching on because it's interactive. I think it catches your eye when you're scrolling, especially on like a desktop environment where it's supported. And some of these, especially hover effects, are little things you can add at the end of the email that may not change the whole design, but they show that you are spending the time and attention on your email designs and your marketing.

Matt Helbig, Integrated Manager at Beefree & Really Good Emails

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

Honorable email design trend mentions: 

Typography: Weird fonts

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

Typography: 3D Text

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

Shapes: Waves

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

Imagery: Hand models

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

Interactivity: Choose your own adventure

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

Movement: 360 rotate

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

Messaging: Sustainability

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

Final hot take: 

"It’s important for me to share the disclaimer that trends are not going to save your business; however, they can help you better communicate your message. 

I've mostly been on the B2B side of things for my entire career. And so every time I look at what all the cool things that retail and e-commerce brands are doing, I'm reminded that B2B doesn't have to be boring.

While all of these trends may not not be totally a “hot” for your brand,it cool to at least be informed about what other brands are doing in the space and maybe one of them will work for you.

This is not an endorsement for any trend in particular. Choose your trends responsibility. Don't use it if it might not be for your brand. 

And finally make sure that whatever you do, you continue to be really good and make some really good looking emails."

Matt Helbig, Integrated Manager at Beefree & Really Good Emails

You can watch the entire live event with Q&A here

How to Write PR Pitch Emails

Chris Norton, host of Embracing Marketing Mistakes and a Founder of an award-winning PR agency, shares his process for writing PR pitch emails that get results. 
Chris Norton
Aug 16, 2024

Despite the digital revolution, PR professionals still prefer emails when pitching news stories to relevant journalists.

However, journalists receive tons of emails daily, making it hard to stand out. Reports show that 47.5% of journalists get 100 emails daily, with more than a third of journalists getting 200 emails every day! 

So unless you have an ace up your sleeve, your pitch will likely go unnoticed. 

Writing a successful PR pitch email is tough but not impossible.

After leading an award-winning PR agency for over a decade, I have developed a process for writing PR pitch emails that get results. Let's get into it.

1. Research

The foundation of a successful media pitch lies in its relevance to the recipient. Hence, your first step when writing a PR pitch email is to research and generate a list of relevant media contacts.

You can use tools like Prowly or Muck Rack’s media database, shown below, to easily find journalists who cover topics that align with your story.

Once you have your list of journalists in your niche, dig deep into their recent articles and general topics of interest. Again, a tool like Muck Rack can help you easily find their most recent articles or beats since each journalist has a profile on the platform.

https://muckrack.com/anthony-zurcher

2. Write a personalized email pitch

According to a 2020 Muck Rack survey, “33% of the 1000 journalists surveyed reported rejecting a PR pitch due to its lack of personalization.” 

Personalization doesn’t just mean writing pitches to journalists who cover your specific niche. It also means adding some elements to each individual pitch to show that it was created with that specific media personality in mind. 

For instance, the pitch could offer a fresh perspective or angle on a topic the journalist covered previously. Or it could mention that time you met them at an industry event. You could even mention the fact that you have a common acquaintance.

How long should an email pitch be?

The 2020 State of Journalism survey found that “61% of journalists prefer pitches that are around two or three paragraphs.” This length allows you to provide enough information while still keeping your pitch brief and personalized.

You don’t have to write your email pitch from scratch. You can use an AI tool as a starting point. AI will generate a PR email pitch instantly based on the press release’s contents. However, ensure you have a solid AI policy template to set clear guidelines and standards for using AI within your organization.

3. Use a clear, compelling call to action

Do not leave it up to the journalist to decide the next steps after reading your pitch. End your pitch with a clear and compelling call to action. What do you want the journalist to do after reading it? Do you want them to request more information? Are you inviting them to attend an event? 

Your call to action should be explicit and easy to act upon. Avoid generic phrases and verbs like "please consider” or “avail of.”

Instead, opt for a direct approach. A “Please respond to this email if you want more details,” is a great call to action. 

One look and the journalist will know exactly what you’re asking of them. They won’t have a hard time acting on your request either, so it increases the likelihood of them doing just that.

4. Sign off

When signing off, use a courteous farewell. For instance, end your pitch with “Thanks for your time” or “Thanks in advance.” 

