151+ Networking Email Subject Lines (That Work!)

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Updated: May 25th, 2021

If you're looking to boost your email open rates and increase sales, your email subject line is the first (and most important) step in achieving those goals.

Did you know that 33% of email recipients open emails because of an engaging subject line?

That's why it's critical to craft a catchy email subject line that will get you the traffic and conversions you deserve.

We've put together a list of 151+ networking email subject lines (that work!).

Some are proven examples from other successful campaigns, and some are creative ideas to inspire you.

Creative Email Subject Line Ideas

Looking to swap ideas with a fellow [OCCUPATION]
Did you catch [occurrence] at [event]?
A friendly addition for [content/project].
[Something specific you said you’d share] and other things
Hey, [NAME], I enjoyed our talk so much. Ping me when free to talk some more
Recovered from [event]?
Remember me from [event/location]?
Just wanted to say thanks!
Fellow alum from [university] – would love to connect.
I loved your work on [project/content].
Happy birthday!
It was an honor talking to you in that meetup, [NAME]
What’s your opinion on [topic]?
[NAME], did you have the time to think about our call from the other day?
This is [name] from [place/event]
Hi, it’s [YOUR NAME]. Let’s continue our discussion further
Let's catch up!
Free drinks?
Continuing our conversation [from event name]/[about topic]
What is your best advice on [topic]?
It’s [name] from [event/location].
What’s your best tip for [topic]?
Do you have any advice?
Hello again!
Hi, [NAME], this is [YOUR NAME]
Happy [work anniversary]!
Do you know [possible connection]?
Congrats on the nomination
Checking in since we last spoke
Hi [NAME], let’s collaborate on this great project
[Your name] from [your company], seeking meeting
I’m into [interest] – would love to connect.
I agree/disagree with your thoughts on [topic].
Remember me?
I’m a big fan of [content/project].
My opinion on [TOPIC], let me know what you think
About your work
Happy [birthday]!
I noticed that you know a lot about [TOPIC]
Following up after [event]
Any summer travel plans?
Congrats on the promotion
Loved your contribution to [publication]
Met you at [event name]
From one [OCCUPATION] to another
Hi [NAME], [MUTUAL CONTACT NAME] friend here. We’ve met the other day
[NAME], can you please help me with [TOPIC]
[NAME], let’s collaborate
Any recommendations?
Aspiring [position] here – can I get your thoughts?
I think you’ll love this article
You were impressive
Want to get lunch?
Fellow [city resident] who would love to connect
Hello, Mr.|Mrs. [NAME]. I’ve learned so much following your work
Hi [name], have you met [name]?
Saying hello + a quick question about [TOPIC]
Are you planning to go to [upcoming thing]?
Great talking to you on the phone, please let me know when free for more networking
Mutual content exchange?
Hey, [NAME], let me introduce myself
Can I buy you coffee?
Free for dinner?
Hi, it’s [YOUR NAME]. [MUTUAL CONTACT NAME] introduced us at that event.
Hi, [NAME], I think you’ll find this interesting
[Connection] suggested we meet!
What a great post on LinkedIn
A note from a [insert your job title]
Just passing along my congratulations.
What do you think about [news event]?
Congratulations on [whatever]!
New [city] resident here – would love to connect.
Fellow [insert interest here] who would love to connect
Hey [name]!
Have you tried [this restaurant] yet?
Your recent article blew me away
Happy [season]!
Fellow [member of program] who would love to connect
I follow you on [social media] – can we chat?
Your latest work is awesome, [NAME]! Let me pick your brain
I’m struggling with [topic], can you help?
Can I get your opinion on [whatever]?
Free for lunch?
Introduction from [insert name or company here]
Can you introduce me to [connection]?
I’ve been following your work for a long time. Let me briefly introduce myself
HI, [NAME], great chatting with you at that event
Looking to learn more about [TOPIC]
Nice to meet you at [event]
Introducing [name]
I have some different insights on the topic you recently covered
Biggest takeaways from [event]?
Any recommendations in [city]?
Are you free this [future date] for a quick meeting?
Do you have book recommendations for [topic]?
Just wanted to pass on my congrats on the award
Hi, [NAME], just following up to the call we had on [DAY]
Happy [holiday]!
I saw your post on [social media] – would love to discuss.
We have a lot in common – can we chat?
[Mutual acquaintance] suggested I reach out
I hope you enjoyed [event]!
Love what [business name] is doing—any time to chat?
New connection from [event]
Do you have time for [request]?
Let’s grab dinner
[MUTUAL CONTACT NAME] told me you know a lot about [TOPIC]. Hope we can discuss it sometimes
Inspired by your post on [SOCIAL MEDIA]
Just caught your interview with [source]
Hey [NAME] . I would love to hear your opinion on [ENTER TOPIC]
A quick note from an aspiring [job role]
Introducing myself
Can we meet up before [event]?
Can you help?
Big fan of your work asking for quick advice
We met at [location or event] – following up
I’m lost on [topic], can you help?
Referred by [MUTUAL CONTACT NAME] to discuss [TOPIC]
How can I help?
This is [name] from [event]
I have some great info about [TOPIC]
Really enjoyed [recent blog post]
Do you have time for [meeting request]?
Fellow [graduate of school] who would love to connect
We spoke [past event] – how are you?
Nice to meet you last night!
Saw you on Twitter
Just read your opinion on [TOPIC]. Wow!
I have just read your article on [PUBLICATION], and I have a few questions about it
Just thinking about what you told me during that meetup. Care to discuss it further?
Feedback on your interview with [connection].
Fellow Chamber of Commerce member who would love to connect
Is [event] worth it?
How can I thank you?
Following-up on our chat at [plae/event]
You surprised me
New connection from [event/location].
Referred by [connection] – are you free to chat?
Can I help you with [whatever]?
Do you know [likely mutual acquaintance]?
Just hoping for a small favor…
What’s your favorite [subject] book?
Can I buy you a coffee?
I think you’ll be interested in this article.
You have such extensive experience about [TOPIC], would love to hear more
I’m a little lost
[NAME], I really found your piece inspiring – would like to discuss the topic further
Looking to reconnect!
I hope you enjoyed [event]
[Organization] member – would love to connect.
Can we share tips on [topic]?

