Would Shakespeare Use ChatGPT?

I asked myself the question.

And honestly… I have no idea.

Would he write better emails than us all though? Probably.

He’d put us out of work a lot faster than ChatGPT ever could.

And that had me thinking… so I had some fun coming up with a few thought starters for your next email subject lines using his writing principles as guides.

1. "To be, or not to be?" The Power of Questions

Questions create mental gaps readers feel compelled to fill. They're impossible to ignore.

Instead of: "Want to save 20%?" try these:

Subject: Could this replace your gym?
Preview: Home workouts just got smarter

Subject: Are these too comfortable?
Preview: You’ll cancel plans for these sweats

Subject: Can a pillow change your jawline?
Preview: 10,000 customers say yes.

2. "Fair is foul, and foul is fair." Contradiction Creates Interest

Pair opposing concepts to stop scrolling thumbs dead in their tracks.

Instead of: "Crazy Deals Are Here" try:

Subject: Softer sheets, stronger sleep
Preview: Ultra-light comfort that knocks you out

Subject: Barely there, can’t stop staring
Preview: Our sheer top is a showstopper

Subject: More sweat, less stink
Preview: Deodorant that dares you to run

3. "I will wear my heart upon my sleeve." Emotion Trumps Logic

Shakespeare knew feelings drive action faster than facts. Tap into universal emotions.

Instead of: "You’ll love this sale" try:

Subject: Don't disappoint her
Preview: Last day for Valentine's delivery

Subject: You said you were done shopping
Preview: But your favorite’s back in stock

Subject: Stop settling for average
Preview: Your skin deserves better

4. "Once more unto the breach!" Command With Authority

Direct, powerful commands create clarity and urgency that passive statements can't match.

Instead of: "Flash Sale! 20% Off" try:

Subject: Open now, save $50
Preview: Code expires in 2 hours

Subject: Try on our bestsellers
Preview: Free home try-on, easy returns

Subject: Complete your cart today
Preview: Get summer ready

5. "Something wicked this way comes." Create Curiosity Gaps

Never reveal the whole story. Leave breadcrumbs that can only be followed by opening.

Instead of: "New Collection Launch" try:

Subject: This color is banned in China
Preview: Our most requested shade is back

Subject: What's inside your box?
Preview: Surprise gift in today's orders

Subject: Why customers returned these
Preview: The REAL reason we redesigned everything

Collect lists of writing tactics you like

In the age of ChatGPT this can be a game changer.

I have a list of dozens of little subject hacks like this. I’ll use different ones based on the client I’m working with.

Sometimes a subject line idea will spark an entire email. Or I’ll plug them all along with an email into GPT to help me brainstorm.

As long as you’re having fun with it, you’re guaranteed to put something great out that your customers love.

A few subject line reminders

• Keep it short (7 words or less to avoid getting cut off on mobile)

• Keep emojis toward the middle or end

• Avoid spammy words or keep them toward the end of the subject (FREE, GUARANTEE, CASH)

• Aim to draw out emotion

• Have fun. Your brand guidelines will be ok. I pinky promise.

Subject lines are poetry.

A few well-chosen words can stop time, stir emotion, and spark a click.

All in 7 words or less.

And maybe an emoji 😉 

Meme of the week - A new dimension of CRO

That’s all for now,
Paperboy 🗞

p.s. Did you like the newsletter? Hate it? Reply and tell me why! I read and reply to every message.

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