Work
Goal-specific formulas
Each goal answers a different question for the reader, so the formula that wins for opens loses for clicks. The generator swaps the whole family of lines when the goal changes.
The Formula
opens = a concrete noun plus a gap; clicks = a concrete noun plus a promise; replies = a question with an easy answer
Each goal answers a different question for the reader, so the formula that wins for opens loses for clicks. The generator swaps the whole family of lines when the goal changes.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| goal | The reader action | action | Open, click or reply. |
| formula | Line pattern | pattern | The sentence shape that serves that action. |
What Each Symbol Means
goalaction
The reader action
Open, click or reply.
formulapattern
Line pattern
The sentence shape that serves that action.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to write email subject lines page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Write Email Subject Lines, filed under Everyday Life. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.