Most abandoned cart email examples and templates are for online stores — i.e. people selling physical products.
This post is for folks selling digital, downloadable, or intangible products/services.
I’m talking about course creators, coaches, consultants, experts, agencies, and service providers.
That’s why the cart recovery campaigns below focus on functionality rather than beautiful visuals.
Because what really drives customers in these fields isn’t the flashy cart email design — it’s the:
- Angle of the abandoned email
- How you present the angle
- How you create an emotional connection
2 Important things for a good cart email strategy
1/ Don’t just hit your readers with hard sells every time
Yes, even though these are abandoned cart “marketing emails”… it’s always good when we can sell in a gracious way instead of “selling in your face” all the time.
Give readers a useful takeaway in the email too.
Even if they don’t complete checkout (i.e. don’t buy), they should leave with something valuable. Most sellers miss this. They’re too busy pushing the sale.
2/ A little humor can go a long way
Make them laugh a bit — after all, we’re dealing with humans.
You can still keep it professional while being a tad funny. A good chuckle can make your emails memorable & get people to like (and buy from) you.
You don’t have to include these two things in every email, but the more you use them… the less “salesy” your emails will be.
Abandoned Cart Email #1: The surprise gift
Offering an unannounced bonus / surprise gift is better than offering discounts.
Pay attention to these 2 things:
A/ The bonus must be RELEVANT and VALUABLE to the offer / product / service that is abandoned
B/ There needs to be some kind of urgency/scarcity to entice people to act now. This can be time-based (e.g. for the next 24 hours) or quantity-based (e.g. for the next 5 people)
The email
Subject: Did you forget something? I added a surprise.
Hey [First name],
It seems you’ve been eyeing YouTube 10K Subs Accelerator…
So here’s a bonus for you when you sign up in the next 24 hours:
A personalized channel audit from me. I’ll review your channel and shoot you a 10-min video with custom feedback and improvement suggestions based on my 10 years of experience doing YouTube videos.
There’s just a caveat:
This bonus goes away in the next 24 hours, so you need to sign up before then.
[link]Level up your YouTube channel with the 10K Accelerator today.[link]
~ Welly
The template
Hey [FIRST NAME],
I noticed you’ve been eyeing [PRODUCT NAME]…
So here’s a bonus for you when you sign up in the next [X] hours:
[BONUS WITH QUICK EXPLANATION]
There’s just a caveat:
This bonus goes away in the next [X] hours, so you need to sign up before then.
[LINK]Level up your [RELEVANT ASPECT] by joining [PRODUCT NAME] today.[LINK]
~ [YOUR NAME]
Abandoned Cart Template #2: The humor
Most emails are too serious.
Inject humor to ease the tension and make readers chuckle. When people chuckle, they lower their guard. Plus, you create a human connection with them.
The email
Subject: You ok?
Hey [First Name],
So I was watching Netflix when suddenly my computer screen started blinking like a turn signal stuck on hyperdrive…
Telling me you started an order but didn’t quite make it to the finish line.
Is everything okay? Did you get sidetracked by a sudden craving for donuts? Or did I drop the ball on something?
I’d love for you to try [link]YouTube 10K Subs Accelerator.[link]
So that you have all the strategies, tactics, frameworks, templates, and support you need to grow your YouTube channel to 10K subscribers.
The end result?
You’ll have an engaged audience ready to listen to what you have to say.
Whether it’s promoting your own or affiliate offers or simply to earn money from ads… the program has got you covered.
[link]Grow your YouTube channel to 10K subscribers[link]
~ Welly
The template
Subject: You ok?
Hey [FIRST NAME],
So I was [HOBBY] when suddenly my computer screen started blinking like a turn signal stuck on hyperdrive…
Telling me you started an order but didn’t quite make it to the finish line.
Is everything okay? Did you get sidetracked by a sudden craving for donuts? Or did I drop the ball on something?
I’d love for you to try [PRODUCT LINK].
So that you have all the strategies, tactics, frameworks, templates, and support you need to [PRODUCT BENEFITS].
The end result?
