On a typical day, about 361.6 emails are sent and received globally, and the average person receives 100 to 120 emails every day. However, approximately 85% of those electronic messages are spam. As someone trying to promote your business, you want your emails to be among the 15% that don’t make it to the junk folder.
Your customers lead busy lives. They don’t have the time (or the inclination) to read every email they receive, so they quickly glance at the subject line to determine if an email is worth reading.
In the home service industry, email continues to be a powerful marketing channel. It’s an inexpensive way to reach lots of customers and potential customers—immediately. Here are some interesting statistics:
- There are approximately 5.9 billion active email accounts.
- 99% of customers check their emails each day.
- 59% of B2B marketers believe email marketing is the best channel for generating revenue.
- 47% of email recipients decided whether or not to open an email based on the subject line alone.
- The average open rate for marketing emails is 21.5%, but it is only 19.3% for professional services emails.
These numbers show that an email must generate interest at first glance. Otherwise, it’s likely to be sent directly to the trash—or worse yet, the junk folder. It’s crucial to make your subject line stand out.
- What is an Email Subject Line?
- What Makes An Email Subject Line Catchy?
- Best Practices For Professional Email Subject Lines
- Why Your Emails Need Good Subject Lines
- Best Professional Email Subject Line Examples
- Welcome Email Subject Lines
- Promotional Email Subject Lines
- Newsletter Email Subject Lines
- Holiday and Seasonal Email Subject Lines
- Subject Lines to Follow Up After a Service
- Fear-of-Missing-Out (FOMO) Email Subject Lines
- Personalized Email Subject Lines
- Funny Email Subject Lines
- Email Subject Lines That Ask a Question
- Email Subject Lines With Pain Points
- Curious Email Subject Lines
- Straight-to-the-Point Email Subject Lines
- Cold Email Subject Lines
- Musical Email Subject Lines
- Trendy Email Subject Lines
- Invitational Email Subject Lines
- Create Your Own Great Email Subject Lines
What is an Email Subject Line?
An email subject line is ideally no more than nine words (or 60 characters) that can make the difference between whether a recipient reads or rejects an email. It is a lure to create interest or curiosity in the message. Another way to think about it is as a first impression, and it needs to count.
Since the majority of emails sent are not read, the subject line may be your only chance to attract a potential customer and ultimately generate revenue. It’s a marketing opportunity that should not go to waste.
As you know, the home services industry is competitive. It’s a $500 billion-a-year industry that is growing every day, with businesses using a variety of means to get customers to choose them rather than the other guy.
Since email marketing is such a valuable method for growing and retaining a customer base, it’s important to put thought into each and every email—and subject line.
What Makes An Email Subject Line Catchy?
An email subject line is catchy if it makes you open the email. It needs to say something that you want to hear and cause a reaction. That could be for one of several reasons:
- Urgency. I’d better open this email NOW to take advantage of an offer, advice or whatever.
- Curiosity. Hmm, I wonder what this could be about, so I’d better open the email.
- Benefits or offers. There’s something in there that might give me something I need or want.
- Personalization. Hey—how did they know that about ME?
- Relevance. Wow! What timing! I really need to get an AC check-up, so this is relevant.
- Name recognition. I didn’t know that my favorite singer uses ABC AC. Maybe I should, too.
- Interesting story. So what happened to the bunnies that lived under the AC? I guess I have to read the email to find out.
- Length. That was short and sweet, but I want to know more. Let’s see what the email says.
Best Practices For Professional Email Subject Lines
Because a subject line is similar to a first impression, you want it to portray your business in the best possible light. You want to convey legitimacy, professionalism and confidence in your company’s offerings.
Here are some things you should (and should not) do when crafting professional subject lines.
- Keep it short and sweet. Use no more than nine words or 60 characters for best results.
- Avoid using the word “newsletter” in your subject line. People think of newsletters as long and boring.
- Never shout in a subject line. That means don’t use all caps, which is digital yelling.
- Use non-spammy words. Your email can make it to the spam folder faster than you can say “Earn extra dollars” if you do.
- Try A/B testing to see what subject line performs better. Send out two emails using different subject lines to see which has a higher open rate.
