The Best Black Friday & Cyber Monday Subject Lines That Stood Out in 2024
Black Friday and Cyber Monday came at us like a firehose this year, with emails flooding inboxes every minute. Among the sea of predictable “Don’t Miss Out” and “Biggest Sale of the Year” subject lines, it’s no surprise that standing out requires real creativity and strategy.
To help you stay inspired, we’ve rounded up the standout subject lines and preview text from this year’s BFCM emails that caught our attention. Here’s what made them work:
📌 KURU
Subject Line: Save Up to $100 With Bundles 🎉
Preview Text: 👟➕👟➕🧦 🟰 🤩
Why it worked:
This email captured attention with a playful emoji formula in the preview text. It was fun, clever, and visually engaging, making it a welcome departure from the usual text-heavy discounts. The use of emojis broke up the monotony of the inbox and added a layer of personality without over-complicating the message.
Check out the full email here →
📌 Bespoke Post
Subject Line: 01110011011010000110111101110000
Preview Text: Up to 50% OFF the internet’s best deals
Why it worked:
A subject line in binary code that translates to “Shop”? Bold move. This stood out for its sheer uniqueness and intrigue. While it might have left some subscribers curious or even confused, it demanded attention simply by being so different from anything else in the inbox. Sometimes, standing out is all about taking risks.
Check out the full email here →
📌 Mate the Label
Subject Line: THEY’LL NEVER KNOW
Preview Text: …that their gift was 30% off
Why it worked:
This subject line paired with the preview text created intrigue with a cheeky nod to the shopper’s mindset. It resonated perfectly with the BFCM gifting season, where customers are looking for great deals without sacrificing quality or presentation. The simplicity and playful tone made it irresistible to click.
Check out the full email here →
📌 Huckberry
Subject Line: $1,400,000.00+
Preview Text: Cyber Extended to Support Southern Smoke Foundation
Why it worked:
Huckberry took a different route by focusing on their charitable giving instead of a standard sale pitch. Their subject line hinted at the amount they could donate to the Southern Smoke Foundation ($10,000 for every $1 spent), blending curiosity and emotional connection. This approach stood out because it tied a monetary incentive to a good cause, adding depth to their campaign.
Check out the full email here →
📌 Miracle Made
Subject Line: 🚨 Cutting the sale short
Preview Text: A victim of its own success
Why it worked:
While most brands were busy extending their sales with predictable “One Last Chance!” subject lines, Miracle Made flipped the script. They framed their sale as ending early due to high demand, creating exclusivity and FOMO (fear of missing out). This reverse psychology approach was a smart way to stand out in a crowded Cyber Monday landscape.
Check out the full email here →
What Can We Learn from These Subject Lines?
- Use Playful and Unexpected Elements: KURU’s emoji math formula shows how small touches of creativity can grab attention. Don’t be afraid to experiment with symbols or unconventional preview text.
- Leverage Curiosity and Intrigue: Mate the Label and Huckberry prove that less is more when it comes to engaging your audience. A touch of mystery can pull in clicks.
- Break from the Norm: Miracle Made and Bespoke Post took risks by challenging traditional sale messaging. Whether it’s using binary code or cutting a sale short, standing out sometimes requires going against the grain.
- Add an Emotional Angle: Huckberry’s focus on charitable giving added a deeper dimension to their campaign. Connecting with your audience on an emotional level can make your brand more memorable.
Your Turn!
What caught your attention in your inbox this BFCM? Which subject lines made you stop scrolling and click? Send us your favorites.
For even more inspiration, we’ve uploaded our favorite Black Friday and Cyber Monday emails from this year—perfect for sparking ideas for 2025. Don’t forget to bookmark them for your next big campaign.
Much love,
Andy
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @emaillove