[DESIRED RESULT]
[CALL TO ACTION LINK]
~ [YOUR NAME]
Shopping Cart Abandonment Email #3: The behind-the-scenes
Give a sneak peek into the online course content or the process of creating the course to build excitement.
The email
Subject: Behind the scenes of YouTube 10K Subs Accelerator
Hey [First name],
Looks like you were about to become the next big YouTube star with my YouTube 10K Subs Accelerator…
But then you got distracted. I get it.
Dogs poop and you’ve got to clean up their mess.
Kids come into your room asking for pocket money.
If you’re ready to get back on track, below is the link you “abandoned”:
[link] Get to 10K YouTube subs with the Accelerator.[link]
Here’s why I created this program…
A few years back, I was just like you — burning with YouTube passion but struggling to get my channel off the ground.
I spent hours after hours researching, experimenting, and learning from my slip-ups.
Slowly but surely, my channel started growing, and I finally hit the 50K subscriber mark.
I realized many aspiring YouTubers were hitting the same walls I did, and I wanted to smoothen their path.
That’s why I built the YouTube 10K Subs Accelerator — to share my insights, tips, frameworks, and strategies.
The way I created this program involved 5 phases:
1/ Research & planning
I started by pooling all the gold nuggets I’d picked up over the years.
I even interviewed successful YouTubers for their secret sauce. This helped me sketch out a program outline I know will work.
2/ Content creation
Next, I shot video lessons covering everything from niche hunting to growth tactics. Each lesson is designed to be actionable and easy to digest.
3/ Interactive elements
To keep things engaging, I included quizzes and assignments.
The goal is to make sure you’re not just learning but also applying the strategies.
4/ Feedback & improvement
I ran the program by a small group of beta students and fine-tuned it based on their feedback.
5/ Community building
I wanted to foster a supportive space where you can connect with fellow aspiring YouTubers and ask me questions when you run into problems.
So, I included access to this community as part of the program.
[link]If you resonate with these, I’d love to have you inside the community.[link]
~ Welly
The template
Subject: Behind the scenes of [PRODUCT NAME]
Hey [First Name],
Looks like you were about to become the next big [PRODUCT GOAL] with my [PRODUCT NAME]…
But then you got distracted. I get it.
[RELATABLE SCENARIO]
If you’re ready to get back on track, below is the link you “abandoned”:
[CALLS TO ACTION LINK]
Here’s why I created this product…
A few years back, I was just like you — burning with [YOUR PASSION] but struggling to [ACHIEVE GOAL].
I spent hours after hours researching, experimenting, and learning from my slip-ups.
Slowly but surely, [YOUR SUCCESS STORY].
I realized many aspiring [YOUR AUDIENCE] were hitting the same walls I did, and I wanted to smoothen their path.
That’s why I built [PRODUCT NAME] — to share my insights, tips, frameworks, and strategies.
The way I created this product involved [X] phases:
[INSERT THE PHASES & INCLUDE A ONE-SENTENCE EXPLANATION FOR EACH]
[CALL TO ACTION LINK]
~ [YOUR NAME]
Cart Recovery Email Template #4: The social proof / customer testimonials
Include a few quick customer reviews, testimonials, or success stories.
This is to show folks that you know what you’re doing and that you’ve gotten results for your customers.
Don’t make the testimonials or social proof too over-the-top, because those make people’s “scam alarm bell” heads ring off.
The email
Subject: Your future YouTube fans. See what they say.
Hey [First name],
I saw you left your YouTube 10K Subs Accelerator behind.
No worries. I totally get it. You’re probably skeptical if the program actually works.
Meet Alex and Jane — 2 of our students who took the program.
Alex started with 0 subscribers. After following my strategies and tactics, he now has 8k+ subscribers. Not yet 10k subscribers, but it’s just a matter of time before he gets there.
His “secret”?
He took my advice of keeping the videos short and engaging, especially for new viewers. Videos that are too long may lose audience interest.
.
When Jane took our program, she had 150-ish subscribers. She diligently followed it, asked questions in the community (yes, we have a forum where you can ask me questions + network with other aspiring YouTubers), and took action on what she learned.
She’s now closing in on 6k subscribers.
