20 Claude Prompts for Emails People Actually Open

<context> I'm an email marketer at [COMPANY NAME] in the [INDUSTRY] space. Our audience is [DESCRIBE TARGET AUDIENCE]. Our average open rate is [CURRENT OPEN RATE]. The email platform we use is [PLATFORM]. </context> <task> Generate 10 subject lines for a [CAMPAIGN TYPE — e.g. product launch, seasonal sale, webinar invite, content roundup] email. For each subject line provide: 1. The subject line (under 50 characters) 2. A matching preview text (under 90 characters) that extends the curiosity without repeating the subject 3. The psychological trigger it uses (curiosity, urgency, social proof, self-interest, fear of missing out) 4. A predicted open-rate impact vs. our baseline (higher/neutral/risky) </task> <constraints> - No ALL CAPS or excessive punctuation - No spam trigger words: "free," "act now," "limited time," "congratulations" - At least 3 subject lines should be under 35 characters (optimized for mobile) - Include at least one question-based subject line and one number-based subject line - Don't start more than 2 subject lines with the same word </constraints> <format> Return as a numbered list. Each entry: Subject Line | Preview Text | Trigger | Predicted Impact </format>

<context> I have a batch of emails going out this week and need to optimize the preview text for each. Our audience is [DESCRIBE AUDIENCE]. Our brand tone is [DESCRIBE TONE]. </context> <task> For each subject line below, write 3 preview text options that: 1. Complement the subject line without repeating it 2. Create enough curiosity to earn the open 3. Work on mobile (under 90 characters, ideally under 60) Subject lines: 1. [SUBJECT LINE 1] 2. [SUBJECT LINE 2] 3. [SUBJECT LINE 3] </task> <constraints> - Preview text must make sense even when truncated at 40 characters - Never start preview text with "Hey" or "Hi [name]" — that wastes prime real estate - Each option should use a different technique: (a) tease the content, (b) add a benefit, (c) create urgency </constraints>

<context> We have a segment of [NUMBER] subscribers who haven't opened an email in [TIMEFRAME]. These subscribers originally signed up via [SIGNUP SOURCE]. Our product/service is [DESCRIBE OFFERING]. Previous re-engagement attempts used subject lines like: "[PASTE 2-3 PREVIOUS SUBJECT LINES]." </context> <task> Write a 3-email re-engagement sequence, providing for each email: 1. Subject line (under 45 characters) 2. Preview text 3. The emotional angle (nostalgia, curiosity, loss aversion, fresh start, humor) 4. Recommended send timing relative to the previous email The sequence should escalate: Email 1 = soft re-engagement, Email 2 = value-driven nudge, Email 3 = last-chance before removal. </task> <constraints> - Don't guilt-trip ("We miss you" is overused — avoid it) - Don't use subject lines similar to our previous failed attempts listed above - Email 3 must clearly communicate "we'll remove you" without sounding threatening </constraints>

<context> I want to build a reusable subject line formula library for my team at [COMPANY]. We send [TYPES OF EMAILS]. Our subscribers expect a [DESCRIBE TONE] tone. Our ESP supports these personalization tokens: [LIST TOKENS — e.g. first_name, company_name, last_purchase_item]. </context> <task> Create 15 subject line formulas my team can reuse. For each formula: 1. The formula template with merge tag placeholders shown in {{double_braces}} 2. A concrete example filled in for our business 3. Best use case (which email type it works for) 4. One thing that would make it fail (the anti-pattern) </task> <constraints> - At least 5 formulas should use personalization tokens beyond just {{first_name}} - Organize into 3 groups: Curiosity-Driven, Benefit-Driven, Urgency-Driven - No formula should require data we don't have - Flag any formula that risks looking spammy if the personalization fails </constraints>

<context> I'm building a welcome email sequence for [COMPANY NAME]. We sell [PRODUCT/SERVICE]. New subscribers come from [SIGNUP SOURCE]. Our goal for the welcome sequence is [GOAL]. Our brand voice is [DESCRIBE VOICE]. </context> <task> Design a 5-email welcome sequence. For each email, provide: 1. Email number and send timing (e.g. "Email 2 — Day 2, 10am") 2. Subject line and preview text 3. Email purpose (one sentence) 4. Full body copy (150-250 words) 5. Primary CTA (button text + destination) 6. What to track (the metric that tells you this email is working) </task> <constraints> - Email 1 must deliver any promised lead magnet or confirm the signup within 30 seconds of the trigger - Don't ask for a sale in Emails 1-2 — build trust and deliver value first - Email 3 should include social proof - Each email must work as a standalone - Total sequence should span 7-10 days </constraints>

