50+ Survey Email Subject Lines That Actually Get Clicks

You did it — you created the perfect survey email, but what’s the point if no one opens it? 

According to Mailchimp, the average open rate for emails across industries is just 21.33%. That means nearly 8 out of 10 people ignore your email. The culprit? Often, it's a subject that just doesn’t spark enough interest to click.

In this blog, you’ll learn how to write compelling survey email subject lines that actually get opened and see some of the best subject lines that you can use in your surveys. 

Let’s jump in! 

How Subject Lines Impact Survey Response Rates

Studies show that up to 47% of email recipients open emails based on the subject line alone. 

As confronting as it sounds, your subject line could be the reason your entire survey campaign underperforms.

Let’s break it down 

Imagine you’re sending a survey email to 5,000 people. Sounds like a solid campaign, right? But if your subject line is not appealing, only a  few people will open it.

Based on industry data, average open rates range from 28% to 45%. That means roughly 1,400 to 2,250 people might open your email if the subject line is decent.

But with a weak or poorly optimized subject line? That number can drop to 10–15%, leaving you with just 500 to 750 opens.

Now, let’s talk survey completions.

The average response rate for email surveys sits between 8% and 25%. So even if you get 750 opens, you’re looking at somewhere between 60 and 190 actual survey responses from a list of 5,000 contacts.

That’s not exactly campaign gold.

So, what kinds of subject lines get opened?

What Makes People Click: Psychology of Survey Email Subject Lines

Ever wondered why some emails grab your attention instantly while others fade into inbox oblivion? The answer lies in how the human mind is wired. We don’t consciously evaluate every email; we just skim, scan, and make decisions in milliseconds. The subject lines are the first filter that comes to mind. Let’s understand why specific survey email subject lines work like magic:

Catchy subject lines like “Got a sec?” or “We need your quick take” create an information gap. Our minds hate unfinished business, which is why cliffhangers are so addictive and why vague, open-ended subject lines pull us in. 

We’re social creatures. If a subject line says, “Join 5,000+ customers sharing feedback,” that creates a bandwagon effect; we tend to follow actions that everyone is doing.

“Last chance to share your feedback.” Not only creates urgency, but it also taps into our deep aversion to FOMO Studies show we’re more motivated to avoid loss than to chase gains. So, a line that hints at vanishing time or exclusivity gets the pulse going.

Our brains are busy. Clear, concise lines like “Quick 2-question survey” work because they’re low-effort and promise minimal time commitment.

These lines are not tricks; they simply tap into real human needs: curiosity, belonging, urgency, and the desire to feel valued.

How to Write Email Subject Lines That Boost Survey Response Rates

Writing a survey subject line that feels personal and gets opened is an art. Here's how to write the best subject lines for survey emails that boost your email open rates (and hopefully your survey completion rate).

Best practices survey feedback email subject line:

Be Clear Without Leading the Answer

Clarity is powerful, but don’t accidentally bias your audience by hinting at what kind of feedback you are hoping to get.

Instead, be open and neutral. Say just enough to spark interest, without steering the response.

Avoid: “What did you love most about [Product Name]?”

Better: “We’d love your honest thoughts about [Product Name]”

Ask Real Questions

Survey subject lines that include a clear, relevant question tend to get higher open rates. But the question should do more than it asks; it should start a conversation. Don’t make questions too vague or generic; give them some context 

Try:

• “How was your recent visit with us?”
• “What would’ve made your experience better?”
• “Still using [Feature Name]? We’re curious.”

Add Personality (Yes, Even in B2B)

A little personality or playfulness can make your subject line stand out, without sacrificing professionalism. It reminds people there’s a real person behind an email

“Our product team is arguing—can you break the tie?”  “We’re stuck. You’re smart. Help?”

Keep It Short (But Not Empty)

Short subject lines tend to perform better, especially on mobile. But short doesn’t mean vague.

Aim for under 9 words or 60 characters, and make sure it’s clear what the email is about.

“Got a minute to share your thoughts?”  “Help us improve your next visit.”

Don’t Forget the Follow-Up Survey Email Subject Line

Sometimes the first email gets ignored. That’s where your follow-up subject line does the heavy lifting. Make it feel like a gentle nudge, not a second sales pitch. “Just checking—did you see our quick survey?”  “Still want to share your thoughts?”  “We’re keeping the survey open a bit longer (for you)”

Steal These High-Converting Survey Subject Lines

Feedback-Focused Subject Lines

For brands focused on learning, improving, and listening.

