Your cold email is only as good as its subject line.

If they don’t open it—they’ll never see your message, your product, or your offer.

So what works? Here are 7 subject line formulas that consistently boost open rates in B2B campaigns—plus howSaleAIhelps you generate and test them automatically.

a. “{Product/Result} for {Company Type} in {Region}”

Example:
“Solar inverters for African importers”
“Lead scoring tools for EU distributors”

Why it works:

It’s specific, personalized, and relevant—especially when paired with location-based targeting in your campaign.

b. “Quick question about your {category/business}”

Example:
“Quick question about your sourcing strategy”
“Quick question about your industrial lighting line”

Why it works:

Triggers curiosity without sounding pushy. Looks personal—even if it’s not.

c. “{Product} trends in {industry or country} this quarter”

Example:
“Battery storage trends in Southeast Asia”
“Shipping container demand in Q3”

Why it works:

Data = authority. These subject lines make you sound like you’re bringing insight, not just a pitch.

d. “Noticed your company imports {product}—worth a quick intro?”

Example:
“Noticed you import auto parts—worth a quick intro?”
“Saw your name on export data—can we connect?”

Why it works:

When matched with SaleAI’sAutomated Business Datainsights, it feels contextual and researched.

e. “Should we talk this week? (re: {product})”

Example:
“Should we talk this week? (LED strip sourcing)”
“Open to a chat? (procurement software)”

Why it works:
It’s direct, polite, and time-bound—perfect for SDR or follow-up sequences.

f. “We help {company type} do {result} without {pain point}”

Example:
“We help importers automate lead scoring—no spreadsheets”
“We help OEMs save 18% on sourcing—no long calls”

Why it works:

It makes your value instantly clear in 10 words or less.

g. “Re: quick follow-up on {event/product}”

Example:
“Re: quick follow-up on your inquiry at Canton Fair”
“Re: touch base about lithium battery shipment”

Why it works:

Looks like a thread, which increases open rate—especially if they’ve seen your name before.

HowSaleAIHelps You Write and Test These

InsideEmail SmartReach, you can:

• Auto-generate subject lines based on product and audience

• Match tone and urgency to recipient profile

• A/B test subject line variants

• Track open rates by subject line across campaigns

The result? Data-backed decisions—not creative guessing.

Make Your Subject Line Work Harder

Don’t waste great content on a weak headline.

With SaleAI, your subject lines are smart, tested, and matched to your actual lead.

Better open rates start before the first sentence.