Free Gift Email Marketing: How to Promote Your GWP Campaign
Your free gift campaign is set up—but nobody knows about it. Learn the 3-email sequence (announcement, reminder, last chance), subject line formulas, and segmentation strategies that turn subscribers into buyers.
By Muhammed Tüfekyapan
Key Takeaways
- Use a 3-email sequence: Announcement (Day 1), Reminder (Mid-campaign), Last Chance (Final 24-48 hours)
- One email captures only 15-20% of responders—the reminder and last chance emails get the other 80%
- Segment your list: new subscribers, one-time buyers, loyal VIPs, and cart abandoners need different messaging
- Subject lines with specific benefits ('Free serum with orders over $75') outperform vague ones ('Check our promotion')
- Never extend deadlines after a last chance email—it trains subscribers to ignore your urgency
- Growth Suite's Cart Drawer reinforces email promises with visible progress bars when subscribers click through
You set up the perfect free gift with purchase campaign. The threshold is right. The gift is compelling. But sales are not moving. Why? Because nobody knows about it.
Most GWP campaigns fail because they rely only on on-site discovery. Your email subscribers are your warmest audience. They already raised their hand. But if you are not reaching them, your offer stays invisible.
Free gift email marketing is the amplifier your campaign needs. A strategic sequence turns passive subscribers into active buyers. This guide gives you the exact templates, subject lines, and timing to make it work.
What This Guide Covers:
- The 3-email GWP email campaign sequence structure
- Free gift email subject lines that actually get opened
- Segmentation strategies for 5 customer types
- Klaviyo and Mailchimp integration tips
- How Growth Suite's Cart Drawer reinforces your email message
These are not theoretical frameworks. These are actual templates and subject lines you can use today.
The 3-Email GWP Sequence: Why One Email Is Not Enough
One email is never enough. People miss emails. They get distracted. They mean to buy later and then forget. A successful GWP email campaign needs multiple touchpoints.
| Timing | Purpose | Tone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Announcement | Day 1 | Introduce the offer | Excited, generous |
| Reminder | Mid-campaign | Re-engage, overcome objections | Helpful, urgent |
| Last Chance | Final 24-48 hours | Drive immediate action | Urgent, direct |
Why This Sequence Works
- Announcement: Captures early-action buyers (15-20% of responders)
- Reminder: Catches those who intended to buy but forgot (40-50% of responders)
- Last Chance: Converts procrastinators (30-35% of responders)
Timing Based on Campaign Length
| Campaign Length | Announcement | Reminder | Last Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 (morning) |
| 7 days | Day 1 | Day 4 | Day 6-7 |
| 14 days | Day 1 | Day 7 | Day 13-14 |
| 30 days | Day 1 | Day 14 | Day 28-30 |
Key Insight:
Do not space emails evenly. Front-load the announcement, give breathing room, then compress urgency at the end. The last 48 hours should feel like a countdown.
Email #1: The Announcement Email Template
Your free gift announcement email introduces the offer and drives immediate action from early buyers. This is your first impression. Make it count.
Subject Line Formulas for Announcements
| Formula | Example |
|---|---|
| Benefit + Timeframe | "Your free gift is waiting (this week only)" |
| Question + Gift Reveal | "Ready for your free travel serum?" |
| Exclusivity + Action | "VIP Access: Claim your free gift with any order" |
| Direct Value Statement | "Free skincare set with orders over $75" |
| Curiosity + Urgency | "Something extra in your next order..." |
Copy-Paste Announcement Template
HEADLINE:
"Your Free [Gift Name] Is Waiting"
OPENING (2-3 sentences):
We are adding something special to orders this week.
Spend $[Threshold] or more, and we will include a free [Gift Name] on us.
THE OFFER (Clear and simple):
- - Spend $[Threshold] or more
- - Get a FREE [Gift Name] ($[Value] value)
- - Automatically added to your order
GIFT HIGHLIGHT:
[Image of Gift]
[Brief description of why the gift is desirable]
CTA BUTTON:
"Shop Now & Get Your Gift"
CLOSING:
Offer ends [Date]. Do not miss out.
Design Tips for Your Gift With Purchase Email
- Include a high-quality image of the gift. Words alone are not enough.
- Make the threshold amount visually prominent. Bold it. Make it large.
- Use a single, clear CTA button. Do not distract with multiple links.
- Keep total email under 200 words. Short emails get read.
