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

by MrCopy
12 replies
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.
#esle #headlines #reading #start #stop #who else wants to
  • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
    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
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  • Profile picture of the author Stephen Dean
    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.

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    Stephen Dean
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  • Profile picture of the author Cam Connor
    Originally Posted by MrCopy View Post

    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...

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    • Profile picture of the author ARSuarez
      Originally Posted by Cam Connor View Post

      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 - 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
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  • Profile picture of the author Mildred Pros
    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?
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    • Profile picture of the author ARSuarez
      Originally Posted by Mildred Pros View Post

      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.
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    • Profile picture of the author MrCopy
      Originally Posted by Mildred Pros View Post

      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.
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      • Profile picture of the author max5ty
        Originally Posted by MrCopy View Post


        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)
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  • Profile picture of the author jonoman1
    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.
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  • Profile picture of the author Colin Theriot
    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.
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  • Profile picture of the author darkonetoo
    Originally Posted by MrCopy View Post

    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
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  • Profile picture of the author ThomasOMalley
    Again, don't let personal opinions stop you from using what works.
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