Include your name and contact details, such as your email and phone number. This ensures the journalist can reach out to you on their preferred channel for additional information. 

Before you send your pitch, remember to proofread your email to ensure it has no grammatical or spelling errors. This shows professionalism, increasing the likelihood of a positive response.

5. Craft a compelling subject line

Most journalists are busy and genuinely lack the time to sift through lengthy email pitches to decide if your story merits further investigation. Therefore, you must use your subject line to get their attention and entice them to open your email in the first place. 

Think of your subject line as your pitch’s headline. 

A killer subject line should be engaging and reflective of what your pitch is. It should be a hook that piques the journalist's interest and sets clear expectations about what the email contains.

For instance, if you plan to pitch a story about the benefits of hosted phones for small businesses, a subject line like 'Revolutionize Communication: How Hosted Phones Are Transforming Small Business Operations' could grab their attention.

Additionally, you can connect your email subject line to a trending story. Around 77% of journalists surveyed for The State of Journalism report believed this is one of the top practices that make a story more shareable.

Avoid using vague or salesy words that are spam triggers, like now or limited time, in your PR pitch email subject lines. Instead, use words like pitch or launch to show that your email is legit. This will prevent your email pitch from going to the spam folder, which could affect your sender reputation and email deliverability.  

Your email subject line should also be short. A Backlinko study found long subject lines (36-50 characters) yield a higher successful pitch rate than shorter subject lines.

Bonus tip: Follow up

After sending your pitch, mark your calendar for a follow-up. If you haven’t heard back in a week or so, it’s acceptable to send a polite follow-up email. 

Following up shows your commitment and interest. A single follow-up message enhances outreach conversion rates, potentially increasing replies by as much as 65.8%.

Follow-up email best practices:

  • Follow up within three to seven days after sending your original pitch.
  • Keep the email short. It’s simply a brief and polite reiteration of your key message and an expression of why the story would interest their readers.
  • Provide any additional information that may be helpful.
  • Alternatively, change your approach to the story. For instance, you could suggest a different news angle or offer a different, more relevant finding.

Examples of PR emails done well

Example #1

This example shows how you can offer value by offering an original report on a topic that is newsworthy at the time.

Notice that touch of personalization? The writer used the journalist’s first name to make it appear the email was written especially for them.

The subject line is also compelling. It mentions a key finding of a study that hasn’t been done before. As for the call to action, "Let me know if this is something you can use for a story," is pretty straightforward and easy to act on.

Example #2

In this example, the pitch points out an interesting study to intrigue the journalist and prompt them to consider the story for publication or mention.

The writer, Remy, also personalizes by referencing the journalist’s recent post on romance scams and by mentioning his first name. Remy also signs off courteously with a brief “Cheers” and her name.

Wrap-up

Creating a successful media pitch largely hinges on its relevance and alignment with the interests of the targeted journalist. Therefore, ensure you understand the journalist's background, recent articles, and publication style before you craft a resonating pitch. That requires extensive research on your part.

Once you have all the information you need, you can start creating a compelling subject line and writing your pitch. Make sure your content is personalized. It demonstrates to the individual journalists that you are genuinely interested in collaborating with them. 

Then, include a clear CTA and conclude your email with a courteous farewell. 

Now go and write a great PR pitch email that will get you media coverage. Don’t forget to send follow-up emails for the best results.

All the best!

60 Fall Email Subject Lines To Increase Autumn Sales

Discover the best fall email subject lines to drive conversions. Click here to explore a collection of expert subject lines to boost your fall email engagement.
Beefree team
Beefree team
5 Sep
2024

The arrival of fall not only brings a change in the weather but also opens a window of opportunity for email marketers to tap into the sales season.

Did you know that according to OptinMonster, a striking “47% of email recipients open an email based on the subject line alone?” This makes your email subject lines a key player in your autumn marketing strategy. 

Let’s dive into a world where creativity meets strategy, exploring a variety of fall email subject lines designed to captivate your audience and boost your autumn sales.

Fall email subject line tips

Let’s explore some pivotal tips that will elevate your fall email subject lines and ensure they capture the essence of your message and the season.

1. Personalize with a touch of seasonal warmth

Utilizing data like past purchases, location, or browsing history allows you to craft subject lines that speak directly to the individual, enveloping them in a personalized experience that feels inviting.

