The email trick your competitors don’t want you to know

Plus Templates and Why most Substackers are stuck below 30% open rates.

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Hey Creator,

Today I’m going to let you in on a secret that your competitors don’t want you to know.

It’s about your headlines and subject lines.

The truth is: when it comes to subject lines, most creators —are stuck.

Whether you’re a fiction writer, a podcaster, or an artist creating on Substack—we are all stuck in the same trap.

You’re trying to get your audience to see the value you offer. You want them to click, read, and eventually engage with your post/email or become paying clients/subscribers.

But here’s the problem:

Your subject lines aren’t working hard enough for you.

That’s why I’m sharing the "Open-Rate Boost Blueprint." These unconventional strategies will save you hours and help you craft subject lines that not only boost your open rates but also connect with your audience’s desires.

Let’s dive in.

1. Why "catchy" subject lines secretly kill your open rates

Here’s the thing: catchy doesn’t convert.

If your subject line is trying too hard to be clever, it risks confusing your audience. And confused readers don’t click.

Instead, clarity wins. Especially for creators like writers, coaches or podcasters.

For example:

Career coaches who talk about actionable tips for landing jobs can use subject lines like:

• “How to land your dream job without a single cold email”

Or podcasters who share strategies to attract sponsorships can use subject line like:

• “3 ways to make your podcast irresistible to sponsors”

These headlines promise clear, actionable value. No gimmicks, no fluff.

Focus on being crystal clear about the benefit your audience will get.

2. The 7-word formula proven to double your engagement

When it comes to email subject lines, there’s a magic number: seven.

Seven words hit that sweet spot between too short and too long.

[Action] + [Specific Outcome] + [Timeframe/Context].

Examples:

Fiction writers who often write about improving writing skills can use subject lines like:

• “Write better dialogues in 7 days—guaranteed”

Or gym instructors who share tips for achieving fitness goals can use subject lines like:

• “Lose 5 pounds this month with these 3 moves”

These subject lines don’t just grab attention—they guide your audience to the exact value they’ll receive.

3. A/B testing is dead—try this 5-minute hack instead

A/B testing is time-consuming, especially if you’re a creator juggling multiple projects.

Here’s a better solution: trust your inbox instincts.

This is how I personally created my “Open Rate Boost Blueprint” of over 100 🔥email headline templates from top creators like Alex Homozi, Justin Welsh, Nicolas Cole, Dickie Bush etc.

For example, let’s say you’re a design creator sharing an email about your latest illustration course.

Write three subject lines, then pick the one you’d click first. It works—every single time.

Think of the emails you get and why you opened them. Did that click?

See these examples:

• “The secret to shading like a pro in minutes”

• “Why most illustrators fail at colour palettes (and how to fix it)”

• “Turn sketches into stunning designs—my 5-step guide”

Your gut often knows what resonates best with your audience because you’re deeply connected to your craft.

Check out my subject lines in action:

4. The subject line myth keeping your newsletter ignored

The myth? That personalization (like adding names) is enough.

But here’s the truth: relevance beats personalization every time.

For creators like travel bloggers, relevance means tapping into what their audience wants most—adventure and insider tips.

Example:

A travel blogger who writes about hidden gems, budget-friendly trips, and insider travel hacks can use subject lines like:

• “The hidden European gem you need to visit now”

• “How to plan a luxury vacation on a shoestring budget”

When your subject line directly addresses what your audience craves, they’ll open every time.

5. Unlock 80% open rates with this one hidden tactic

If there’s one thing all successful subject lines or post headlines share, it’s curiosity.

Whether you’re a podcaster, a fitness trainer, or a travel blogger, curiosity compels clicks.

But here’s the trick: don’t be vague. Be specific while teasing the value inside.

Examples:

Podcasters can use subject lines like.

• “Why I stopped promoting on Instagram (and what I do now)”

Gym instructors can use:

• “The one thing most gym routines get wrong”

Curiosity works when it promises a payoff. Your audience wants answers. Your headline should make them crave what’s inside.

Thats it!

With this blueprint, you don’t need hours to create subject lines that work. You just need a little courage to challenge the status quo.

Then add clarity, curiosity, and confidence in the value you bring.

Your audience is waiting.

Go give them a reason to click.

Go go go…

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Writing email subject lines shouldn’t feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. Yet, for many creators, it does.

If you’re tired of spending hours staring at a blinking cursor, hoping inspiration strikes, you’re in the right place.

Let me share my "100 Open-Rate Boost Blueprint Templates I use"—designed to save you time and deliver results.

It’s simple, effective, and unconventional.

It’s a plug-and-play template—you just insert what you write about and hit send.

So, anyone can use it.

It works every single time.

In fact, if you’ve read to this point, it means my template works because that's what I used to pull you in, hahaha.

Here’s how I created them.

I studied over 10,000 emails I’ve received from top creators. Took their most performing email headlines, tested them and created a swipe file that I now use.

Just buy me a cup of coffee and I will send them over to you immediately 😜

With these templates, your subject lines can do the heavy lifting.

…and your audience will thank you—with clicks.

Here are 7 of my best ones for you to test—for FREE over the next 7 days and let me know how it goes.

Replace the words in Captial with yours and it’s good to go.

1. Why [MAINSTREAM OPINION] is Overrated—and What Works Instead

2. The [NUMBER] Things You’re Doing Wrong with [TOPIC]

3. [SPECIFIC OUTCOME] in [SHORT TIME]: The [ODD BUT EFFECTIVE] Way

4. Stop Wasting Time on [COMMON STRATEGY]: Try This

5. [NUMBER] Lessons I Learned the Hard Way About [TOPIC]

6. How I [SPECIFIC DESIRED OUTCOME] with Zero [EXCUSE OR RESOURCE]

7. The Truth About [BIG MYTH OR TREND]: It’s Not What You Think

Want more of these? Buy me a cup of coffee and I will send them over to you. Thank youuuuuuuuuuu!

Your turn

Share your publication link in the comments below let’s see it. I will share the ones I think are relevant to my audience.

I will suggest other things you can adjust in your titles to increase your open rates too.

Until the next issue…

Chat soon.

Philip.

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• Build a personal brand that stands out

• Create content that converts

• Design systems for steady growth

• Turn your expertise into income.

Each issue delivers:

✓ Deep-dive analysis of what actually works.

✓ Quick-win templates you can use today.

✓ Step-by-step frameworks for predictable growth.

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