<context> I run email marketing for [ECOMMERCE BRAND]. Our average cart value is [AMOUNT]. Our current cart abandonment rate is [RATE]. We sell [PRODUCT TYPE]. Our existing recovery email has a [CURRENT RECOVERY RATE] conversion rate. </context> <task> Build a 3-email abandoned cart sequence with two variants: - Variant A: For first-time visitors (no purchase history) - Variant B: For returning customers (1+ previous purchases) For each email in both variants, provide: 1. Send timing (hours after abandonment) 2. Subject line and preview text 3. Full email body copy (100-200 words) 4. Whether to show the cart items inline 5. Whether to include a discount and at what level 6. CTA button text </task> <constraints> - Never lead with a discount in Email 1 — try value and urgency first - Variant B should acknowledge the relationship - If offering a discount, only in Email 3 and frame it as exclusive - Don't use "You forgot something!" — it's overused and condescending </constraints>

<context> We're launching [NEW PRODUCT/FEATURE] on [LAUNCH DATE]. Target audience: [DESCRIBE SEGMENT]. Price point: [PRICE]. The key differentiator is [DIFFERENTIATOR]. We have [LIST SIZE] subscribers with [OPEN RATE] open rates. </context> <task> Create a 4-email launch sequence: - Email 1: Teaser/anticipation builder (sent before launch) - Email 2: Launch day announcement - Email 3: Social proof and deeper dive (Day 2-3 after launch) - Email 4: Last chance / urgency closer (Day 5-7 after launch) For each email provide: 1. Subject line and preview text 2. Full email body (200-300 words) 3. Primary CTA 4. One visual/design suggestion 5. Segment exclusion rule (who should NOT get this email) </task> <constraints> - The teaser email must NOT reveal the full product — create genuine curiosity - Launch email should lead with the customer's problem, not features - Urgency closer must use real scarcity, not manufactured deadlines - No email should exceed 300 words </constraints>

<context> I need a post-purchase email sequence for [COMPANY]. After buying [PRODUCT/SERVICE], customers typically [DESCRIBE USAGE PATTERN]. Our repeat purchase rate is [RATE] and average time to second purchase is [TIMEFRAME]. Our customer support sees the most tickets about [COMMON ISSUE]. We also sell [COMPLEMENTARY PRODUCTS]. </context> <task> Design a 5-email post-purchase sequence: 1. Order confirmation + what to expect next 2. Getting started / best practices (Day 2-3) 3. Check-in + handle the #1 support question proactively (Day 7) 4. Request a review or testimonial (Day 14) 5. Cross-sell recommendation (Day 21) For each email provide: - Subject line and preview text - Body copy (100-200 words) - CTA - Conditional logic: when should this email be suppressed </task> <constraints> - Email 1 must arrive within 5 minutes of purchase - Don't cross-sell before Email 5 - The review request should make it easy (direct link, no login required) - If the customer has opened a support ticket, pause the sequence - Tone should feel like a helpful person, not a marketing machine </constraints>

<context> I write a [FREQUENCY] newsletter called "[NEWSLETTER NAME]" for [AUDIENCE]. The newsletter covers [TOPICS]. Our tone is [DESCRIBE TONE]. Average read time: [X minutes]. We have [SUBSCRIBER COUNT] subscribers with a [OPEN RATE] open rate. </context> <task> Write the complete next edition of my newsletter on the topic: [THIS WEEK'S TOPIC OR THEME]. Include: 1. A subject line and preview text 2. A compelling opening hook (2-3 sentences) 3. The main body content in our usual format 4. 1 actionable takeaway the reader can implement today 5. A closing CTA that drives [DESIRED ACTION] </task> <constraints> - Total word count: [TARGET WORD COUNT] - Write in first person — this should sound like me - The opening must NOT start with "In today's newsletter" or "This week" - Include at least one specific data point, example, or anecdote - Break up text with subheadings every 150 words max </constraints>

<context> I need to write a promotional email for [COMPANY]. We're promoting [OFFER]. The offer runs from [START DATE] to [END DATE]. Target segment: [DESCRIBE SEGMENT]. The landing page URL is [URL]. </context> <task> Write a complete promotional email with: 1. Subject line (under 45 characters) + preview text 2. Hero headline 3. Body copy following the PAS framework: Problem → Agitation → Solution 4. Offer details section (clear, scannable) 5. Primary CTA button text (under 5 words) 6. Objection handler (one line addressing the #1 reason people don't convert) 7. P.S. line with a secondary angle </task> <constraints> - Total email body under 200 words - The CTA should appear twice: once after the offer, once at the bottom - Don't bury the offer — clear within the first 3 lines - Use specific numbers over vague claims - The P.S. should feel like a personal aside </constraints>

