Hajra Naz
Have you ever opened an email due solely to the pleasing subject that made you grin a little?
It’s a perfect moment when the words manage to get your attention, arouse your interest, or even cause you to laugh.
Subject lines are power & when used properly, they are simply magical.
After all, pickup lines — those overused, corny, and funny one-liners that you have probably heard at least once in your life — could now be viewed as the most effective weapons for email marketing campaigns.
They’re original, funny, and a nice way of cutting through the online clutter of any email inbox.
In this blog, we’ll turn these love-sick phrases into a business cash magnet. Starting from why the humor approach would work to clear examples of subject lines, by the end of it you will be equipped to Copywrite some tantalizing email subject lines.
So let’s begin!
Using Humor in Marketing: The Details and The Science Behind it
Humor isn’t only amusing; it also displays intelligence, Is what science says!
But, what are pickup lines for?
They say the best way to approach someone you are interested in is to use a pickup line. More often than not, pickup lines are used as a means to start conversations.
They are also easy to remember which makes them perfect conversation starters. Shouldn’t the subject line of your email serve the same purpose?
The best part? A good sense of humor is not only a great way to make someone smile, but in fact, encourages them to take action. Emails with a humorous or odd subject line tend to receive more attention.
More opened emails translate into higher chances of curiosity transforming into clicks and clicks becoming leads.
In a nutshell: A little chuckle is always good for marketing purposes.
Are you interested in learning how to draft these catchy pickup lines for your email subject lines? Ready?
Picking the Perfect Subject Line For the Pickup Line
Pick-up lines come in all shapes and sizes. There are the crafted, the laugh-out-loud funny, and those that are flat-out cringe-worthy.
Poison is finding the right balance between humor and interest in the subject line that has all the elements you need.
What is it that makes up a good pickup line subject?
Characteristics of an Effective Subject Line
Wit and Humor:
A well-ordered joke or witty tone will give you more chances of being noticed since your email is bound to stand out.
Try to think of reasons why your reader will laugh but at the same time make sure it is still connected to the email’s content.
Example: “Are you French? Because our deals are Eiffel-ing for you.”
Conciseness and straightforwardness
Always remember that your audience will only get a glimpse of your subject line which is on the email’s particular area hence, don’t write a long subject line as it will be cut off proving to be ineffective.
Context
Everyone at some point in time is not fond of clickbait. If at all your subject is in regards to discounts at your store, do not make a joke out of it instead try and make sense. Try to avoid exaggerating sarcastic humor at the time of a crucial business meeting.
Read More: Why Humor Matters in Freelancing: Using Pickup Lines to Stand Out
Rules and Regulations to Consider when Accosted by Someone Utilising a Pickup Line
The dos
Maintain a consistent voice level of your brand across all platforms. In case your brand tone is informal then have no issue incorporating some sarcasm in terms of content presentation. In the case of being a business then gently lower it down without the sense of joy.
Try out themes that are very quintessential and relatable, remember love, humor, and current events.
The dont’s
Stop using humor that is either vulgar or too rude for the audience. Bad jokes are capable of damning your business.
It is obvious that over the top attempts to woo the audience are steadily becoming boring, women and men naturally are growing tired of over the top attempts to woo them, there is a limit to the number of cheesiness women and men can take.
Do a better job at identifying your audience. A Gen Z joke will work however baby boomers will wonder where the joke lies.
Examples of Pickup Line Email Subject Lines (and Why They Work) Examples
Let’s get practical. Here are a few email subject lines that are derived from famed pickup lines, that enthrall the audience, tickle their funny bones, and motivate them to click on your email.
We shall group them according to themes to demonstrate how you can adjust them across various themes.
Romantic-Themed Examples
“Are you a magician? Because every time I look at our prices, they seem to fly off!”
Why it works: It is entertaining and directly related to prices, making it relevant as well as interesting.
“Is the temperature rising or are the summer deals getting warmer?”
Why it works: Uses a great joke alongside a timely season, which makes it more interesting.
Humor-Centric Examples
“Are you a parking ticket? Because you’ve got ‘fine’ written right on your forehead.”
Why it works: Everyone can relate to this humor but will add a zing with a catchy cheeky marketing line, most appropriate for anything expensive.
“This email isn’t a mirror, but I can give you a clue, you’ll wish you were looking in one.”
Why it works: Makes you curious and amused at the same time. It makes the reader want to know what the content is.
Read More: 7 Psychological Tricks for Hooking Readers from Your First Line
Why Pickup Line Subject Lines Work (In Addition to Open Rates)
There is more to using pickup lines than just humor as part of a sales email campaign they are part of strategic planning.
Let’s delve into the ways how pickup lines can help more than just increase open rates for your email marketing campaigns.
Engaging with Your Emails more with Pickup Lining
The use of humor makes a brand more relatable to the audience, a funny pickup line as a subject will always show a certain character and essence to your company.
Instead, a pickup line paves the way for saying “We are not here to just sell gears, we are here to make.”
People want to feel they are talking to a real individual and not just a big corporation and a humorous subject line works in this context and gives a boost to your brand by making it easy to remember and more appealing.
Strengthening a Brand’s Prestige in a Positive Manner
In case someone finds your email hilarious, what do you think they associate it with?
Yes, even if they do not hit the open button they will surely remember the unique subject line and the humorous essence you bought into your brand.
In the long run, this does help with better brand loyalty and recall which businesses would not want to see a brand that brings a smile to their faces.
When you have so many competitors in the marketing world, the key to success becomes having a unique identity that everyone remembers.
