Sending a professional discount email isn’t just about adding a discount code and hitting send. However, sending a professional discount email is about writing the most effective discount email copy that genuinely speaks to your audience.
Therefore, a well-designed discount email message does more than just promote a deal, it connects with your target audience.
A professional discount email copy will provides offer without making the product or service seem cheap, retains loyal customers and attract new customers
Find the right balance in your discount percentage, and personalize your discount email copy to write the best discount email copy.
In this blog, we will look at:
- What is a Discount Coupon Email?
- Top 10 Discount Email Templates
- 20 Discount Email Subject Lines
- Step-by-step guide to write a discount offer email
Create and send perfect discount emails within minutes using Retainful’s pre-built discount email templates.
What is a Discount Coupon Email?
A discount coupon email is a promotional message from your business offering discounts, freebies, or free shipping coupons to your customers. Share your offers using a coupon code, a QR code, or even through a CTA (Call To Action) that automatically applies the discount.
Here is a list of discount offers to use in your discount coupon email.
- A percentage discount on a specific product or the entire order
- A fixed amount discount on a purchase
- Free gifts with a minimum spend
- Free shipping to remove delivery costs
If done right, a discount coupon email is a good email marketing strategy. Not only does it attract new customers, but it also reward your loyal customers while increasing sales and revenue.
Related Article: What is Email Marketing? – An Ultimate Beginner’s Guide.
Top 10 Discount Email Templates
We have curated a list of the 10 best discount email examples and decoded their best features, along with 10 unique discount coupon email templates. So that you will be able to write a discount offer message email.
The best discount email templates are:
- Welcome Discount Email Example
- Abandoned Cart Discount Email
- Thank you emails with discount coupons for the next purchase
- Seasonal Discount Email
- First Purchase Discount Email
- Order follow-up Discount Email
- Review request Email with discount
- Product Launch Discount Email
- Referral Discount Email
- VIP Discount Email for Premium Users
1. Welcome Discount Email Example
Welcome discount emails are one of the first interactions with your new subscribers. Additionally, giving a time-sensitive discount email offer in your welcome email will make your customers feel special. As a result, your customers feel encouraged to make their first purchase.
You can include a percentage discount, free shipping, or even a dynamic coupon code in your welcome discount email.
This welcome discount coupon email example from Postable does a great job of encouraging new subscribers to make their first purchase.
Let’s break down what’s done well in the email.
- Instant Reward: This welcome discount coupon email example delivers the promised 20% discount code (EMAIL20) right away.
- Warm & Friendly Subject Line: Use gratitude to increase open rates (“Thanks for giving us your email!”).
- Engaging & Relevant Visuals: A welcoming postcard image reinforces the brand’s purpose.
- Actionable CTA: Provides a CTA guiding the next actions to be taken.
Subject: Welcome to [Brand Name] – Here's 10% Off Your First Order! 🎉
Header: Welcome to the [Brand Name] family!
Body:
We're excited to have you with us! As a special welcome gift, enjoy 10% off your first order.
Don't miss out — your exclusive discount code is WELCOME10
Hurry! Offer valid for the next 48 hours only.
[Shop Now]
2. Abandoned Cart Discount Coupon Email
Adding an exclusive offer in an abandoned cart recovery discount email serves as both a reminder and motivation for your customers to complete their purchases.
Moreover, including bundle discounts or BOGO (Buy One, Get One) in your abandoned cart discount email template increases the average purchase value.
This is an abandoned cart recovery discount code email example from Little Beast. Let's look into the best features of this email.
- Strong Discount Visibility: The text "Here’s 15% off your order" is prominently displayed in a large font in the discount coupon email example. This ensures the main offer is the first thing readers notice.
- Coupon Code Placement: The code "Checkout15FMXQF48" is presented with clear instructions on how to use it.
- Time-Sensitive Offer: The line "Code expires in 24 hours" reinforces urgency, making it more likely that users will act quickly.
