Email Marketing

20 ChatGPT Prompts for Email Subject Lines (A/B Testing)

Published 25 min read
20 ChatGPT Prompts for Email Subject Lines (A/B Testing)

** Why A/B Testing Email Subject Lines Matters**

Think about the last time you checked your inbox. What made you open one email and ignore the rest? Chances are, it was the subject line. That tiny line of text is the first (and sometimes only) thing your subscribers see—and it can make or break your email campaign.

Here’s the hard truth: 47% of people decide whether to open an email based on the subject line alone. That’s nearly half your audience! If your subject lines aren’t compelling, your emails might as well be invisible. And if you’re guessing what works? You’re leaving money on the table.

Why Guessing Isn’t Good Enough

Most marketers write subject lines based on gut feeling. “This one sounds catchy!” But what if you’re wrong? What if your “catchy” subject line actually turns people off? Without testing, you’ll never know.

A/B testing removes the guesswork. By sending two different subject lines to small groups of your audience, you can see which one performs better—before blasting it to your entire list. It’s like having a crystal ball for your emails.

The Psychology Behind High-Converting Subject Lines

Great subject lines don’t just grab attention—they trigger emotions. Some of the most effective tactics include:

  • Curiosity gaps (“You won’t believe what happened next…”)
  • Urgency triggers (“Last chance—sale ends tonight!”)
  • Personalization (“John, your exclusive offer is inside”)
  • Social proof (“Join 10,000+ happy customers”)
  • Benefit-driven hooks (“Get 20% off your next order—no code needed”)

But here’s the catch: what works for one audience might flop for another. That’s why testing is non-negotiable.

How ChatGPT Can Supercharge Your Subject Lines

Coming up with fresh, high-converting subject lines is tough—especially when you’re sending emails week after week. That’s where AI comes in. Tools like ChatGPT can generate dozens of variations in seconds, using proven psychological triggers.

In this guide, we’ll share 20 ChatGPT prompts designed to create subject line pairs for A/B testing. You’ll get:

  • Curiosity-driven vs. urgency-driven subject lines
  • Short vs. long variations
  • Personalized vs. generic approaches
  • Question-based vs. statement-based hooks

No more staring at a blank screen. No more crossing your fingers and hoping for the best. Just data-driven subject lines that get opens, clicks, and conversions.

Ready to stop guessing and start winning? Let’s dive in.

The Psychology Behind High-Converting Email Subject Lines

Ever wonder why some emails get opened right away while others get ignored? It’s not just luck—it’s psychology. The best email subject lines don’t just tell you what’s inside. They make you feel something. They make you curious. They make you think, “I need to open this now.”

The truth is, your inbox is a battlefield. Every day, hundreds of emails fight for your attention. Most get deleted in seconds. But the ones that win? They use smart tricks to stand out. Let’s break down the science behind subject lines that actually work.


The Curiosity Gap: Why Your Brain Can’t Resist “You Won’t Believe This”

Have you ever seen a subject line like “This one trick will change your life” and clicked just to see what it was? That’s the curiosity gap in action. It’s a simple idea: when something feels incomplete, our brains hate it. We need to fill in the missing piece.

Brands use this all the time. Think about BuzzFeed’s famous “23 Things You Won’t Believe Are Real” or Upworthy’s “You’ll Never Guess What Happened Next.” These subject lines work because they create a little itch in your brain. You have to scratch it.

But here’s the key: the curiosity gap only works if the payoff is worth it. If you promise something shocking but deliver boring content, people will feel tricked. The best subject lines tease just enough to make you curious—but not so much that you feel misled.

Examples of curiosity gaps that work:

  • “Your secret is safe with us… for now” (mystery + personalization)
  • “We found something weird in your account” (intrigue + urgency)
  • “This email will self-destruct in 5… 4…” (playful + time-sensitive)

Urgency and Scarcity: The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) Trick

Why do we panic when we see “Only 3 left in stock!” or “Sale ends tonight!”? Because our brains are wired to avoid loss. This is called loss aversion—we’d rather act now than regret missing out later.