Elevating Your Content the Moment Your Email is Opened
The subject lines of emails must be familiar, featuring phrases like “Just For You!” or “Time’s Running Out!” showing the aspect of being generic.
Immediately funny opening lines come into play because they are innovative and this grabs an audience’s attention.
When everyone is talking in a loud pitch, a clever joke provides a whisper that makes an impression.
More Engagement Than Simply Being Opened
A joke is an excellent way of grabbing attention, and it encourages inquisitiveness. If someone pops open your email due to a funny subject line, chances are that they will also want to read the email.
Because for obvious reasons they are energized and motivated already! This amazing dynamism also encourages action for instance sharing or clicking on links inside the email.
Bringing a Human Element Into Marketing
Having fun while doing business is a great way to be a little different and become approachable, humor allows you to show that to the world. It allows you to connect with your audience on a much deeper level, a more comfortable one.
Trust is built through friendship.
Read More: Cold Email or Cold Call: Which Should You Use in 2024?
The Risks and Challenges Faced While Implementing Pickup Lines as Subject Lines in an Email
When humor is involved in a topic, it is crucial to note the importance of being cautious too.
Pickup lines are not suitable for every occasion, and if you’re not careful, your theme lines may have the absolute opposite outcome.
Let’s determine the likely traps and how to steer clear of them.
Unclear or Misleading Theme Lines
The theme line’s intention is to entice the reader, but it also must provide some insight about the mail.
Using a pickup line that is far more ambiguous or deceptive can be very irritating.
An individual, for instance, may access the email, looking forward to some anchor joke, for example, only to discover that it has a whole different purpose.
How to avoid it
Ensure the joke does suggest what your email would be about but in a very subtle manner.
Assuming there is violence, if the subject is, ‘You must be tired of running through all our deals’ it could be ideal since it is humorous and suggests a discount is offered.
Going Overboard With Funny Stuff
Funny stuff can go a long way, but as they say, all good things are to be taken in moderation so to speak.
If you begin all your emails with some lame pick up lines then surely they will get tired of that.
It is paramount that you have side content in your email that your audience actually cares about, not just jokes.
How to overcome it
Avoid humor all too often. A funny subject line on an occasion is good.
keep in mind, that humor should still serve the purpose. It should still contain some value. There will always be the right mix.
Disempowering Certain Markets
Not everyone has the capability to sit and enjoy good humor in their marketing ads. Some people are simply looking for a solid no-nonsense ad with minimal fluff.
Imagine how awkward it could be, getting none but sarcastic pickup lines.
Some audiences don’t respond to humor or jokes, especially in a professional setting where any casual or carefree behavior is frowned upon
How to overcome it
Make sure you know your audience well. A formal audience can have a serious tone but accompanying good humor can go a long way, don’t overdo it though.
Think about segmentation. Some email campaigns allow humor, some don’t, and some should be straightforward.
Stepping Over The Mark With Uninvited Pickup Lines
Humor is a very personal trait. One person might find something cringeworthy, another can find it hilarious without having a single issue with it.
One of the worst pick-up lines I’ve ever heard had a fair number of people laughing at it. So, you see, there is never a place for humor in the world of pick-up lines. It’s always wise to avoid all forms of humor.
What to do to steer clear of it
Try to take a kinder and gentler approach to making jokes that will be less alienating or too intimate.
Following this simple rule is also effective. Refrain from using any pickup lines that are crude or offensive, the same way, however, never resort to using childish or irrelevant pickup lines.
Getting a Decrease in Brand Image
However, it depends on the kind of market you’re targeting, but generally, any type of humor that is exaggerated and out of context is bound to damage your professionalism.
Your Clients or Customers might like it in a more serious tone or a high end category.
What to do to steer clear of it
Refrain from using unnecessary reek of a comical tone concerning your brand’s persona.
If your brand is more on the elegant and sophisticated side use humor that is smart yet not childish.
In the case of a law firm where the humor of any sort in the subject line can be risky, however, a casual clothing firm wouldn’t mind it too much.
Read More: Cheesy or Charming? How to Use “Sales Pick-Up Lines” to Close the Deal
How and When to Incorporate Pickup Lines in Emails
Pickup lines are advantageous in terms of growing a client base, especially within the scope of marketing but there are also glaring downsides.
Even though we have prerequisites of best practices, they still need to be integrated properly into a larger marketing framework.
Let us get started with some practical advice:
Using a Funny Stance Effectively
We’ve previously stated that when employing pickup lines, it is necessary to maintain a lighthearted approach in the emails or promotions that are planned, otherwise wait for the right moment to strike so to speak.
It may not help much to include a lighthearted joke in an email addressing a serious calamity. Otherwise, convey it when the best time comes.
When to use pickup lines
- Sales emails, also known as cold emails, go out on special or promotional occasions.
- Email newsletters are created to catch the viewer’s attention and entertain them.
- Parties that are conducting soft core engagement activities with the target audience or in simple words creating a free environment for engagement.
When to avoid using humor
Email or any communication addressing company stakeholders without prior consent or permission.
Final Thoughts
This helps make the marketing more likable by taking a funny approach and using pickup lines during email subject lines while increasing engagement, marketing, email Analytics, strategizing, and so on.
However, the same as the other strategy there are risks and it should only be done with a strategic focus.
Amicably, you can create email marketing campaigns that will not only be joyful but also convert people into listeners by knowing your target niche, trying various techniques, and never leaving your brand’s identity.
Perhaps humor is the true hidden gem of your email marketing.
