The best examples of re-engagement emails with clear CTAs that actually win people back

Real examples of re-engagement emails with clear CTAs you can steal

Let’s skip theory and get straight into examples of re-engagement emails with clear CTAs. I’ll show you the structure, the copy, and the single action you want people to take.

1. The “We miss you” re-engagement email with one obvious CTA

This is the classic example of a re-engagement email: short, human, and focused on one thing.

Subject line ideas
“Still want emails from us?”
“Is this goodbye?”
“Taylor, are we still invited to your inbox?”

Body copy example

Hey Taylor,

We haven’t seen you around in a while, and that’s totally okay. Inboxes get crowded.

If you’d still like to hear from us about new templates, tools, and special offers, tap the button below to stay on the list.

If not, you don’t have to do anything. We’ll quietly stop emailing you in a few days.

Either way, thanks for being here.

[Yes, keep me on the list]

Why this works as one of the best examples of re-engagement emails with clear CTAs:

• One decision: stay or quietly fade out.
• One button: Yes, keep me on the list. The CTA literally says what happens.
• The “do nothing to opt out” approach keeps friction low and respects consent, which matters for deliverability and compliance.

You can easily turn this into another example of a re-engagement email by swapping the benefit: “new product drops,” “weekly career tips,” or “exclusive discounts.”

2. The “Update your preferences” example of a re-engagement email

Sometimes people aren’t disengaged; they’re just bored with what you send. This example of a re-engagement email invites them to customize.

Subject line ideas
“Too many emails? Fix it in 10 seconds.”
“Tell us what you actually want.”

Body copy example

Hey Jordan,

If our emails haven’t been hitting the mark lately, that’s on us. We can fix it.

In 10 seconds, you can choose what you want to hear about and how often.

[Update my email preferences]

Don’t want to hear from us at all? There’s an unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email. No hard feelings.

Why this belongs in any list of examples of re-engagement emails with clear CTAs:

• The CTA is crystal clear: Update my email preferences.
• You give control and mention time (“10 seconds”), which reduces resistance.
• You keep the unsubscribe option visible, which is good practice for list health and compliance.

For a data-backed perspective on consent and user control, you can look at resources from the Federal Trade Commission on CAN-SPAM compliance.

3. The “Win-back with value” re-engagement email (with a single offer CTA)

Discounts and bonuses are classic, but they only work if the call to action is painfully obvious. Here’s an example of a re-engagement email that trades a perk for renewed interest.

Subject line ideas
“Here’s 20% off if you still want us.”
“One-time offer to welcome you back.”

Body copy example

Hey Sam,

It’s been a while since your last visit. If you’re still interested in what we offer, here’s a little nudge from us:

20% off your next order – this week only.

Tap the button below to apply your code automatically at checkout.

[Use my 20% off now]

If you’re not shopping right now, no worries. We’ll stop sending promos if we don’t hear from you.

Why this is one of the best examples of re-engagement emails with clear CTAs:

• One clear goal: drive a purchase.
• One clear CTA: Use my 20% off now. No browsing, no reading more, just “use it.”
• Time-bound language (“this week only”) gently pushes action without sounding aggressive.

You can swap the discount for a free resource, extended trial, or bonus lesson and still keep the same CTA structure.

4. The “Content sampler” example of re-engagement with a focused read CTA

Some subscribers disengage because they forgot why they signed up. This example of a re-engagement email reminds them of your best content.

Subject line ideas
“Here’s what you missed (handpicked for you).”
“3 free resources you might actually use.”

Body copy example

Hey Alex,

While you’ve been away, we’ve published some of our most popular content yet. If you’re still interested in [topic], start with this quick guide:

[Read the 5-minute guide to getting started]

If you like it, we’ll send more content like that. If not, you can unsubscribe at the bottom of this email.

Why this belongs in a list of real examples of re-engagement emails with clear CTAs:

• Instead of dumping a list of links, you highlight one “start here” piece.
• The CTA is focused on one action: Read the 5-minute guide.
• It repositions your emails as useful, not noisy.

You can support your content strategy with principles from places like Harvard Business School Online that discuss value-driven email marketing.

5. The “Product changes” re-engagement email with a tour CTA

In 2024–2025, many subscribers drift away because products evolve and they don’t realize how much has changed. This example of a re-engagement email invites them to see what’s new.

Subject line ideas
“We’ve changed a lot since you last logged in.”
“New features we built for you.”

Body copy example

Hey Morgan,

Since you last used [Product], we’ve shipped a few updates we think you’ll like:

• Faster dashboards
• Simpler reporting
• One-click exports

Want a quick look around? Take a 3-minute tour and see what’s new.

[Take the 3-minute product tour]

If it’s not for you anymore, you can ignore this email and we’ll gradually stop sending updates.

Why this is a strong example of a re-engagement email with a clear CTA:

• The CTA describes the action and the time: Take the 3-minute product tour.
• You connect improvements directly to user benefit (faster, simpler, one-click).
• You frame re-engagement as curiosity, not obligation.

6. The “Survey” example of re-engagement with a feedback CTA

Sometimes the best examples of re-engagement emails with clear CTAs simply ask, “What went wrong?” and give people a one-click way to answer.

Subject line ideas
“Can you spare 30 seconds to help us improve?”
“Quick favor? Tell us why you stopped reading.”

Body copy example

Hey Jamie,

We noticed you haven’t opened our emails in a while. That might mean we missed the mark.

If you’re open to it, would you answer one quick question?

[Take the 30-second survey]

Your feedback helps us send fewer, better emails. If you’d rather not hear from us again, you can unsubscribe below.