2. Avoid the spam trap with thoughtful wording

Crafting a subject line that avoids the dreaded spam folder is akin to carefully stepping through a patch of crunchy fall leaves – it requires thoughtfulness and precision. Steer clear of using all caps, excessive exclamation points, and words that are commonly associated with spam, such as “free” or “buy now.” Instead, focus on creating a natural, conversational tone that gently guides your subscribers into your content.

3. Incorporate timeliness and urgency

Infusing your subject lines with a sense of timeliness and urgency, such as highlighting a limited-time offer or a flash sale, can encourage subscribers to open your email promptly. Ensure that the urgency is genuine and the offers are valuable to maintain trust and engagement with your audience.

4. Highlight your brand’s personality

Fall is a season that comes with its own array of playful language and puns. Whether it’s playing with phrases related to leaves, pumpkins, or cozy sweaters, a clever pun can add personality to your communication.

5. Embrace A/B testing for your subject lines

By testing two variations of your subject lines you can gain insights into which phrases, keywords, or emojis resonate best, enabling you to send the more effective subject line to your list. 

60 Best Fall Email Subject Lines 

From the allure of sales and the unveiling of new collections to the playful charm of puns and the festive joy of holidays, each of these subject lines is a pathway into the heart of your subscribers. 

Fall sale or discount subject lines

Incorporating the seasonal charm of fall into your sale subject lines not only enhances their appeal but also creates a timely and relevant context that can resonate with your subscribers, inviting them to explore your offerings and, ultimately, make a purchase.

Subject line examples:

  • "🍂 Fall Into Savings: Up to 50% Off Starts Now!"
  • "Harvest the Savings: Exclusive Fall Discount Inside!"
  • "Sweater Weather, Sweeter Deals: 30% Off Fall Fashion!"
  • "Unbe-leaf-able Deals: Your Exclusive Fall Sale is Here!"
  • "Autumn Exclusives: Enjoy an Extra 20% Off Sale Items!"
  • "Fall in Love with Our Autumn Sale: Up to 40% Off!"
  • "🎃 Spooktacular Savings: Frighteningly Good Deals Inside!"
  • "Cozy Up to Exclusive Fall Discounts – Limited Time Only!"
  • "A Cornucopia of Savings: Shop Our Fall Sale Now!"
  • "Rake in the Deals: Your Fall Discount Awaits Inside!"

Real-life example:

  • Brand Name: Hay
  • Subject line: "Crisp, cozy, colorful (and 15% off)"
  • Purpose of the email: Announce their “Autumn Sale.” 
(source)

Fall subject lines to introduce new collections or products

Introducing new collections with fall-centric subject lines seamlessly blends the anticipation of the new with the comforting familiarity of the season, crafting a delightful and enticing invitation to explore, discover, and shop.

Subject line examples:

  • "🍁 Fresh Picks for Fall: Explore Our New Arrivals!"
  • "New Season, New Styles: Shop the Fall Collection Now!"
  • "Autumn Elegance: Discover Our New Fall Jewelry Line!"
  • "Wrap Up in Style with Our New Fall Outerwear!"
  • "Fall Flavors Have Arrived: New Seasonal Menu Inside!"
  • "Step into Fall: New Boot Collection Just Dropped!"
  • "Cozy Up with Our New Fall Home Decor!"
  • "Sip into Autumn: New Fall Beverage Line Launched!"
  • "Fall Beauty Unveiled: Explore Our New Makeup Line!"
  • "Fresh Fall Reads: Discover Our New Book Releases!"

Real-life example:

  • Brand Name: Juvee
  • Subject Line: “Bringing You a Taste of Autumn” 
  • Purpose of the email: Promote the launch of their Caramel Apple drink.
(source)

Subject lines with fall puns

Fall provides a fertile ground for playful wordplay that can bring a smile to your subscribers and create a lighthearted, engaging entry point to your email content.

Subject line examples:

  • "Orange You Glad It’s Pumpkin Season? 🎃"
  • "Nuts About Our New Fall Collection!"
  • "Oh My Gourd, These Fall Deals Are Unbe-leaf-able!"
  • "Squash Your FOMO: Fall Sale Now On!"
  • "Leaf Your Worries Behind: Fall into Relaxation!"
  • "Yam-tastic! Sweet Deals on Our New Fall Menu!"
  • "Apple-y Ever After: Fall in Love with Our New Arrivals!"
  • "A-maize-ing Deals Just for You This Fall!"
  • "Harvest the Fun with Our Fall Festival Lineup!"
  • "Spice Up Your Wardrobe with Our Fall Collection!"