Related Article: Shopping cart abandonment: Strategies + Examples
Subject: Did you forget something? Here's 15% off! On your cart
Header: Your cart misses you. 🥹 Here's 15% off!
Body:
We noticed you left some items in your cart! Complete your purchase now and enjoy 15% off as our special treat.
Use code: CART15
Hurry! Your discount expires in 24 hours.
[Complete Your Order]
3. Thank You Emails With Discount Coupons For Next Purchase
Send a thank you discount offer email when a customer completes a purchase from your store to make them feel more appreciated.
Additionally, include a discount offer email with product recommendations based on their purchase to encourage repeat purchases. As a result, the customer life cycle value (CLV) will increase significantly.
This discount offer email template will make any buyers happy and make them feel like a part of the Backers community.
- An opening with “Congratulations You’re a Backer” in this promotional discount email example will provide a sense of excitement and achievement as a part of joining an exclusive community.
- A detailed pledge summary ensures full transparency, covering the amount pledged, reward, estimated delivery date, and shipping details.
Subject: Thank You for Shopping with Us! Here's 20% Off Your Next Order
Header: Thank you for being part of our journey!
Body:
Your support means everything to us! As a token of appreciation, here's 20% off your next purchase.
Use code THANKYOU20 at checkout.
Valid for the next 7 days only.
[Shop Now]
Related Article: How do you send a thank you email after a purchase?
4. Seasonal Discount Email
Offer limited-time holiday promotional discount emails during special occasions or festive seasons to attract customers and increase conversions.
You can send Black Friday sales discount offer emails, Christmas sale discount emails, and other seasonal sale discount emails to keep your brand on top of mind all year round. This way, you stay connected with your customers.
This promotional discount offer email example from Canva is designed to grab attention and drive action by mastering key email elements:
- A compelling subject line: "Don’t miss the magic," in this promotional discount email example, sparks curiosity and excitement, making users eager to open the email.
- Strategic repetition of the 50% off offer: The discount is highlighted multiple times in the promotional discount email example. The discount offer message is displayed in the banner, CTA, and step-by-step guide.
- A clear step-by-step guide: In this discount offer message sample, Canva breaks down the process of using the offer into simple steps.
- Emphasizing product benefits: Instead of just promoting the deal, this promotional discount email example explains why Canva Pro is worth it, giving users a reason to claim the discount.
By combining clarity, urgency, and user-friendly design, this discount offer email template ensures that Canva’s offer is hard to resist.
Subject: Celebrate [Holiday Name] with 30% Off!
Header: Exclusive [Holiday Name] Offer – Just for You
Body:
Get ready to celebrate! We're offering 30% off storewide this [Holiday Name].
Use code HOLIDAY30 at checkout.
The offer ends [Date] – Don't miss out!
[Shop Now]
5. First Purchase Discount Email
You can turn your first-time buyers into loyal customers by celebrating their milestones with an exclusive discount offer message on their first purchase.
This professional discount email example from K1X cleverly positions its offer to grab customer’s attention.Let's take a closer look at all the best features used in this discount email.
- Clear and Bold Discount Placement: The 15% OFF is displayed in large, red text in the discount offer email example, ensuring it grabs attention
- Easy-to-Use Promo Code: The promo code (DKH89BJS) is prominently displayed in this discount offer email template.
- Encouraging Engagement: The "See what’s in store" CTA is clear and action-oriented in this discount offer message sample.
- Exclusive Feel: The discount coupon email template uses phrases like "Enjoy your first offer now!" to create a sense of exclusivity and make subscribers feel special.
- Additional Incentives: This promotional discount email example builds long-term engagement by highlighting future perks like access to new merchandise, exclusive pre-order promotions, and special offers.
- Subtle Urgency: The note mentioning the code’s expiration within 21 days adds a gentle push to encourage quicker purchases.
Subject Line: 🎉 Welcome to [Brand Name] — Enjoy 15% Off Your First Order!
Header: Your Exclusive Welcome Offer is Here!