Email #2: The Reminder Email Template
Your free gift promotion email reminder re-engages subscribers who opened but did not buy. This email catches the people who meant to purchase but got distracted.
Subject Line Formulas for Reminders
| Formula | Example |
|---|---|
| Reminder + Benefit | "Reminder: Your free gift is still available" |
| Progress Indicator | "Halfway there: Free serum ends soon" |
| Social Proof + Offer | "1,000+ customers claimed their gift. Have you?" |
| Objection Buster | "Still thinking? Here is why customers love this gift" |
| Personal + Urgent | "Do not forget your free tote bag" |
Copy-Paste Reminder Template
HEADLINE:
"Your Free Gift Is Still Available"
OPENING:
Just a quick reminder. Our free gift offer is still running.
THE OFFER (Restated clearly):
Spend $[Threshold] and get a FREE [Gift Name].
WHY CUSTOMERS LOVE IT:
"This [Gift Name] is one of our favorites because..."
OR
"Customers are saying: '[Brief testimonial]'"
OVERCOMING OBJECTION:
"Already have items in your cart? You might be closer to the gift threshold than you think."
CTA BUTTON:
"Complete Your Order & Get Your Gift"
COUNTDOWN ELEMENT:
"[X] days left to claim your free gift"
Segmentation Tip:
Send this reminder ONLY to subscribers who:
- 1. Opened the announcement but did not click
- 2. Clicked but did not purchase
- 3. Visited your site but abandoned cart
Exclude those who already purchased. Nothing is worse than reminding someone about an offer they already claimed.
Email #3: The Last Chance Email Template
Your last chance free gift email creates genuine urgency and pushes procrastinators to action. This email typically drives 30-35% of total campaign conversions.
Subject Line Formulas for Last Chance
| Formula | Example |
|---|---|
| Countdown + Urgency | "FINAL HOURS: Free gift ends tonight" |
| Loss Aversion | "Last chance to claim your free serum" |
| Direct Warning | "Free gift offer ends at midnight" |
| Personal Appeal | "We would hate for you to miss this" |
| Clock + Deadline | "24 hours left for your free gift" |
Copy-Paste Last Chance Template
HEADLINE:
"Last Chance: Your Free Gift Ends Tonight"
OPENING (Direct and urgent):
This is it. Our free gift offer ends tonight at midnight.
THE OFFER (Final restatement):
Spend $[Threshold] = Get FREE [Gift Name]
URGENCY REINFORCEMENT:
"After midnight, this offer disappears. No extensions."
CTA BUTTON:
"Get Your Gift Now"
GIFT IMAGE:
[Visual reminder of the gift]
CLOSING:
"Do not let this one slip away."
Warning:
If you extend the deadline after sending a "last chance" email, you train customers to ignore your urgency. The offer must actually end when you say it does. This is genuine urgency, not manipulation. Following GWP email marketing best practices means keeping your word.
Free Gift Email Subject Lines: 15+ Examples That Get Opened
Your free gift email subject lines determine whether subscribers open or delete. Here is the psychology behind subject lines that work.
| Element | Why It Works | Example |
|---|---|---|
| "Free" keyword | Triggers reward response | "Free gift with your order" |
| Personalization | Increases relevance | "Your free gift is waiting" |
| Specificity | Builds credibility | "Free travel-size serum ($25 value)" |
| Urgency | Creates action | "Ends tonight" |
| Curiosity | Drives opens | "Something extra in your next order..." |
Complete Subject Line Library
Announcement Lines:
- 1. "Your free [Gift] is here (limited time)"
- 2. "This week only: Free [Gift] with orders over $X"
- 3. "We are adding something special to your order"
- 4. "Free gift alert: Spend $X, get [Gift]"
- 5. "A little thank you: Free [Gift] this week"
Reminder Lines:
- 1. "Do not forget: Your free gift is waiting"
- 2. "Still time to claim your free [Gift]"
- 3. "Reminder: Free [Gift] ends in [X] days"
- 4. "Have you claimed your gift yet?"
- 5. "Your cart is missing something free..."
Last Chance Lines:
- 1. "FINAL: Free [Gift] ends at midnight"
- 2. "Last chance for your free [Gift]"
- 3. "Hours left: Free gift disappears tonight"
- 4. "This is your last reminder..."
- 5. "Ending now: Free [Gift] offer"
A/B Testing Tip:
Test emoji vs. no emoji. For some audiences, a gift emoji increases opens by 10-15%. For others, it decreases trust. Know your list.
