Become the master of creating compelling headlines that boost conversion rate by 99.99%.
The “Warning” Subject Line
How do people react when they either see, or hear, the word ‘warning?’ Right. It gets people’s attention. But do not overuse this. You don’t want to ‘cry wolf’ too many times. You don’t want your readers to ignore your message, like the way people do when they see the same thing too often.
As with all your emails, only give your readers real value. So make sure your warnings are valid and sincere.
For example:
“Dave, a warning about this new product launch.”
“A warning about your job search.”
“An important warning about niche research.”
If you’re promoting a time-sensitive offer, you can warn and remind about the limited time. You can also create sense of urgency which can be very effective.
No product solves all the problems. So you can make a bonus offer that fills any gaps in a product you’re promoting. Or you can warn people about special considerations about a particular product: special additional knowledge or skills required, etc.
Your strategy will depend on whether you want to directly profit from the product you are warning about, or not.
Read Here:- 10 Instagram Checklist for Getting Million Followers
Instant Subject Line #2
The “Must Do” Subject Line
People react in different ways when they’re told they ‘must’ do something. It may not be received well depending on what they must do and who’s telling them they must do it.
So be very sure of several important items: First, be damn sure the ‘thing’ they must do is totally releveant to them. Be positive it is something you know your list
will want to do in order to get what they want. Second, do all you can to avoid sounding overbearing or ‘bossy.’ Just use your common sense and try to put yourself in the reader’s shoes. Ok?
This subject line works best when you are specific and include your reader’s most wanted desire. Go ahead and put it right in the subject line. It won’t connect with Everyone, most likely, but when it does connect… and it will, your email will be opened and read.
For example:
“3 things you must do before you’ll ever succeed”
“5 steps you must take to grow beautiful roses”
“What you must do before sleep for smooth skin”
There are almost unlimited ways to use the ‘must do’ subject line. If you know the real benefits of the product you’re promoting, you can easily get the ideas for x-number of must-do tips. The simplest way is to read your sales letter or webinar for whatever you’re selling. You’ll have no trouble getting ‘must do’ ideas.
All you do in your email copoy is clearly explain why they must follow your advice. Let them know the negative consequences of not doing the must do’s. Then, simply tell them how your product will satisfy their needs in terms of benefits, not features.
It’s always best to use an odd number of tips and recommendations for anything. People respond more to odd numbers such as 3, 5, or 7.
Instant Subject Line #3
The “Rubber Neck” Subject Line
This subject line is tremendously powerful because it appeals to the ‘dark’ curiosity all humans have. Have you ever noticed how traffic slows down when there’s a car accident even if the lanes are clear and there’s no reason to slow down?
Drivers get ‘rubber necks.’
We’ve all done it. Drivers slow down because they want to look. They want to see if there’s anything ‘interesting’ to see. you know how popular reality TV shows are. People are amazingly curious about other People’s lives, especially the dark stuff.
The actual subject line you’ll use here is: “bad news”.But absolutely do NOT overuse this one. You don’t want to always be the bearer of bad news, and people will tired of it if overused.
For example:
“Bad news”
“Dan… bad news”
“Have some bad news…”
Of course you won’t be delivering really bad news. But do not be totally obvious that you have persuaded them into opening. Avoid just plowing into an offer. Be smart about it…
Right away explain the nature of the bad news. You can discuss a delay of a product launch. But if you do that make the most out of the opportunity. You can explain the news and make a bonus offering, or tell them you have added something more to your offer.
Your bad news can be tied to a scarcity element such as limited time, bonuses, low prices, product availability, or open positions for seminars or coaching, etc.
Instant subject line #4
The “Survival of …” Subject Line
Survival speaks to the most powerful aspect of human nature. The will and desire to live. But here you’ll be tying that instinct to other highly important desires.
Use this subject line with survival of their business or anything directly, or indirectly, related to their business.
And you can cleverly tie this into the survival of their livelihoods through their business. Or… relate it to the survival of ‘future’ wants; the survival of the chance and opportunity to succeed in anything.
For example:
“The survival of your business may depend on this”
“How to survive the next market crash”
“3 investments to survive the recession”
Be careful how you use this subject line. You’ll only want to use it when it concerns the issues that really matter. We’re talking about survival here! So don’t waste it on trivial concerns.