While I can’t promise you 10K subscribers in a certain time frame (because I don’t know how committed you are)…
I can tell you this:
If you IMPLEMENT the lessons, strategies, and tactics shown in the program, 10,000 YouTube subscribers is a matter of when, not if.
[link] Make 10K subscribers a reality by joining YouTube 10K Subs Accelerator today. [link]
~ Welly
The template
Subject: Your future [NICHE] fans. See what they say.
Hey [FIRST NAME],
I saw you left your [PRODUCT NAME] behind.
No worries. I totally get it. You’re probably skeptical if it actually works.
[CUSTOMER REVIEW / SUCCESS STORY / TESTIMONIAL 1]
[CASE STUDY / SUCCESS STORY / TESTIMONIAL 2]
[CUSTOMER REVIEW / SUCCESS STORY / TESTIMONIAL 3]
While I can’t promise you [GOAL] in a certain time frame (because I don’t know how committed you are)…
I can tell you this:
If you IMPLEMENT the lessons, strategies, & tactics shown in the program, [DESIRED RESULT] is a matter of when, not if.
[CALL TO ACTION LINK] Make [DESIRES RESULT] a reality by joining [PRODUCT NAME] today. [CALL TO ACTION LINK]
~ [YOUR NAME]
Abandoned Cart Recovery Campaign #5: The classic reminder
This is a straightforward friendly reminder email saying they didn’t complete the order.
Again, adding a bit of humor is a good way to make the email less salesy and stand out from the crowd.
The email
Subject: Lost on your way to YouTube fame?
Hey [First name],
I’ve been sitting here, twiddling my thumbs, waiting for you to join the YouTube 10K Accelerator.
But it seems like you’ve gone off the grid.
I’m starting to think you’ve caught the “I’ll do it later” bug?
But the thing is — later usually turns into never.
And we’ll be sitting here, wondering why our business isn’t growing as fast as Nathan next door.
And I’d hate for that to happen to you.
[link]Join the YouTube 10K Subs Accelerator now to grow to 10K subs[link]
Oh and here are 2 tips for you:
1/ Create a strong hook in the first 15 seconds of your video. Tease the value, ask a question, or state a bold claim. This will keep viewers engaged and watching longer, which YouTube loves.
2/ Have a consistent posting schedule. Try to upload at the same time each week to keep your audience engaged. This way they’ll be anticipating your new videos.
[link] Get into the Accelerator toady and network with 347 other students[link]
~ Welly
The template
Subject: Lost on your way to [GOAL]?
Hey [FIRST NAME],
I’ve been sitting here, twiddling my thumbs, waiting for you to join the [PRODUCT NAME].
But it seems like you’ve gone off the grid.
I’m starting to think you’ve caught the “I’ll do it later” bug?
But the thing is — later usually turns into never.
And we’ll be sitting here, wondering why our business isn’t growing as fast as [COMPARISON EXAMPLE].
And I’d hate for that to happen to you.
[CALL TO ACTION LINK]Join [PRODUCT NAME] now to [DESIRED RESULT][CALL TO ACTION LINK]
Oh and here’s a tip for you:
[VALUABLE TIP]
[CALL TO ACTION LINK]
~ [YOUR NAME]
Cart Abandonment Campaign #6: The discount
Offer a discount in the next X hours to grab those who just need a little nudge.
The email
Subject: Little-known YouTube growth hack
Hey [First name],
I saw you checking out YouTube 10K Subs Accelerator.
But for some reason, you didn’t complete your order.
To help you on your journey to 10K subscribers, I’ll give you 20% off.
There’s just a caveat: you’ll need to get in within 24 hours. After that, the coupon expires.
Just use coupon code:
YOUTUBE20
On the checkout page.
[link]Claim your 20% discount here[link]
~ Welly
PS. Here’s a little-known growth hack for you:
Use YouTube shorts to promote your main videos. Shorts are pushed heavily by YouTube’s algorithm, so leverage them to drive traffic to your full-length content.
This is just one of the many tips waiting for you inside the program.
But hurry — the 20% discount disappears in 24 hours.
[link]Enroll now and let’s get you to 10k subs.[link]
(If the coupon doesn’t work, it means the discount is gone. Sorry.)