Urgency works because it forces a decision. If an email says “Last chance to save 50%,” you don’t have time to think—you either open it or risk losing the deal. That’s why countdown timers, limited-time offers, and low-stock alerts get so many clicks.

Case study: A travel company tested two subject lines:

  1. “Book your dream vacation today!”
  2. “Only 2 seats left at this price—book now!”

The second one got 3x more opens because it created FOMO. People didn’t want to miss out.

But be careful—fake urgency backfires. If you say “Last chance!” every week, people will stop believing you. Use urgency sparingly, and make sure the offer is real.


Personalization: More Than Just “Hi [First Name]”

We all know emails with our name in the subject line get more opens. But real personalization goes deeper. It’s about making the reader feel like the email was written just for them.

For example:

  • “John, your [Product] is waiting” (personal + benefit-driven)
  • “We noticed you left something behind…” (abandoned cart reminder)
  • “Your exclusive invite is inside” (makes the reader feel special)

The best personalization uses data—like past purchases, browsing history, or location—to make the email feel relevant. A study by Experian found that personalized subject lines get 26% more opens than generic ones.

But don’t overdo it. If the email feels creepy (like “We know you were looking at red shoes yesterday”), people will unsubscribe. The key is to make it feel helpful, not invasive.


Emotion: The Secret Weapon of High-Open Rates

People don’t open emails because of logic—they open them because of feeling. The best subject lines tap into emotions like excitement, fear, joy, or even guilt.

Positive emotions (excitement, joy, surprise):

  • “You’re invited to our VIP event!” (exclusivity)
  • “Your surprise gift is inside” (curiosity + delight)
  • “We did it! Big news…” (shared excitement)

Negative emotions (fear, urgency, guilt):

  • “Your trial ends tomorrow—don’t lose access!” (fear of loss)
  • “You’re missing out on [Benefit]” (FOMO)
  • “We hate to see you go…” (guilt + re-engagement)

A study by CoSchedule found that subject lines with positive emotions get 10% more opens, while negative emotions (like urgency) can boost clicks by 22%. The trick is to match the emotion to your goal. Want more opens? Use excitement. Want more clicks? Use urgency.


Putting It All Together: The Perfect Subject Line Formula

So, what makes a subject line really work? It’s not just one trick—it’s a mix of psychology, personalization, and emotion. Here’s a simple formula to test:

Curiosity + Urgency + Personalization = High Open Rates

For example:

  • “John, your last chance to save 30% ends tonight” (personal + urgency)
  • “You won’t believe what’s inside…” (curiosity + intrigue)
  • “Only 5 spots left—grab yours now!” (scarcity + urgency)

The best way to find what works? Test everything. Try different versions, see what gets the most opens, and keep refining. Because in the end, the best subject line isn’t the one you like—it’s the one your audience can’t resist.

20 ChatGPT Prompts for Generating A/B Test Subject Lines

A great email subject line is like a first impression—it decides if someone opens your email or ignores it. But how do you know what works? The answer is simple: test different versions. A/B testing helps you find the best subject lines that get more opens and clicks. But coming up with ideas can be hard. That’s where ChatGPT comes in.

With the right prompts, you can generate pairs of subject lines to test against each other. Some will use curiosity, others urgency, and some will speak directly to your audience’s needs. The key is to try different styles and see what your subscribers respond to. Let’s look at 20 prompts you can use to create winning subject lines.


Curiosity-Driven Subject Lines: Make Them Want to Click

People love mysteries. A good curiosity gap makes them think, “What’s inside?” These subject lines tease just enough to get opens but don’t give everything away.

Here are five prompts to generate curiosity-driven subject lines:

  1. “Write two subject lines that make the reader curious about [topic]. Use phrases like ‘You won’t believe…’ or ‘This one trick…’ but don’t reveal the full answer.”
  2. “Create two subject lines that hint at a surprising result or statistic related to [product/service]. Example: ‘This email increased sales by 300%—here’s how.’”
  3. “Generate two subject lines that make the reader feel like they’re missing out on something important. Example: ‘You’re missing out on [benefit]—here’s why.’”
  4. “Write two subject lines that ask a question but don’t answer it. Example: ‘What’s the #1 mistake [target audience] makes?’”
  5. “Create two subject lines that tease a secret or insider tip. Example: ‘The secret to [desired outcome]—only a few know this.’”