But you can use it effectively when your product or service accomplishes something of very real value. Still, if your niche is about growing flowers, then of course the survival of their flowers is important to them.
If you market educational products, then you can easily talk about children surviving the fierce competition for college entrance, getting good grades, etc.
Instant Subject Line #5
The “Almost Too Easy” Subject Line
This is a really great subject line for two reasons. First, everyone wants things easy. Second, it’s truly almost too easy to think of ways to use this subject line! But again, don’t overuse it, or any of the subject lines.
For example:
“It’s almost too easy to get green grass with this”
“It’s almost too easy to find clients using this”
“It’s almost too easy to lose weight with THIS”
Again, this subject is so great because of its strong appeal to the ‘easy way out.’ And you can use it with almost any product or service. You just have to know the benefits of your product or service and what is most important to your market.
If you promote business opportunities, or internet marketing products, I would strongly recommend against using this subject line with reference to earning money, making money, etc. For many people, except the greenest of marketers, telling them that it’s too easy to make lots of money could be a red flag. And it Sounds like hype.
So just be sure the ‘things’ that are too easy really can be accomplished in a relatively easy way. Support your claims with logic and hopefully some proof. Anything you can do to support your claims of ‘too easy’ will only help to increase conversions and sales.
Instant Subject Line #6
The “Puzzled” Subject Line
There are lots of things that will make people stop in their tracks, or stop and think about something. And being puzzled about something… well, it always gets our attention because most people don’t like being puzzled. Most people want to know or understand what’s going on.
So you’ll use this quirk of human nature, along with Curiosity, to your advantage.
For example:
“Frankly, this really puzzles me”
“I’m puzzled about something…”
“Does this puzzle you about losing weight?”
The best way to use this subject line is to relate it to the single, greatest benefit of your product. You’ll get exponential rewards if you absolutely know the most wanted desire of your readers… and it coincides with the product or service’s greatest benefit.
By the way, that’s the way it should always be. But it isn’t that way for many marketers. So it’ll pay you great dividends to try to make it so.
The “Secret to …” Subject Line
This subject line is great because everyone likes to know secrets. The reason for that is because everyone likes to be special, unique, and feel like they know something no one else knows. It’s a universal desire in human nature with very strong appeal.
For example:
“Here are 3 secrets to lose weight fast”
“5 stealth secrets to meeting women”
“Simple secrets to grow your roses fast”
The key to conversions with this subject line is to reveal information that is not widely known. If your secrets are very common knowledge, you’ll only manage to annoy your readers. If your market is not highly savvy about internet marketing tactics, then your success with this subject line will be greater.
If your market is fairly street smart, you can still use this with success if you find a new angle. You can connect the benefits of your product with an idea for use that’s out of the box. And it’s really not that hard to find an out-of-the-box idea that is valid.
Of course… the very best use is with a new product that truly has new information, strategies, or tactics. Just be sure to do your homework with it beforehand.
The “quickest way to…” subject line
This subject line has a similar appeal as the ‘almost too easy’ line. People want things easy, and quick! If your product delivers in this department, then you have a winner on your hands.
For example:
“The quickest way to healthier skin”
“The quickest way to more subscribers”
“The quickest way to get her number”
You can easily find many affiliate products that can be used with this subject line. Just think of how anything can be made easier and quicker for someone. Businesses can be built faster with outsourcing, time Can be saved with using an autoresponder (sending automated emails), money can be made faster… and easier when you use a product that gives you 40 proven email subject lines. See?
It’s really easy to turn product benefits into time-savers when you use the right perspective. When you look at things from the angle of saving time. So ask yourself how a particular benefit will save time for people.
The “Curiosity” Subject Line
You’ll notice that many subject lines appeal to simple human curiosity. And it works like gangbusters because it’s SO damn powerful. it’s evergreen and will never go away. Curiosity and attention-getting will go very far to helping you win the day.
For example:
“You may be curious to know this…”
“I’m curious to know what you think”
“What curiosity did for this guy...”
This subject line works very well for relationship-building with your readers. You can easily move into getting feedback about anything relevant. or you can use it to ‘talk to’ your list about common and relevant topics. Of course you can always use it to present a real life story, which people love, and tie that into how your readers can accomplish the same thing with your product.