The template
Subject: Little-known [NICHE/INDUSTRY] growth hack
Hey [FIRST NAME],
I saw you checking out [PRODUCT NAME].
But for some reason, you didn’t complete your order.
To help you on your journey to [DESIRED RESULT], I’ll give you [X]% off.
There’s just a caveat: you’ll need to get in within [TIME FRAME]. After that, the coupon expires.
Just use code:
[DISCOUNT CODE]
On the checkout page.
[CALL TO ACTION LINK]Claim your [X]% discount here[CALL TO ACTION LINK]
~ [YOUR NAME]
PS. Here’s a little-known growth hack for you:
[USEFUL TIP]
This is just one of the many tips waiting for you inside the program.
But hurry — the [X]% discount disappears in [TIME FRAME].
[CALL TO ACTION LINK]Enroll now and let’s get you to [GOAL].[CALL TO ACTION LINK]
Abandoned Cart Follow-Up Email #7: Urgency/scarcity
This is a last chance email to get “almost buyers” to buy your offer.
There needs to REAL urgency/scarcity. Otherwise, people will see through it and won’t trust you → won’t buy. A countdown timer works superbly well to convert lost customers into actual customers.
Urgency can be: Cart closes in X hours.
Scarcity can be: X spots left.
The email
Subject: Closing in 2 hours
Hey [First name],
YouTube 10K Subs Accelerator enrollment is closing in 2 hours and I’d hate for you to miss it.
This is the last intake this year…
So if you miss it and want to get in, you’d have to wait until Q1 next year before I open enrollment again.
Whether you decide to join now or not, here’s a YouTube tip:
Leverage YouTube’s Community tab. Post polls, questions, and sneak peeks to boost engagement and make your subscribers feel involved. This can build a loyal community around your channel.
This is just one of many tactics you’ll get inside the YouTube 10K Subs Accelerator.
[link]Enroll now to grow your channel to 10K subs while you still can[link]
~ Welly
The template
Subject: Closing in [X] hours
Hey [FIRST NAME],
[PRODUCT NAME] enrollment is closing in [X] hours & I’d hate for you to miss it.
This is the last intake this year…
So if you miss it & want to get in, you’d have to wait until [NEXT ENROLLMENT PERIOD] before I open enrollment again.
Whether you decide to join now or not, here’s a tip:
[RELEVANT TIP THAT ADDS VALUE]
This is just one of many tactics you’ll get inside the [PRODUCT NAME].
[CALL TO ACTION LINK]Enroll now to [PROGRAM BENEFIT] while you still can[CALL TO ACTION LINK]
~ [YOUR NAME]
Cart Abandonment Email Template #8: The FAQ
Address common concerns, objections, or questions to reassure the prospect that your offer can solve their problems and move them closer to their goal.
Note: Mentioning who the offer is NOT for will increase their trust in you. Plus, you’ll attract better customers too.
The email
Subject: Got questions?
Hey [first name],
I notice you left your YouTube 10K Subs Accelerator in your cart.
I’m thinking maybe you’ve got a question or two about the program?
No problem.
Here are the 5 most common questions I get:
1/ Is this for me?
If you’re a content creator, coach, expert, consultant, or course creator wanting to build an engaged audience on YouTube, this is for you.
If you mainly sell physical products, this isn’t for you.
2/ What do I need to start?
While you don’t need any specialized video editing or tech skills, you do need to know how to use the computer at a basic level. Like browsing online, creating online accounts, saving files to your computer, etc.
You also need to commit to implementing the lessons in the program. Learning without doing won’t get you anywhere.
3/ How quickly can I see results?
Some students see growth within 6-12 months, depending on their efforts and consistency.
4/ What kind of support will I get?
You’ll have access to the YouTube 10K Accelerator community where you can ask me questions, share your experiences, and network with other students.
5/ Do I need any special equipment?
No special equipment is needed. You can use your smartphone to record the videos.
6/ Is there a guarantee?
Yes, I offer a 1-year money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied for whatever reason (e.g. you simply can’t stand my face), let me know and I’ll issue you a full refund. No questions asked.
