The abandoned cart email is the best way to remind customers of the products they left behind. But how do you make sure your customers open your email? The number of emails an average person receives per day is around 120. Your abandoned cart email could get lost in a crowded inbox.
The most effective way to get your emails opened is to write the best abandoned cart email subject lines. The subject line is the first thing the recipient sees, so it’s important to make it count. If your abandoned cart subject line doesn’t interest them, they’ll never get to your copy.
In this blog, we will discuss the definition of abandoned cart email, the importance of subject lines, key factors to consider, best practices, and best subject lines for abandoned cart emails and examples.
Are your emails failing to grab the attention of your audience? Customize subject lines for your target audience and drive higher conversions.
Why is a subject line important in abandoned cart recovery emails?
The subject line in abandoned cart emails is important because it captures customers’ interest and attracts them to open your email. If the subject line fails to capture your customer’s attention, it’s highly likely that the email will remain unopened.
So, what makes a great abandoned cart subject line? It’s a delicate blend of creativity, relevance, and urgency. Think about it—what would catch your eye? Perhaps a subject line that triggers curiosity or stirs up a sense of urgency, or reminds you of that unfinished purchase. For example, “Don’t Miss Out! Your Cart Awaits” or “Psst! Your Items Are Still Waiting for You.” Abandoned cart email subject lines create a sense of connection and can significantly boost your revenue.
A well-crafted abandoned cart email subject line appeals to readers’ emotions, needs, or desires. It can create a sense of urgency, reminding them that time is running out or that the items they love might be in limited supply. It can also offer personalized incentives, such as exclusive discounts or free shipping, to entice them further.
Subject lines for abandoned cart emails should be concise, clear, and aligned with the content of the email. They should convey the essence of your message without being misleading or spammy. Remember, your goal is to build trust and credibility, not to deceive or annoy your potential customers.
Abandoned cart email subject line examples
Classic subject lines
Classic abandoned cart subject lines are simple and have proven effective in grabbing attention and encouraging people to open those emails. It’s like having a helpful friend reminding you that your items are patiently waiting for you. Classic cart abandonment email subject lines make a direct approach with a clear call to action, prompting you to take that next step. These classic abandoned cart email subject lines are powerful tools businesses use to re-engage potential buyers and ultimately increase their conversions.
Example
- “We saved your cart for you”
- “Ready to checkout? Your cart awaits!”
- “Complete your order for [Product Name] today!”
- “Your shopping bag misses you!”
- “Did you leave something behind?”
A subject line cannot get anymore minimalistic and effective. The subject line says you left something in your cart – this itself creates a slight sense of curiosity and feels personalized. The subtleness of the subject line is just right to grab the attention of the customer.
Attention-grabbing subject lines
Crafting attention-grabbing cart abandonment subject lines requires skill and research. But it can help you capture your customer base’s interest and encourage them to open your emails. To write best subject lines for abandoned cart emails, you need to understand your target audience. What are they interested in? What motivates them? Once you understand your audience, you can start to experiment with different subject line formats and styles.
Example
- “Shampoo Secrets Revealed – Your Cart Awaits”
- “Cinderella Left Her Shoes – Claim Yours Now!”
- “Makeup Emergency! Your Cart Needs Rescuing”
- “Your Perfect Outfit is Waiting – Return and Own It”
- “From Wishlist to Wow Lips”
The abandoned cart subject line from Hotels.com says Get $50 now. Can’t get any more attention-grabbing than an instant $50 dollars. The subject line urges the user to refer their friends using the time-sensitive word “now” and has an attractive offer. This is a clever strategy to get your customer’s attention.
Discounts and offers subject lines
Abandoned cart email subject lines with discounts and offers get the job done easily because of their undeniable effectiveness. Imagine this scenario: a potential customer visits your ecommerce store, adds items to their cart, but ultimately leaves without making a purchase. You can entice them back by crafting a compelling cart abandonment email subject line that highlights a personalized discount specifically related to the items they left behind.
Example
- “Your skincare goodies miss you. Enjoy 10% off to make them yours!”
- “Don’t miss out, [Customer Name]! Complete your purchase with 20% off your favorite skincare products!”
- “Claim 15% off on your abandoned jewelry, [Customer Name]!”
- “Get 15% off and complete your look, [Customer Name]!”
- “Don’t let dry skin win, [Customer Name]! Get 15% off your favorite moisturizer”
People often abandon their carts because of unexpected costs. To get them to complete their purchase, Tattly has offered a discount. This abandoned cart subject line is clear and the message is confident. The call to action is simple: get a 10% discount if you complete your order.
