Have you ever encountered the problem of abandoned carts on your WooCommerce store? If yes, then you’re not alone. Abandoned carts are a common problem that every eCommerce business faces, and it can result in a significant loss of sales. Fortunately, you can recover those sales by sending a well-crafted WooCommerce abandoned cart email to your customers.
According to recent studies, the average cart abandonment rate is over 69.99%, meaning that nearly 7 out of 10 shoppers leave without completing a purchase. However, sending an WooCommerce abandoned cart email can help recover some of those lost sales. On average, these emails have an open rate of 45%, with a click-through rate of 21%.
In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to write a WooCommerce abandoned cart email that can effectively encourage your customers to complete their purchase. We’ll also provide you with examples and tips to make your WooCommerce abandoned cart email stand out and convert more sales. So, let’s get started!

Don’t let abandoned carts reduce your sales. Use Retainful to create effective abandoned cart emails that drive customers back to your store.
What is abandoned cart email?
An abandoned cart email is a type of email that is sent to customers who have added items to their online shopping cart but did not complete the checkout process. The email is designed to remind the customer of the items left in their cart and encourage them to complete the purchase
The email typically includes a list of the items left in the cart, along with a call-to-action button that leads customers back to their cart. Abandoned cart emails can be customized to include incentives such as a discount code or free shipping to encourage the customer to complete the purchase.
Why should you send an abandoned cart email?
Sending an abandoned cart email is important because it reminds customers who have left items in their online shopping cart that they still have items waiting for them to purchase. This can help to increase the chances of them completing their purchase, as they may have been distracted or forgot about the items in their cart. Additionally, it can help to build customer loyalty by showing that you value their business and are committed to providing a positive shopping experience.
According to a recent study by Moosend, the average open rate of abandoned cart emails is 45%, with a click-through rate of 21% and a conversion rate of 15.1%. This shows that abandoned cart emails are becoming even more effective in engaging customers and driving sales. Additionally, the study found that personalizing abandoned cart emails can result in a 29.9% increase in conversion rates. This highlights the importance of tailoring the content of abandoned cart emails to the specific needs and interests of individual customers. Overall, abandoned cart emails remain a valuable tool for e-commerce businesses to recover lost sales and increase revenue.
How to write effective abandoned cart emails that lead to conversion?
Writing effective abandoned cart emails is a critical aspect of e-commerce marketing that can help to recover lost sales and boost conversion rates. Here are some tips to help you write WooCommerce abandoned cart emails that lead to conversion:
- Start with a catchy subject line: Your subject line should grab the attention of the recipient and encourage them to open the email. Use urgency, curiosity, or a personalized approach to make the subject line more compelling.
- Personalize the email: Use the recipient’s name and include details about the items left in their cart. This shows that you are paying attention to their needs and encourages them to take action.
- Remind them of what they left behind: Include a picture of the item(s) left in the cart and highlight its features, benefits, and how it can solve their problems. This can trigger a sense of desire and motivate them to complete the purchase.
- Offer an incentive: Give a discount, free shipping, or a limited-time offer to entice them to complete the purchase. Make sure the incentive is valuable enough to incentivize them, but not so high that it hurts your bottom line.
- Create a clear call to action (CTA): The email should include a clear and prominent CTA that directs the recipient to complete the purchase. Use action-oriented language, such as “Shop now,” “Complete your purchase,” or “Claim your discount.”
- Create a sense of urgency: Use language that creates a sense of urgency, such as “Limited time offer” or “Only a few left in stock.” This can help the recipient feel like they need to act fast before they miss out on a good deal.
By following these tips, you can write best WooCommerce abandoned cart emails that effectively engage your customers and lead to increased conversion rates.
How to write WooCommerce abandoned cart emails Using Retainful?
Assuming that you have already installed Retainful in your WooCommerce store as mentioned in the previous section, here’s a simple process to customize WooCommerce abandoned cart emails using Retainful:
1. Go to your Retainful dashboard and click on “Automation”.

2. In the Workflows window, click on “Create Workflows”.

3. On the “Create Workflows” page, select “Abandoned cart recovery with dynamic coupon” to open that particular workflow.