GUIDE: How To Write A Great Subject Line

As we mentioned above, crafting a catchy subject line is critical to the performance of your email campaign.

While just a few words may seem like a small piece of your overall message, this is the first impression your audience will have before they decide whether to open your email.

If your subject line isn't engaging or appealing enough, there's a chance it could get buried in your reader's inbox.

Let's go over the proven tips on how to craft a subject line that boosts engagement:

What makes a great subject line?

First, let's discuss the fundamentals of creating a great subject line:

Spark interest and curiosity
A clear and urgent call to action
An offer/intriguing discount
Personalization (this can be done by sending out different versions of emails to subscribers based on their preferences)
Relevance - make sure your subject line covers the current trends and topics within your industry

5 Tips To Crafting a Great Subject Line

Now, let's dive into the specifics of how to create a great subject line for your next campaign:

1. Use a familiar sender name

Although this may seem obvious, it's a piece many marketers miss the ball on.

Your readers want to feel like your email is coming from a human and not a corporation or automated system.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is by changing the sender's name to YOUR name or someone in the company that is well known.

Here's a great example of this from Marketing Examples

Pro Tip

Avoid the "no-reply" sender name at all costs. This makes your email feel unfamiliar, unapproachable, and less personable.

2. Keep your subject short and to the point

If your subject line is too long, it will get cut off, which could impact your reader's chances of opening your email.

The rule of thumb (for both mobile and desktop) is to keep your subject line under 50 characters.

3. Add personal touches to your subject line

If you have access to information about your subscriber (ie. name, location, etc), you can use this to benefit your subject line and catch your readers attention.

It's important not to go overboard here, but adding even the simplest touch such as their name can build trust and rapport.

Here's a great example of a personalized email + offer I received from BarkBox with my dog's name in the subject line:

4. Avoid making any false promises

Your subject line makes a commitment to your reader, so it's important you don't stretch the truth just to simply get more opens and clicks.

In the grand scheme of things, making false promises will end up hurting your open rate as your readers will lose trust in you.

5. Give them a sneak peek of what's inside

Telling your subscriber what is inside helps with open and clicks.

For example, if you're providing your reader with a free guide or e-book, consider making your subject line something along the lines of:

"Your FREE marketing e-book awaits!"

Conclusion

If you want your email campaign to perform well, it all starts with your subject line.

Think about the emails you receive in your inbox and what makes you click vs what gets buried - odds are, the same habits go for your customer.

We hope you enjoyed our guide + list of 151+ networking email subject lines (that work!).

meet the author

Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.

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