Example Outputs:

  • “This one trick helped 1,000+ people double their productivity”
  • “You won’t believe what happened when we tried this”
  • “The #1 mistake freelancers make (and how to avoid it)“

Urgency and Scarcity: Make Them Act Now

People hate missing out. Urgency and scarcity create fear of loss, which pushes them to open your email right away. These subject lines work best for promotions, limited-time offers, or exclusive deals.

Here are five prompts for urgency-based subject lines:

  1. “Write two subject lines that create urgency around a limited-time offer. Example: ‘Only 24 hours left to claim your discount!’”
  2. “Generate two subject lines that highlight scarcity, like limited spots or low stock. Example: ‘Only 5 spots left—don’t miss out!’”
  3. “Create two subject lines that use a countdown. Example: ‘Your offer expires in 3… 2… 1…’”
  4. “Write two subject lines that make the reader feel like they’re getting exclusive access. Example: ‘VIP early access—just for you!’”
  5. “Generate two subject lines that warn about a deadline. Example: ‘Last chance: Sale ends tonight at midnight!’”

Example Outputs:

  • “Only 3 left in stock—grab yours now!”
  • “Your exclusive invite expires in 6 hours”
  • “Don’t wait—this deal disappears tomorrow”

Personalized and Segmented Subject Lines: Speak Directly to Them

Generic subject lines get ignored. Personalized ones feel like they were written just for the reader. The more specific you can be, the better.

Here are five prompts for personalized subject lines:

  1. “Write two subject lines tailored to [specific audience segment]. Example: ‘For [Industry] professionals: [Solution]’”
  2. “Generate two subject lines that include the reader’s name or company. Example: ‘John, your custom report is ready!’”
  3. “Create two subject lines that reference a past action or purchase. Example: ‘Since you loved [Product], you’ll love this!’”
  4. “Write two subject lines that speak to a specific pain point. Example: ‘Struggling with [Problem]? Here’s the fix.’”
  5. “Generate two subject lines that feel like a personal update. Example: ‘Your [Product] update is here—check it out!’”

Example Outputs:

  • “Marketers: This tool will save you 10 hours a week”
  • “Sarah, your exclusive discount is inside”
  • “Since you bought [Product], we thought you’d like this”

Benefit-Driven Subject Lines: Show Them What’s In It for Them

People open emails that promise value. Benefit-driven subject lines tell them exactly what they’ll gain—whether it’s saving time, making money, or solving a problem.

Here are five prompts for benefit-focused subject lines:

  1. “Write two subject lines that highlight a clear benefit. Example: ‘How to [achieve X] in half the time.’”
  2. “Generate two subject lines that solve a specific pain point. Example: ‘The secret to [desired outcome]—finally revealed.’”
  3. “Create two subject lines that promise a quick win. Example: ‘Get [result] in just 5 minutes.’”
  4. “Write two subject lines that focus on saving money or time. Example: ‘Cut your costs by 30% with this trick.’”
  5. “Generate two subject lines that offer a free resource. Example: ‘Free guide: [Topic]—download now.’”

Example Outputs:

  • “Double your sales with this simple strategy”
  • “The secret to stress-free mornings (works in 10 minutes)”
  • “Free checklist: 10 ways to grow your email list”

Putting It All Together

Now that you have these prompts, it’s time to test them. Pick one category (curiosity, urgency, personalization, or benefits) and generate a few subject lines. Then, send them to small segments of your list to see which performs best.

Remember: The best subject line isn’t the one you like—it’s the one your audience responds to. So keep testing, keep refining, and watch your open rates climb. Which type of subject line will you try first?

How to A/B Test Your Email Subject Lines Like a Pro

A/B testing your email subject lines isn’t just about guessing what works—it’s about knowing. Think of it like trying two different fishing hooks to see which one catches more fish. You wouldn’t just throw both in the water and hope for the best, right? You’d test them, see which one gets more bites, and then use that one next time. Email subject lines work the same way. The difference between a subject line that gets 10% opens and one that gets 30% could be the difference between a campaign that flops and one that pops.