4. Enter a name for your cart recovery workflow and click “Continue”. Your workflow will be created, and you will be redirected to the Workflow builder page where you can customize your WooCommerce abandoned cart emails.

5. By default, there will be three emails in your WooCommerce abandoned cart email automation workflow, but you can add more if you prefer. To customize an email, click on the email you want to edit (for example, Email 1).

6. Once you click on an email, the corresponding email template menu will be displayed on the right side. In the template menu, you can edit the subject line and preview text. If you want to use a different template, click “Change template” and select the template you want from the list.

Different Pre-built email templates for WooCommerce Abandoned Cart Emails:

7. If you’re satisfied with the existing template, you can directly access the Drag & drop email editor by clicking “Configure email content”. From there, you can customize the template as per your preference.

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Best Strategies for WooCommerce Abandoned Cart Emails with Examples
Here is a list of WooCommerce abandoned cart email strategies with examples (Feel free to borrow them for your campaign):
- Personalize the Email
- Catchy Subject Line
- Call to Action
- Create a sense of urgency
- Offer Incentives
- Use Social Proof
- Provide Assistance
- Remind them of the benefits
- Keep it Simple
Personalize the email
Personalization is a great way to catch the attention of potential customers who have left items in their carts. Use their name in the email subject line and body to make it more personalized.
Subject Line: Hi [Name], Don’t forget your items!
Body: Hi [Name], We noticed you left some items in your cart. Is there anything we can do to help you complete your purchase? We know you have a busy schedule, so we want to make your shopping experience as easy as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d love to help you get what you need!

Catchy Subject Line
The subject line of your email is the first thing your customers will see, so it’s essential to make it catchy and attention-grabbing. Here are some examples:
- Oops, you forgot something! Complete your purchase now
- Don’t let this deal slip away! Finish your purchase
- We saved your cart for you – come back and complete your order
Subject Line: Your cart misses you! Complete your purchase and get 10% off
Body: Hi [customer name], we noticed that you left some items in your cart and we wanted to remind you that they’re still waiting for you. Don’t miss out on the chance to grab [product name] and [product name] at a discounted price! Plus, if you complete your purchase now, you can get an extra 10% off your order. Just use the code ABANDONED10 at checkout. Hurry, this offer expires in 24 hours.

Call to Action
Your email’s main goal is to get customers to complete their purchase, so your call-to-action should be clear and direct. Here are some examples:
- Click here to complete your purchase now
- Finish your order and get [Offer] by clicking here
- Complete your purchase within the next 24 hours and get [Offer]
Subject Line: Don’t let your cart go to waste – complete your order now!
Body: Hey [customer name], we noticed that you left some amazing products in your cart and we’d hate for you to miss out on them. Remember, our products are in high demand and we can’t guarantee their availability for long. So why wait? Complete your purchase now and enjoy your new [product name] and [product name] as soon as possible!

Create a sense of urgency
Creating a sense of urgency can help push potential customers to complete their purchases. Use phrases like “limited time offer” or “while supplies last” to make the customer feel like they might miss out if they don’t act quickly. Here are some examples:
- “Don’t miss out! Your items are in high demand and could sell out soon.”
- “Last chance to save! Our sale ends tonight at midnight.”
- “Hurry! Your cart is expiring in 24 hours. Complete your purchase now.”
Subject Line: Last chance to complete your purchase!
Body: Hi there, It looks like you left something in your cart. We wanted to remind you that our items are selling fast, and the item you left may not be available for long. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get what you want! Click the link below to complete your purchase before it’s too late.

Offer incentives
Offering incentives can be a great way to encourage customers to complete their purchase. You could offer a discount code or free shipping to entice them to come back and complete their purchase. Here are some examples:
- “We noticed you left something in your cart. Use code CART10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.”
- “Ready to complete your purchase? We’ll sweeten the deal with free shipping on all orders over $50.”
- “Don’t let your cart go to waste. Use code COMEBACK20 for 20% off your entire order.”
Subject Line: Come back and save 10% on your purchase!
Body: Hi there, We noticed you left some items in your cart. We don’t want you to miss out on the items you want, so we’re offering you a special discount code to help you complete your purchase. Use the code SAVE10 at checkout to save 10% on your order. We hope this helps you get what you need!