Creating curiosity subject lines
To captivate curiosity in an abandoned cart email subject line, you need to leave a hint of what’s inside. This will entice the recipient to open the email and discover what awaits them. You can do this by crafting abandoned cart email subject lines that poses a question, creates a sense of mystery, or teases a tempting offer. The key is to strike a balance between hinting at the contents of the email and leaving enough room for curiosity. This will entice the recipient to click and uncover the surprises within.
Examples
- “What’s inside your abandoned cart, [Customer Name]?”
- “Unveiling something special for you, [Customer Name]”
- “Psst… Your abandoned cart has a secret deal just for you, [Customer Name]!”
- “Discover the Hidden Formula for Gorgeous Hair, [Customer Name]!”
- “Reveal the Missing Shade in Your Nail Collection, [Customer Name]…”
Come back to bed – this cart abandonment subject line is creative and hints at the product left behind in the cart. Casper has played the subject line keeping it subtle and creating a curiosity to open the email. But when you play the game of curiosity, you also have to keep your copy up to the mark. You don’t want your customers to feel bored when they read your copy after an interesting abandoned cart email subject line.
Customer service subject lines
Customer service subject lines for abandoned cart emails are effective because they address the exact concern or hesitation of the customer and offer assistance. Well-crafted customer service subject lines show that you care about your customers and are committed to resolving their issues. This can help rebuild trust and encourage customers to do business with you again. In some cases, it can even lead to them spending more money with your company.
Examples
- “Hassle-Free Returns: Our Commitment to Your Satisfaction.”
- “Need Assistance? Our Customer Support Team is Just a Click Away.”
- “Checkout Assistance Available: Reach Out to Our Customer Service Experts.”
- “Hit a Roadblock at Checkout? Our Support Specialists Can Solve It.”
- “Questions About Payment or Checkout? Our Customer Service Team Has Answers!”
This customer service subject line from Buyee is clear as the day that the brand cares about the customer. Customers could be facing technical issues or might have doubts on how to check out especially if they are new to the site, and subject lines like these would definitely increase the chances of the customer opening the email.
Sense of urgency subject lines
Creating a sense of urgency is incredibly important for e-commerce businesses. The main goal is to grab the attention of customers and encourage them to take immediate action. One best way to do this is by using words and phrases that convey a time-sensitive message in abandoned cart email subject lines. Think about including phrases like “limited time offer,” “ending soon,” or “last chance.” When you highlight the potential loss of a limited-time offer of a desired item, you enhance the chance of the abandoned cart being recovered.
Example
- “Final Reminder: Your cart is expiring soon”
- “Don’t Miss Out! Limited Stock Alert”
- “Last Chance: Get the secret to healthy hair”
- “Hurry: Complete your purchase for healthy, glowing skin.”
- “Running Low: Reclaim your favorite clothing items.”
This abandoned cart subject line here is personalized with the product name and conveys the urgency. It has action-based words that would give a gentle push to customers to open the email and finish the purchase immediately.
Brand personality subject lines
Start by identifying the personality traits that define your brand, such as being playful, professional, or friendly. Then, incorporate these traits into your subject lines for abandoned cart emails to establish a strong connection with your readers. Using abandoned cart subject lines that reflect your brand’s personality, you can tap into emotions and remind customers of their relationship with your brand. This helps in recovering abandoned carts by making the email more relatable, increasing engagement, and motivating customers to return and complete their purchases.
Example
- “Your Inner Diva Called – She Wants You to Complete Your Cart.”
- “The Perfect Finishing Touch is Just a Click Away! Complete Your Order.
- “Sparkle Awaits! Your Cart is Yearning for the Perfect Gem.
- “Complete Your Purchase and Shine Bright!”
- “Ready to Put Your Best Foot Forward?” “Step Up Your Shoe Game!”
This subject line from MacPaw has creatively incorporated the brand personality into it. CleanMyMac is the name of the product and the subject line mentions the anniversary of the product in a very brand-unique way and is sure to catch the customer’s attention.
Product shout-out subject lines
When you mention the specific items your customers left behind in their carts in abandoned cart email subject lines, you can grab their attention and reignite their interest in those products. Just make sure to highlight the benefits, unique features, or limited-time offers associated with those items. Product shout-out cart abandonment email subject lines create a sense of urgency and excitement, encouraging customers to take action and complete their purchases. Keep the focus on personalizing the subject line and emphasizing the benefits. This would increase the chances of re-engaging customers and recovering abandoned carts.
- “Rediscover Your Style with Our Must-Have New Arrivals!”
