Best examples of notifying clients about promotions: examples that actually work

Instead of starting with theory, let’s walk through situations you probably face all the time and match them with concrete messages. Think of these as “fill-in-the-blanks” you can customize.

You’ll see:

• A simple percentage-off promo
• A limited-time launch offer
• A VIP-only pre-sale
• A price increase announcement with a promo
• A reactivation offer for inactive clients
• A seasonal or holiday promotion
• A referral-based promotion
• A loyalty or points-based promotion

As we go, notice how each example of a promotion email does three things:

1. States the offer clearly
2. Explains why it matters now
3. Tells the client exactly what to do next

That’s the backbone of almost all the best examples of promotion messages.

Example of a simple discount email to existing clients

This is the workhorse of promotion emails: you have a sale or discount and you want your existing clients to know. Here’s one of the cleanest examples of notifying clients about promotions: examples like this work for retailers, service providers, and SaaS alike.

Subject line options

• “This week only: 20% off your next service”
• “A little thank-you: save 20% before Sunday”

Email body example

Hi [First Name],

You’re one of our favorite parts of this business, so we wanted to say thank you with a little something extra.

From now through Sunday at 11:59 PM, you’ll get 20% off any [product/service category] when you book or order online.

Just use code THANKYOU20 at checkout or mention it when you come in.

➜ Book your spot here: [Booking link]

Thanks again for being with us,
[Your Name]
[Business Name]

Why this works:

• Clear deadline
• Simple discount
• One main call to action

If you’re collecting data through your email platform (open rates, click-throughs, etc.), you can A/B test subject lines, which is now standard practice in 2024–2025 across tools like Mailchimp, Klaviyo, and HubSpot.

Launch and new-product examples of notifying clients about promotions: examples with urgency

When you launch something new, you’re not just discounting—you’re telling a story. The best examples of launch promotions explain what’s new and why existing clients should care now.

Subject line options

• “New: [Product/Service] + 15% off for the first 72 hours”
• “You asked, we built it. Early access inside.”

Email body example

Hi [First Name],

You’ve been asking for [short description of the problem], and we’ve been quietly working on a better way to help.

Meet [Product/Service Name] – designed to help you [one-line benefit].

Because you’re already a client, you get 15% off when you try it in the next 72 hours. Just use code FIRST15 at checkout.

➜ See what’s new and claim your offer: [Link]

After 72 hours, pricing goes back to normal, but your feedback will still be gold to us. If you try it, hit reply and tell us what you think.

Thanks for growing with us,
[Your Name]

This style of message is one of the best examples of combining promotion with relationship-building: you’re not just pushing a discount; you’re inviting clients into the story of your business.

VIP & loyalty examples of notifying clients about promotions: examples for your best customers

Your best clients should not hear about promotions at the same time as everyone else. Giving them first access or better terms makes them feel valued and tends to improve retention, which research on loyalty programs consistently supports (see, for example, general overviews of loyalty behavior in business research from sites like Harvard Business School).

Subject line options

• “VIP early access: 24 hours before anyone else”
• “Because you’re a regular: extra perks inside”

Email body example

Hi [First Name],

You’re getting this email because you’re one of our VIP clients – people who’ve supported us again and again.

Tomorrow we’re launching our [sale/new collection/holiday offer] to the public. But today, it’s just for you.

From now until tomorrow at midnight, you get:
• First pick of all items and appointment times
• An extra 10% off with code VIP10

➜ Start shopping before everyone else: [Link]

We appreciate you more than you know,
[Your Name]

In many industries, these VIP-style emails are the best examples of high-ROI promotions. They often convert better than broad blasts because you’re speaking to people who already buy from you.

Price increase + promotion: a transparent example of notifying clients

Sometimes your “promotion” is really a way to soften the news that prices are going up. Done well, it builds trust instead of resentment. This is one of the more subtle examples of notifying clients about promotions: examples like this pair honesty with a time-limited benefit.

Subject line options

• “Prices changing on March 1 – lock in current rates”
• “A quick heads-up about our pricing (and a thank-you)”

Email body example

Hi [First Name],

We want to be upfront with you: starting March 1, our prices for [service/product] will be increasing by about [X%]. This helps us cover rising costs and continue to provide [specific quality or support].

Because you’re an existing client, you can lock in current pricing if you book or renew before February 29. As a thank-you, we’re also including [small bonus or discount] on any bookings made before then.

➜ Lock in your current rate here: [Link]

If you have questions about how this affects you, just hit reply. We appreciate your trust and want this to feel fair and transparent.

Thank you for being with us,
[Your Name]

This is an example of using a promotional angle without feeling pushy. You’re giving clients a chance to save while explaining the context.

Reactivation examples of notifying clients about promotions: examples for inactive customers

Every business has a list of people who bought once, then disappeared. A targeted reactivation promotion can bring some of them back at a low cost.

Subject line options

• “We miss you – here’s 25% off if you’d like to come back”
• “It’s been a while… want to try us again?”

Email body example

Hi [First Name],

It’s been a while since we’ve seen you, and we genuinely miss having you around.

If our timing is right and you’ve been thinking about [problem you solve], here’s a little nudge:

25% off your next [order/appointment] when you use code WELCOME25 by [date].

➜ Use your welcome-back offer: [Link]

If we’re not a fit anymore, no worries at all—you can update your email preferences here: [preferences link].

Either way, thanks for being part of our story,
[Your Name]

Among the best examples of win-back campaigns, this style works because it’s direct, respectful, and gives an easy out.