The “Fear Of…” Subject Line
Fear! One of the most basic human emotions. Almost everyone is afraid of something. And you’ll use this subject line like you’ll use the ‘survival’ subject line. The use of fear, like all copy devices, must be done appropriately. And it’s extremely powerful when done right.
For example:
“Your competition knows this, do you?”
“Do you know about harmful additives in baby food?”
“Are airline pilots too tired on the job?”
You can easily use this line in almost any niche or market. And there are multiple opportunities in any market if you look for them.
The use of fear is very effective at driving people to take a desired action, such as signing-up for a special report or in a direct response sales letter. If you read direct marketing sales letter that arrive in your snail mail, mailbox, or even in your own email inbox… you’ll see the use of fear is almost always used. But the best copywriters don’t solely rely on one copy device.
They use fear in combination with other devices for greater effect. There are many types of fear: fear of loss, personal injury, health related issues, financial and business related issues, and self-help applications.
The key to success with using ‘fear’ is to target your market’s most important concern. Make a list of all the ways ‘fear’ can be used with your product or service.
And then pick the best, most fearful situation, and marry the two.
The “Leverage” Subject Line
This subject line is about advantage. And some people don’t care if it’s fair, or not. So you’ll be appealing to several emotions here. The sense of greed, the possibility of knowing a secret, the hope of gains in any terms, finding an easier way, finding a faster way… and so on.
For example:
“Get uncommon leverage with your investments”
“Little known but powerful leverage in your business”
“Give your marketing unfair advantage over all the rest”
What you’ll need to do first is look at your product and your competitor’s product. Then find ‘one thing’ different that your product has and the other does not. It’s easy to do unless the two of you have identical products, such as in affiliate marketing.
But even if that’s the case, you can offer a bonus that will give leverage to your affiliate product. Then… your offer will be stronger. Of course be up front and explain that what you’re offering does in fact give the buyer an advantage.
It’s how you structure and present your offer that will lead to more sales. If you have your own product, it’s well worth your time to look at your product’s benefits from the perspective of finding benefits that will give the user leverage, or advantage.
The “Social Proof” Subject Line
Social proof is a necessity in all advertising because it builds trust. It also works wonders with conversions because people want to belong and do not want to be left out. It’s yet another way to influence the powerful forces of human nature.
There are several tried and true ways to give yourself an unfair advantage.
For example:
“See what 1,239 regular folks have to say”
“The reviews are in… I’m stunned”
“Can all these people be wrong about this?”
The most common approach with social proof devices is the customer testimonial. Even expert endorsements, or testimonials, will be used in the same fashion. But still, many marketers don’t pay enough attention here and don’t get the most mileage from their social proof.
Always try to use pictures with your testimonials. Video and audio is the very best. If video isn’t possible, then
pictures with text and audio are next most powerful. The worst kind of testimonial, and can actually hurt you, is only text with initials or only a first name and the state, or country. Using the last format could hurt you because it may create thoughts of fake testimonials. One thing few marketers do is provide testimonials in their emails. I rarely see this, yet it can be a powerful motivator for clicking through to read your offer. Test it and give it a try.
The “Revealed” Subject Line
When information is revealed, it implies elements of prior secrecy about it. There’s a suggestion of newness and being among the first ot know. So you’ll be pulling in other emotions of privilege, and special access etc.
If you can associate this with ‘experts,’ then it’ll be much more powerful.
For example:
“Latest research reveals dangerous trends with cars”
“Revealed for the first time: hair care ingredient may harm you”
“University reveals new findings in gene splicing treat-ments”
What you’ll do here is find relatively recent information that you can use in some way with your current product or service. It doesn’t matter if it’s your own or an affiliate product or service. It’s well worth the time and very easy to do. It’s worth it because it’s different from what most marketers do.
Many marketers are lazy and will not take the time to do this. You can even go a step farther and create a short report to expand on your subject line. It can be a simple 5 page free report. If it’s truly good information, you’ll have another feather in your cap.
