10 Re-Engagement Email Strategies to Win Back Customers (+ Subject Lines)

Happy Wednesday! Chase and Jimmy here. 👋

Here’s the reality: Some customers break up with you. Others just… ghost you.

They stop opening your emails but don’t unsubscribe. They disappear without a word. But unlike a bad date, you actually can win them back—with the right re-engagement emails.

Re-engagement campaigns are your second chance to remind customers why they loved you in the first place. Whether it’s a well-timed discount, a playful “We miss you” nudge, or a personalized recommendation, these emails can turn radio silence into revenue.

In today’s breakdown, we’re covering:
✅ What makes a re-engagement email actually work
✅ 10 battle-tested strategies (with subject lines)
✅ How to structure a winning re-engagement sequence

Let’s dive in and wake up those sleepy subscribers.

📗 Free Access — Omnisend’s 2025 eCommerce Marketing Report

Get this: One in three clicks on an automated message leads to a purchase.
(Compared to just 1 in 18 for scheduled messages)

That’s not a small gap—that’s a massive revenue opportunity.

In 2025, brands that aren’t prioritizing automation are leaving serious money on the table. Omnisend’s data report proves it: automated messages convert at a significantly higher rate, driving more sales with less effort.

So where should you start?
🔹 Upgrade your welcome series—it’s your first (and best) chance to turn new subscribers into customers.
🔹 Optimize your abandoned cart flows—because shoppers are already interested, they just need a nudge.
🔹 Test and refine your post-purchase sequences—to drive repeat purchases and long-term loyalty.

Automation isn’t just the future—it’s the key to more revenue right now.

📊 See the full stats and insights in Omnisend’s 2025 eCom report (no opt-in required!)

🎙️ New Episode Alert! Ethical Retention Marketing: Balancing Tactics with Customer Respect - EP 16

This week on the pod, Jimmy Kim and Chase Dimond tackle the fine balance between aggressive marketing and customer respect.

From misleading subject lines to intrusive personalization and legal landmines like CAN-SPAM violations, they break down the dark side of retention marketing and why cutting corners can backfire. If you've ever questioned whether your email and SMS tactics are pushing too hard, this one's for you.

And a major thank you to our friends at Omnisend for sponsoring the show! Now, without further adieu, let’s send it! Watch the episode on YouTube or listen in on Spotify or Apple.

10 Re-Engagement Email Strategies to Win Back Customers (+ Subject Lines)

No matter how much effort you put into your email marketing, two things are inevitable:

• People will unsubscribe.

• People will stop opening your emails (but won’t hit the unsubscribe button).

While losing subscribers stings, unengaged users present an opportunity. Enter re-engagement emails—your secret weapon to rekindle interest and drive conversions. Think of them as a strategic play to remind your audience why they loved you in the first place.

Let’s dive into some powerful re-engagement strategies and examples to supercharge your next campaign.

First Things First: The Anatomy of a High-Performing Re-Engagement Email

Before we jump into examples, let’s break down what makes a re-engagement email effective:

1. Compelling Subject Line – The first (and sometimes only) thing your recipient sees. Use urgency, curiosity, or exclusivity to boost open rates.

2. Personalization – Address recipients by name, reference past purchases, or tailor recommendations based on their interests.

3. Emotional Hook – A heartfelt "We miss you!" or a playful “Did we do something wrong?” adds a human touch.

4. Strong CTA – Make it easy for subscribers to take action, whether it's redeeming a discount, filling out a survey, or browsing new arrivals.

5. Scarcity or Urgency – Limited-time offers and low-stock alerts create FOMO (fear of missing out) and drive quick action.

Now, let’s break down 10 killer strategies with real-world examples.

10 Re-Engagement Email Strategies (With Subject Lines)

1. Limited-Time Offers (Urgency Drives Action)

Time-sensitive deals are an effective way to bring lapsed customers back. Create a sense of urgency with countdown timers, bold messaging, and multiple CTAs.

📝 Example: Brooklinen hooks customers with compelling, conversational copy that immediately draws them in, then seals the deal with carefully curated product recommendations. Their strategy blends personality with practicality, making it easy (and tempting) for subscribers to shop.

Subject Lines:

• Huge Savings Ending Tonight

• Time’s Ticking! Last Chance to Get 30% Off

• Today Only: 25% Off + Free Shipping Sitewide

2. Exclusive Discounts and Personalized Codes

Everyone loves a good deal, especially when it feels exclusive. Offering a discount tailored to their previous shopping behavior increases the likelihood of a return.

📝 Example: Glow Recipe takes a smart approach to re-engagement by calling out customer inactivity in a friendly, non-pushy way while pairing it with personalized product recommendations. By making the message feel like a helpful nudge rather than a hard sell, they create a seamless path for customers to rediscover their skincare must-haves.

Subject Lines:

• Happy Anniversary! Here’s a Gift for Being So Great

• We Couldn’t Do It Without You! (Gift Inside)

• This Is Just for You, [Name]

3. The "We Miss You" Play

A simple, heartfelt message can be just as effective as a discount. Show appreciation and remind customers of their past engagement.

📝 Example: BareMinerals takes a warm and personal approach to re-engaging lapsed customers by making them feel valued while strategically offering a tempting 20% discount. Their messaging reinforces the brand-customer connection, reminding shoppers why they love BareMinerals in the first place.

Subject Lines:

• We Miss You!

