100+ Thank You Email Subject Lines to Master Gratitude

There are several reasons businesses send ‘thank you’ emails, some of which include:

Increasing customer engagement and satisfaction
Fostering a positive brand image
Acknowledging a purchase
Building trust and encouraging repeat purchases

However, because recipients’ inboxes are crowded with all sorts of promotional and transactional emails, your emails easily get lost. This, among many other reasons, outlines the importance of an adequately crafted thank you email subject line.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to create attention-grabbing ‘thank you’ email subject lines, increase opens and clicks, and make an impression on your recipient.

By the end of this blog post, you’ll learn:

The key elements of a winning ‘thank you’ email subject line
Creative ‘thank you’ email subject line ideas
How to tailor subject lines to different audiences
Best practices for crafting your ‘thank you’ email subject lines
How to integrate ‘thank you’ emails into your overall communication strategy

Ready? Let’s begin.

Table of Contents

Why Is a ‘Thank You’ Email Important?

Most individuals feel valued and appreciated when they receive thank you messages in their inboxes, encouraging them to open and interact with your messages.

Therefore, beyond acknowledging an action or a purchase made by a recipient, these emails strengthen relationships, build customer loyalty, and significantly increase your chances of future interactions.

A study conducted by CampaignMonitor showed that personalized ‘thank you’ emails can influence open rates by 29% and click-through rates (CTR) by 42%. So, when you take the time to show gratitude, you’re building a positive relationship and improving the performance of your email marketing efforts.

Finally, thank you emails are also a reminder that behind every transaction or interaction, there’s a human touch, a factor that recipients can connect with, which encourages them to engage with your brand.

The role of subject lines in creating effective ‘thank you’ emails

Just like a book is often judged by its cover, the subject line of your thank you email can be why recipients open or ignore your emails. In the same way, a great subject line is crucial for your email for the following reasons:

Firstly, your subject line is the first impression that convinces recipients to open your email, ignore it, or send it straight to the trash. An engaging subject line grabs their attention and entices them to learn more.
According to Zippia, 47% of people decide whether to open an email based only on the subject line. In addition, a well-crafted subject line can significantly boost your open rates, leading to more people seeing your message and increasing the impact of your email.
Thirdly, a good subject line sets the tone and expectations for your email. It reflects the email’s body. This allows your recipients to prioritize your emails and decide if your message is relevant to their current needs.
Fourthly, a spammy or deceptive subject line can destroy your sender’s reputation. Meanwhile, honest and transparent subject lines will build trust and encourage recipients to engage with your emails.
Finally, an intriguing subject line inspires curiosity and motivates recipients to click on links or take action.

Critical Elements Of A Winning ‘Thank You’ Email Subject Line

Take a look at your own inbox.

It will likely look like the image above—filled with transactional, promotional, and other types of emails from different brands.

As a result, it’s essential to consider certain vital elements while writing a great thank you email subject line. Here are critical elements to keep in mind.

Subject line length

Keep your subject line short and simple.

This is because you don’t want to overwhelm your recipient before they open your email.

Additionally, research from Invesp shows that subject lines between 6 and 10 words had the highest open rates, followed closely by subject lines with less than six words.

As I have said earlier, most people scan their emails, and a shorter subject line is easier to grasp quickly.

Personalization

Use the recipient’s name or a unique detail in your subject line.

This helps the recipient connect with your mail on a personal level. According to Paubox, emails with personalized subject lines are 26% more likely to be opened. That’s a big deal! It shows that people will pay more attention when they feel recognized.

Expressing gratitude

Your subject line should express genuine gratitude. Incorporating the word ‘thank you’ in your subject line can trigger a sense of customer acknowledgment and loyalty.

Clarity of purpose

Be clear about the purpose of your email. If the recipient knows what to expect, they will likely open it. In addition, 47% of email recipients open an email based on the subject line alone. That means almost half of your success depends on how clear and engaging your subject line is.

Another key point is remembering that your thank you email is more than just manners.

It’s an opportunity to strengthen a professional or personal relationship. Incorporating these elements into your subject line increases the chances of your emails being opened and inviting a positive interaction.