Segmentation Strategies: Right Message to Right Customer
Sending the same free gift promotion email to everyone wastes opportunity. Your VIP customers need different messaging than first-time subscribers. Here is how to promote free gift with purchase email for each segment.
Segment 1: New Subscribers (Never Purchased)
| Element | Approach |
|---|---|
| Message Angle | "The perfect first order" |
| Emphasis | Low risk, high value |
| Subject Line | "Welcome gift: Free [Gift] with your first order" |
| CTA | "Make Your First Purchase" |
Segment 2: One-Time Buyers
| Element | Approach |
|---|---|
| Message Angle | "Come back for something special" |
| Emphasis | Reason to return |
| Subject Line | "We have got a gift waiting for your next order" |
| CTA | "Shop Again & Get Your Gift" |
Segment 3: Loyal Customers (3+ Purchases)
| Element | Approach |
|---|---|
| Message Angle | "A thank you for being a VIP" |
| Emphasis | Appreciation, exclusivity |
| Subject Line | "VIP: Your exclusive free gift is ready" |
| CTA | "Claim Your VIP Gift" |
Segment 4: High-Value Customers (Top 10%)
| Element | Approach |
|---|---|
| Message Angle | "Early access" or "Extra gift" |
| Emphasis | Special treatment |
| Subject Line | "Early access: Claim your gift before anyone else" |
| CTA | "Get Exclusive Access" |
Segment 5: Cart Abandoners
| Element | Approach |
|---|---|
| Message Angle | "Your cart + a free gift" |
| Emphasis | Complete the purchase, get bonus |
| Subject Line | "Your cart is waiting, plus a free gift" |
| CTA | "Complete Order & Get Gift" |
Key Insight:
Cart abandoners who are close to the threshold are gold. They are already considering buying. A reminder that they are "$15 away from a free gift" can be the nudge that converts.
Klaviyo and Mailchimp Integration Tips
Your email templates free gift campaigns work best when you leverage platform-specific features. Here is how to set up your free gift email marketing in both major platforms.
For Klaviyo Users
Setting Up GWP Flows:
- 1. Create a Campaign (not a Flow) for the announcement email
- 2. Use Flows for automated reminders based on behavior
- 3. Trigger reminder flow: "Opened campaign but did not purchase within 48 hours"
Key Klaviyo Features for GWP:
- Dynamic threshold display: Use cart value properties to show "Add $X more for your gift"
- Segment by cart value: Target subscribers whose cart is 80%+ of threshold
- Countdown blocks: Add real-time countdown timers to last-chance emails
For Mailchimp Users
Setting Up GWP Campaigns:
- 1. Create a regular campaign for the announcement
- 2. Use automation for reminder sequences
- 3. Set up post-send segments for non-converters
Key Mailchimp Features for GWP:
- Merge tags: Personalize with first name and product recommendations
- Countdown timers: Use third-party tools like Sendtric for live countdowns
- A/B testing: Test subject lines with built-in split testing
Email-to-Cart-Drawer: The Growth Suite Advantage
You send the perfect gift with purchase email. The subscriber clicks through. They land on your site. And then they forget about the free gift. It is not visible. There is no progress bar. The offer feels abstract.
How Growth Suite Completes the Loop
| Email Promise | Cart Drawer Reinforcement |
|---|---|
| "Spend $100, get free gift" | Progress bar shows "$23 away from your free gift" |
| "Free serum included" | Gift preview appears in cart drawer |
| "Limited time offer" | Countdown timer visible during session |
| "You are so close!" | Real-time update as items are added |
When email drives traffic, Growth Suite's Cart Drawer reinforces the gift offer with visible progress bars. Subscribers do not have to remember the threshold. They see exactly where they stand.
The Visual Flow:
Email Click > Site Visit > Cart Drawer Opens > Progress Bar Visible > Customer Adds Items > Gift Unlocked > Checkout Complete
Email gets them to the store. Cart Drawer gets them to the threshold. This two-step reinforcement dramatically improves conversion.
Common GWP Email Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Sending to Your Entire List
Not everyone on your list is ready to buy. Sending to unengaged subscribers hurts deliverability.
Fix: Segment by engagement (opened email in last 90 days) and purchase behavior.
Mistake #2: Weak Subject Lines
"Check out our promotion" tells subscribers nothing. They delete without opening.
Fix: Use specific benefit + urgency. "Free serum with your order (this week only)"
Mistake #3: No Visual of the Gift
Words are not enough. Subscribers need to SEE what they are getting.