• Here’s a Discount ‘Cause We Want You Back

• Haven’t Seen You in a While? (Open for 40% Off)

4. Interactive Surveys and Questionnaires

When in doubt, ask! Understanding why a subscriber disengaged can help refine your strategy.

📝 Example: Bellroy takes a smart, customer-first approach by sending an interactive quiz that not only helps them understand shoppers’ needs but also introduces them to products they’ll love. This personalized experience makes the shopping journey smoother, guiding customers toward the perfect purchase while subtly reinforcing brand trust. 

Subject Lines:

• Want to Get More for Your Money? Use This 50% Discount

• Tell Us What You Need (and Get Rewarded)

• Find the Perfect Product Match with Our Quiz

5. Humor and Playfulness

Injecting personality into your emails makes them stand out in an inbox flooded with sales pitches.

📝 Example:Surreal masterfully uses cheeky, lighthearted copy to lure subscribers back in without feeling pushy. Their playful tone makes re-engagement emails feel more like a fun invitation than a sales pitch, keeping the brand’s personality front and center.

Subject Lines:

• Hello? Is Anyone Out There?

• Swipe Right on Us

• You Know You’re Tempted… Open This Email!

7. VIP Perks and Exclusivity

Make customers feel special by offering exclusive deals, early access, or membership perks.

📝 Example: BaubleBar rolls out the VIP treatment by giving their top customers exclusive, limited-time access to major deals before anyone else. This strategy not only makes loyal shoppers feel special but also creates urgency, driving higher engagement and conversions.

Subject Lines:

• Five Reasons to Shop with Us Again

• Get a Free Product When You Spend $X This Month

• Save Big This Month with Exclusive Deals

8. Tailored Product Recommendations

Use past purchases to recommend complementary or trending products, increasing the likelihood of conversion.

📝 Example: Missguided takes email segmentation to the next level by delivering curated product recommendations tailored to each customer’s preferences. By personalizing the shopping experience, they re-engage inactive subscribers and make it easier to say yes to that tempting 30% discount. 

Subject Lines:

• We Love Your Purchase of [X] — Check These Out!

• Have You Seen the Latest Trending Products?

• Five New Finds to Love Since Your Last Order

9. Occasion-Based Re-Engagement

Birthdays, anniversaries, and seasonal promotions offer natural touchpoints for rekindling interest.

📝 Example: Little Beast’s birthday email goes the extra mile to make both customers and their furry friends feel special. Not only do they send a cheerful birthday message, but they also gift a special discount—because what’s a celebration without a little treat?

Subject Lines:

• Find the Perfect Gift for Any Occasion

• Celebrate Easter with These Sweet Deals

• Your Half-Birthday Gift Is Here!

10. Reward Loyalty

Recognizing and rewarding long-time customers strengthens relationships and drives engagement.

📝 Example: Simply Be’s loyalty program email makes customers feel appreciated and keeps them coming back by rewarding every dollar they spend. It’s a seamless way to turn shoppers into loyal fans!

Subject Lines:

• Thanks for Being Loyal! Here’s a Free Gift

• Celebrate Your Anniversary with 50% Off

• Your Next Order Comes with a Special Surprise

How to Structure a Winning Re-Engagement Sequence

Want to maximize success? Here’s a tested workflow:

Email 1: "We Miss You!" + Exclusive Offer (0 Days)

Email 2: Highlight Benefits + Social Proof (Wait 3 Days)

Email 3: Reminder of the Offer (Wait 5 Days)

Email 4: Last Chance Before Removal (Wait 5 Days)

By incorporating segmentation, A/B testing subject lines, and optimizing for mobile, you can turn inactive subscribers into engaged customers.

Ready to Win Back Those Sleepy Customers?

With the right strategy, re-engagement emails can revive interest, drive sales, and build stronger relationships. Now, go wake up that dormant audience!

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Chase and I have been cooking up the ultimate retention marketing course and we’re stoked to say it’s now LIVE—and if you’re serious about turning emails into real revenue, this is your moment.

Because you’re here early, we’ve got a special offer just for you–Get $200 off with code: LAUNCHSPECIAL

💡 What You’ll Get in 25+ Hours of Expert Training:
✅ Retention strategy that actually drives revenue (not spam complaints)
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Zero fluff, all results. Ready to level up?

🗞️ Quick Clips

• Who said all typos are bad? Aiming to bring chill to the most Monday Monday of the year (post-Super Bowl), Coors’ “We Have a Bad Case of the Mondays” campaign delivered peak performance—Serving up icy fresh ads for their “Monday Light” with (intentional) typos, oh, and a limited edition “Chill Face Ice Roller.”

• Back in style: Gap goes old school with their Tuesday launch of GapVintage. The program–now available online and in select stores–is a timely play with the uprising of the second hand market featuring curated pieces from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.

• It’s not you, it’s Amazon: While not a total breakup, UPS is set to cut Amazon volume by 50%. In hopes to open room for more profitable clients, this reduction is expected to actualize by mid-2026.

Annnnd that’s a wrap for this edition! 

Thanks for hanging with Chase and me—always a pleasure to have you here.

If you found this newsletter helpful (or even just a little fun), don’t keep it to yourself! Share ecomemailmarketer.com with your favorite DTC marketer. Let’s get them on board so they don’t miss next week’s drops.

Remember: Do shit you love.

🤘 Jimmy Kim & Chase Dimond