Why Humor Works in Sales Emails
Sales emails often fall flat because they’re too formal, too boring, or too robotic. But there’s a secret weapon many SDRs overlook: humor in sales emails. When used right, humor breaks the ice, makes your outreach memorable, and even increases open and response rates.
A report from Zohort’s own SDR community shows that adding a well-placed humorous line can increase reply rates by up to 21% in cold emails.
So, how can you use humor smartly in B2B sales outreach? Let’s explore.
When and Where to Use Humor in Sales Emails
Not all sales emails are created equal. Here’s where humor can shine:
1. First Cold Email
Add a witty subject line or a relatable joke in the opener. Example:
Subject: Not another boring sales pitch (I promise)
Body: “If I had a dollar for every cold email you’ve ignored, I’d probably still send this one. But let me try to earn 30 seconds of your attention…”
2. Follow-Up Email
Use light sarcasm or memes to keep the thread alive without sounding pushy.
Subject: Ghosted? Or just stuck in meetings again?
3. Breakup Email
If they haven’t responded after 2–3 attempts, end with humor:
“If I don’t hear back, I’ll assume you’ve been recruited by a secret agency. Good luck, Agent [First Name]!”
Types of Humor That Work in B2B Sales
Wordplay and Puns
Example: “We’re not trying to sell you snake oil—unless you’re into that. Then we’ve got a whole zoo.”
Self-Deprecating Humor
Show you’re human. Example: “I once sent a calendar invite to myself by mistake. At least I showed up.”
Relatable Workplace Scenarios
Make fun of Zoom fatigue, email overload, or long meetings.
“This email won’t take 30 minutes or need a breakout room.”
Memes and Gifs (where appropriate)
Attach relevant memes that align with your brand tone.
Tips to Make Humor Work for You
- Know your audience: Humor that works for tech startups might not land with C-level finance executives.
- Keep it clean and professional: Avoid controversial topics, sarcasm overload, or jokes that can be misread.
- Test and Iterate: A/B test funny vs. formal subject lines to see what performs better.
- Be authentic: Don’t force jokes. If it doesn’t feel natural, skip it.
Advantage of Humor in Sales Email
In a crowded inbox, humor gives you an edge. It humanizes your outreach, creates emotional connections, and gets responses. So next time you draft a sales email, ask yourself: can I add a smile here?
Start experimenting with humor in your outreach—and when you’re ready to level up your B2B skills, explore Zohort’s sales training programs.
Why Humor Works in Sales Emails
Connection is key in sales, and humor in sales emails creates instant relatability. In fact, a lighthearted and well-placed joke or funny meme can:
- Humanize your brand
- Increase open and response rates
- Reduce resistance from cold leads
- Build trust and memorability
According to a study, brands that use humor in outreach see up to a 15% increase in engagement.
Strategies to Write Humorous Sales Emails
Know Your Audience
Humor is subjective. B2B SaaS founders may not laugh at the same joke that DTC skincare shoppers do. Research what resonates with your audience.
Use Wordplay & Puns
“Our service is un-bear-ably good.” These can be charming or cringey—use sparingly!
Highlight Shared Struggles
“Zoom fatigue? We’re sending coffee through the screen next.”
Self-Deprecating Humor
Admitting you’re human (and not perfect) goes a long way.
“Yes, I sent you the wrong link. I blame my cat.”
Mix Humor With CTA
Tie the joke back to your goal:
“Click here to schedule a call (promise, no dad jokes on the call).”
Tap into Pop Culture
Timely references boost relatability:
“Like Taylor Swift said, we’re never getting back together… unless you reply.”
FAQs on Humor in Sales Emails
Is humor appropriate in B2B emails?
Yes, as long as it’s relevant, professional, and not offensive. It can build a stronger human connection.
What types of humor work best in emails?
Light puns, relatable scenarios, subtle sarcasm, and self-deprecating humor often perform well.
How do I avoid overdoing it?
Balance is key. Make your point, support it with humor, and always stay aligned with your brand tone.
Can humor backfire in sales emails?
Absolutely. If misunderstood or misplaced, it can damage your credibility. Know your audience well.
Are there tools to test humorous content?
Yes, A/B testing tools like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or HubSpot let you measure humor effectiveness through open and click rates.
Ready to transform your cold emails into engaging conversations? Start experimenting with humor today and stand out in a sea of sameness.
Start your career in B2B SaaS Sales with Zohort.