But here’s the thing: most people don’t test properly. They change too many things at once, ignore the numbers, or give up after one try. If you want to get better at this, you need a system. A way to test, learn, and improve every time. That’s what this section is about. We’ll cover how to set up your tests, what tools to use, how to read the results, and—most importantly—how to avoid the mistakes that waste time and money.

Setting Up Your A/B Test: Keep It Simple

The first rule of A/B testing? Only change one thing at a time. If you test a short subject line against a long one and add an emoji and change the tone, you won’t know which part actually worked. Was it the length? The emoji? The tone? You’ll be left guessing.

Here’s how to do it right:

  • Pick one variable (e.g., length, tone, emojis, personalization).
  • Keep everything else the same (same sender name, same email content, same send time).
  • Test with a small group first (more on sample size later).
  • Run the test for at least 24 hours (or until you have enough data).

For example, if you’re testing emojis, your two subject lines might look like this:

  • Version A: “Your exclusive discount inside 🎁”
  • Version B: “Your exclusive discount inside”

Same words, same offer—just one has an emoji. That’s how you know if the emoji made a difference.

How Big Should Your Test Group Be?

You don’t need to send your test to your entire list. In fact, you shouldn’t. A good rule of thumb is to test with 10-20% of your audience (or at least 1,000 people if your list is big). Why? Because you need enough data to be sure the results aren’t just luck.

Here’s a quick way to think about it:

  • Small list (under 1,000 subscribers): Test with 50-100 people per version.
  • Medium list (1,000-10,000 subscribers): Test with 10-20% of your list.
  • Large list (10,000+ subscribers): Test with 5-10% of your list.

Most email tools (like Mailchimp or Klaviyo) will tell you if your results are statistically significant. That means you can trust the numbers. If your tool doesn’t do this, you can use a free calculator like this one to check.

Tools to Make A/B Testing Easy

You don’t need fancy software to run A/B tests, but it helps. Most email marketing platforms have built-in A/B testing features. Here are a few popular ones:

  • Mailchimp: Lets you test subject lines, sender names, and send times. You can even set it to automatically send the winning version to the rest of your list.
  • HubSpot: Great for testing subject lines, email content, and CTAs. It also tracks clicks and conversions, so you can see which version drives more sales.
  • Klaviyo: Best for eCommerce stores. You can test subject lines, preview text, and even different email designs. It also integrates with Shopify, so you can track revenue from each test.
  • ActiveCampaign: Lets you test subject lines, send times, and even different email flows. It’s a bit more advanced, but powerful if you want to get deep into testing.

Most of these tools work the same way:

  1. You create two versions of your subject line.
  2. The tool sends each version to a small group.
  3. After a set time (or when enough data is collected), it picks the winner.
  4. The winner gets sent to the rest of your list.

What to Look for Beyond Open Rates

Open rates are important, but they’re not the whole story. A subject line might get a lot of opens but no clicks or sales. That’s why you need to look at the full picture:

  • Click-through rate (CTR): How many people clicked a link in your email? If one subject line gets more opens but fewer clicks, it might not be the winner.
  • Conversion rate: How many people took the action you wanted (e.g., bought something, signed up, downloaded a file)? This is the real measure of success.
  • Unsubscribe rate: Did one version cause more people to unsubscribe? If so, it might be too pushy or misleading.
  • Revenue per email: If you’re selling something, track how much money each version made. A subject line that gets fewer opens but more sales is still a winner.

Here’s an example: Let’s say you test two subject lines for a sale email.

  • Version A: “50% off everything—today only!” (Open rate: 25%, CTR: 5%, Revenue: $500)
  • Version B: “Your secret discount inside 🤫” (Open rate: 20%, CTR: 10%, Revenue: $800)

Version A got more opens, but Version B made more money. Which one would you pick?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even smart marketers make mistakes with A/B testing. Here are a few to watch out for:

  • Testing too many things at once. If you change the subject line, the sender name, and the send time, you won’t know what worked.
  • Ignoring your audience. A subject line that works for one group (e.g., young moms) might flop with another (e.g., retirees). Always segment your list.
  • Not testing long enough. If you stop a test after 2 hours, you might pick the wrong winner. Give it at least 24 hours (or until you have enough data).
  • Assuming one test is enough. What works today might not work next month. Keep testing!
  • Forgetting to track conversions. Open rates are nice, but sales are better. Always track what happens after the open.