Fix: Include a high-quality gift image in every email.
Mistake #4: Burying the Threshold
If subscribers have to hunt for the spending minimum, they give up.
Fix: Make the threshold visually prominent. Bold, large, and repeated.
Mistake #5: Extending Deadlines
Extending after a "last chance" email trains your list to ignore urgency.
Fix: When you say it ends, end it. Genuine urgency builds trust.
Mistake #6: No Reminder Sequence
One email is not enough. Life happens. Inboxes overflow. People forget.
Fix: Use the 3-email sequence: Announcement, Reminder, Last Chance.
Free Gift with Purchase: Increase AOV Without Discounting
Discounts cut your margins. Free gifts grow them. Learn how GWP lets you incentivize customers while protecting your brand and prices.
Key Takeaways: Free Gift Email Marketing
- 1. Use the 3-email sequence — Announcement, Reminder, Last Chance. One email is never enough for your free gift email marketing campaign.
- 2. Write specific subject lines — "Free serum with orders over $75" beats "Check out our promotion" every time.
- 3. Segment your list — New subscribers, loyal customers, and cart abandoners need different gift with purchase email messages.
- 4. Show the gift visually — Every email templates free gift should include a high-quality image of what they are getting.
- 5. Time it right — Compress urgency toward the end. The last 48 hours should feel like a countdown.
- 6. Integrate with Klaviyo or Mailchimp — Use automation for reminders, segments for targeting, and countdown timers for urgency.
- 7. Connect email to cart drawer — Growth Suite's visible progress bars reinforce your email promise and drive threshold completion.
Turn Your Email Clicks Into Completed Purchases
A free gift email marketing campaign without on-site reinforcement is a campaign half-done. Your email list is your warmest audience. They already raised their hand. The 3-email sequence gives them multiple chances to claim their gift.
But email is only the first step. When subscribers click through, they need to see the offer reinforced. That is where Growth Suite's Cart Drawer comes in. Progress bars, gift previews, and "add $X more" messaging turn email clicks into threshold-reaching purchases.
Make Your Email Promise Visible
Growth Suite's Cart Drawer shows subscribers exactly how close they are to their free gift. Progress bars update in real-time as they add items. No more forgotten offers. No more missed thresholds.
Start Your 14-Day Free TrialSet up your GWP campaign. Send the email sequence. Let the Cart Drawer close the sale.
Increase profits, not just sales.
Growth Suite detects hesitant visitors and delivers unique, smart discounts only when needed. Stop giving money away to everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many emails should I send for a free gift promotion?
What is the best subject line for a free gift email?
When should I send the last chance email for my GWP campaign?
How do I segment my email list for a free gift promotion?
What should I include in a free gift announcement email?
How do I set up a GWP email campaign in Klaviyo?
How do I set up a GWP email campaign in Mailchimp?
Why do my free gift emails get low open rates?
Should I use emojis in free gift email subject lines?
What is the best reminder email for a free gift campaign?
How do I connect email marketing to my website's free gift offer?
What are common mistakes in free gift email marketing?
References & Sources
- [1] Email Marketing Benchmarks and Statistics for E-commerce - Klaviyo (2024) View Source →
- [2] The Science of Email Subject Lines - HubSpot Research (2024) View Source →
- [3] Email Segmentation Strategies That Drive Revenue - Mailchimp (2024) View Source →
- [4] The Psychology of Urgency in Marketing - Journal of Consumer Research (2023) View Source →
- [5] Gift with Purchase Promotions: Impact on Retail Sales - Journal of Retailing (2024) View Source →
Ready to Implement These Strategies?
Put this knowledge into action with Growth Suite. Start converting more visitors into customers with smart, AI-powered campaigns.
Muhammed Tüfekyapan
Founder of Growth Suite
Muhammed Tüfekyapan is a growth marketing expert and the founder of Growth Suite, an AI-powered Shopify app trusted by over 300 stores across 40+ countries. With a career in data-driven e-commerce optimization that began in 2012, he has established himself as a leading authority in the field.
In 2015, Muhammed authored the influential book, "Introduction to Growth Hacking," distilling his early insights into actionable strategies for business growth. His hands-on experience includes consulting for over 100 companies across more than 10 sectors, where he consistently helped brands achieve significant improvements in conversion rates and revenue. This deep understanding of the challenges facing Shopify merchants inspired him to found Growth Suite, a solution dedicated to converting hesitant browsers into buyers through personalized, smart offers.