Use social proof
Using social proof can be a powerful way to encourage potential customers to complete their purchase. Show them reviews from other customers who have purchased the same item or include ratings and reviews on the product page. Here are some examples:
- “See what our customers are saying: ‘This is the best product I’ve ever purchased!’ Don’t miss out on your chance to try it for yourself.”
- “Join the thousands of satisfied customers who have already completed their purchase. Complete your order now.”
- “Our products have been featured in top publications like Vogue and Forbes. Don’t miss out on the hottest trend of the season.”
Subject Line: See what others are saying about this item!
Body: Hi there, We noticed you left something in your cart. We wanted to remind you that this item has received some amazing reviews from other customers who have purchased it. Check out some of the reviews below and see for yourself how great this item is. We think you’ll love it too!

Provide assistance
If a customer left items in their cart because of confusion or uncertainty, offering assistance can help them complete their purchase. For example:
Subject line: Need help with your cart items?
Body: Hi there, we noticed that you left some items in your cart. If you have any questions or need help with your purchase, our customer service team is always here to assist you. Just reply to this email, and we’ll be happy to help!

Remind them of the benefits
Sometimes, customers abandon their carts because they’re distracted or forgetful. Reminding them of the benefits of the products they left behind can motivate them to complete their purchase. For example:
Subject line: Don’t forget the benefits of your cart items
Body: Hi there, we noticed that you left some items in your cart. We wanted to remind you of the benefits of those products, like their high quality, durability, and functionality. Don’t miss out on these advantages!

Keep it simple
Finally, it’s essential to keep the abandoned cart email simple and easy to understand. Too much information or too many offers can overwhelm the customer and discourage them from completing their purchase. For example:
Subject line: Your cart items are waiting for you
Body: Hi there, we noticed that you left some items in your cart. Just a quick reminder that they’re still available, and you can complete your purchase with just a few clicks. Thank you for considering our products!

By using these strategies and examples, you can create effective abandoned cart emails that recover sales and increase customer loyalty for your WooCommerce store.
Created perfect abandoned cart emails with Retainful. Effortlessly compose persuasive and engaging emails and win back your customers today.
Final Thoughts
Writing effective abandoned cart emails is crucial for any Woocommerce store owner who wants to boost sales and improve customer retention. By following the tips and examples shared in this article, you can create personalized, persuasive emails that will convince customers to return to their shopping carts and complete their purchases. Remember to keep your emails brief, engaging, and visually appealing, and offer incentives that encourage customers to take action. With the right approach, WooCommerce abandoned cart emails can be a powerful tool for driving conversions and growing your business.
However, writing effective WooCommerce abandoned cart emails can be a time-consuming and tedious task. This is where Retainful automation comes in. With Retainful, you can automate your WooCommerce abandoned cart recovery emails and save yourself time and effort. Our tool provides pre-built templates and customizable options to create emails that are tailored to your store and your customers.
Retainful’s automation not only reduces your workload but also helps you recover lost sales and improve your overall revenue. So, if you want to boost your sales and reduce cart abandonment, try Retainful today!
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The average cart abandonment rate across industries is around 70%. This means that out of every 10 items added to a cart, only 3 are actually purchased.
The number of abandoned cart emails that should be sent depends on your specific business and products. However, sending a series of 3 emails is considered a great choice. Send the first email as a subtle reminder after an hour of cart abandonment. Send the second email after 24 hours of cart abandonment as a follow-up with an incentive. The third email can be sent after a few days to create a sense of urgency.
Yes, WooCommerce has an abandoned cart feature. This feature lets you keep track of customers who add items to the cart but don’t finish the checkout process. To use the abandoned cart feature in WooCommerce, you must install a plugin like Retainful that provides this functionality.
Abandoned cart emails are sent to customers who have added items to their cart but have not completed the checkout process. Abandoned checkout means when a customer has started a checkout process but has not completed it.
Yes, abandoned cart emails do work. Studies have shown that abandoned cart emails can significantly impact sales, with some e-commerce businesses reporting conversion rates of 10% or more.