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Bait and Switch Email Headlines

by Jennifer Hutson
9 replies
Was wondering how you guys felt about email headlines that are merely meant to get the reader to open, but don't actually talk about the subject line.

For example, I got an email today titled "UPDATE: Warriorforum Hacked?"

But in the email itself, it was just a plug for a "penny-click" traffic system and a lousy "copy & paste your way to thousands a month" affiliate link at the bottom. Warrior Forum was never even talked about.

I personally find this type of marketing to be extremely crappy. Not only are you providing your subscribers with no real value, but you're losing credibility with the "bait and switch" tactic.

I know that if I open something because of a headline that caught my interest, I get incredibly annoyed if it was just a misleading marketing gimmick.

What do you guys think? Have you ever used a misleading title just to get your readers to open your email, but not mentioned the subject again in the body?

If so, how has it worked out for you? Have you found it to be profitable? Was it something you tried as a new marketer, but ended up losing subscribers?

I personally un-subbed from this list after that email and I imagine many others will, as well.

What are your thoughts on this type of marketing?
#bait #email #headlines #switch
  • Profile picture of the author dariusdarius
    Hi Jennifer,

    You are right, those kind of email will usually piss people off. But some, I do not want to offend, but some newbies do not have your level of experience and do not understand marketing and how it should be done. And they eat the bait.

    I am against those silly tricks, because in the end, it is not important only that the user opens your email, you need to create trust. And with deceptive email headlines, you will never build trust.

    Darius Vaduva
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  • Profile picture of the author Triplescan
    This bait and switch marketing is similar to ordering an iPhone from amazon and receiving only the box with a potato inside. Really frustrating. And as you said, people will unsubscribe from the newsletter or thread or whatever. And the sender's credibility is off, obviously. So this method is pointless, even harming for the person who uses it. If anyone has used it or can explain how it is useful, the explanation will be appreciated.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brent Stangel
    it was just a plug for a "penny-click" traffic system and a lousy "copy & paste your way to thousands a month" affiliate link at the bottom.
    You are talking about one of the worst newbie traps out there right now. They "teach" the "anything for a dollar" method and are to be avoided. Very sketchy individuals and their "students" are not much better.
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  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Jennifer Hutson View Post

    Was wondering how you guys felt about email headlines that are merely meant to get the reader to open, but don't actually talk about the subject line.
    I think that marketers using this "trick" are dreadfully badly informed, extremely unwise, and are just "copying something that doesn't work".

    In the event of getting either spam-reports or too many unsubscriptions, their autoresponder service providers, when they take a closer look, sometimes drop them like a stone, too ... because these "tricky titles" normally breach the terms of service.

    I'm dismayed that there are Warriors in the Email Marketing Forum actively advising new members to do exactly this (and much worse). It's pretty unpleasant and counterproductive. But if you say so too regularly or too outspokenly, then people just think you're a "spoilsport" or a "negative poster", or whatever.

    (I think this thread belongs in "Email Marketing". )

    .
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      It's a great method if your objective is to piss off subscribers, generate "engagement" in the form of spam complaints, and ensure that you never actually make more than the random sale.

      It's an offshoot of the spammer mentality - if you send 100 million emails and just get .00001 percent to respond...

      Problem is, the only ones getting rich with spam are the vendors selling the service.
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      • Profile picture of the author discrat
        Some people have different views on Email Subject Lines.

        There is a Camp who believes in shock value and likes to use Subject Lines that make their Subs scratch their head and wonder what is in the email ( so they Open it)

        And then there is the group who likes to send Subject Lines that tell EXACTLY what is going to be discussed in the Email. Example would be like, " Here are the THREE Best ways to increase Your Open rates"

        Also, some people kind of do a hybrid or combination. I do that myself.

        But I never just blindly put a Subject Line ,and it have nothing to do with the actual content of the email.

        That is kind of crazy, imo


        - Robert Andrew
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    • Profile picture of the author Jennifer Hutson
      Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

      I think that marketers using this "trick" are dreadfully badly informed, extremely unwise, and are just "copying something that doesn't work".

      In the event of getting either spam-reports or too many unsubscriptions, their autoresponder service providers, when they take a closer look, sometimes drop them like a stone, too ... because these "tricky titles" normally breach the terms of service.

      I'm dismayed that there are Warriors in the Email Marketing Forum actively advising new members to do exactly this (and much worse). It's pretty unpleasant and counterproductive. But if you say so too regularly or too outspokenly, then people just think you're a "spoilsport" or a "negative poster", or whatever.

      (I think this thread belongs in "Email Marketing". )

      .
      Sorry for the late reply, have been insanely busy this last week!

      I haven't looked through the email marketing forum lately, and it surprises me that these tactics are being advised on WF. Seems like something you'd find on blackhat forums, but not here.

      I really don't understand why anyone is teaching these practices to new marketers, especially if they're people who know better.

      Why on earth would anyone buy from someone who instantly removes all credibility from themself? It just doesn't make sense to practice.

      The sad thing is, I got on that list from this forum. I can't remember whose list it was, but it definitely wasn't a new marketer. Sometimes I will download free reports from "reputable" members, because I like seeing how other marketers write and conduct their campaigns.

      I probably joined 4-5 lists from members on Warrior Forum and they were all established users. It's surprising to know that there are at least some experienced marketers who use bait and switch tactics, and that they're people on this forum.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Ray
    One of the worst things that happens from this kind of deception is the fallout on those of us who are totally legit in our marketing practices.

    But this is a fight that has been going on since email first came out... legit people may outnumber the spammers, but in the end all it takes is one spammy email and we all become the bad guy.

    The best thing you can do it stick to legit marketing methods and possibly even sending out educational emails talking to your subscribers. Granted, you won't be selling them anything, but the knowledge they get will educate them and help you build a better relationship.
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisWrok
    When that happens to me, I usually laugh and say...yep that got me to open it...
    but then of course i never buy what is in the email....

    so...great for open rates....horrid for conversion,
    and actually might end up loosing you potential clients in the long run.

    the key is to make it an extreme subject line, but somehow have it relate to your offer.



    "Was WF Hacked?"...==>>

    Rumours that WF may have been hacked
    have appeared recently in various online sources.

    Is it true? We don't know, but we're not taking chances...
    that's why we've invented the worlds only "....."
    and it's only available for a limited time.

    check it out here! w ww.the-ne xt-big-thang!.com
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