‘Thank You’ Email Subject Line Examples From Top Brands

Let’s explore some excellent thank you subject line examples from top brands like Airbnb, Sephora, and Amazon.

1. Thanks for making us your home away from home

Sender: Airbnb

Why it works: Airbnb is known for sending excellent email campaigns; this thank you email subject line is no different. Firstly, it is within the recommended email subject line length (between 6 and 10 words). Secondly, it invokes the emotion of belonging to a family and is straightforward and free from ambiguity.

2. A big thank you from your Starbucks family ☕️

Sender: Starbucks

Why it works: This coffee giant is known for its excellent company culture. Aside from being within the ideal length, this subject line has an emoji, which makes it more fun. Additionally, it is straight to the point and sounds genuine.

3. Thank you for being an amazing Amazon customer 📦

Sender: Amazon

Why it works: This subject line makes each recipient feel valued as a customer. Acknowledging their contribution as “amazing” creates a positive emotional connection. Plus, the package emoji visually links the message to shopping and deliveries.

4. You’re crushing it! Thanks for riding with us 🚴‍♀️

Sender: Peloton

Why it works: Peloton’s subject line is energizing and personal, expressing the brand’s culture of celebrating personal accomplishments. Additionally, including an encouraging phrase like “You’re crushing it!” taps into the recipient’s sense of progress and motivation. The bicycle emoji adds a fun visual and reinforces what the brand stands for, i.e., personal fitness.

5. Thanks for helping us protect the planet 🌎

Sender: Patagonia

Why it works: This subject line stands out because it connects the recipient’s action with a greater cause, making the thank you feel significant and purposeful. Secondly, using the earth emoji signifies the global impact of their collective efforts. Finally, it’s brief, emotionally compelling, and aligns perfectly with Patagonia’s brand values.

6. A special thanks to you, beautiful! 💄

Sender: Sephora

Why it works: Sephora’s subject line is personal and flattering, making recipients feel appreciated and special. Additionally, the inclusion of the lipstick emoji adds a playful and relevant visual, drawing attention back to Sephora’s beauty products. Hence, it’s a great example of using emotional appeal and visual elements to enhance the message.

7. Your support is saving lives – thank you from WWF 🐼

Sender: World Wildlife Fund

Why it works: This subject line shows the impact of the recipient’s support by stating that they’re: “saving lives.” The panda emoji symbolizes wildlife conservation, central to WWF’s mission.

8. Thank you for joining the Apple family! 🍏

Sender: Apple

Why it works: Apple’s welcome message creates a sense of belonging, using the word “family” to build a warm, personal connection. Additionally, the Apple emoji cleverly plays on the brand’s name while keeping the message light and friendly. It’s simple, welcoming, and effective in making new customers feel part of something bigger.

9. Thanks for binge-watching with us! 🍿

Sender: Netflix

Why it works: This Netflix subject line is casual and relatable, perfectly capturing the joy of binge-watching. In addition, the popcorn emoji enhances the message by evoking the quintessential movie-watching snack, making it visually appealing and engaging. In summary, it acknowledges the recipient’s actions in a fun and appreciative way.

10. Thanks for choosing Lyft – Here’s to more rides together!

Sender: Lyft

Why it works: Lyft’s subject line is appreciative and progressive, thanking customers while anticipating future interactions. It’s personable and makes recipients feel valued for their choice. The message is straightforward, showing gratitude and a desire to continue the relationship.

Creative ‘Thank You’ Email Subject Line Ideas

Let’s explore creative subject line ideas for different occasions.

Business thank you email subject lines

You made our day! Thanks for your purchase
Feeling the love! Thanks for being a loyal customer, [name]!
Thanks for helping us improve (bonus offer inside)
Thank you for making [event/project] a success!
Order details inside
Thanks for your purchase
Thank you for choosing us, [name]!
You’re awesome! Feedback & surprise gifts inside
Just wanted to say thanks!
Cheers to you, [name]! Thank you for celebrating with us
A special message just for you, our valued customer, [name]