Putting It All Together

A/B testing isn’t complicated, but it does take discipline. The key is to test one thing at a time, use the right tools, and look at the full picture—not just open rates. Start small, learn from each test, and keep improving. Over time, you’ll get better at writing subject lines that your audience can’t ignore.

And remember: the best subject line isn’t the one you like—it’s the one your audience responds to. So keep testing, keep learning, and watch your results improve.

Case Studies: Real-World Examples of A/B Tested Subject Lines

A/B testing isn’t just theory—it’s how real brands turn guesswork into growth. You might think you know what works, but the numbers don’t lie. Let’s look at three companies that tested their way to better open rates, more clicks, and higher revenue. Their wins (and failures) can teach you exactly what to try—and what to avoid—in your own campaigns.


Case Study 1: How [Brand] Increased Open Rates by 40%

A mid-sized SaaS company was struggling with stagnant open rates. Their emails were getting lost in crowded inboxes, and their generic subject lines weren’t cutting it. So, they decided to test two approaches:

  • Version A (Original): “New Feature Update: Faster Workflows”
  • Version B (Tested): “Your team will love this (new feature inside)”

The result? Version B won by a landslide—40% higher open rates. Why? The original subject line was informative but boring. The winning version created curiosity (“What’s inside?”) and spoke directly to the reader’s needs (“Your team will love this”).

Key takeaways for your campaigns:

  • Curiosity gaps work—but only if they’re relevant. Don’t tease just for clicks; tie it to a real benefit.
  • Personal pronouns (“your,” “you”) make the email feel like it’s for them, not just anyone.
  • Test the “before and after”—what’s the emotional difference between your versions? If one doesn’t spark interest, it’s time to rewrite.

Case Study 2: The Urgency Effect in E-Commerce

An online fashion retailer wanted to boost sales during a slow season. They tested two subject lines for a limited-time discount:

  • Version A (Generic): “20% Off Summer Styles – Shop Now”
  • Version B (Urgency): “Last 24 Hours: 20% Off Ends Tonight!”

The difference was dramatic. Version B drove 35% more opens and 22% higher revenue per email. Why? Urgency triggers our fear of missing out (FOMO). When people think time is running out, they act faster.

But here’s the catch: Urgency only works if it’s real. Fake scarcity (“Only 3 left!” when there are 500 in stock) backfires. Customers notice—and they won’t trust you next time.

How to use urgency the right way:

  • Be specific. “Ends at midnight” works better than “Limited time.”
  • Pair it with a benefit. “Last chance: Free shipping on orders over $50” beats “Sale ends soon.”
  • Test the timing. Does “48 hours left” perform better than “24 hours left”? Run the numbers.

Case Study 3: Personalization vs. Curiosity in SaaS

A B2B software company wanted to see if personalization or curiosity drove more opens. They tested:

  • Version A (Personalized): “[First Name], your custom report is ready”
  • Version B (Curiosity): “The #1 mistake your competitors are making”

Surprisingly, Version B won—by 28%. Why? Personalization can feel robotic if it’s just a first name. But curiosity? That’s hard to ignore.

When to use each approach:

  • Personalization works best when it’s truly personal (e.g., “Your [specific plan] is expiring soon”).
  • Curiosity works best when it’s tied to a pain point (e.g., “Why your ads aren’t converting”).
  • Combine both for maximum impact: “[First Name], here’s why your competitors are winning (and how to fix it).”

Lessons from Failed A/B Tests

Not every test is a winner—and that’s okay. Here are two subject lines that flopped, and why:

  1. “We’ve missed you!” (Re-engagement email)

    • Why it failed: Too vague. What’s the real reason they should care?
    • Better version: “Your [discount code] expires in 48 hours—don’t miss out!”
  2. “Check out our new collection!” (E-commerce)

    • Why it failed: No benefit, no urgency. Who cares about a “new collection”?
    • Better version: “New arrivals: 30% off styles under $50 (today only)”

How to pivot after a failed test:

  • Ask: “What’s missing?” (Urgency? Personalization? A clear benefit?)
  • Test one variable at a time. If you change everything, you won’t know what worked.
  • Look at your data. Did people open but not click? Maybe the subject line was good, but the email content wasn’t.

