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- If your open rates suck, steal these đź§
If your open rates suck, steal these đź§
I almost scrapped this email... until I tried this
friend!
Last week, I sat at my desk staring at my inbox like it owed me money.
I’d written seven different subject lines for the same email
and every single one felt like reheated leftovers.
Too wordy.
Too flat.
Too “trying too hard.”
Then I remembered something Alex Cattoni once said:
“Your subject line’s only job is to get the next line read.”
That line hit.
Because I realized I wasn’t trying to get a click…
I was trying to get clever.
And clever kills curiosity.
So, instead of starting from scratch, I went back to structure
and used the same headline frameworks I’ve used for clients to double open rates.
Here are the seven that never miss 👇
1. The Secret Formula
Promises insider knowledge or a behind-the-scenes truth that feels exclusive.
This works because people love being “in the know.” It builds intrigue without overselling.
Why it works: Curiosity drives clicks faster than clarity ever will.
Examples:
The Secret of Writing Stories That Sell
The Secret Behind a $10K Launch
Best for: Educational content or behind-the-scenes breakdowns.
2. The “How I” Formula
Turns your experience into a transformation story.
People trust personal proof they want to see what worked, not just what’s taught.
Why it works: It leverages specificity and outcome-based storytelling.
Examples:
How I Doubled Opens in 7 Days
How I Turned One Thread Into 3 Clients
Best for: Case studies, lessons learned, or before-and-after content.
3. The Mistake Formula
People are wired to avoid pain more than they seek pleasure.
This headline flips that instinct in your favor.
Why it works: It sparks self-check behavior (“Am I doing that too?”).
Examples:
Do You Make These Mistakes in Your Content?
The 3 Writing Habits Killing Your Engagement
Best for: Educational or audit-style content.
4. The Curiosity Formula
Reveals just enough to create an open loop but hides the “how.”
It’s the cliffhanger of email subject lines.
Why it works: Humans hate unfinished thoughts. That itch to know more? That’s your click.
Examples:
Who Else Wants More Clicks Without Paying for Ads?
What Never to Do When Posting on LinkedIn
Best for: Launches, product reveals, or story-driven emails.
5. The “Give Me” Formula
Creates a micro trade your reader’s time for your solution.
It’s confident without being pushy.
Why it works: It feels like a shortcut, and people love quick wins.
Examples:
Give Me 10 Minutes and I’ll Fix Your Copy
Give Me 3 Days and I’ll Simplify Your Strategy
Best for: Quick tips, offers, or short educational lessons.
6. The Lazy Formula
Fun, playful, and incredibly relatable.
It gives permission to take the easy route (and still win).
Why it works: People want results without the grind. This line promises ease with wit.
Examples:
The Lazy Founder’s Way to Write Viral Hooks
The Lazy Creator’s Guide to Consistent Content
Best for: Lifestyle, mindset, or “effortless” content.
friend, at the end of the day…
good writing doesn’t start with inspiration
it starts with a formula worth stealing.
And if you want 40 more of these plug-and-play templates I use with my clients,
I’m dropping them in tomorrow’s email.
Just hit reply yes and I’ll send them your way.
Till tomorrow,
Stephen
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