- “Missing Something? Get Your Hands on Our Hottest Items Now!”
- “We Saved Your Soles! Get 15% Off Your Unfinished Shoe Purchase.”
- “Make a Statement: Shop our Bold and Beautiful Jewelry Designs!”
- “Last Chance to Embrace Elegance at a Special Price! Retrieve Your Cart.”
This subject line from Jcrew has made it very clear that they have 291 new products. You can expect to see a variety of new items at discounted prices when you open this email. The brand cleverly emphasizes your desire for new clothes by focusing on the benefits of having new clothes, rather than just listing the new products.
Stand out in your customer’s inbox with highly customized abandoned cart email subject lines.
Friendly subject lines
The key is to create cart abandonment subject lines that make your customers feel warm, inviting and valued. Start by acknowledging their interest in the products they left behind, showing that you understand their needs. Friendly subject lines for abandoned cart emails establish a personal connection and increase the chances of your email being opened. These subject lines evoke positive emotions and encourage customers to return to their abandoned carts and complete their purchases, fostering a stronger relationship with your brand.
Example
- “Hey [Name], we saved your favorite items! Complete your purchase now.”
- “Your cart is feeling a little lonely, [Name]. Don’t leave it hanging!”
- “Make it real, [Name]! Complete your wishlist.”
- “We know you had your eye on these shoes. Don’t let them go!”
- “We’re offering a special discount just for you. Don’t miss out!”
Chubbies Shorts here has proven the point of less is more. Their subject line here is just Howdy bud and is friendly enough to show the cool side of the brand. This would really get the customers thinking about the nature of the brand and make them want to check out the items in their cart.
Emoji Subject line
What comes to your mind when you think of emojis? They are fun, pretty, and evoke emotions. When you are bored of using words or if you are running out of ideas to be creative in subject lines, sending abandoned cart email subject lines with emojis is a great idea. They are very expressive and convey the message effortlessly. The key is finding ones that match your brand, product, and message, and you are pretty much done.
This abandoned cart subject line here has used a heart and sad emoji. Since the email is about Valentine’s day, the heart emoji seems mandatory. The sad emoji at the end is to indicate that the brand is sad about the abandoned cart. It is cute and since emojis never go out of trend, this subject line could work.
FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) subject line
Fear Of Missing Out is a psychological trick. When you tell your customers that the product they desire is running out or is a limited edition in the subject line for abandoned cart email, it will instill a fear of missing out on a valuable opportunity. This will surely make them want to finish purchasing the product immediately. Phrases like “exclusive invitation” or “reserved for VIPs” make recipients feel special and eager to be part of something unique.
Zalando has used the phrase “items in your cart are going fast” and has personalized with the name of the customer. When items of their desire are running out, it usually triggers the customers to take action and that’s exactly what this subject line has done.
Emotional appeal subject line
Start by focusing on words and phrases that evoke a sense of urgency, excitement, or even curiosity. These cart abandonment subject lines tug at the reader’s emotions, creating a strong desire to take action and complete their purchase. Emotional appeal subject lines for abandoned cart emails are effective in recovering abandoned carts because they trigger a personal connection and remind the customers of their initial interest in the products or services. By striking an emotional chord, you engage their attention and encourage them to return to their cart, resulting in a higher chance of conversion and increased sales.
Zumiez has used humor as an emotion here. The subject line says “your shopping cart has abandonment issues” Funny subject lines get the attention of the customers effortlessly and are more likely to get opened. Emotional subject lines can make your emails more engaging and memorable. By using humor, excitement, or other emotions, you can capture your reader’s attention and make them more likely to open your email.
Flattery subject line
To write effective flattery abandoned cart email subject lines, personalize them based on the customer’s browsing or purchasing history. For example, you can highlight their excellent taste in products or compliment their fashion sense. By making your customers feel special and appreciated, flattery subject lines for abandoned cart emails create a sense of connection and motivate them to take action. Remember to keep the subject lines concise, genuine, and aligned with your brand voice. Flattery subject lines tap into the psychological aspect of wanting to be acknowledged and valued, making them an effective tool in recovering abandoned carts.
This subject line by Kiki is effective because it does two things:
- It creates a curiosity gap. The reader is now curious about what items they added to their cart.
- It reassures the reader that their choice was a good one. The reader is now more likely to open the email to see what items they added to their cart.