The Bottom Line

A/B testing isn’t about luck—it’s about listening to your audience. The best subject lines don’t just get opens; they get results. Whether it’s curiosity, urgency, or personalization, the key is to test, learn, and refine.

So, which of these strategies will you try first? Pick one, run a test, and let the numbers guide you. Your open rates (and your revenue) will thank you.

Advanced Strategies for Optimizing Subject Lines with ChatGPT

You’ve got your basic subject lines down—maybe you’ve even run a few A/B tests. But now you want to go deeper. You want subject lines that don’t just get opens, but force opens. The kind that make people stop mid-scroll and think, “I need to see what’s inside.” That’s where advanced strategies come in, and ChatGPT can be your secret weapon.

Here’s the thing: most people use AI to generate one or two subject lines and call it a day. But the real magic happens when you use it to refine, iterate, and layer psychological triggers. Think of it like cooking. Anyone can follow a recipe, but a great chef knows how to balance flavors—sweet, salty, spicy—to create something unforgettable. Your subject lines should work the same way.

How to Turn Good Subject Lines into Great Ones

The first step? Stop treating ChatGPT like a magic answer machine. Instead, think of it as a collaborator. You give it direction, it gives you ideas, and then you push those ideas further. Here’s how:

  1. Start with a strong foundation – Give ChatGPT a clear prompt with context. For example: “Write 5 subject lines for a Black Friday sale email. Use urgency, scarcity, and a hint of exclusivity. Keep them under 50 characters.” This gives the AI a framework to work within.

  2. Ask for variations – Once you have a few options, pick the best one and say: “Now give me 3 more versions of this subject line, but make them more playful/serious/urgent.” Small tweaks can make a big difference in tone.

  3. Layer psychological triggers – The best subject lines don’t rely on just one trick. They combine curiosity, urgency, and personalization. For example:

    • “Your exclusive invite expires at midnight…” (urgency + exclusivity)
    • “You won’t believe what’s inside this email…” (curiosity + intrigue)
    • “[First Name], this deal is just for you” (personalization + exclusivity)
  4. Test, refine, repeat – Run A/B tests on your top 2-3 options. See which one performs best, then ask ChatGPT to improve the winner. For example: “This subject line got a 25% open rate. How can we make it even better?”

The key is to keep iterating. Even a small change—like swapping a word or adjusting punctuation—can boost opens by 10% or more.

The Power of Hybrid Subject Lines

Most subject lines focus on one psychological trigger. But the highest-performing ones? They combine multiple triggers in a single line. Here’s how:

  • Curiosity + Urgency“Last chance: The secret we’ve been hiding…” (Makes them curious and creates FOMO.)

  • Personalization + Scarcity“[First Name], only 3 spots left—grab yours!” (Feels tailored and makes them act fast.)

  • Social Proof + Curiosity“Why 10,000 people are obsessed with this…” (Builds trust and makes them wonder what’s so special.)

The best part? ChatGPT can help you brainstorm these hybrids. Try this prompt: “Give me 5 subject lines that combine urgency, curiosity, and personalization for a limited-time offer.”

Using AI for Real-Time Subject Line Optimization

Here’s where things get really interesting. ChatGPT isn’t just for brainstorming—it can help you adapt subject lines based on real-time data. For example:

  • If your open rates drop, ask: “My open rates are down. Give me 3 subject lines that create urgency and curiosity for my next email.”

  • If a competitor launches a sale, say: “My competitor just announced a 50% off sale. Write 3 subject lines that make my offer stand out.”

  • If you’re launching a new product, try: “Write 5 subject lines for a product launch that use storytelling and exclusivity.”

You can even integrate ChatGPT with tools like Zapier or Make to automate parts of this process. For example:

  1. Pull in data from your email platform (open rates, click rates).
  2. Feed it to ChatGPT with a prompt like: “Here are my last 5 subject lines and their open rates. Suggest 3 new ones that might perform better.”
  3. Automatically generate and test new variations.