- Emojis can work. If you choose the right one that matches your brand and subject matter, it can lead to a better open rate.
- Target your audience. You don’t have to send every email to everyone on your list. Sometimes breaking it down by audience segment (age, gender, geographic location, etc.) can lead to better results.
- Add preview text. This is the subtitle for your email that follows the subject line, and it shows in your inbox. It gives you a preview of what’s to come.
Why Your Emails Need Good Subject Lines
When you open your email and stare at dozens of messages, how do you decide which ones to read? If you’re like most people, the first thing you do is scan the subject lines. You read the emails with subject lines that grab your attention and usually delete the rest.
Customers are just like you when it comes to opening their emails. They are attracted to subject lines that stand out from the rest. Good email subject lines help deliver your company’s marketing message and increase the email open rate. The more you can dial in your email subject line and copy, the greater chances are that your customer will take action.
For ideas on how to get more opens on your marketing emails, check out this post with email marketing tips.
Here are some of our favorite email subject lines.
Best Professional Email Subject Line Examples
Welcome Email Subject Lines
When people subscribe to your email list, send an automated email to welcome them and let them know what they can expect from your company. We’re using Plumber’s On-Call for our examples.
1. How does Plumbers On-Call work?
2. Welcome to Plumbers On-Call 📞
3. We are Plumbers On-Call. Let’s stay connected
4. You’re part of the Plumbers On-Call family now
5. You’re a Plumbers On-Call subscriber. Now what?🎉
6. Get started with Plumbers On-Call, {First Name} 🪠
7. You’re in, {First Name}! 🥳 Welcome to Plumbers On-Call.
8. Hurray! You joined the Plumber On-Call team, {Company Name} 🪠🚽
9. Welcome to the Plumbers On-Call Family
10. We are glad you said yes to Plumbers On-Call, {First Name}
Promotional Email Subject Lines
Everyone likes a good deal or a special offer. If your company is having a promotion, be sure to let your subscribers know about it.
11. Get 10% off your next electrical service.
12. 🔥 Check out our August service specials 🔥
13. Introducing our new Preferred Customer program
14. Book a new service and earn reward points
15. Get a complimentary gift when you buy a new service
16. Flash sale alert on all services!😱
17. HVAC maintenance plans – 30% off 💸
18. Select maintenance services – 25% off!🔧
19. Get a maintenance plan with your heater installation
20. Our winter service savings plan is here ❄️
21. Hey, {First Name}, we offer financing on all services!
Newsletter Email Subject Lines
Sending a newsletter on a regular basis gives you the opportunity to promote several services or special offers and offer helpful maintenance tips. However, mentioning “newsletter” in your subject line is a big no-no if you want your customer to open the email.
These are some good subject line options.
22. How to Boost Productivity: 10 Tips for Your Business
23. How’s the Health of Your AC? How to Increase its Lifespan
24. Tips for You: When to Replace Your HVAC
25. Stay-cool Advice for Summer
26. Save the Planet: Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems
27. Is Your HVAC Summer Ready?
28. Take it From a Pro: Our Best Furnace Choices
29. Market Trends: Our Recommendations
30. Here’s What Your Neighbors Have to Say
31. Connect With Us: Learn Why We’re Number 1
Holiday and Seasonal Email Subject Lines
Holiday and seasonal events provide a good reason to contact your subscribers. So, create emails that spread the holiday spirit into your marketing strategy.
32. 🚨Black Friday Sale on all services
33. Feel merry with 10% off your next service
34. Save 30% on select services before the New Year
35. We’re thankful for you, {First Name}. Enjoy 15% off your next service.
36. Jingle bells! Save 25% on kitchen remodeling.
37. 5 holiday gifts for the homeowner who has everything
38. Happy Holidays, {First Name}! Unwrap your savings on your new heater.🎁
39. Get cozy this winter with a new heater
40. Beat the heat before winter is over—schedule your AC maintenance service today
41. You’ll fall in love with February’s service specials.😍
Subject Lines to Follow Up After a Service
Following up with your customers is a good customer service practice. It shows them you don’t take them for granted and want to ensure they’re satisfied with your work and that things are going well.
Take a look at these effective subject lines for follow-up emails.
