The smallest detail can make or break your engagement, and Jay Schwedelson is fired up about it. Forget the fancy hooks and long copy—the first word of your subject line or post might be the single biggest factor in whether people keep reading or scroll right past. He breaks down fresh data on LinkedIn, email, and Instagram that shows just how powerful those opening words really are, plus exactly which ones get the biggest lift.
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Best Moments:
(01:19) Why the very first word of your subject line changes everything
(02:31) How LinkedIn’s mobile notifications only show your first three words
(03:21) Contrarian, commanding, and relatable openers that boost engagement
(04:27) The surprising first words that lift non-sales email opens by 20%
(05:15) Which urgency words drive sales emails like “last” and “ends”
(05:54) Why Instagram engagement lives or dies in the first two seconds
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Check out Jay’s YOUTUBE Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@schwedelson
Check out Jay’s TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@schwedelson
Check Out Jay's INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jayschwedelson/
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Pre-order Jay Schwedelson’s new book, Stupider People Have Done It (out April 21, 2026). All net proceeds are donated to The V Foundation for Cancer Research—let’s kick cancer’s butt: https://www.amazon.com/Stupider-People-Have-Done-Marketing/dp/1637635206
