Appreciation post: I tested two email subject lines for a client's product launch and the results were clear

One was a simple question about a problem, and the other was a clever pun. The question line got a 34% open rate, while the pun only got 18%. When do you think it's okay to use a funny subject line instead of a direct one?

3 comments

3 Comments

seth_green851mo ago

Funny works best when your audience already knows and trusts you.

wren_smith441mo ago

Seth's point is good, but trust isn't the only factor.

derek93913d ago

Remember a buddy of mine tried a funny ad for his lawn care side job. People who didn't know him just thought it was weird and didn't call. It clicked for me that what @seth_green85 says about trust is the starting line, not the finish. You also need the joke to fit the situation and make sense for what you're selling. My friend's ad was funny to us, but strangers had no clue why a guy with a leaf blower was dressed as a superhero.