Seasonal and holiday promotion examples (2024–2025 trends)

Holiday and seasonal offers are everywhere now, which means your message has to be specific to stand out. In 2024–2025, personalization and timing matter more than ever, with inboxes flooded around big events like Black Friday and New Year’s.

Subject line options

• “New Year, new [result]: 30% off through January 5”
• “Back-to-school offer for busy parents”

Email body example

Hi [First Name],

Heading into [season/holiday], we know things can get busy. To make life a little easier, we’re offering 30% off [relevant product/service] through [date].

This is our only [New Year/back-to-school/holiday] promotion this year, and it’s designed to help you [specific seasonal benefit, like “start the year organized” or “get ready for fall”].

➜ Grab your seasonal discount: [Link]

Wishing you a calm, happy [season/holiday],
[Your Name]

Here, the timing is the promotion. Among the best examples of seasonal emails, the strongest ones tie the offer to a real seasonal need, not just a date on the calendar.

Referral promotion: examples of notifying clients about promotions that grow your list

Referral promotions turn your best clients into your marketing team. These examples of notifying clients about promotions: examples like the one below reward both the referrer and the new client.

Subject line options

• “Share us with a friend, you both get $20”
• “Love what we do? Here’s a thank-you for spreading the word”

Email body example

Hi [First Name],

If you’ve gotten value from [your product/service], we’d be honored if you’d share us with a friend. So we’ve set up a simple thank-you:

• Your friend gets $20 off their first [order/service]
• You get $20 credit for every friend who signs up using your link

➜ Grab your personal referral link: [Link]

There’s no limit to how many friends you can refer. If you have questions about how it works, just reply to this email.

Thanks for helping us grow,
[Your Name]

This example of a promotion email does double duty: it rewards loyalty and fuels growth.

Loyalty points and ongoing rewards: examples that keep clients engaged

Not every promotion has to be a one-off sale. Loyalty programs—points, tiers, and ongoing rewards—have strong support in marketing research as a way to influence repeat behavior over time. For general background on how incentives affect behavior, you can look at behavioral research summaries from sites like the National Institutes of Health or Harvard that discuss habit and reward systems.

Subject line options

• “You’ve earned 500 points – here’s how to use them”
• “You’re one purchase away from a $25 reward”

Email body example

Hi [First Name],

Good news: you’ve earned [X] points in our rewards program, which means you’re eligible for [specific reward – $10 off, free item, upgrade].

Here’s how to use it:

1. Log into your account
2. Add your favorites to your cart
3. Apply your reward at checkout before [expiration date]

➜ Use your reward before it expires: [Link]

Thanks for sticking with us,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of notifying clients about promotions that feel like a thank-you instead of a sales push.

Best practices drawn from these examples of notifying clients about promotions: examples to model

Looking across all these scenarios, a few patterns show up again and again in the best examples:

Plain language beats jargon.
Write like you talk. Instead of “We are pleased to announce a limited-time promotional offer,” say “We’re running a short-term sale.” Clear writing builds trust, and trust is a big factor in whether people act on promotions.

One main call to action.
Each example of a promotion email above points to one primary action: book, shop, redeem, or refer. Multiple competing buttons scatter attention and lower clicks.

Real deadlines.
Every one of the strong examples includes a specific end date or time. Behavioral research consistently shows that deadlines and scarcity can increase response rates when used honestly and not exaggerated.

Respect for consent and preferences.
Make it easy for clients to update preferences or unsubscribe. In the U.S., regulations like CAN-SPAM (see the Federal Trade Commission for details) set legal requirements for promotional emails. Following them isn’t just about compliance—it also keeps your list healthier.

Segment whenever you can.
A VIP promotion should not go to a brand-new lead. A reactivation offer should not go to someone who just bought. Even simple segmentation (new vs. existing vs. inactive clients) makes your promotions feel more personal.

When you look at the best examples of notifying clients about promotions: examples from successful businesses, all of them follow these patterns, even if the wording and branding differ.

FAQ: examples of common questions about promotion emails

Q: What are some quick examples of notifying clients about promotions I can send this week?
You could send a “thank-you” discount to existing clients, a “we miss you” reactivation offer to inactive ones, or a small seasonal promotion tied to an upcoming date (for example, “Spring refresh: 20% off organizing services through April 15”). Each example of a promotion email in this article can be adapted with your own dates, discount, and links.

Q: How often should I notify clients about promotions?
Most small businesses do well with promotional emails no more than once a week to the same person, often less. Mix in non-promotional content—tips, how-tos, updates—so you’re not only showing up when you want to sell something.

Q: What’s one example of a subject line that tends to work well?
In many industries, a straightforward subject like “Save 20% on your next visit (this week only)” performs better than something cryptic. It clearly states the benefit and the time frame, which you can see reflected in several of the best examples in this guide.

Q: Do I always need to offer a discount in a promotion?
No. Some of the strongest examples of notifying clients about promotions: examples from service businesses use priority access, bonuses, or added value instead of a price cut—like “book now and get a free upgrade” or “join this month and get an extra session.”

Q: How can I tell which promotion examples are working best for my audience?
Use your email platform’s analytics to track opens, clicks, and conversions. Over time, compare results from different styles: for instance, a VIP pre-sale versus a general discount. This lets you build your own set of best examples tailored to your audience, instead of guessing.

If you keep these patterns in mind and adapt the examples of notifying clients about promotions: examples you’ve seen here, you’ll never be stuck staring at a blank email draft again. Start with the scenario that fits your current need, plug in your details, and send. Then watch how your clients respond—and refine from there.