I've got an idea about email headlines and I want you to shoot me down.

by 10 replies
12
I got an idea from reading my emails. The one email I'm always pleased to see (and never changes) is:

Message from Joe Blogs

It's actually from Facebook, and everyone always enjoys getting messages of some kind.

I don't really care what fancy headline some marketer makes up.

So I was thinking of having a handle. A certain phrase that gets sent out with every email and people will know it's me straight away.

Do you think this would drastically reduce clickthroughs?
#main internet marketing discussion forum #email #headlines #idea #shoot
  • i dont think it would reduce clickthroughs, but instead either increase or have no effect. Having the handle and that catchphrase will allow you to brand yourself and build up that brand. I think it's a good thing because your followers will be familiar with that handle/catchphrase and can immediately identify you with those two components.
  • Though branding yourself is always a good idea, I don't think a particular handle gets emails opened. It's the consistent good content associated with the handle that makes people want to open email.
  • i've always found the best email subject lines... in terms of open rates... are those that mention "you" and then a really important benefit the prospect is looking to get.

    i always try to make my email subject lines as good as headlines on a sales letter... since technically they ARE... you're trying to get someone to stop and read what you have to say... so I like thinking of email subjects as headlines... that's worked well for me.
  • You asked for an opinion, so maybe I am missing something? Why would a simple subject line that says "message from joe blow" produce more opens than a benefit-driven subject head?
    • [1] reply
    • People know it's you. They will notice your regular message in the middle of all the noise. Of course it would only work if they actually wanted to read your emails every week.

      Anyway, I'm just guessing.
  • Test, test, test. This is the only answer that matters! :-)
  • I second what Michael just posted about testing. Branding is great, but everyone is only guessing on whether it will increase opens or clicks.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • am i missing something here

    when ever i send out emails to my lists my name is in the "from" section

    thats how people know its me and know to open up my email :-)

    paul
  • You could always get a swipe file and study examples from the headlines that you see there.
  • I understand what you're shooting for, but I don't think that "Message from" would do the trick.

    I'll use Paul Myers as an example since there's a recent thread recommending his TalkBizNews newsletter, which is popular and highly regarded. He often uses TalkBiz in his email subject lines. I suspect that he may have tested that, and that it gets more emails opened.

    However, if you want to brand yourself, the quality of your content is likely to be a bigger factor in getting your emails opened and read.
Join the discussion

Next Topics on Trending Feed