Why this is one of the best examples of re-engagement emails with clear CTAs:

• The CTA is specific and low-commitment: Take the 30-second survey.
• You acknowledge the problem instead of pretending everything is fine.
• Even if they don’t re-engage, the data you collect can improve future campaigns.

For survey design and user research best practices, check out resources from organizations like the Pew Research Center, which share guidance on asking clear, focused questions.

7. The “Last chance” example of a re-engagement email before removal

Email providers increasingly look at engagement to decide if your messages land in the inbox or spam. In 2024–2025, pruning inactive subscribers is not optional. This example of a re-engagement email sets a clear deadline.

Subject line ideas
“Last email unless you click this button.”
“We’ll stop emailing you after Friday.”

Body copy example

Hey Taylor,

We’re cleaning up our email list to make sure we’re only writing to people who want to hear from us.

If you’d like to keep getting emails, click the button below by Friday.

[Yes, keep sending me emails]

If we don’t hear from you, we’ll remove you from our list. You can always sign up again later.

Why this is one of the clearest examples of re-engagement emails with clear CTAs:

• The CTA is binary: click to stay, ignore to leave.
• You set a date, which creates urgency without pressure.
• You protect your sender reputation by removing unengaged contacts.

If you’re curious how engagement affects deliverability, the U.S. government’s DigitalGov resources discuss email management and best practices for public communication, which also apply to private senders.

8. The “Channel switch” example of re-engagement (move them to SMS, app, or social)

Not everyone wants more email. Sometimes the smartest example of a re-engagement email with a clear CTA is one that moves people to a channel they actually use.

Subject line ideas
“Prefer texts instead of emails?”
“Want fewer emails and more app alerts?”

Body copy example

Hey Riley,

If email isn’t your thing anymore, we get it.

You can still get updates from us – just in a way that fits your life better.

[Switch to text updates]

We’ll send fewer emails and move the important stuff to SMS. You can change your mind anytime.

Why this deserves a spot among the best examples of re-engagement emails with clear CTAs:

• The CTA is a single, simple decision: Switch to text updates.
• You acknowledge changing habits and give an alternative instead of forcing email.
• You keep the relationship alive, even if the channel changes.

How to write your own examples of re-engagement emails with clear CTAs

Use the examples above as templates, but keep a few principles in mind as you write your own.

Focus on one goal and one CTA

Every strong example of a re-engagement email in this list does the same thing: it chooses one main outcome.

• Keep them on the list.
• Get them to update preferences.
• Drive one purchase.
• Get feedback.
• Move them to another channel.

Once you pick that outcome, your job is to design the entire email around a single, clear call to action that supports it. If you find yourself adding a second big button, pause and ask: Which one matters more?

Make the CTA copy painfully obvious

Avoid vague buttons like Learn more or Click here. The best examples of re-engagement emails with clear CTAs use language that tells people exactly what will happen:

• Keep me on the list
• Update my preferences
• Use my 20% off
• Take the 30-second survey
• Take the 3-minute tour

If someone only read your CTA button, they should still understand the core offer.

Keep the email short and skimmable

Disengaged subscribers are not going to read a novel. Look back at the real examples of re-engagement emails above: they’re short, direct, and respectful.

A simple structure you can reuse:

• One or two opening lines that acknowledge the gap.
• One sentence that explains the value or decision.
• One clear CTA button.
• One line explaining what happens if they ignore the email.

Respect consent and list health

In 2024–2025, inbox providers like Gmail and Outlook pay close attention to engagement. Keeping people who never open your emails can hurt your ability to reach the people who actually care. That’s why many of the best examples of re-engagement emails with clear CTAs include a clear “do nothing and we’ll remove you” path.

For legal and ethical guidance, review resources like the FTC’s CAN-SPAM guidance. Even if you’re also following GDPR or other international rules, the spirit is the same: be clear, be honest, and make opting out easy.

FAQ: examples of re-engagement emails with clear CTAs

Q1. Can you give another quick example of a re-engagement email with a clear CTA?
Yes. Here’s a simple one you can adapt:

Subject: “Do you still want our weekly tips?”
Body: “If you’d like to keep getting them, click the button below. If not, we’ll stop emailing you this week.”
CTA: [Keep my weekly tips]

That’s it. One question, one button, one outcome.

Q2. How many re-engagement emails should I send before removing someone?
A common pattern in 2024–2025 is a short sequence of two or three emails over 7–14 days: a friendly check-in, a value offer or survey, and a final “last chance” email. If they don’t open or click any of them, remove or heavily suppress them. Keeping them forever can hurt your sender reputation.

Q3. Should re-engagement emails always include a discount?
No. Many of the best examples of re-engagement emails with clear CTAs in this guide don’t use discounts at all. Value can be a useful guide, a better content mix, product improvements, or even the chance to give feedback. Use discounts sparingly so they feel special, not expected.

Q4. Is it okay to send re-engagement emails to very old subscribers?
If someone hasn’t opened anything in a year or more, tread carefully. Consider sending a single, very clear re-confirmation email and then removing anyone who doesn’t respond. Long-term inactivity can signal to inbox providers that your list isn’t well maintained.

Q5. How do I measure whether my re-engagement examples are working?
Watch three simple metrics:

• Open rate on your re-engagement sequence compared to your usual campaigns.
• Click-through rate on the main CTA.
• Reactivation rate (how many people stay active for 30–60 days afterward).

If people open but don’t click, your CTA or offer may not be strong enough. If they don’t open at all, test subject lines and send times.

Use these examples of re-engagement emails with clear CTAs as a starting point, not a script you must follow word for word. Keep the structure, keep the single, focused CTA, and then layer in your voice, your audience, and your offers. That’s how you turn generic templates into real examples that fit your brand and actually bring people back.