Would you consider this a bait and switch email subject line?

I don't think there is anything wrong with the subject if you just lead in with your offer, its a legitimate question for your offer. However when the first sentence of the body says "I ask not because I'm interested in them" then you are pointing out that that subject was on the shady side. I would skip telling them your shady in the email body and the customer might not even pick up on it.

Bottom line!!!!
If they don't open your email they aren't buying crap from you. So you got to have an eye catcher. As far as them getting upset, if they get upset it simply means they are not interested to begin with. So go for it and try it out. Maybe a sample test run first to see how you do.

Just thought of something else for you!!!!
Go to 3 or 4 of the offices and and flat out ask them.
Hey, Dr. So and So I'm not selling anything today but just want you quick oppion. If I sent you ( hypothetically) an email with subject line Yada, Yada, Yada and you open and found I was selling you something would you a least look at my offer or get mad at my subject line.

I think the email opening is weak. Why mention the negative right away?
This is a turn off. Why not say, "Because I want to show you how to get more
patients in your office quicker and cheaper than you ever thought possible."?

In this was you are transitioning from the subject line and attaching a
benefit right away.

-Ray Edwards

I would label that subject line as deception. You are inferring that you are looking for their services.

What will happen is a lot of recipients will feel deceived and click the spam button.

Then your autoresponder service will take a look at the email you sent and see you are using deception.

They will then close your autoresponder account.

The above is worse case but could happen.

It's just not worth using deception. Try writing a subject line that peeks curiossity instead.

That's my 2 cents on the question.

Re's
Rob Whisonant

In my humble opinion when you combine the subject line with the body of the mail, it does come across as 'shady'. However I believe this is only the context you create with the body of the mail.

I believe if the wording of the body of the mail was about how you are going to benefit the Dr, the subject line would then be viewed in a much more positive light.

For example, if the body of the mail were to start with something like (and this is just a quick start off the top of my head which I'm sure could be greatly improved):

'If you are still offering this service, I think I have something that will be of great interest to you. I'm sure you understand the benefit of more visitors to your website and this is something I can do for you.

I have in the past successfully been able to drastically increase the popularity of websites for individuals in a number of different occupations(?). I am now looking to do the same for someone offering chiropractic services in your area and I wanted to offer you first refusal of my services before I speak to anyone else....etc etc'

As I say, I believe this more positive body then makes the subject line valid and not at all deceptive.

Wishing you all the best with you endeavors