Are Newsletters Dead in 2025? Why Email Remains A Powerful Tool (+ 50 Killer Subject Lines That Work)

Aames Ng
May 2
5 min read

In a world where social media and instant messaging seem to rule communication, many people believe that newsletters are a thing of the past. But as we dive into 2025, email, particularly newsletters, is not just surviving; it is thriving. Smart marketers, small business owners, and content creators are discovering that newsletters are a potent way to engage with, convert, and retain their audiences.

This article explores the solid reasons why email marketing, especially newsletters, remains effective in 2025. We will also provide 50 compelling subject lines that can help you increase your open rates and connect better with your audience.

The Enduring Popularity of Email

Email is still one of the most popular forms of communication, with over 4 billion active users worldwide. Unlike social media posts that quickly get buried, emails provide a chance for brands to communicate more personally with subscribers. For example, a clothing retailer can send tailored newsletters featuring a customer’s favorite styles, making that email feel special and direct.

Statistics reveal that the average ROI for email marketing is approximately $42 for every dollar spent. This astonishing figure underscores why emails, especially newsletters, continue to deliver strong results and remain a vital asset for marketers.

Personalization and Targeting

In today’s marketing world, personalization is more important than ever. Newsletters let you customize content for your audience. By segmenting your email list—whether based on past purchases, hobbies, or browsing behaviors—you can deliver messages that truly resonate with subscribers.

For instance, if a company has a segment of users interested in fitness, it can send tailored workout tips and discounts on fitness gear, thereby increasing engagement. This targeted method often results in open rates that are 14% higher compared to generic newsletters.

Automation Enhancements

With technology advancements, email automation has become more effective, allowing marketers to connect with their audience exactly when needed. Automated series can nurture leads efficiently without requiring constant management.

Consider a scenario where a retail website sends out welcome emails after a new user signs up. According to research, welcome emails have an open rate of 50%, significantly higher than regular emails. Automated messages, like reminders for abandoned shopping carts or follow-ups to past purchases, help businesses stay in touch with their audience effectively.

Mobile Accessibility

As of 2025, mobile devices dominate how email is viewed, with about 65% of emails opened on mobile devices. This makes it crucial to design your newsletters for mobile viewing. A mobile-friendly layout ensures that your content is easy to read and engaging, which, in turn, increases the chances of clicks and conversions.

Using responsive design—which adjusts content based on screen size—makes accessing your newsletters pleasant for subscribers. Avoiding long blocks of text and using clear images can significantly enhance user experience.

Subject Lines Have Levelled Up

Gone are the days when a cheeky one-liner was enough. Today’s top brands lean into personalized, data-driven headlines and A/B testing powered by AI. But tech alone isn’t the answer. Trust still plays the biggest role: if your subject line feels click-bait-y or irrelevant, your open rate will crater — no matter how clever your tactics.

50 Killer Subject Lines for Your Newsletters

Crafting attention-grabbing subject lines is essential for encouraging engagement. Here are 50 compelling examples that can enhance your open rates:

1. Get Subscribers Started

Give them a quick introduction about what to do next, or what benefits they can enjoy from their subscription.

Welcome to [brand name]! Let's get you started.
You're in, let's begin!
Welcome! Let's get right to it.
You're family now. Introductions are in order!
Now that you're one of us, you can enjoy these perks!

2. Personalize

Personalizing subject lines can increase open rates by 50%. Just a small adjustment to it could ensure you have attention grabbing subject lines for newsletters that you prepare for your viewers.

Welcome to [brand name], Jon!
Hey Anne, your weekly quotes are here.
Congratulations Ravi, you're official a member!
Chong, avoid making these mistakes.
David, the dolphins need your help.

3. Exclusive Offers

Claim your exclusive discount code of the month!
Here's your FREE members-only worksheet.
This discount code deactivates in 24 hours.
We've got something BIG for our members.
You won't get an offer THIS GOOD anytime soon.

4. Use Questions

Are you getting the results you want?
Are you spending too much time on design?
How would you like a 50% discount?
Do you need help with your renewal?
Have you heard of this new Instagram hack?

5. Address Pain Points

IKEA: Where do all these toys go?
IKEA: Get more kitchen space with these easy fixes.
HP: Stop wasting money on ink.
Sephora: Your beauty issues, solved.
Evernote: Stop wasting time on mindless work.

6. Trigger Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Udemy: Last day for new courses starting $10.99.
JetBlue: You're missing out on points!
Digital Marketer: [URGENT] You've got ONE DAY to watch this...
Guess: Tonight only: A denim lover's dream.
Olay: Over 50 million sold.

7. Use Humour

Mark Weldon: "I'll call you later." "Don't call me later, call me dad." (This was followed by "If you can't improve his jokes, improve his wardrobe" when users opened the email).
Groupon: Deals that make us proud (unlike our nephew, Steve)
The Muse: We like being used.
OneShop: I teh tarik dengan you.
Chubbies: Screw it, let's just give everyone free stuff.

8. Create Curiosity

Refinery29: 10 bizarre money habits making Millennials richer.
Digital Marketer: Is this the hottest career in marketing?
The Futur: Why some brands almost always get ripped off.
Eat This Not That: 9 disgusting facts about Thanksgiving.
Neil Patel: A Dead Simple SEO Strategy That'll Generate 1 Million Visitors.

9. Appeal To Vanity

Fabletics: Your butt will look great in these workout pants.
La Mer: Age-defying beauty tricks.
DSW: Reviewers have spoken: "BETS BOOTIE EVER!"
MAC Cosmetics: Make your skin GlowForReal
Guess: Don't wear last year's styles.

10. Lazy Hacks

Syed from OptinMonster: Grow your email 10x faster with these 30 content upgrade ideas.
Digital Marketer: Steal these email templates...
The Body Shop: Get self care while you sleep.
Duolingo: Learn language with only 5 minutes a day.
Patagonia: School lunch made easy.

The key things to remember are:

Keep it short & simple (KISS). 6-10 words is ideal.
Don't be spammy. Sending emails to your audience is great, but overdo it and they might unsubscribe. Using all uppercase or too many exclamation marks can also come off as spammy.
Do A/B testing to see which headline does better. Split your email list into 2 groups, and send them the same email content but with different headlines. See which one works better for you.
Exclude the word "newsletter". Stop using boring subject lines like "[Brand name] January Newsletter".

Wrapping It Up

As we enter 2025, email remains a crucial tool for engaging audiences and nurturing relationships. Elements like personalization, targeted content, automation, mobile accessibility, and analytics empower marketers and content creators to fully utilize email newsletters.

Compelling subject lines are key to capturing attention and enhancing your email outreach. That said, while an open rate might look good on your dashboard, the real magic happens when that open turns into action: a click, a reply, a purchase. Your goal shouldn’t be “open at any cost,” but rather “engage with purpose.” Every email you send should guide your reader one step closer to solving a problem or achieving a goal — and that’s how you turn subscribers into loyal customers.