The “Get” Subject Line
This can be used as a clear call to action subject line. Many decades of testing in direct marketing supports the benefits of telling your reader what to do. Do this, do this, then this. It’s just a fact of human nature that the vast majority of people need to be told what to do in certain situations.
But you can also use this as a way of expressing your human side, again. There’s something you just don’t get, you don’t understand. And your readers can hear all about your story and why you’re telling them.
For example:
“Be sure to get this revealing traffic report”
“Get this to find the latest audio trends”
“I don’t get why this happens to me”
This one is rather self-explanatory. Your goal with this line is pretty straight forward. You want your reader to open and read. But you can find ways to use this that are not so blatant. The ‘ways’ are contained in your report or product.
Simply look at all the benefits, or features, in your product that your reader can ‘get’ from using it. You’ll have greater success if you know your market well, which you should, and you can speak directly to their greatest desires.
If you’re using the third example, above, you’ll tie your story into a product recommendation or really any desired response you have.
The “Empathy Question” Subject Line
This subject line can really do wonders for you, if you do it right. Every person on the planet wants to be understood, heard, and appreciated. And that’s what
you’ll do with subject line..you can really ‘connect’ with your readers. Doing so will get you much stronger relationships, and you can find out what the ‘real’ needs, wants, and desires are of your readers.
And then… you can take that information and find ways to give them what they want. It’s a total win-win. They get their problems solved, you make more money.
For example:
“What frustrates you about your golf swing?”
“What’s the hardest part about meeting men?”
“What stops you cold when you talk to women?”
It’s really best if you have bought and used a product when you use this subject line. The reason is you’ll know much more about it, and your actual knowledge will allow you to write more compelling email copy.
But of course it isn’t absolutely necessary. So if you’re promoting an affiliate product, then really study the copy and its benefits. You want to really get a good handle on the problem it solves and its benefits. That’s very important, as always.
You can do several things with this subject line. Hopefully your list will respond and tell you what their problems are, in detail. That’s the best thing to happen because they’ll be giving you a great blueprint for your own info product, or an appropriate affiliate product.
Then you can just create the product and sell it to them. It’s really that easy!
The “Fireside Chat” Subject Line
This subject line is designed to be used in several important ways. You’ll use it to ‘condition’ your readers in a special way to expect, look forward to, and most importantly… open and read your email. I have seen very, very few marketers implement this idea. Ok? The entire approach involves creating a feeling of importance to your email. How you approach this strategy depends on how often you email your list.
Perhaps you’ve noticed that even US presidents have ‘fireside chats’ with the nation? It’s designed to be special, personal, develop some kind of relationship, and most of all… to be listened to.
For example:
“Your Sunday Special Edition.”
“Your Thursday Evening Edition.”
“Your Tuesday Insider is here.”
The whole point of this subject line, and idea, is to condition the minds of your readers to “expect” your very special email at a certain time of the week and day. That’s it and nothing more.
So it’ll be your job to make it special. But remember, so many things are all about perspective. How something is marketed, or presented to your readers… or any other prospective customer.
So when you’re presenting your “Special Edition” weekly email, do your homework beforehand. Take the time to properly ‘sell’ the idea of your weekly Special Edition. And you’ll do that with presenting its benefits.Write down a list of all the topics you’ll cover every week. It’ll be the same things you’ll cover, anyway. Right? But be organized about it and present the general topical ideas to them.
You can also do ‘one thing’ different in this email that you don’t do in your other emails. Think of something that really will compel someone ‘to want’ to read that special weekly email from you.
Present everything in terms of ‘benefits’ to your readers. Got that? Remember, perspective. Make it special for them so they will “feel” special.
The “Lies” Subject Line
The word ‘lies’ has often been used in book and movie titles. There’s a reason for that. It’s the same reason Hollywood gossip is such a huge industry. Any gossip for that matter.
But the difference here is that you’ll be trying to help your readers. First, you’ll be giving them a valid warning about something. Second, you’ll either tell them the truth, or you’ll be showing them how to get the truth.
Since you’ll be the one who has knowledge of the ‘lies,’ then it will be assumed that you really do have knowledge of the truth. So I recommend you really do possess the truth. If you don’t, your readers will find out sooner or later, and that won’t be good for you in the long-run.
For example:
“5 lies about finding a good tax attorney.”
