Should you write the subject line or email first?
I hyped this email up quite a bit in yesterday’s email.
So here’s what I want you to do:
If you’re standing, sit down. My answer will make you jump out of your seat (and I don’t want you busting your cranium on your ceiling).
Okay, so what’s my answer?
…hold one. wait a second….
This scene is missing a few things.
First, make sure you have a cup of coffee ready. (Preferably black.)
Okay, now I need your help with a…
…Drrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrum-roll, please?
(We need more drama before I reveal my answer because it’s that good.)
Do I hear something?
Shh, be quiet…
I think I can hea—pudda-pudda-pudda-pudda.
Okay, can we make it a little louder?
PUDDA-pudda-PUDDA-pudda-PUDDA-pudda-PUDDA-pudda-PUDDA-pudda-PUDDA-pudda
Yes, we’re grooving now.
Add more oOMPH
PUDDA-PUDDA-PUDDA-PUDDA-PUDDA-PUDDA-PUDDA-PUDDA-PUDDA-PUDDA
HERE IT COMES…
3…
PUDDA-PUDDA-
*string section comes in*
-PuDDA-PUdda-
2…
pUDDa-PUdDa-
*saxophone solo*
-pudda-PUDDA
1…
*in my best WWE announcer voice*
Anndddd in the left corner, clocking in at 190 lbs is the notorious email copywriter John “bookoobucks” Brandt with his even more no-no-notorious answer to whether you should write subject lines or emails first…
…the answer is…
…
…
It depends.
Ha!
Got you, didn’t I?
Here’s the trooth:
Sometimes I write a subject line first. Other times I write an email first.
If my brain can cook up a great subject line, I’ll write it first.
If it can’t?
I’ll write the email first, and let my brain cook up ideas as I write it.
Don’t overcomplicate it.
Plus, I’d be a terrible host to these daily emails if I didn’t let you in on a little secret:
Sometimes I think I write a killer subject line before writing the email. But then one of two things happen: Either the subject line doesn’t align with the email content (paving the road to clickbait). Or I realize there’s a better subject line “hidden” in the body copy.
In both scenarios, I swap out the subject line for the better one.
Capisce?
Need help coming up with subject lines, angles, and email copy which makes your wallet burst at the seams?
John
Comments