Real-Life Example:

  • Brand Name: FitVine Wines
  • Subject Line: "No tricks, just treats 🎃🍷🦇”
  • Purpose of the email: Promote their FitVine.
(source)

Holiday-specific fall subject lines

Crafting holiday-specific subject lines allows your brand to resonate with the festive spirit and sentiments that naturally permeate through the season. By aligning your messages with the holidays and celebrations that your audience holds dear, you create a bridge of relevance and shared joy, enhancing the connectivity and appeal of your emails during this festive fall period.

Halloween
  • "No Tricks, Just Treats: Spooktacular Deals Inside!"
  • "Unmask Frighteningly Good Offers This Halloween!"
  • "Boo-tiful New Arrivals to Spook and Delight!"
  • "Witching You a Happy Halloween: Special Treat Inside!"
Thanksgiving
  • "Gobble Up the Savings: Thanksgiving Deals Inside!"
  • "Grateful for You: A Thanksgiving Treat Inside 🦃"
  • "Feast Your Eyes on Our Thanksgiving Specials!"
  • "A Cornucopia of Thanks: Exclusive Offer Inside!"
Veterans Day
  • "Honoring Heroes: Special Veterans Day Sale!"
  • "A Salute to Savings: Veterans Day Exclusive!"
  • "Celebrating Courage: Special Offer for Veterans Day!"
  • "Thank You for Your Service: Exclusive Veterans Day Deal!"
Black Friday
  • "Black Friday Bounty: Unbeatable Deals Inside!"
  • "Sneak Peek: Black Friday Deals Unveiled!"
  • "The Black Friday Sale You’ve Been Waiting For!"
  • "Unlock Black Friday Savings Early: VIP Access Inside!"

Real-Life Example:

  • Brand Name: Carhartt 
  • Subject Line: "Black Friday: Early Access"
  • Purpose of the email: Promote their Black Friday early access sale. 
(source)

Fall subject lines that reference fall weather

Subject lines that reference the weather crafts a narrative that is immediately recognizable and engaging to your subscribers, inviting them to explore your offerings with the comforting, familiar backdrop of the fall season.

Subject line examples:

  • "Fall Breeze, Autumn Ease: Wind Down with Our Cozy Picks!"
  • "Rainy Day Rescue: Stay Dry with Our Stylish Raincoats!"
  • "Sweater Weather is Better Weather: New Arrivals Inside!"
  • "Crisp Air, Don’t Care: Explore Our Fall Essentials!"
  • "Stay Cozy in Our Must-Have Fall Layers!"
  • "Chilly Days, Stylish Ways: Warm Up with Our Collection!"
  • "Embrace the Chill: Hot Deals on Cool Styles Inside!"
  • "Leaf the Cold Behind: Warm Up with Our Hot Picks!"
  • "Autumn Showers, Stylish Hours: Waterproof Favorites Inside!"
  • "Warm Hues, Cozy Shoes: Step into Fall Comfort!"

Real-life example:

  • Brand Name: Hotel June
  • Subject Line: "Feels Like Fall"
  • Purpose of the email: Encourage travelers to book a stay at Hotel June by promoting new fall specials. 
(source)

Fall subject lines about autumn activities and events

From apple picking and leaf-peeping to festive gatherings and holiday preparations, these subject lines evoke anticipatation of these cherished moments. By aligning your messages with the activities that define the fall experience, your emails become a celebration of the season, intertwining your brand with the warmth and nostalgia.

Subject line examples:

  • "Harvest Happiness with Our Fall Collection!"
  • "Leaf-Peeping Essentials: Gear Up for Autumn Adventures!"
  • "Apple-Picking Season is Here: Grab Your Fall Favorites!"
  • "Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: Fall Flavors Have Arrived!"
  • "Get Festive: Everything You Need for Fall Gatherings!"
  • "Fall Crafting: Create Your Cozy with Our DIY Kits!"
  • "Bake Up a Storm: Autumn-Inspired Baking Essentials Inside!"
  • "Cozy Campfires Await: S’mores, Stories, and Styles Inside!"
  • "Haunted Happenings: Spooky Styles and Decor Inside!"
  • "Thanksgiving Prep Starts Now: Get Ready to Feast!"

