A List of Subject Lines and Offers for the Holidays

The holidays are here and so are the scads of subject lines in my inbox.

I took a peruse and thought you might be interested in some we thought needed a bit of help and some we think are fabulous!

Below that is a listing of some generic subject lines you can take and use for your own business as well as a few industries I picked out specifically.  First let's start off with the basics...

Subject Line 101

• Not too long - 40-50 characters
• Don't repeat your from label, it's a waste of space
• Don't use all caps
• Don't overuse punctuation
• Don't abuse the word "Free"
• Most important information in the beginning

That said, let's see a few subject lines that need help.

Help Needed!

Nieman Marcus: FREE SHIPPING + The Gifting Event: Great gifts for everyoneAND YOU!

Too many caps, too long, too much punctuation weird spacing. This one hurts my eyes.

Banana Republic: Your Holiday Offer is Here + Men's Outerwear

What is the offer Banana?

Real Subject Lines We Like!

• Shutterfly: janine, 2 days to enjoy holiday cards on us
• RICHART Chocolate: Handmade French Truffles 2006
• Frontgate: Remember, Save 20% Site-wide at Frontgate.com
• Brookstone: Full-size authentic arcade games--just like you remember

Generic Subject Lines We Like

• Buy one, get two widgets
• Gift baskets under $45
• Gifts under $20 No S and H
• Holiday Daily: widgets under $20
• Customer faves under $30
• [Gift Certificate] $25 e-gift sent immediately
• Buy before Nov.30 get 20% off
• Order by 12/22, Holiday delivery guaranteed
• Buy a widget 10% goes to a cancer cure
• Stocking Stuffer Alert-Get a $5 gift card with purchase
• [Offline Specific] Invitation: Wine in-store Saturday the 22nd
• [Offline Specific] Last minute shoppers: Open until 9pm

Subject Lines for Salons or Day Spas for the Holidays

• Get Party-Ready Now - $35 for Mani/Pedi
• Holiday Rejuvenate - Spiced Scented Massage
• [Gift Certificate] Last minute shoppers: $35 Mani/Pedi day
• $20-$50 Gift baskets in stock

Subject Lines for Restaurants for the Holidays

• Have {COMPANY_NAME}’s holiday party with us
• Appetizers for you and 9 friends on us
• Last minute: Give a $50 gift card this season
• Take a shopping break, come in for a drink
• Bring this coupon in for a free appetizer with purchase
• Shop at Sally’s and get a drink at Harry’s

Subject Lines for Wineries

• Book now - 10 dates left for holiday parties
• Wine clubs: The gift that gives all year long
• Trio of wine under $50 with gift pack and card
• 40% holiday discount for wine club members
• Discounts and Free S&H for wine members
• 2005 Cab with our gift of Riedel wine glasses

Hopefully this helps, if you've got any ideas to contribute, bring 'em on!