Personal thank you email subject lines

[name], we’re so grateful for your support!
Thank you, [name]! Your impact is unmatched
Big thanks to you, [name]
We are celebrating your contribution!
[Name], your generosity is overwhelming – thank you!
Heartfelt thanks, [name]! What you did was amazing!
Thank you for everything!
[Name], you’re a lifesaver
Thank you from all of us!
[Name], thank you!
Your effort made a difference, [name] – Thank you!
Gratitude alert, [Name]! You’re truly appreciated 🙌

Post-interview ‘thank you’ email subject lines

[Interviewer name], pleasure meeting you and learning more about [Job title]
Following up to say thank you for your time
Thanks for today, [interviewer’s name]
Grateful for our interview, [interviewer’s name]
Thrilled about [company] opportunity, [interviewer’s name]
Thank you, inspired after our chat
Appreciate your time, [interviewer’s name]
Enjoyed our meeting, looking forward to hearing from you
Your insights were invaluable, [interviewer’s name]
Looking forward to the potential collaboration, [interviewer’s name]

Post-purchase ‘thank you’ email subject lines

Thanks for choosing us, [name]! Bonus inside!
Thank you for making our day, [name]! You’re amazing!
Big thanks, [name]! Your support means the world 🌎
[Name]! Thanks for choosing us ✨
Thank you, [name]! Ready to explore our product?
[Name], thanks for shopping with us!
Just for you, [name] – A special thanks from us 💌
[Name], we appreciate your purchase
❤️ Thanks for joining the [brand] family, [name]! A welcome gift inside.
Thank you, [name]! We can’t wait to see you love your [product].

By carefully selecting your subject lines to fit the context, you boost your open rates and strengthen your client relationship. Next, let’s explore how to tailor subject lines to different audiences.

Tailoring Your Subject Lines To Different Audiences

When sending emails, understanding your audience is vital. You may be more casual if you’re crafting a subject line for a friend. But for a customer or potential business partner, you need to keep it professional.

Let’s explore the differences between crafting a subject line for a professional audience and crafting it for a personal audience.

Professional thank you email subject lines

Personal thank you email subject lines

1. Keep it formal:

“Thank you for your time, [name]“

1. Be casual:

“Hey [name], thanks a ton!“

2. Mention the context:

“Grateful for the opportunity, [name]“

2. Make it fun:

“You rock, [name]! Thanks for everything!“

3. Show respect:

“Sincerely appreciate your guidance, [name]“

3. Use emojis:

“Thanks, [name]! You’re the best 🌟“

4. Be clear:

“Thank you, [name], for the insightful meeting“

4. Keep it light:

“Big thanks for the fun time we had, [name]“

5. Highlight mutual benefits:

“Looking forward to our continued success, [name]”

5. Show affection:

“Love and thanks, [name]”

6. Use professional titles if applicable:

“Thank you, Dr. [name], for your expertise”

6. Personalize with nicknames:

“Thanks a million, [nickname]”

7. Address the company:

“Thank you from [your company] to [their company]”

7. Reference personal jokes or memories:

“Thanks for the laughs, [name]”

8. Focus on future engagement:

“Eager to collaborate again, [name]“

8. Provide a hint of a plan in the near future:

“Can’t wait for our next adventure, [name]”

9. Mention the specific help or event:

“Thanks for your support with [project/event], [name].“

9. Be spontaneous:

“Cannot believe this, but thanks, [name]!”

10. End with a professional closing:

“With gratitude, [your full name]“

10. End on a personal note:

“Hugs and thanks, [your first name]“

Choosing the correct words for your email subject line helps ensure your email gets the attention it deserves. Let’s look at some subject line ideas for other audiences.

Thank you email subject lines for retail businesses

Because of you, we’re growing
Thank you for your support!
You made our day! Thanks for shopping with us 🛍️
Thanks for being a part of our family
Here’s a Special Thanks Just for You!
Thank you from [your company name] + a little surprise!
Your purchase made a difference!
Thank you from the team 🎉
Thank you for choosing us!
Thanks for being an amazing customer
Your support means the world to us — Thank you 💖
Thanks for a fantastic shopping experience!
A special thank you, [customer name]

Thank you email subject line for services (e.g., consulting, financial services, SaaS)

