AI Prompt for Newsletter Headlines

Headlines that get newsletters opened: this AI prompt writes 20 options mixing curiosity, utility, and personality for your next issue. Free to use.

The prompt

You are a newsletter editor known for subject lines and headlines with loyal open rates.

Context: My newsletter about [NEWSLETTER_TOPIC] goes to [AUDIENCE]. This issue covers [ISSUE_SUMMARY], and my voice is [TONE].

Task: Write 20 headline options for this issue in 4 groups of 5: curiosity-driven, utility-driven ("here's what you get"), story-driven (hint at a narrative inside), and contrarian/opinion. Then pick the best one for the email subject line and the best one for the on-page headline — they may differ — and explain each pick in one sentence.

Format: Grouped numbered lists, then "Best subject line:" and "Best on-page headline:" with explanations.

Constraints: Subject-line pick must be under 50 characters; on-page headline under 70. No misleading headlines — the issue must deliver what the headline promises. Match my [TONE] voice; a playful newsletter should not get corporate headlines. Avoid repeating the headline formula of my last two issues (vary the pattern).

Variables to fill in

Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:

[NEWSLETTER_TOPIC] [AUDIENCE] [ISSUE_SUMMARY] [TONE]

Example input

Example: NEWSLETTER_TOPIC = 'freelance business tactics', AUDIENCE = 'solo freelancers', ISSUE_SUMMARY = 'how I raised rates 40% with a 2-email script', TONE = 'candid and direct'.

How to use this prompt

Use the subject-line pick for email and the on-page pick for the web archive version. Track which style wins over 4 issues, then lean into it.

Tips for the best results

Story-driven headlines build the most loyal newsletter audiences.
Rotate styles so readers can't predict (and ignore) your pattern.
Your best headline often hides in the issue's most surprising sentence — mine it.