Exclusive offer subject line
By crafting subject lines for abandoned cart email that highlight the exclusivity of the offer, you can create a sense of urgency and intrigue. These cart abandonment subject lines emphasize that the offer is unique and available only to the recipient, making them more likely to open the email and take action. Exclusive offer subject lines tap into our desire for exclusive deals, creating a fear of missing out (FOMO) and motivating customers to complete their purchase before the opportunity expires. By leveraging the power of exclusivity, you can significantly increase the chances of recovering abandoned carts and boosting your overall conversion rates.
- “Don’t Miss Out: Exclusive 20% Off Your Abandoned Cart!”
- “Your Cart Awaits: Unlock a Special Discount Inside!”
- “We Saved Something Special for You: Extra 15% Off Your Abandoned Items!”
- “Hey, You Left Something Behind: Enjoy a VIP Discount on Us!”
- “Exclusive Offer Inside: Complete Your Order for 10% Off!”
In a text-heavy inbox, numbers stand out. Bon Appétit uses numbers in its subject line to grab attention and convey the offer. This is a good strategy, as numbers can increase clickthrough rates by as much as 206%. When crafting your next promotional campaign, consider using numbers to highlight the savings. Subscribers are more likely to click on subject lines that feature numbers.
Humorous subject line
When crafting humorous subject lines for abandoned cart emails, it’s important to strike the right balance between wit and relevance. Humorous abandoned cart email subject lines are effective in recovering abandoned carts because they grab attention and create a positive emotional response. By injecting humor into an otherwise routine email, you can differentiate your message from the multitude of generic and serious-sounding emails in a customer’s inbox. Humor engages customers, piques their curiosity, and encourages them to open the email, ultimately increasing the chances of them returning to complete their purchase. It creates a memorable and enjoyable brand experience, fostering a sense of connection and building customer loyalty.
- “Your cart called… It misses you like a lonely sock!”
- “Psst! Your cart is plotting its revenge. Don’t leave it hanging!”
- “Abandoned cart detected: Did you ghost your favorite items?”
- “Your cart is giving you the cold shoulder… Time to warm things up!”
- “Did your cart join a secret society? It’s been acting mysteriously since you left.”
Brooklinen here has the best laugh out loud subject lines that stands out from the crowd. They know how to use word play with their product names and it would get the job done. This approach works well, as people are more likely to open an email that makes them laugh. However, humor is not always appropriate for every business, so it is important to test different approaches to see what works best for your audience.
Social proof subject line
When crafting subject lines for abandoned cart emails, incorporating social proof can be a game-changer. Just follow up with the customer with a reassuring subject line that your brand has a positive impact on other customers. Social proof subject lines are effective because they tap into the psychological phenomenon of social influence. By showcasing positive experiences and actions of others, you create a sense of trust and validation, compelling the recipient to take action. By leveraging social proof, you establish credibility, create a fear of missing out, and motivate recipients to return to their abandoned carts, increasing the chances of successful cart recovery.
Fabletics here, instead of using vague statements like ‘selling out fast’ or ‘limited stock,’ used actual numbers in their subject line for abandoned cart email. They specify the percentage claimed. Instead of just saying it’s popular, they tell you exactly how many people have already bought it. By using real numbers, Fabletics not only implies that their items are in demand but also suggests that you’ll probably love them too.
Best Practices for Creating Abandoned Cart Subject Lines
Understanding your target audience
First and foremost, understanding your target audience when crafting an abandoned cart email subject line is key. Take a moment to think about who your customers are, what they like, and what motivates them. Remember to personalize the abandoned cart subject line based on their previous interactions with your website or purchase history to grab their attention and increase the chances of them opening your email.
Avoiding spam triggers
Now, let’s talk about avoiding spam triggers. You definitely don’t want your carefully crafted abandoned cart emails to end up in the spam folder. Stay away from excessive capitalization, exclamation marks, or misleading content in your subject line. Instead, focus on creating genuine and engaging abandoned cart email subject lines that accurately represent the content of your email.
Compliance with email marketing regulations
Next up, compliance with email marketing regulations is crucial. Are you familiar with laws such as the GDPR or the CAN-SPAM Act? Ensure that your cart abandonment subject line meets their guidelines. Also, make sure to include an easy way for recipients to unsubscribe from your emails. Your customers would love to know that you value their decision. This builds trust and helps you maintain a healthy email list.
Seasonal and timely relevance
Learn to take advantage of upcoming holidays, events, or promotions to create a sense of urgency in your abandoned cart subject line. Customers love finding the abandoned cart email subject lines highly relatable. Phrases like “Limited Time Offer” or “Don’t Miss Out on the Fall collection” can effectively communicate the urgency of completing their purchase.
