Who esle wants to stop reading headlines that start with "Who else wants to"?

MrCopy · 07-27-2011, 10:02 AM

I may be taking an strong stance on a beloved piece of swipage, but I have seen so many headlines starting with "Who else wants to ..." that when I see them now I automatically don't like them.

Am I the only one?

It might be because I read a ton of sales letters and squeeze pages and I'm 'innculated' to resist this headline.

I don't know if this headline still converts like it used to, but I personally never use this one.

Alex Cohen · 07-27-2011, 10:17 AM

Don't let your personal feelings affect your professional judgment.

In certain niches and circumstances the "Who else wants to ..." headline still works well.

Alex

Stephen Dean · 07-27-2011, 10:20 AM

I've never liked the headline... but it was always one of my top headlines in tests.

Headline templates can lose their effectiveness if they become over-saturated. But most markets outside IM probably don't see it nearly as often. It still works.

Cheers,
Stephen Dean

Cam Connor · 07-27-2011, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrCopy

I may be taking an strong stance on a beloved piece of swipage, but I have seen so many headlines starting with "Who else wants to ..." that when I see them now I automatically don't like them.

Am I the only one?

Lol, No way... you're not the only one. I would NEVER start a Headline with this, it sounds so unbelievably cheesy, I chuckle to myself everytime I see it. It just screams out "AD" right at the beginning of the page, I'm surprised people have had success with it, but who knows.

It reminds me of the line Bob Ryan always used in Entourage...

‪Entourage - Bob Ryan's...

ARSuarez · 07-27-2011, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cam Connor

Lol, No way... you're not the only one. I would NEVER start a Headline with this, it sounds so unbelievably cheesy, I chuckle to myself everytime I see it.

It reminds me of the line Bob Ryan always used in Entourage...

‪Entourage - Bob Ryan's moments‬&rlm; - YouTube

Stephen nailed it above.

Headlines like this work in markets that haven't become saturated - so "immature" markets are prime candidates.

The "Do You Make These..." "They Laughed..." "Who Else..." etc...

It would probably work with a carpet cleaning company. A construction/home improvement company. Practically anything outside of the Big Boys of copywriting world:

1. Self improvement
2. Financial
3. Health
4. Biz opp/business information

#'s 2 & 3 include newsletter publications.

(The above are not listed in order of most mature).

Outside of those, your basic formulaic headlines can probably still perform. They're uncommon - they're "new" and "fresh."

Generally, though, you'll get killed if you try them in the above (except maybe #1).

"Who Else Wants A Sparkling New Cherrywood Cabinetry For Pennies On The Dollar?"

"Who Else Wants A Million Dollar Lawn For Bargain Prices?"

That **** works in those markets.

-Angel

Mildred Pros · 07-27-2011, 11:16 AM

Well I guess it depends on your judgment at all. Such phrase is helpful in most instances..I use is too in some of my works, but not at often as others do. But you can also try other ways.

And if I am going to ask you, what would you think could replace "who else wants to" as a headline? Any better idea since you have started this thread?

jonoman1 · 07-27-2011, 11:17 AM

I completely agree. I don't know what guru's product told us this was an award winning headline, but in my experience there are other headlines that work MUCH better. "Who else wants to" does scream AD and so many people are using it these days that even consumers are catching on. I think that phrase has run its course and we should move on.

ARSuarez · 07-27-2011, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mildred Pros

And if I am going to ask you, what would you think could replace "who else wants to" as a headline? Any better idea since you have started this thread?

Read the first half of Breakthrough Advertising by Eugene Schwartz to find out.

MrCopy · 07-27-2011, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mildred Pros

And if I am going to ask you, what would you think could replace "who else wants to" as a headline? Any better idea since you have started this thread?

Mildred, my answer would not be another well-worn formula headline. If you need to go the formula route, there are others I personally find less "salesy".

I like "how to" headlines, particularly for web copy. How to, may actually give you some SEO points since a lot of people search on "how to ....".

I've seen thousands of headline templates, so choosing another, if you need a template is not that hard.

The issue I have is seeing this particular headline over and over again in extremely mature markets. When it's targeted at me, I don't have the "I do" response they're looking for I have the "no ... not again" response.

Anybody know what swife file or copywriter was the originator of this little gem. It must have converted like crazy when it was first around.

Colin Theriot · 07-27-2011, 11:57 AM

Whatever you do, definitely don't use it as an email subject line. It works in a context where the reader is aware they are reading a mass communication. A magazine ad, a webpage, etc. However in an email, it actually *breaks* the favorable illusion that it's a one-to-one communication. Not all headlines work in all contexts - you have to match the message to the medium's strengths. Of course, that's just one example headline that violates the environment of email, but plenty of other "swipable" bits of copy also do the same.

max5ty · 07-27-2011, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrCopy

Anybody know what swife file or copywriter was the originator of this little gem. It must have converted like crazy when it was first around.

