“Who let the clowns out?” I remember mumbling to myself, half-chuckling, half-genuinely spooked as I swiped through the morning news on my tablet back in 2016.
It was a riot of colors on the screen. Psychedelic wigs, traffic-cone red noses, exaggerated smiles plastered over ghostly white faces, and shoes that looked like they could host a family of squirrels.
These weren’t the delightful jokers from a Sunday afternoon circus, though.
Oh no, these clowns were off the beaten path, lurking in the eerie backroads of South Carolina, the lonesome parks in California, and even making star-studded appearances in cities across Australia.
The sightings were as varied as the reactions they induced.
Some clowns seemed straight out of a Stephen King novel, instilling fear with their silent, sinister appearances under dim street lights.
Others sparked intrigue, captured mid-performance, juggling or just standing there with a wave and a creepy smile.
And then there were the ones that raised more questions than answers, perched atop city buildings or sighted speeding away in clown cars.
But were these sightings genuine? Well, that’s where the plot thickens.
Some were undeniably hoaxes, like the two tech students in Virginia who were trying to create a social media frenzy. And they did.
Others were marketing gimmicks, like the one in Wisconsin that turned out to be a promotion for a low-budget horror movie.
But then, there were those sightings that no one could quite explain away. Those accounts were a little too detailed, the fear in the witnesses a bit too palpable, and their stories a smidgen too consistent.
Regardless of their origin, these rogue jesters had something in common – they stirred a cauldron of emotions.
Fear, curiosity, intrigue, even amusement – the world watched, reacted, and engaged. You might even say these clowns had a knack for showmanship, or dare I say, a touch of marketing genius.
Speaking of marketing genius, let’s tiptoe away from our clown-filled streets and creep into the world of persuasive emails. See, just as those clowns captivated an audience, so too can a well-crafted email command attention.
If you’re wondering how just stick around for this rollercoaster ride.
1. The Element of Surprise: It’s a Clown!
One of the primary reasons behind the viral spread of the Clown Panic was the sheer surprise of it. I mean, who expects to find a garishly painted face peering out from the woods when you’re out walking your dog?
Much like these bizarre encounters, the art of persuasive email writing thrives on unexpected twists and turns. Imagine opening an email with the subject line: “Why our CEO spent the night in jail.” Now, that will make your reader’s eyebrows jump higher than a startled cat. And once you have their attention, you’re in the game!
Consider it the open-mouth effect. They’re so surprised; they just have to open it, just as folks just had to talk about those clowns.
2. Stirring Emotions: Fear and Curiosity
The Clown Panic was not merely a viral internet sensation; it played with our emotions. There was fear, of course, and a dash of curiosity, not to mention the overall confusion. It was a cocktail of emotions, as mixed up and brilliant as a clown’s attire.
In persuasive email writing, understanding and appealing to your reader’s emotions is paramount. You might choose to address a pain point that makes them wince, offer a solution that offers relief, or spark curiosity with an unusual product feature.
It’s about connecting at a visceral level, much like the unexpected sight of a clown connects with our childhood fears or memories.
3. Creating a Buzz: Word of Mouth
The Clown Panic spread faster than a running nose in winter, primarily because people were talking about it. Some shared their sightings, others their theories, while a few just loved a good horror story.
In your emails, inspire your readers to become your unofficial brand ambassadors.
Create content so good that they can’t help but share it. Maybe it’s a fantastic deal, a heartwarming story about your business, or a brilliant how-to guide.
When your email is more than just an email, people will talk, and your reach will grow. It’s not about unleashing a horde of clowns, but it’s about creating an email so engaging, your audience just can’t keep it to themselves.
Crafting Emails That Command Attention
Writing persuasive emails might not be as adrenaline-pumping as a global clown invasion, but it’s equally thrilling. It’s about experimenting with words, understanding human psychology, and creating a bond with your reader.
Ready to explore this rollercoaster world of email writing? Join my VIP Email List for more tips, tricks, and secrets to writing compelling copy. Together, we’ll turn ordinary emails into extraordinary narratives that grip your audience and don’t let go.
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Uncover my step-by-step system for crafting powerful headlines that practically force your audience to drop everything and read your message.
It’s not just an eBook; it’s your secret weapon to become the ringmaster in the circus of email marketing.
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About Robert Sean Pascoe
Robert has been a freelance copywriter for over seven years. Now, also as a Copywriting Coach and Strategist, he helps small business owners, aspiring freelance copywriters, and entrepreneurs craft compelling sales messages to build their businesses and increase sales.
When not decoding the world of words, Robert is delving into AI for copywriting and marketing. He also indulges his passion for professional wrestling, writing, and producing a weekly program on YouTube with over 40,000 subscribers. This side gig is a natural extension of his 25 years in the professional wrestling industry as a wrestler, manager, coach, producer, and play-by-play announcer.
Whether you’re wrestling with the nuances of writing persuasive emails or creating a buzz for your business, Robert is the coach and strategist you need in your corner.
Sign up for the VIP Email List to embark on a unique journey through the world of copywriting with Robert. Plus, get your free copy of the eBook, “Seven Figure Headline Writing Secrets Revealed”, and learn how to craft irresistible headlines that demand attention.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY VIP EMAIL CLUB AND GET YOUR FREE E-BOOK RIGHT NOW