Thank you for trusting [company name] with your needs
We appreciate you choosing [service name]!
Big thanks from [company]! Your satisfaction is our top priority 🌟
Thank you for your feedback – It helps us serve you better!
A token of our appreciation for your continued support
Thanks for being part of our [service] family!
Your loyalty is our inspiration — Thank you from [company name]
Celebrating your success with [service name] — Thank you!
Our service thrives because of you — Thank you!
A heartfelt thanks for your valuable partnership

Thank you email subject line for non-profits

Your generosity is making a difference! Thank you!
Thanks for your commitment. Impact report inside!
Because of you, we can!
A big thank you from [non-profit name] 🌍
A heartfelt thank you to our heroes
Together, we’re changing lives
Thanks for your donation!
Gratitude for your generosity
Thank you for being a part of this journey towards [cause]
Celebrating your support – you’re making [cause] possible!
Our heartfelt thanks for believing in our mission

Best Practices For Crafting Your ‘Thank You’ Email Subject Lines

Crafting compelling thank you email subject lines is a critical aspect of email marketing to significantly impacts open rates and customer engagement.

Here are actionable tips, best practices for creating compelling subject lines, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Keep it personal

Do: Use the recipient’s name or personalize the subject line based on their recent interaction or purchase. Personalization increases the relevance of the email.
Don’t: Overuse personalization to the point where it feels creepy or invasive.

Be clear and concise

Do: keep your subject line short and to the point. aim for 30-50 characters to ensure it’s fully visible on most devices. e.g., Thanks, John, we appreciate your patronage!🌟
Don’t: Use vague or generic phrases that don’t convey the purpose of the email. e.g., “We appreciate you!”

Express genuine gratitude

Do: Use language that genuinely thanks the recipient, making them feel valued and appreciated.
Don’t: Sound transactional or insincere, as it may diminish the perceived value of the ‘thank you’ message.

Include a value proposition or incentive

Do: Mention if there’s a special offer, discount, or exclusive content inside as a token of appreciation.
Don’t: Mislead the recipient with false promises or irrelevant offers. e.g., Thanks! claim your free gift now.

Use actionable language

Do: Encourage action or curiosity by using verbs and phrases that prompt the recipient to open the email.
Don’t: Use passive language that lacks urgency or significance.

Leverage timing and relevance

Do: Send your ‘thank you’ email promptly after the interaction or event to maintain relevance.
Don’t: Delay sending the ‘thank you’ message, as it may lose its impact over time.

Highlight exclusivity

Do: Make the recipient feel special by mentioning the exclusivity of the offer or message.
Don’t: Make the offer seem too generic or available to everyone.

Use upbeat language

Do: keep the tone of your subject line positive, reflecting the positive nature of a ‘thank you’ message.
Don’t: Use neutral or negative language that might dampen the mood.

Test and optimize

Do: Use A/B testing for your subject lines to see what works best with your audience.
Don’t: assume one size fits all. different audiences may respond to different styles of subject lines.

Comply with email best practices

Do: ensure your email, including the subject line, adheres to spam guidelines and email best practices to avoid the spam folder.
Don’t: use spammy words or too many exclamation marks that might trigger spam filters.

Common pitfalls to avoid while crafting thank you subject lines

We have looked at the do’s and don’ts of creating engaging thank you email subject lines. In the same way, let’s look at common pitfalls to avoid.

Avoid spammy words like “free,” “guarantee,” and excessive use of exclamation points, as they can trigger spam filters.
Don’t overuse caps lock. Using ALL CAPS can come off as shouting and trigger spam filters.
Avoid being too generic. They can seem impersonal and less likely to be opened.
Don’t make false promises. For example, when you mislead your recipients with promises not fulfilled in the content, you will lose their trust and decrease future engagements.
Don’t forget to proofread your subject lines. Typos and grammatical errors in your subject line can make your message look unprofessional.
Avoid sounding too formal or stiff. While professionalism is important, overly formal language may reduce your chances of connecting with your recipients. Hence, aim for a warm and personal tone.
Don’t neglect the preheader text. The preheader is an extension of your subject line. In view of this, it makes sense to ensure your preheader text is well-optimized.

By removing these pitfalls, you can enhance the impact of your ‘thank you’ email subject line, making it stand out and increasing the chances for your content to be opened and engaged.