Not sure if anyone knows who first used it, but Victor Schwab made it famous in his "100 Good Advertising Headlines" ad that he put out years ago.

100 Good Advertising Headlines (by Victor Schwab)

darkonetoo · 10-23-2011, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrCopy

I may be taking an strong stance on a beloved piece of swipage, but I have seen so many headlines starting with "Who else wants to ..." that when I see them now I automatically don't like them.

Am I the only one?

It might be because I read a ton of sales letters and squeeze pages and I'm 'innculated' to resist this headline.

I don't know if this headline still converts like it used to, but I personally never use this one.

My absolute TOP-Hated phrase----

"It's not your fault...."

People, quit already.... Give a rest for a year, then maybe try it again.

DarkOneToo

ThomasOMalley · 10-23-2011, 07:41 PM

Again, don't let personal opinions stop you from using what works.

07-27-2011, 10:02 AM	#1
MrCopy Self Defense Instructor War Room Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maine Posts: 51 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 12 Thanked 13 Times in 7 Posts Social Networking	Who esle wants to stop reading headlines that start with "Who else wants to"? I may be taking an strong stance on a beloved piece of swipage, but I have seen so many headlines starting with "Who else wants to ..." that when I see them now I automatically don't like them. Am I the only one? It might be because I read a ton of sales letters and squeeze pages and I'm 'innculated' to resist this headline. I don't know if this headline still converts like it used to, but I personally never use this one.
	Learn real self defense online at jujutsu.org

07-27-2011, 10:17 AM	#2
Alex Cohen Copy Champion War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,001 Thanks: 45 Thanked 501 Times in 304 Posts Contact Info	Re: Who esle wants to stop reading headlines that start with "Who else wants to"? Don't let your personal feelings affect your professional judgment. In certain niches and circumstances the "Who else wants to ..." headline still works well. Alex

07-27-2011, 10:20 AM	#3
Stephen Dean Master Copywriter War Room Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: WA , USA. Posts: 1,051 Thanks: 132 Thanked 194 Times in 100 Posts Social Networking	Re: Who esle wants to stop reading headlines that start with "Who else wants to"? I've never liked the headline... but it was always one of my top headlines in tests. Headline templates can lose their effectiveness if they become over-saturated. But most markets outside IM probably don't see it nearly as often. It still works. Cheers, Stephen Dean
	Occupation: Best Copywriter Ever. Clients: Matt Bacak, Jim Edwards, Ryan Deiss and more. I write sales copy that demands champagne celebrations: Hire A “Champagne Celebration” Copywriter.

07-27-2011, 11:16 AM	#6
Mildred Pros Warrior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 13 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Who esle wants to stop reading headlines that start with "Who else wants to"? Well I guess it depends on your judgment at all. Such phrase is helpful in most instances..I use is too in some of my works, but not at often as others do. But you can also try other ways. And if I am going to ask you, what would you think could replace "who else wants to" as a headline? Any better idea since you have started this thread?

07-27-2011, 11:17 AM	#7
jonoman1 Active Warrior Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Shelby, North Carolina Posts: 96 Thanks: 22 Thanked 13 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Who esle wants to stop reading headlines that start with "Who else wants to"? I completely agree. I don't know what guru's product told us this was an award winning headline, but in my experience there are other headlines that work MUCH better. "Who else wants to" does scream AD and so many people are using it these days that even consumers are catching on. I think that phrase has run its course and we should move on.

07-27-2011, 11:57 AM	#10
Colin Theriot caveat lector,emptor fiet War Room Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Roswell, GA Posts: 688 Thanks: 144 Thanked 689 Times in 277 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: Who esle wants to stop reading headlines that start with "Who else wants to"? Whatever you do, definitely don't use it as an email subject line. It works in a context where the reader is aware they are reading a mass communication. A magazine ad, a webpage, etc. However in an email, it actually breaks the favorable illusion that it's a one-to-one communication. Not all headlines work in all contexts - you have to match the message to the medium's strengths. Of course, that's just one example headline that violates the environment of email, but plenty of other "swipable" bits of copy also do the same.
	Fair warning: It's possible I'm arguing with you because I have nothing better to do. Join me for my FREE, LIVE chat show - Thursdays - 8PM Eastern on http://ColinTheriot.com/tmnlive Old episodes available FREE at http://ColinTheriot.com/podcast

10-23-2011, 07:41 PM	#13
ThomasOMalley HyperActive Warrior Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 264 Thanks: 8 Thanked 78 Times in 66 Posts	Re: Who esle wants to stop reading headlines that start with "Who else wants to"? Again, don't let personal opinions stop you from using what works.