7/ Will I get lifetime access?
Yes. And when I release updates, you’ll get them too.
Any other questions you have? Simply reply to this email and I’ll answer.
[link]Click here to grow your YouTube channel to 10K subs[link]
~ Welly
The template
Subject: Got questions?
Hey [FIRST NAME],
I notice you left your [PRODUCT NAME] in your cart.
I’m thinking maybe you’ve got a question or two about the program?
No problem.
Here are the 5 most common questions I get:
1/ Is this for me?
If you’re a [TARGET AUDIENCE], this is for you.
If you [WHO IT’S NOT FOR], this isn’t for you.
2/ What do I need to start?
While you don’t need [SKILLS NOT NEEDED], you do need to know how to [REQUIRED SKILLS].
You also need to commit to implementing the lessons in the program. Learning without doing won’t get you anywhere.
3/ How quickly can I see results?
Some students see growth within [TIME FRAME], depending on [FACTORS].
4/ What kind of support will I get?
You’ll have access to [BIG FEATURE] where you can [BENEFIT 1], [BENEFIT 2], and [BENEFIT 3].
5/ Do I need any special equipment?
No special equipment is needed. You can use your [BASIC EQUIPMENT] to [MAIN ACTIVITY].
6/ Is there a guarantee?
Yes, I offer a [GUARANTEE TIME FRAME] money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied for whatever reason (e.g. you simply can’t stand my face), let me know and I’ll issue you a full refund. No questions asked.
7/ Will I get lifetime access?
Yes. And when I release updates, you’ll get them too.
Any other questions you have? Simply reply to this email and I’ll answer.
[CALL TO ACTION LINK]Click here to [DESIRED RESULT][CALL TO ACTION LINK]
~ [YOUR NAME]
Abandoned Cart Email Campaign #9: The community
Use this if your offer includes a community aspect where customers/students can interact with one another.
Invite them to join a supportive group of like-minded individuals to achieve a common goal.
The email
Subject: 347 other YouTubers are sad to see you go
Hey [First name],
Did you know the YouTube 10K Subs Accelerator includes access to a community of 347 folks who all share the same goal as you — building an engaged audience of YouTube subscribers.
Some have even surpassed the program’s goal of 10K subscribers.
Here’s why many say the community is their “secret weapon”:
1/ Support and motivation
Starting and growing a YouTube channel is scary and overwhelming.
With the community, you’re surrounded by like-minded folks who understand your frustrations and challenges because everyone is working towards a common goal.
If you run into roadblocks, I’m here to help you. Just ask your questions in the community and I’ll answer.
Plus, other students who have overcome similar challenges can also chime in to give you a helping hand.
2/ Networking
Networking with other YouTubers opens up opportunities for collaborations and partnerships. Some may even refer you customers.
3/ Feedback
Get constructive criticism from me and other students, so you’re always improving.
Post your videos and have a fresh pair of eyes giving you feedback on how to improve and detect blind spots.
They (and I) are all waiting for you inside the community.
[link]Click here to say hi to them & grow your channel to 10K subs[link]
~ Welly
The template
Subject: [X] other [NICHE PEOPLE] are sad to see you go
Hey [FIRST NAME],
Did you know [PRODUCT NAME] includes access to a community of [X] folks who all share the same goal as you — [COMMON GOAL].
Some have even surpassed the program’s goal of [GOAL].
Here’s why many say the community is their “secret weapon”:
1/ Support and motivation
Starting and growing [WHAT YOUR PRODUCT HELPS THEM CREATE] is scary and overwhelming.
With the community, you’re surrounded by like-minded folks who understand your frustrations and challenges because everyone is working towards a common goal.
If you run into roadblocks, I’m here to help you. Just ask your questions in the community and I’ll answer.
Plus, other students who have overcome similar challenges can also chime in to give you a helping hand.
2/ Networking
Networking with other [NICHE PEOPLE] opens up opportunities for collaborations and partnerships. Some may even refer you customers.
3/ Feedback
Get constructive criticism from me and other students, so you’re always improving.
Post your [HOMEWORK] and have a fresh pair of eyes giving you feedback on how to improve and detect blind spots.