A/B Testing Your Thank You Email Subject Lines

A/B testing, also known as split testing, is a method used to compare two versions of email subject lines to see which one performs better in terms of open rates, click-through rates, or other relevant metrics.

The goal is to send these variations to two similarly sized and randomly selected segments of your audience to see which version has a higher metric that defines success for you.

You can make data-driven decisions that enhance your marketing effectiveness by analyzing the results.

How to conduct A/B testing for your ‘thank you’ email subject lines

Conducting A/B testing for your ‘thank you’ subject lines lets you understand what resonates best with your audience, leading to higher engagement rates.

Here’s how to do it effectively:

Sign up for email marketing software

To A/B test your thank you email subject lines, you must be signed up to an email marketing software with A/B testing features.

Define your goal

Before you start, clearly define what you want to achieve with your A/B test.

Is it a higher open rate, more clicks, or perhaps direct responses to the email? Your goal will guide your testing strategy. For example, your goal can be to increase the open rate of ‘thank you’ emails by 5%.

Choose one variable to test

For a valid A/B test, change only one element at a time. This could be the length of the subject line, the use of personalization, the tone (formal vs. casual), or the inclusion of emojis.

Segment your audience

Split your email list into two randomly selected but demographically identical groups. This ensures that any difference in performance is due to differences in the subject line, not the characteristics of your audience.

Send and monitor

Send your emails, ensuring each group receives one version of the subject line. Use your email marketing software to track which version performs better based on your predefined goal.

Analyze results

After a set period, analyze the results. Look at open rates, click-through rates, or any other relevant metrics. Undoubtedly, any subject line with better performance indicates what your audience prefers.

Implement and iterate

Apply the winning strategy to future ‘thank you’ emails.

Remember, A/B testing is a continuous refinement and learning process, not a one-off task. For instance, if Version A had a higher open rate, consider using a similar tone and elements (like emojis) in future subject lines.

Test continuously

Keep testing even after finding a winning formula.

Audience preferences can change, and there’s always room for improvement. For instance, test the impact of including a specific offer or discount code in the subject line.

A/B testing your thank you email subject lines is an ongoing journey to understanding your audience better.

By embracing a culture of testing and data-driven decision-making, you can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your email marketing campaigns.

How To Integrate Thank You Emails Into Your Overall Communication Strategy

Using EngageBay, there are three ways you can integrate ‘thank you’ emails into your overall communication strategy. The three ways include:

Automated workflows

Build automated workflows to trigger personalized thank you emails based on user actions, such as purchasing, signing up for a webinar, or completing a form.

This ensures that thank you emails are integral to the customer journey, contributing to a holistic communication strategy.

CRM integration

EngageBay leverages customer insights to tailor thank you emails based on individual preferences, purchase history, and engagement patterns.

Consequently, this synchronization with customer data allows for personalized and relevant messages.

Multi-channel engagement

On EngageBay, you can create a multi-channel approach, combining thank you emails with other communication channels like social media, SMS, and in-app messages.

This integrated strategy ensures consistent messaging across various touchpoints, reinforcing your brand’s appreciation for its customers.

Generally, sending this email immediately after a recipient takes specific action makes sense.

For instance, after an online purchase or sign-up, send an immediate thank you email to acknowledge the customer’s action. Include details about the purchase and delivery information, and invite them to contact customer support if needed.

This prompt response reinforces the positive experience and sets the tone for a strong customer relationship.

Conclusion

Crafting a great ‘thank you’ email subject line is your first step towards expressing gratitude because, if your subject line isn’t properly crafted, how will you stand out in a crowded inbox?

When you get it right, your ‘thank you’ note isn’t just another email in their inbox; it becomes a moment of connection. So, keep creating ‘thank you’ email subject lines. Refine your skills, try new ideas, and see what works best for your audience. Your efforts will pay off, not just in better open rates but in building lasting relationships.

EngageBay’s email marketing automation platform enables you to optimize your email subject lines and send the best variation for better results. Also, you get access to over 1,000 visually appealing email templates to delight your email subscribers.

Now, let’s keep this conversation going. Have you ever written a subject line that performed well? One that increased both open rates and CTR for your brands? Please drop your best-performing subject lines in the comment section.