Real-Life Example:

  • Brand Name: HomeAway
  • Subject Line: "Get in the fall spirit with a cabin stay”
  • Purpose of the email: Encourage customers to book a cabin stay. 
(source)

Elevate your fall email campaigns to new heights

The harmony between a captivating subject line and a visually engaging email design is where the true magic happens.

With Beefree’s fall email templates, you gain access to a curated selection of designs that encapsulate the warmth and vibrancy of fall and perfectly compliment your captivating subject lines.

8+ Hot Email Design Trends in 2024 & Beyond

We’ve teamed up with Really Good Email’s Matt Helbig and a group of email experts for a roundup of the hottest email design trends.
Beefree team
Beefree team
30 Aug
2024

We’ve teamed up with Really Good Email’s Matt Helbig and a group of email experts for a roundup of the hottest email design trends.

How can you incorporate email design trends into your brand? 

“You have to know what's right for your audience, your brand, and your company. Don't just adopt a trend because it's the cool thing to do. 

Focus on the foundations, what makes a really good email is this email is customer-centric and solves a problem that someone might have. 

A lot of the time, company emails are very self-serving, but keep in mind that the person at the other end is not just a dollar sign; they are people as well. Use human language and not corporate gobbledy. 

Be clear about what you are making, why, and who it's for. Its really important to communicate your message clearly and tell people, you know, come to our site, come visit us. Send emails with a purpose and think about, “How can I make this person's day better?”

Accessibility is always a big thing. At Really Good Emails, we see a lot of all-image emails and that’s rarely ever accessible. You want to meet your readers where they are, whether it's on a mobile device or they have a disability and can't access your email. 

Beyond just including something like alt text, it's making sure your email is available on all devices that they might be reading on.

Lastly, just treat the inbox as a sacred, personal, and safe place. It is a safe place and you have some responsibility behind what you're sending to your audience. Your email should be a delight and a nice surprise in an inbox filled with annoyance and filtered spam emails. People should look forward to receiving your email in their inboxes.”

Matt Helbig, Integrated Manager at Beefree & Really Good Emails

Email design trends for 2024 & beyond 

#1: Raw & unfiltered 

“As an amateur photographer myself,  I'm always excited to see that this trend continues to gain momentum. It's all about capturing images in their most natural state with minimal to no editing or retouching.

Unlike traditional stock photos or marketing images, which are often very produced, very stylized, very polished – raw and unfiltered embrace imperfection. This style, this trend, shows real people, real environments, and it captures genuine moments.

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

It's often characterized by natural lighting, minimal post-production editing, and authentic expressions and scenarios, which makes it feel very spontaneous and very candid. 

This trend is becoming popular largely due to social media. We're very used to seeing what at least appears to be authentic situations and with consumers demanding more transparency from brands we are kind of skeptical of overly polished images or images that we may feel are too photoshopped. 

Another plus of “raw and unfiltered” is that it can evoke a sense of nostalgia and help to strengthen the connection with your audience. 

Finally, and one of the most important, I think, is that it can be very cost-effective. You don't have to pay for the big production, the expensive photographer, or all the editing.”

Kristy McCarley, Founder & Managing Director of Pure Firefly. 

#2: Chunky text

“This trend of oversized text is really dominating the visual space. If you're a design geek, this can be super fun to experiment with to add a sense of playfulness and grab a reader’s attention as soon as the email is open.

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

This trend is really popular because of the rise in appreciation for minimalism and the need to create quick digestible content. It allows you to convey that message in a really concise way. 

If you're trying to decide whether to experiment with this or if it's right for your brand, just keep in mind that you don't want it to be overwhelming. There should be a balance between the size of the text and its chunkiness so that it doesn't affect readability.” 

Kristy McCarley, Founder & Managing Director of Pure Firefly. 

#3: Deep & dark

‘’This trend was sparked or spurred by the prevalence of dark mode, but think we've moved way beyond that now. 

I just love the spectrum of dark colors that I see brands bringing into the inbox to create this kind of mood instantly within their email. 

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

My cautionary tale is to test the heck out of it beforehand. For a few email clients with some partial color inversion, darker tones turn into a salmon pink, which can strain the eyes. You obviously don't want to accidentally serve the audience that wants dark mode, something that's way outside of your brand guidelines.’’

