Copywriting is about persuading your audience to take action.

There are different means of achieving that goal. But what it boils down to is having a message that stands out.

Be insightful. Tell stories. Make it attractive. Be convincing. Make it practical.

And make it funny.

Audiences remember things that stand out

“The best ideas come as jokes. Make your thinking as funny as possible.” 

— David Ogilvy

I’m constantly amazed at how many boring emails I get from every kind of company and creator.

Nobody says you have to be Steve Martin, but a few clever jokes can rocket ship your message. It can help you stand out to your audience. More importantly, those are the kind of things that audiences remember.

Yes, there’s the psychology of emotion and desire etc etc. You don’t have to get rid of it. Instead, you’re leveraging every part of it with funny messaging.

You want humor to make people click, take action, and buy your product again and again.

Here are a few ways to make your copywriting funny so you can bring in the money.

Unexpected Twists

• Start with something normal and expected, then pivot to absurdly strange and unexpected (subvert expectations or try misdirection.

Relatability

• Poke fun at the things you’re frustrated with in life. Audiences will likely be frustrated with the same thing.

Exaggeration

• Take normal situations and take them over the top with a bit of hyperbole

Self-Deprecation

• Make fun of your quirks or stereotypes with your job or industry. Call out the flaws. Those in your industry will find it relatable.

Wordplay

• Use puns sparingly or double meanings to stop the scroll.

How I added humor to Monday’s email

I rewrote the email below for fun.

I’d classify this humor as observational and relatable. And I wanted to surprise the reader instead of saying the same boring thing.

This technique involves twisting a common line that every company sends to re-engage audiences.

By twisting it and saying, “Is it because it’s Tuesday?” you’re humanizing your brand. You’re giving your audience a reason to read your emails.