Body:
Hi [First Name],
We’re so excited to have you join the [Brand Name] family! To celebrate, we’re giving you an exclusive 15% off your first purchase.
✨ Use Code: FIRST15
🛒 Shop Now: [CTA Button: Start Shopping]
But hurry! This offer is valid for the next [number of days] days only.
Need inspiration? Check out our latest collections:
[Category 1]
Enjoy your shopping, and welcome aboard!
Happy Shopping,
The [Brand Name] Team
P.S. Have any questions? We’re always here to help.
6. Order Follow-up Discount Email
Send an Order Follow-Up Discount Email to engage customers after their purchase. Offer a discount on their next order to encourage repeat business. As a result, you can improve customer retention.
The below order follow-up discount coupon email example from Brumate has used a gamified email marketing strategy in their discount email template.
Similarly, you can use a tier-based or level-based discount email template in your email marketing strategy.
- Bold and Large Points Display: The total balance "You have 388 BrüPoints!" is prominently displayed in the discount offer message sample, reinforcing the value the user has accumulated.
- Clear Next Reward Goal: The email tells users exactly what they need: "Earn 112 more BrüPoints to redeem." This encourages engagement and further purchases.
- Tangible Reward Shown: A "$5 off coupon (500 BrüPoints)" is displayed as a clear redemption option, making the benefit feel real and attainable.
- Action-Oriented CTA: The "View balance in your wallet" button provides an easy next step, while "Explore all rewards" keeps users engaged.
- Encourages Continued Participation: By showing how close they are to the next reward, the email subtly nudges the user to keep earning points and making purchases.
Subject: Loved Your Purchase? Here's 15% Off Your Next Order!
Header: Come back for more – with a special discount!
Body:
Thank you for shopping with us! We'd love to see you again. Enjoy 15% off your next purchase.
Use code: REORDER15
Offer valid for 10 days only.
[Shop Now]
7. Review Request Email With Discount.
Feedback from a customer is a mirror for your business, clearly showing how your brand is perceived.Therefore, it is crucial to collect feedback from your customers and keep improving based on it.
You can use a review request discount coupon email template to collect feedback from your customers to improve your business and exactly deliver what they want.
When your customers take the time to share their thoughts, it is just right to reciprocate their favor with a discount offer. Additionally, you can provide a percentage discount or even freebies in your feedback request email.
This customer feedback discount coupon email template from Instamojo uses a simple email layout. However, it is highly effective in collecting customer feedback.
Here’s what makes it great:
- Clear Incentive Stated: This discount coupon email example explicitly mentions the reward. Consequently, it motivates the customers to participate and share their thoughts.
- Minimal Effort Required: It reassures users that only "Just 4 questions and no more" need to be answered, making participation feel easy and quick.
- Strong CTA Button: The blue "TELL US HERE" button stands out, making it easy for users to take action.
Subject: Share Your Feedback & Get 10% Off Your Next Order
Header: We'd love to hear from you!
Body:
Tell us about your experience and receive 10% off your next purchase!
Your feedback helps us improve and serve you better.
[Write a Review]
Once submitted, we'll send you your discount code.
8. Product Launch Discount Email
Generate excitement for your new product launch by offering an exclusive discount, turning your customers into early adopters.
Moreover, product launch discount emails not only create hype about the new product but also significantly manifold initial sales.
Here’s how the reward is highlighted in the discount offer email:
- Positioning & Visibility: The reward (“special gift”) is placed near the end of the message, making it a closing incentive to drive participation.
- Emphasized with Bold Text: The phrase “special gift” is bolded to draw attention and create excitement.
- Clear Participation Requirement: The email specifies that three lucky winners will be selected, adding an element of exclusivity and engagement.
- Lack of Specificity: Although the reward is mentioned, it doesn't specify what the "special gift" is. This can create curiosity; however, it may also reduce motivation for some users.
Subject: Introducing [Product Name] – Enjoy 20% Off!