42. Next steps after your service appointment
43. New details about your maintenance agreement
44. Nice speaking with you about installation services, {First Name}.
45. Let’s take another look at your service agreement
46. Reminder: AC service appointment at 12:00 p.m.
47. {First Name}, great talking with you today!
48. Still in the market for new maintenance services?
49. Ready to install your new dishwasher?
50. More about our electrical services
51. One thing I forgot to mention…
Fear-of-Missing-Out (FOMO) Email Subject Lines
People fear missing out on opportunities. When you use a FOMO email subject line, you convey urgency to act before it’s too late.
Use these subject line examples to create emails your recipients can’t resist opening.
52. Your air conditioner warranty is expiring soon
53. {First Name}, last call on our Labor Day special!
54. 🚨One day left to extend your HVAC warranty
55. Join our service club before it’s too late
56. We only have 3 service club memberships left
57. This could be your final opportunity to save 💰
58. Don’t miss this great deal on electrical wiring!
59. 🔥Exclusive on select heating services
60. Are you taking advantage of our service specials?
61. Important: Your service plan ends soon 🔜⌛
62. Pay for a new AC installation for as low as $100 a month!
Personalized Email Subject Lines
Personalized emails make readers feel special. Personalization includes using their names (we’ll use John here) in emails or referring to a previous service you provided. It should be relatable and quickly catch their attention.
73. John, check out our new services
74. Happy Birthday, John! See what we got you. 🎁
75. It’s your birthday, John! 🥳 Time to celebrate with an offer.
76. Take a look at our September specials, John
77. Thanks for buying your new dryer with us, John
78. Celebrate with a complimentary service appointment
79. Hello, John.👋 Have you extended your warranty yet?
80. Is your air conditioner ready for the summer, John?
81. When was the last time you serviced your heater, John?🤔
82. Enjoy this complimentary service as a birthday gift🎂
Get In Touch: 858-842-5746
Let us earn your trust
See plan options and feature breakdown on our pricing page.
Funny Email Subject Lines
People enjoy a good laugh—especially after a stressful day. Create funny email subject lines like these to boost your open rates.
83. Still losing socks in the dryer? 🧦
84. Savings that make us proud (unlike our cousin Joe)
85. Are icicles forming in your home?
86. There are no service coupons in this email
87. We really don’t expect you to open this email
88. Is your heater broken? 🥶 We have extra blankets.
89. Your dog is going to love this! 🐶
90. What’s the weather like in Fiji?
91. We know what your AC did last summer
92. Hot or cold? Pick one.
Email Subject Lines That Ask a Question
When people see questions in an email subject line, they pause to think about an answer. It creates interest in your email.
93. Do you need to replace your water heater?
94. Is your air conditioner ready for the summer heat? 🥵
95. 🌟Have you joined our customer loyalty program?
96. How’s your new air conditioner working?
97. Do you need plumbing services? 🧻
98. Have you prepared your pipes for the winter?
99. Are you looking for a certified electrician?
100. Have you scheduled your heating service yet?
101. Want to save 25% on your heating bills?🤑
102. Is your furnace at least 10 years old?
Email Subject Lines With Pain Points
One of the best ways to connect with your customers is by understanding what keeps them up at night. Take time to discover your customers’ pain points and offer solutions for their specific problems through your emails.
Here are some subject line examples.
103. Install your heater without breaking the bank
104. Get more cabinet space with these easy ideas
105. Stop wasting money with an inefficient heater
106. Your heating problems are now solved!
107. How to survive cold winter nights ⛄
108. How to stay comfortable in the summer heat
109. Learn how to save hundreds of dollars in repair costs
110. Tired of wasting money on high heating bills? 💸
111. Stop losing sleep over those frozen pipes ❄️
112. How to find an affordable electrician
Curious Email Subject Lines
Humans are innately curious creatures. We have a desire to explore the unknown and learn something new. Spark curiosity with these intriguing email subject lines.
