“How I…” now use subject lines

How to get the most of "How" subject lines, my next home office upgrade and a reader poll on effectively working in coffee shops.

“How to” subject line have been replaced by “How I…”

Why it matters

“How I…” subject lines present an option, really a suggestion. “How to…” seem authoritative—almost dictatorial. As if that’s the only way to do something. “How I…” subject lines are an offer.

Here’s an example. First, the “how to”:

🤔How to make six figures in six easy steps.

Now, the “How I…”

🤔 How I made six figures in six easy steps.

Going deeper

Will the “How I…” get more opens? Probably. It’s very subjective. What makes it more appealing to me is that the “How I…” sounds warmer and more believable. The “How to…” says the same thing but it makes it feel less tangible.

What do you think?

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Your next home office upgrade

Count me in for a new stand. The one I bought several years ago shakes more than a bowl of jello. The next generation of stands is more durable and more portable. Like this Ergonomic Laptop Stand For Desk, which can accommodate up to a 17” laptop. Check it out.

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Photo of the week

Okay. This is not the Central Perk but a Central Perk as part of the Friends experience in New York City. How often do you work from a coffee shop? How productive would you rate those sessions? Take our poll below.

3 WFH stories (below)