Header: Be the First to Try [Product Name]
Body:
We're thrilled to announce our newest product – [Product Name]!
As a valued customer, enjoy 20% off on your first purchase of [Product Name].
Use code LAUNCH20
Hurry, limited stock is available!
[Shop Now]
9. Referral Discount Email
To strengthen customer loyalty, encourage your customers to refer their friends by sending a referral discount email. As a result, you'll turn satisfied customers into enthusiastic brand advocates.
Here’s a breakdown of the features that are used in this referral discount email template:
- Clear and Bold Headline – The reward is immediately visible in large, bold text: "Help a Friend Get Hired and You'll Both Earn $100!" This grabs attention quickly.
- Mutual Benefit – The email emphasizes that both the referrer and their friend will earn $100, making it more appealing.
- Specific Reward Details – The email clearly states that the reward is "$100 in Amazon Credit," which adds transparency and makes it more enticing.
- Easy-to-Follow Action – The referral link is prominently displayed, making it easy for users to copy and share.
- CTA for Engagement – The "Track My Referrals" button provides a way for users to monitor their progress, reinforcing participation and motivation.
Subject: Share the love & earn 20% OFF 🎁
Header: Invite your friends & enjoy exclusive discounts!
Body:
Good things are meant to be shared! Invite your friends to [Your Store Name], and both of you will receive 20% off your next purchase when they place their first order.
Here’s how it works:
1. Share your referral link with friends.
2. Your friend gets 20% off on their first order.
3. You get 20% off on your next purchase.
Start sharing and enjoy the rewards!
[Refer a Friend Now]
10. VIP Discount Email for Premium Users
To show your appreciation, reward your VIP customers with an exclusive discount email message. Consequently, this gesture will make them feel valued while also strengthening long-term relationships.
This Sweetgreen discount email message makes the recipient feel special by highlighting exclusive Green Status perks. Additionally, it also teases the next level—Gold Status- creating excitement and motivation to keep engaging.
Subject: You’re Invited! Enjoy an Exclusive VIP Discount
Header: You're one of our most valued customers – Here's 25% OFF just for you!
Body:
Hello [Customer Name],
Your loyalty means everything to us! As a special thank you, we're offering you an exclusive 25% off on your next purchase.
Early access to new arrivals
Special VIP-only discounts
Priority customer support
Hurry! This offer is valid only for the next 48 hours.
Use code VIP25 at checkout.
[Shop Now]
Send discount emails at the right time with minimal effort using Retainful’s easy-to-set-up discount email automation workflow.
Related Article: Successful Ways to Increase Customer Retention in Your E-commerce Store
20 Discount Email Subject Lines
We have curated a list of the 20 best discount email subject lines you can use in your email campaigns.
Here are 20 discount email subject lines for your campaign:
- Your Exclusive Discount Awaits!
- Limited-Time Offer: Save Big on Your Favorites!
- Enjoy [XX]% Off — Because You Deserve It!
- Flash Sale Alert: Deals You Can't Miss!
- Your Special Discount is Here — Shop & Save!
- Don't Miss Out! [XX]% Off for a Limited Time
- Treat Yourself: Enjoy Extra Savings Today!
- A Little Something for You — [XX]% Off Inside!
- Big Savings Alert: Shop Now Before It's Gone!
- Unlock Your Discount — Your Cart Will Thank You!
- Your Next Order Just Got Cheaper!
- Surprise! An Exclusive Discount Just for You!
- Why Wait? Save More with [XX]% Off Now!
- Discount Alert: The More You Shop, The More You Save!
- Hey [Name], Here's Your Special Discount -[XX]% off!
- Time's Ticking! Grab Your [XX]% Off Today!
- A Deal Worth Smiling About — [XX]% Off Inside!
- Save Big, Shop Smart — Limited-Time Discount Awaits!
- Your Wallet Will Thank You — Score Your Discount Now!
- Ready, Set, Save! [XX]% Off Your Next Purchase
How to Write a Professional Discount Email Offer?