113. You shouldn’t open this email
114. Check out our new HVAC units
115. Meet the newest plumber on our team 🧑🔧
116. A surprise service discount for you!
117. Take a virtual tour of our new facility
118. Is your heater making these noises?
119. Does the inside of your AC look like this?
120. Here’s the most efficient heater in the world
121. Guess what’s in this email? 🤔
122. 👀We really shouldn’t tell you this, but…
Straight-to-the-Point Email Subject Lines
Readers don’t have long attention spans. Email recipients, in particular, usually want the sender to get to the point quickly. If you’re going for a straight-to–the-point email, you’re better off limiting your subject lines to 50 characters. Make your point clearly and directly. We’ll use Plumbers On-Call as an example.
123. Toilet blocked? We can help. – Plumbers On-Call
124. Save 10% on garbage disposals. – Plumbers On-Call
125. Need a plumber? Give us a call. – Plumbers On-Call
126. Rout, rout, rout your drain. – Plumbers On-Call
127. Don’t put THAT down the disposal. – Plumbers On-Call
128. Leaky pipes love us. You will, too. – Plumbers On-Call
129. Drain cleaning special ends tomorrow. – Plumbers On-Call
130. Let us install your hot water tank. – Plumbers On-Call
131. Fridge on the fritz? Just call us. – Plumbers On-Call
132. Uh-oh. Is that a leak in your ceiling? – Plumbers On-Call
Cold Email Subject Lines
You send cold emails to prospective clients. You likely know nothing about these people, but there may be some out there who need what you have to offer. With this crowd, make your email subject line short, personal and valuable to the reader.
Here are some examples.
133. We just opened in [name of city]. Come say “hi”
134. Hey, [insert name]. We heard you might need [insert a service or product]
135. Nice to meet you at last week’s home show.
136. [insert name], we have some tips on cooling your house.
137. [insert your company’s name] welcomes [insert recipient name] to [your new town]
138. You like deals, [insert name]? We have one for you.
139. Congratulations on buying your new home!
140. Join us on Saturday at the Home Improvement Show.
141. [your company] would like to partner with [recipient’s company]
142. Repair. Replace. Install. Maintain. We do it all.
Musical Email Subject Lines
Song lyrics or titles as a subject line can make a person want to open the email. Here are some examples.
143. “Every little thing gonna be alright” when you call Plumbers On-Call
144. “I will survive!” But will your AC?
145. “Don’t worry. Be happy.” Plumbers On-Call to the rescue.
146. Plumbers On-Call, “Ease my troubles. That’s what you do.”
147. ”Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” It’s also hot. Call us.
148. “Every breath you take” is easier with a new furnace filter.
149. “It’s raining … deals. Hallelujah!”
150. “O say can you see” our 4th of July offers?
151. “What a feeling” to have a working refrigerator again
152. “Take your passion, and make it happen” with an HVAC certificate
Trendy Email Subject Lines
A trendy email subject line is one that references some current topic, trend or person. Apply it cleverly, and you should get recipients to open the email.
153. Taylor Swift knows something about being cool
154. Fill your water bottle with clear water from your faucet
155. Vacation mode on. Check your thermostat.
156. Our vote goes to …
157. RU ready for the summer?
158. Our sale is a BFD! Check it out.
159. Olympic-sized savings at [enter store or business name]
160. We have an offer you can’t refuse
161. That’s not cool, but do you know what is?
162. A Nor’easter’s coming! Do you have a back-up generator?
Invitational Email Subject Lines
When you want to invite someone to attend or participate in an event, you need to be concise and exciting. It also helps to use a pre-header.
163. Don’t miss the Home Improvement Show at the stadium
164. Coming May 3-5: Houston’s Home Improvement Show
165. Meet [insert celebrity name from XX TV show] this Saturday
166. Annual Plumbers Convention: Will you be joining us?
167. Our annual tent sale starts in 10 days
168. Tool Time TV is coming to town: Be part of the audience
169. Join us for our free webinar: 10 Tips to Cool Your Home
170. Get your tickets before they sell out
171. Register now for our Preferred Customer Rewards program
172. Just 2 days left to save 10%. Visit us today!
Create Your Own Great Email Subject Lines
The subject line is the most important part of email marketing. So, take the time to create email subject lines that work. With practice, your subject lines will boost your open rates and generate more business.
If you are a home service business wanting to streamline your marketing efforts, check out Housecall Pro’s automated marketing software. It’s the easy tool you need to drive repeat customers with email marketing and postcard marketing automation.