Laura Sullivan, Head of Brand & Marketing at Inbox Monster

#4: Color blocking

"These big, bold areas of color usually help you differentiate visual hierarchy in emails or make a section in an email stand out.

If you do a little bit of Googling on the history of color blocking, apparently this is a big fashion trend coming back from the 1960’s which is what gives color blocking a little bit of a retro feel."

Justin Jordan, Head of Strategy & Community at Beefree

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

#5: Longing for Dial-up

"This trend combines old-school nostalgia with some of the new fun trends we’ve mentioned previously. This is all about the nineties being cool again. 

This summer, I have gone to so many concerts with 90s bands coming out and playing. For example, I saw a Green Day show, and they played the entirety of Dookie because it was Dookie's, I think, 25th or 30th anniversary of being released. That night, I felt like I was 18 again. The next morning, maybe not so much. But I was totally willing to relive 18 for an evening. 

If you've got that demographic, then take advantage of it. This is not for every brand; you really have to know your audience, know your style, and see if it works."

Justin Jordan, Head of Strategy & Community at Beefree

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

#6: Ticker GIFs 

"Ticker GIF also known as the repeating text, usually at the top of the email, really grabs attention and makes the email feel lively and energetic. It can add playfulness similar to the chunky text, and it's eye-catching.

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

I’m kind of on the fence about ticker text because I'm affected by movement in email. So sometimes, if it's a little too fast or if it just feels like too much, I will look away, but I know there are other subscribers, the audience that loves it and really get into it.

I say be very thoughtful about the use of it. Make sure you have enough contrast. If you're using it to highlight a key message, it can be great. Or a sense of urgency for like a promotion or limited time offer. Just be aware that it can overwhelm some subscribers and it may be distracting and sometimes it's just not the right fit for the campaign."

Kristy McCarley, Founder & Managing Director of Pure Firefly. 

#7: Styled letter 

"This trend is leading in popularity because it approaches email with a human voice instead of a product or brand. With the rise of AI, people’s spidey sense is up for things that aren't authentic and real and this approach helps tackle that. 

Style letter is a good balance between using plain text and brand elements like fonts and colors to make it feel a little bit more personalized.

In the example below, which is written by Justine, is all written in her voice, like when I read it, I could hear her reading it.

Read full email

This trends is relatively low effort. You don't always need a designer to do something like this. You can make things stand out by using bullet points or adding a GIF. 

I like to think of email almost like as a tool belt, you know, you can use a plain text email or you can use a well-designed email. It doesn't have to be one or the other. 

You just know that your reader has this problem that they’re trying to solve, and you can use different types of content to make your email get the job to be done"

Laura Sullivan, Head of Brand & Marketing at Inbox Monster

#8: Hover effects

We are seeing brands do some really cool, fun hover effects in email. It's a good way to tell people that something's clickable.

I think it's catching on because it's interactive. I think it catches your eye when you're scrolling, especially on like a desktop environment where it's supported. And some of these, especially hover effects, are little things you can add at the end of the email that may not change the whole design, but they show that you are spending the time and attention on your email designs and your marketing.

Matt Helbig, Integrated Manager at Beefree & Really Good Emails

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

Honorable email design trend mentions: 

Typography: Weird fonts

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

Typography: 3D Text

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

Shapes: Waves

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

Imagery: Hand models

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

Interactivity: Choose your own adventure

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

Movement: 360 rotate

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

Messaging: Sustainability

RGE's Email Design Trends: What's Hot & What's Not Collection

Final hot take: 

"It’s important for me to share the disclaimer that trends are not going to save your business; however, they can help you better communicate your message. 

I've mostly been on the B2B side of things for my entire career. And so every time I look at what all the cool things that retail and e-commerce brands are doing, I'm reminded that B2B doesn't have to be boring.

While all of these trends may not not be totally a “hot” for your brand,it cool to at least be informed about what other brands are doing in the space and maybe one of them will work for you.

This is not an endorsement for any trend in particular. Choose your trends responsibility. Don't use it if it might not be for your brand. 

And finally make sure that whatever you do, you continue to be really good and make some really good looking emails."

Matt Helbig, Integrated Manager at Beefree & Really Good Emails

You can watch the entire live event with Q&A here

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