They (and I) are all waiting for you inside the community.
[CALL TO ACTION LINK]Click here to say hi to them & [DESIRED RESULT][CALL TO ACTION LINK]
~ [YOUR NAME]
Abandoned Cart Email #10: The comparison
Highlight what sets your offer apart from competitors. Make sure to only name-drop FAMOUS competitors.
We don’t want to name-drop lesser-known brands they’ve never heard of. We don’t want to distract them and have them doing Google searches for these brands.
The email
Subject: Did a cat distract you?
I saw you almost hit “checkout” for YouTube 10K Subs Accelerator…
But then I saw from my CCTV that a cat video distracted you.
I’m slightly offended that my Accelerator program isn’t as important as a cat video.
Joking aside… you must have heard of other similar training programs from guru A, B, and C?
And you might wonder what’s the difference between YouTube 10K Subs Accelerator and them?
Here’s how it’s different:
1/ Personalized attention and feedback
When a community aspect is involved, many big brands have “facilitators” or “coaches” they recruit to answer students’ questions.
It’s not their fault though — they’ve gotten so big that they can’t personally handle the questions anymore.
Inside MY community, I don’t have assistants answering students’ questions. I personally read and respond to questions.
2/ Transparent
Big brands have a tendency to focus on flashy marketing and upsells. Yet their offer/content isn’t as good.
Put it another way: Overpromise and underdeliver.
I strive to do the opposite. That’s why I have a 1-year money back guarantee. If you feel the accelerator isn’t up to your standard, let me know and I’ll refund your purchase, no questions asked.
3/ Continuous improvement based on your feedback
Big brands stick to a rigid curriculum.
Because I’m small, I’m always listening to my students to continuously improve the program.
This allows me to adapt and evolve the program to meet your and other students’ needs.
And it’s why I release updates to the program at least once every 6 months.
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in becoming a part of, click the link below:
[link]Join YouTube 10K Subs Accelerator today.[link]
~ Welly
The template
Subject: Did a cat distract you?
I saw you almost hit “checkout” for [PRODUCT NAME]…
But then I saw from my CCTV that a cat video distracted you.
I’m slightly offended that [PRODUCT NAME] isn’t as important as a cat video.
Joking aside… you must have heard of other similar training programs from [GURU A], [GURU B], and [GURU C]?
And you might wonder what’s the difference between [PRODUCT NAME] and them?
Here’s how it’s different:
[POINT OF DIFFERENCE #1]
[POINT OF DIFFERENCE #2]
[POINT OF DIFFERENCE #3]
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in becoming a part of, click the link below:
[CALL TO ACTION LINK]Join [PRODUCT NAME] today.[link]
~ [YOUR NAME]
Notes
- Choose any template(s) that fit your business. You can mix and match the templates however you want
- You can also create a drip campaign by adding a few of these cart abandonment recovery emails into your email marketing tool. This way, you have a cart email flow that hits from different angles.
- If you run out of online course ideas, here are 200 ideas for you.
- Thanks to Imgflip for the memes
Download all 10 abandoned shopping cart email templates
- The surprise gift email — use this to send an unannounced bonus to entice potential customers to sign up
- The humor email — use this to stand out from the crowd & become memorable
- The behind-the-scenes personal email — storytelling to build a relatable connection with leads
- The social proof / success story email — use this to show “almost buyers” that your offer works and can solve their problems
- The classic reminder email — the good-old “you left something in your cart” email for an instant recall
- The discount email cart reminder — everyone loves a discount; use this to give folks a discount to get them to act now
- The urgency/scarcity email — get folks to sign up now by mentioning your deadline and/or limited spots
- The FAQ email — handle any objections people have and convince them to buy your offer
- The community email — use this if you have a community aspect for your offer
- The comparison email — use this to show how your offer is different from competitors
From ghosted carts to happy customers.
With an average shopping cart abandonment rate of 70.19% (Statistia), using these 10 abandoned cart recovery emails can greatly boost conversion rates and reduce lost sales. If you’re interested in exploring more about stats, here’s some affiliate marketing stats.
Which are you going to try first for your digital product?