• Got a minute?
• Be honest – what do you think of your new [product]?
• We’re listening!
• Help improve [business name].
• Got 60 seconds? We’ve got questions.
• What’s your take on your experience?
• Share your feedback & help us grow.
• Your voice could change how we do things.
• Tell us what we’re missing.
• How can we make [service] work for you?
• Tell us more about the [product] you bought yesterday, [First Name]
• Hi [First Name], how does your new [product] fit?

Incentive-Based Subject Lines

Drive clicks by offering rewards or discounts in exchange for feedback.

• Share your thoughts — get 50% off!
• Cast your vote & win up to 40% off.
• Take our survey, get 30% off — it's that simple.
• Help out the underdog! Vote for [Company Name]
• Your opinion = free perks 

Fun, Playful & Engaging Subject Lines

Add personality to your email survey subject lines and make it stand out in the inbox.

• Heads or tails — what would you choose?
• Pick a perk — we’ll listen!
• We’ve got a quick (fun) question for you.
• Tell us how we’re doing — or roast us. 
• Survey time! Don’t worry, it’s painless.
• Don’t ghost us—tell us what you think.
• Spill the tea on your recent [service/product]
• It’s feedback o’clock.

Post-Purchase Survey Subject Lines

• How’s your new [product]?
• Did it meet the hype? Tell us.
• Hey [Name], would you buy it again?
• Quick review: Yay or nay on your latest order?
• You got it. Now rate it.
• Hi [Name], was it worth it?

Employee/Team Survey Subject Lines

• How’s work feeling lately?
• Let’s make your day-to-day better—tell us how
• What’s working—and what’s not?
• Be real: how are we doing as a company?
• Quick pulse check—your input matters

Top NPS Survey Subject Line Examples

• Your thoughts on our new [feature/product]?
• Tell us about your recent experience.
• Rate your latest interaction with us.
• Did [product/service] help you achieve [goal]?
• How was your recent [event/interaction] with [team/person]? Your feedback helps us improve!
• Help us reach new heights – rate us.
• We’re on a mission to make your experience amazing!
• We’re listening – what’s on your mind?
• Share your story – we’re listening.
• Tell us what you think – we’re curious.
• Don’t be shy – share your thoughts!
• Tell us the truth… we can take it!
• Give us the good, bad, and the ugly.

Create Surveys With TheySaid and Send It Straight to Email

Want to run a customer satisfaction survey? Check in on job engagement? Get feedback after an event or explore student experiences in education? With TheySaid, you can create surveys on anything from market research to personal development and send them straight to inboxes with just a few clicks. Build your survey in minutes, customize the survey subject line, and embed it directly into your email. 

Ready to get started? Sign up for free.

Key Takeaways 

• Email survey subject lines that tap into curiosity, social proof, urgency, or recognition get more clicks.
• Keep subject lines short, clear, and conversational. Aim for under 60 characters. Avoid vague or overly formal language. Write like you talk.
• Add a little humor, use emojis sparingly, or make it sound like it’s coming from a real person.
• Don’t lead with assumptions like “Tell us why you love [product].” Ask for honest thoughts to get meaningful insights.
• If your first email doesn’t get opened, use a gentle nudge like “Just checking—did you see this?” to increase total responses.
• With TheySaid, you can create surveys for any purpose and send them directly via email with custom subject lines.

FAQs 

Should I use emojis in my survey email subject line?

You can use emojis to add personality and visual interest, but do so sparingly. Emojis like ✅, 🎯, or 🤔 can help your email stand out in crowded inboxes. Just ensure they align with your brand tone and won’t be flagged as spam.

How do I increase open rates for my survey emails?

To boost survey email open rates, focus on writing compelling subject lines, personalizing your emails, keeping your messaging short, and sending at the right time. Follow up once if the first email isn’t opened.

What are some examples of high-performing survey subject lines?

Examples include:

• “How was your recent experience?”
• “Got 60 seconds?”
• “Tell us what you think—get 20% off”
• “Still using [Product Name]? We’re curious.”

How long should a subject line be for a survey email?

Keep your subject line under 60 characters. Shorter subject lines tend to perform better, especially on mobile devices.

What’s the best time to send a survey email?

Midweek mornings (Tuesday–Thursday, 9–11 AM) tend to have the best open rates. However, always A/B test to find the sweet spot for your audience.