<context> I want to write a story-driven email for [COMPANY/BRAND]. Our product is [PRODUCT/SERVICE]. The audience is [DESCRIBE AUDIENCE]. The email's goal is [GOAL]. I want to tell a story about [STORY SEED]. </context> <task> Write a narrative email that: 1. Opens with a scene or moment (not a summary) 2. Builds tension or curiosity in the middle 3. Resolves with an insight that connects to our product/value 4. Closes with a CTA that feels like a natural next step Also provide subject line and preview text. </task> <constraints> - Use the "But and Therefore" story structure - The product mention should occupy no more than 20% of the email - Write at a 7th-grade reading level - The story must be about a PERSON, not an abstraction - Total length: 250-400 words - No bullet points — this is a narrative </constraints>

<context> I need a social-proof-driven email for [COMPANY]. We have the following proof assets: - Customer testimonials: [PASTE 2-3 TESTIMONIALS or describe them] - Key metrics: [e.g. "10,000+ customers," "4.8/5 rating"] - Case study data: [e.g. "Customer X increased revenue by 35% in 60 days"] Our goal is to [GOAL]. </context> <task> Write a social proof email that: 1. Opens with a relatable pain point 2. Introduces proof from someone like them 3. Presents the transformation with specific numbers 4. Stacks 2-3 additional proof points for reinforcement 5. Closes with a CTA that leverages "join the crowd" psychology Provide subject line and preview text. </task> <constraints> - The lead testimonial must match the target segment - Numbers must be presented in context - Don't just list testimonials — weave them into a narrative - The CTA should name-check the social proof - Under 250 words </constraints>

<context> I have a core email written for [CAMPAIGN PURPOSE]. I need to create variants for different audience segments: 1. [SEGMENT 1 — e.g. Enterprise, 1000+ employees] 2. [SEGMENT 2 — e.g. SMB owners, 10-50 employees] 3. [SEGMENT 3 — e.g. Solopreneurs] 4. [SEGMENT 4 — e.g. Technical users / developers] Our product: [PRODUCT/SERVICE]. The core message: [ONE-SENTENCE CORE MESSAGE]. </context> <task> Create 4 tailored variants — one per segment. For each variant, adjust: 1. Subject line (speak to their specific pain) 2. Opening line (reference their world) 3. Value proposition framing (same product, different benefit emphasis) 4. Social proof (choose proof that matches their context) 5. CTA text and urgency framing Also create a comparison table showing what changed and why. </task> <constraints> - The core message must stay the same — only the framing changes - Each variant should feel like it was written from scratch, not find-and-replaced - Enterprise variant should mention ROI and stakeholder alignment - Solopreneur variant should emphasize speed and simplicity </constraints> Here's the core email: [PASTE YOUR BASE EMAIL]

<context> I'm setting up behavioral trigger emails for [COMPANY/PRODUCT]. Our key user actions are: - [TRIGGER 1 — e.g. signed up but didn't complete onboarding] - [TRIGGER 2 — e.g. viewed pricing page 3+ times] - [TRIGGER 3 — e.g. used feature X for the first time] - [TRIGGER 4 — e.g. hasn't logged in for 14 days] - [TRIGGER 5 — e.g. reached a usage milestone] Our automation tool is [PLATFORM]. </context> <task> For each behavioral trigger, write: 1. The trigger condition (exact logic) 2. Send delay (how long after the trigger) 3. Subject line and preview text 4. Email body copy (100-150 words) 5. CTA that matches the user's current intent 6. Suppression rules (when NOT to send) </task> <constraints> - Each email must reference the specific action - Milestone emails should celebrate, not sell - Pricing-page emails must address objections - Inactivity emails should offer value, not guilt - No email should fire if another triggered email was sent within 48 hours </constraints>

<context> We need to win back customers who cancelled [PRODUCT/SERVICE] in the last [TIMEFRAME]. Their most common cancellation reasons: 1. [REASON 1] 2. [REASON 2] 3. [REASON 3] Since they left, we've [LIST IMPROVEMENTS]. </context> <task> Create a 3-email win-back campaign: - Email 1: Address the #1 churn reason with proof that it's been fixed - Email 2: Address reasons #2 and #3 with a "here's what's new" angle - Email 3: Final offer with a specific incentive to return For each email provide: 1. Subject line + preview text 2. Body copy (150-200 words) 3. The specific churn objection it addresses 4. CTA 5. Win-back offer if applicable </task> <constraints> - Never pretend the churn didn't happen — acknowledge it - Don't be needy — be confident about improvements - Email 1 should not include any discount - The win-back offer in Email 3 should have a real expiration - If they churned due to price, offer a reduced tier, not a temporary discount </constraints>