Putting together a strong email campaign takes more than a good idea. You need a sharp subject line, readable copy, decent visuals, and a mail that actually lands in the inbox. Here are ten free tools that cover each of those bases.
Headline and Subject Line Generator
If writing subject lines is the part you dread most, this Chrome extension is worth installing. Enter a target keyword and it generates subject lines and headlines across 500+ proven combinations, useful for emails, blog posts, and ads.
Just Good Copy
Just Good Copy collects real email copy from well-known brands and organises it by scenario, welcome sequences, re-engagement, transactional, and more. If you are staring at a blank screen, it gives you a solid starting point without paying for a copywriter.
The Hemingway App
Once your copy is drafted, run it through Hemingway. It flags complex sentences, passive voice, and readability issues, and shows an estimated reading time. That last detail matters: most email readers decide within seconds whether to keep going.
The Stocks
Good copy paired with weak visuals will still underperform. The Stocks pulls together stock photo sites, icon libraries, colour palettes, video content, and fonts into one place. Instead of bouncing between tabs, you search once.
The Atlas
A stat or a chart can do more for your argument than a paragraph of text. The Atlas lets you find data visualisations on a wide range of topics, and you can build your own graphs using their editor with custom colours and formats.
Pick a Pic
PickaPic generates time-based dynamic images for email. You can set an image to change depending on when the email is opened, rotate by day of the week, or update the image after the campaign has already been sent. Useful for countdown-style promotions or evergreen content that needs to stay current.
Imgflip
Not every email needs to be serious. Imgflip lets you create custom memes, animated GIFs, charts, and demotivationals. A well-placed meme in the right audience segment can do a lot for engagement, and it is a cheap way to show some personality.
Mail-Tester
Before you hit send, run your campaign through Mail-Tester. It checks your content, links, and authentication records and gives you a spam score. TouchBasePro does this as part of the sending process, but a quick pre-send check on a draft never hurts.
Blog Topic Generator
If your emails link back to your site, you need something worth linking to. HubSpot's Blog Topic Generator takes a keyword and returns a list of article ideas. Try seasonal angles, product-led topics, or educational pieces that answer questions your customers actually ask.
TouchBasePro Account Management
These tools help, but email done properly still takes time and attention. Our account management team runs campaigns end-to-end for clients across South Africa, copy, design, setup, testing, and reporting.
If that sounds like a better use of your budget than doing it yourself, find out how it works or drop us a line at sales@touchbasepro.com.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best free tool for writing email subject lines?
- The Headline and Subject Line Generator Chrome extension is a practical starting point. Enter a keyword and it produces subject line options from a library of 500+ proven combinations, covering emails, ads, and blog posts.
- How do I check whether my email will be marked as spam before sending?
- Mail-Tester (mail-tester.com) gives you a spam score by checking your content, links, and email authentication records. Send a test email to the address it provides and you get a detailed report within seconds.
- Where can I find free stock images and icons for email campaigns?
- The Stocks (thestocks.im) aggregates the leading stock photo sites, icon libraries, colour palettes, and font resources into one search interface, which saves time compared to checking each platform separately.
- Can I update an email image after the campaign has already been sent?
- Yes, if you used PickaPic to create the image. It generates dynamic images that can be changed after send, which is useful for promotions with changing details or evergreen emails that need to stay accurate.