Staying Ahead of the Competition with AI

The email marketing world moves fast. What worked last month might not work today. That’s why you need to predict trends, not just follow them. Here’s how ChatGPT can help:

  1. Identify emerging patterns – Ask: “What are the latest trends in email subject lines for eCommerce in 2024?” ChatGPT can analyze recent data and give you insights like:

    • “Short, punchy subject lines (under 40 characters) are outperforming longer ones.”
    • “Subject lines with emojis are seeing a 15% higher open rate in some industries.”
  2. Reverse-engineer competitors – If a competitor’s emails keep getting high opens, ask: “Analyze these 5 subject lines from [Competitor]. What patterns do you see?” ChatGPT might spot things like:

    • “They use a lot of question-based subject lines.”
    • “Their subject lines often include numbers (e.g., ‘5 ways to…’).”
  3. Future-proof your strategy – Want to know what’s next? Try: “What’s the next big trend in email subject lines?” ChatGPT might predict things like:

    • “More brands will use AI-generated subject lines tailored to individual users.”
    • “Interactive subject lines (e.g., ‘Reply YES for 20% off’) will grow in popularity.”

Putting It All Together: Your Action Plan

Ready to take your subject lines to the next level? Here’s your step-by-step plan:

  1. Pick one email you’re about to send.
  2. Generate 5-10 subject lines using ChatGPT (mix urgency, curiosity, and personalization).
  3. Narrow it down to 2-3 that feel the strongest.
  4. Run an A/B test to see which performs best.
  5. Refine the winner with ChatGPT’s help.
  6. Repeat for every email.

The goal isn’t to overcomplicate things—it’s to systematize the process so you’re always improving. Because the truth is, even the best subject lines get stale over time. The brands that win are the ones that never stop testing, never stop refining, and never stop asking: “How can we make this even better?”

So go ahead—give it a try. Pick one of these strategies, run a test, and see what happens. Your open rates (and your boss) will thank you.

Conclusion: Putting It All Together for Email Success

You’ve got 20 powerful ChatGPT prompts in your toolkit now—each one designed to spark curiosity, urgency, or personal connection in your email subject lines. But here’s the thing: these prompts aren’t magic. They’re just the starting point. The real magic happens when you test, tweak, and refine them based on what your audience actually responds to.

Think about it. A subject line that works for a fashion brand might flop for a SaaS company. A curiosity gap that excites millennials might confuse older subscribers. That’s why A/B testing isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s your secret weapon. Even small changes, like swapping a word or adjusting the tone, can lead to big jumps in open rates. And the best part? You don’t need a huge budget or fancy tools to get started. Most email platforms (like Mailchimp, Klaviyo, or even Gmail’s built-in features) make it easy to run tests.

Your A/B Testing Checklist

Ready to put these prompts to work? Here’s how to run your first test like a pro:

  1. Pick one variable – Test just the subject line (keep everything else the same).
  2. Choose your audience – Split your list randomly (or use a small segment first).
  3. Set a goal – Are you optimizing for opens, clicks, or conversions?
  4. Run the test – Give it at least 24-48 hours (or until you have enough data).
  5. Analyze the results – Look at open rates, but also click-throughs and revenue.
  6. Scale the winner – Use the better-performing subject line for your next campaign.
  7. Rinse and repeat – Testing isn’t a one-time thing. Keep experimenting!

The Future of AI in Email Marketing

Tools like ChatGPT are changing the game, but they’re not replacing human creativity—they’re amplifying it. AI can generate ideas at lightning speed, but you bring the strategy, the brand voice, and the deep understanding of your audience. The best subject lines still come from a mix of data, intuition, and a little bit of gut feeling.

So go ahead—pick a prompt, run a test, and see what happens. Maybe you’ll discover that your audience loves emojis. Or maybe they respond better to short, punchy lines. The only way to know is to try. And remember: every email is a chance to learn something new. Keep testing, keep refining, and watch your results improve over time. Your open rates (and your revenue) will thank you.

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Written by

KeywordShift Team

Experts in SaaS growth, pipeline acceleration, and measurable results.