“Have you heard these lies about targeted traffic?”
“All the lies about SEO and blogs.”
You’ll get all the content you want for any product you’re
promoting by using the same research techniques as mentioned for previous subject lines. But it could be interesting to google ‘lies’ about your product. I’ll bet you’ll find something interesting. And the more interesting, the better.
The “Results” Subject Line
Results about anything is news. If it’s relevant to your list, then you’ll have people guaranteed to want to know about it. You can combine this subject line with others to create a more powerful and compelling email.
You can also talk about ‘results’ from using anything; whether a service, info product, technique, strategy, etc. So you’ll want to provide solid and compelling content. If you can provide case studies or other research data, then so much the better.
For example:
“Results are in on Hollywood’s new releases.”
“Avoid horrible results with offline marketing.”
“Interesting results with new blog traffic plug-in.”
You can take the same approach here as you did in Or just tailor your message to lead into your product.You can also combine the two approaches. Find some relevant news, and combine it with the ‘alternative’ results that will happen by ‘not’ using your product.
The “Frankly” Subject Line
What do you think of when someone uses the word ‘frankly’ with you?
If they’re not being sarcastic, then it creates a feeling of someone being very straight and honest with you. If they lean a little closer to you, then it feels like they’re sharing something they don’t want others to hear, or know. Then… it starts to feel like a secret, insider, or confidential information.
So how you approach using this subject line can produce different effects. And you’ll bring into play the same powerful emotions used in other subject lines.
for example:
“Frankly, I don’t understand this.”
“Frankly… this new idea puzzles me.”
“Frankly… this golf ball design doesn’t work.”
This is designed to catch the eye, create a thought, and lead to opening your email. I’ve used it with other subject line templates in the examples, above.
The “Shocks Me” Subject Line
The ‘shocks me’ subject line is a ‘newsy’ type of line. You have something very newsworthy, it had an impact on you, and you just have to tell your friends… your readers, about it. You’re doing it to help them, or help them avoid something they’ll also want to avoid. So you’re relationship-building here as well as helping them.And of course you’ll be setting yourself up for telling a good story.
For example:
“This news shocks me still.”
“This shocked me when I heard it.”
“This may shock you too…”
Use this subject line with news, mistakes, or any subject line designed to present ‘new’ information of any variety. The purpose is to make someone stop in their tracks and ‘just have’ to find out about it.
The “Why You Shouldn’t” Subject Line
This subject line clearly warns your readers about something. This is another opportunity for you to be the ‘great’ marketer and friend to your list. Consistently deliver valuable content, and they’ll know that when you take the time to warn them, they should listen. And they’ll open your emails.
For example:
“3 reasons why you shouldn’t get this.”
“5 reasons why you shouldn’t use this.”
“Why you shouldn’t say this to your doctor.”
Similar concept here, but it’s more along the lines of a ‘pebble in the shoe.’ Telling someone why they really shouldn’t do something will create an uneasiness in their mind. They’ll wonder about it, wonder if it’s important, and curiosity will get the best of them. And they’ll open your email and read it. Just like that.
The “Simple Way” Subject Line
Another way of telling people about the easiest wayto do some- thing. And you know how much people Love things easy, fast, quick, and simple.
For example:
“The simplest way to beat the blues.”
“The simplest way to learn the piano.”
“The simplest way to beat your opponent.”
This is more than just an email opener. You can build an entire business around products that promise to get results in the simplest way. Not all products do that, as you probably know.Again, if you want content… who doesn’t… then ‘simply’ search using variations of the word simple, in quotes. Of course since you’re using this subject line, your product better offer ‘the simplest way’ to get results. Right?
The “What If” Subject Line
This subject line is only limited by your creativity. Ultimately, you’ll use it to tap into the imagination of your readers.
You can use this to warn them about something, get them thinking about good possibilities in their lives, or inspire them to consider the possibilities of almost anything in your niche. It doesn’t have to be a grand design possibility. You can be as specific as you want and talk about a very narrow aspect of your niche.
For example:
“What if you didn’t have to worry about this…?”
“What if you could avoid this mistake?”
“What if you could research markets easier?”
A great way to get the curiosity juices going. And then lead into your media report or product introduction. Yes?