Mobile optimization
What device do you use to open your emails? Lots of people open emails on their smartphones. It is crucial to make your subject lines for abandoned cart email concise, clear, and visually appealing on smaller screens. Use short and catchy phrases that grab attention and make it easy for recipients to understand the purpose of the email at a glance.
Personalization and customization techniques
Dynamic content
Of course, dynamic content tops the list of personalization techniques for abandoned cart email subject lines. Your foremost goal when writing an abandoned cart email subject line is to make it personalized. You can insert a dynamic coupon for your customer, and this would make your customer feel very valued. You can mention their name, the name of the abandoned product, or details from their purchase history. This personalized touch captures the attention of the recipient and reminds them of their abandoned purchase, increasing the chances of engagement and conversion.
Segmentation
Segmentation is another valuable strategy for abandoned cart email subject lines. By dividing your customer base into different groups based on their behavior, demographics, or preferences, you can craft cart abandonment email subject lines that customers from each segment would find highly relatable. This targeted approach helps you address their unique motivations and increase the chances of re-engagement.
Localization
Localization is also important, especially if you operate in different regions or cater to customers from various cultures. Try matching your cart abandonment email subject line to their local language or currency. Adapting your abandoned cart subject lines to match their local language or currency or referencing regional aspects can make your emails more relatable and personalized. This enhances the likelihood of recipients opening and acting upon your messages.
Repurchase reminders
Sometimes, customers just need a little reminder to complete their purchase. Crafting best abandoned cart subject lines that remind them of the items they left behind and the benefits can be highly effective. You can include limited-time discounts or highlight low stock availability in your cart abandonment subject line to encourage them to take action promptly.
Milestone recognition
Customers love being recognized and celebrated. When you acknowledge their special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries in your abandoned cart email subject lines, it shows that you care and creates a personal connection. This can be a great way to foster loyalty and encourage repeat business. One way to do this is to craft subject lines for abandoned cart emails using these milestones. For example, you could send an email with a subject line like “Happy Birthday! Get 10% off your next purchase.” This motivates your customers to complete their purchase, knowing that you value them as individuals.
Wishlist reminder
If your website has a wishlist or save-for-later feature, using it can be quite effective. Customers only add products that they plan to buy to their wishlist. Sending abandoned cart subject lines that remind customers about their saved items, along with exclusive offers or discounts, can entice them to revisit their abandoned cart and make a purchase.
Use dynamic subject lines of Retainful to captivate your customers. Maximize engagement, drive more conversions, and increase revenue effortlessly.
Conclusion
So there you have it! We’ve covered everything you need to know about crafting effective subject lines for your abandoned cart emails. Remember, the subject line is the first impression your email makes, so it’s crucial to make it count.
Remember, the key is to strike a balance between creativity, relevance, and urgency. Craft subject lines that resonate with your audience, accurately represent the content of your email and build trust and credibility. And always keep in mind that your ultimate goal is to engage your customers, recover abandoned carts, and foster a long-term relationship with your brand.
So go ahead and start experimenting with these strategies. Test different subject lines, analyze the results, and iterate on what works best for your target audience. With a well-crafted subject line, you can increase the chances of your abandoned cart emails being opened, read, and acted upon.
Also Read : 50+ Irresistible Black Friday Email Subject Lines for Maximum Engagement
Cart abandonment refers to the act of a potential customer adding items to their online shopping cart but leaving the website without completing the purchase. It is a common occurrence in e-commerce and can result from various factors such as high costs, unexpected fees, complicated checkout processes, or distractions.
It is recommended to send a series of three abandoned cart emails as part of your recovery strategy. This sequence typically includes a reminder, an offer of assistance, and a final incentive to entice customers back to complete their purchase.
In a cart abandonment email, you should include a friendly reminder about the items left behind, express willingness to assist with any concerns, and consider offering a personalized incentive or discount to encourage the customer to return and complete their purchase, making it a win-win situation for both parties.
Yes, using emojis in subject lines can add visual appeal and help your email stand out in crowded inboxes, but it’s important to use them sparingly and ensure they align with your brand and target audience. A/B testing different subject line variations can help determine the impact of emojis on open rates and engagement.
Some common mistakes to avoid while writing abandoned cart email subject lines are being too generic or vague, lacking personalization, and not conveying a sense of urgency or value. Crafting compelling and targeted subject lines that capture attention and clearly communicate the benefit of returning to complete the purchase is crucial for driving open rates and engagement.
It is generally recommended to send the first abandoned cart email within 1 to 24 hours after the cart abandonment occurs. However, testing different time intervals can help determine the optimal timing for your target audience and industry.