We have seen the key factors to consider for writing an effective discount email, along with 10 professional discount email examples and 20 unique discount email subject lines. Now it's time to write your special discount email.
Steps to write a personalized discount email:
1. Personalize Your Discount Email
All customers are not the same. Some shoppers are motivated by free shipping, while others are drawn to percentage-off discounts. The key is using personalized discount offer emails in email marketing.
Personalize your discount emails by
- Using Dynamic Visuals: Feature product images based on previous purchases or browsing behavior.
- Offering Relevant Discounts: Provide free shipping, percentage-off, or BOGO deals depending on customer preferences.
- Include the Customer’s Name in the subject line of your discount email copy.
Pro tips:
- Segment your audience based on their behavior, purchase history, and web activity to write a personalized discount email copy.
- Use demographic segmentation to find the ideal time to send your discount offer emails based on their location, age, gender and occupation.
Related Article: Difference Between Email Segmentation and Personalization
2. Highlight Value and Urgency
People are more likely to take immediate action if they see the benefits and a time limit to claim the benefits. Use phrases like a limited-time offer or even a visual countdown to create a sense of urgency.
You can mention the original price along with the discounted price to show how much your customers are saving to highlight the value of the offer.
3. Position your offer
The primary purpose of a discount email is to attract more sales by providing offers. To fulfill this primary purpose, it is important to position your offer effectively.
Position your offer in the following areas to grab customer’s attention.
- At the top: Placing your offer at the top of the email will ensure that your offer is the first thing people notice in your email.
- In the centre: If you are placing your offer in the middle, make sure it is in a large and bold font. This way, you can make sure that your offer is noticed by your customer.
4. Master Timing
To get the most out of your discount email marketing campaign, you need to send the emails when your audience is looking at their inbox.
Here are some of the ways to find the ideal time to offer discounts:
- Analyze when your competitors are sending their offers.
- You can send discount emails based on your target audience’s local time zone.
- Send discount emails when your customers achieve a milestone in their journey with your brand. It could be a signup bonus, a first purchase bonus, or even a loyalty reward.
- Analyze your audience’s past interactions to identify their peak engaging time.
Pro tip:
Track your email marketing metrics to find the ideal discount email template that works best with your audience.
Customize ready-to-use discount email templates in Retainful to send a on-brand discount email within minutes.
Start Sending Your Discount Emails Today
Using a discount email message in e-commerce email marketing is a powerful way to attract customers, increase sales, and build long-term customer relationships.
The key to writing the best discount offer email is:
- Right discount type
- An Irresistible Offer
- Personalized discount offer emails
- Perfect timing
You can use the different combinations of tactics from the best discount email examples listed to increase conversions. With a professional discount email template, you will be able to increase engagement without compromising your brand image.
Also Read:
11 Best Ecommerce Email Templates + Examples
9 Best Order Confirmation Email Templates & Examples for 2025
Retention Marketing Strategies + Examples
Email Marketing Funnel: How to Create + Examples
Frequently Asked Questions
To inform a client about a discount, you can send a personalized email or an SMS. Clearly state the discount amount or percentage, Validity, and eligibility (if applicable).
You can offer discounts through promo codes, loyalty rewards, referral programs, or Seasonal sales.
Example:
Promo code: BOGO 10 (Buy one Get one)
Discounts trigger urgency and increase the perceived value of the product or service, encouraging faster decision-making. A discount makes customers feel like they're getting a great deal and saving money on their purchases.
A discount email template is a pre-designed email layout that businesses use to promote special offers, discounts, or promotions to their customers. It often includes a clear subject line, a personalized message, a prominent discount code, and a strong call to action (CTA).
Personalize your discount emails by using the recipient's name, referencing past purchases, recommending products based on browsing behavior, and offering personalized discounts for birthdays and loyalty milestones.
You can offer percentage-off discounts, dollar-off discounts, free shipping, or coupon codes in your discount emails.
