Bonus 3: “Soap Opera” & “Seinfeld” Email Sequences
Templates and Examples for Story-Driven Engagement
What Are “Soap Opera” and “Seinfeld” Email Sequences?
Soap Opera Sequence:
A series of emails designed to hook your reader with drama, curiosity, and open loops—just like a soap opera on TV. Each email leaves the reader wanting more, so they look forward to your next message.
Seinfeld Sequence:
A style of email that feels like “a show about nothing.” These emails are casual, entertaining, and often tell stories or observations from everyday life, relating them back to your product or offer.
Why Use Story-Driven Emails?
- People remember stories, not sales pitches.
- Stories build trust and connection.
- Open loops (unanswered questions) keep people coming back for more.
Soap Opera Sequence: Step-by-Step Template
Usually 4–7 emails, sent daily or every other day. Each email ends with a “cliffhanger” or open loop.
- Day 1: Setting the Stage – Your Dramatic Introduction
- Grab attention with a bold story or confession.
- Hint at a struggle or big change.
- Open a loop: “Tomorrow, I’ll tell you the turning point…”
- Day 2: The Wall – Hitting Rock Bottom
- Describe the biggest challenge or failure.
- Make it relatable and emotional.
- Open a loop: “But then, something unexpected happened…”
- Day 3: The Epiphany – Turning Point
- Share the discovery or realization that changed everything.
- Tease the solution, but don’t give it all away.
- Open a loop: “In my next email, I’ll reveal what I did differently…”
- Day 4: The Hidden Benefits – The Solution
- Reveal your solution, method, or product.
- Share unexpected benefits or results.
- Soft pitch your offer.
- Open a loop: “Tomorrow, I’ll answer the most common questions I get…”
- Day 5: The FAQ & Call to Action
- Answer objections or FAQs.
- Strong call to action (buy, reply, join).
- Close the loop.
Soap Opera Sequence Example
Email 1: The Confession
Subject: I’ve never shared this before…
Hi [Name],
I have to admit something I’ve never told anyone before.
A few years ago, I was completely lost in my business. No matter what I tried, nothing worked.
But what happened next changed everything…
(I’ll tell you the turning point tomorrow.)
Talk soon,
[Your Name]
Subject: I’ve never shared this before…
Hi [Name],
I have to admit something I’ve never told anyone before.
A few years ago, I was completely lost in my business. No matter what I tried, nothing worked.
But what happened next changed everything…
(I’ll tell you the turning point tomorrow.)
Talk soon,
[Your Name]
Email 2: The Wall
Subject: The day I almost quit
Hi [Name],
I remember sitting at my desk, staring at my screen, ready to give up.
I’d spent months trying every “secret” and “hack” out there.
Nothing worked.
But then, something unexpected happened…
(I’ll share it in my next email.)
To your success,
[Your Name]
Subject: The day I almost quit
Hi [Name],
I remember sitting at my desk, staring at my screen, ready to give up.
I’d spent months trying every “secret” and “hack” out there.
Nothing worked.
But then, something unexpected happened…
(I’ll share it in my next email.)
To your success,
[Your Name]
Email 3: The Epiphany
Subject: The “aha moment” that changed everything
Hi [Name],
Just when I was about to throw in the towel, I stumbled on a simple idea:
[Share your discovery, e.g., “Focus on building my email list, not chasing shiny objects.”]
I started seeing results almost immediately.
Tomorrow, I’ll reveal exactly what I did differently—and how you can do it too.
Stay tuned!
[Your Name]
Subject: The “aha moment” that changed everything
Hi [Name],
Just when I was about to throw in the towel, I stumbled on a simple idea:
[Share your discovery, e.g., “Focus on building my email list, not chasing shiny objects.”]
I started seeing results almost immediately.
Tomorrow, I’ll reveal exactly what I did differently—and how you can do it too.
Stay tuned!
[Your Name]
Email 4: The Solution
Subject: How I finally made it work (and you can too)
Hi [Name],
Here’s what I did:
[Explain your method, product, or solution. E.g., “I created a simple lead magnet and started emailing my list daily.”]
Not only did my business grow, but I also started helping others do the same.
Want to see how it works? [Link to your offer]
Tomorrow, I’ll answer the most common questions I get about this.
To your success,
[Your Name]
Subject: How I finally made it work (and you can too)
Hi [Name],
Here’s what I did:
[Explain your method, product, or solution. E.g., “I created a simple lead magnet and started emailing my list daily.”]
Not only did my business grow, but I also started helping others do the same.
Want to see how it works? [Link to your offer]
Tomorrow, I’ll answer the most common questions I get about this.
To your success,
[Your Name]
Email 5: FAQ & Call to Action
Subject: Your questions answered (and your last chance)
Hi [Name],
I’ve had a lot of questions about [your solution]. Here are the most common:
Q: Will this work if I’m a beginner?
A: Absolutely!
Q: How much time does it take?
A: Just 15 minutes a day.
If you’re ready to get started, now’s the time: [Link to your offer]
If you have any other questions, just reply!
To your success,
[Your Name]
Subject: Your questions answered (and your last chance)
Hi [Name],
I’ve had a lot of questions about [your solution]. Here are the most common:
Q: Will this work if I’m a beginner?
A: Absolutely!
Q: How much time does it take?
A: Just 15 minutes a day.
If you’re ready to get started, now’s the time: [Link to your offer]
If you have any other questions, just reply!
To your success,
[Your Name]
Seinfeld Sequence: Step-by-Step Template
Send these regularly (weekly, or even daily). Each email shares a fun story, observation, or lesson—then ties it back to your core message or offer.
- Start with a story or observation from your life.
- Make it entertaining, funny, or relatable.
- Tie the story back to your product, lesson, or offer.
- Include a call to action.
Seinfeld Sequence Examples
Example 1: The Coffee Spill
Subject: What spilling coffee taught me about email marketing
Hi [Name],
This morning I spilled coffee all over my desk. Total disaster!
But it reminded me of something important:
Mistakes happen.
In email marketing, it’s okay to mess up—a bad subject line or a typo won’t ruin your business.
The key is to keep going and keep learning.
If you want to avoid the biggest mistakes (and get my best tips), check out my free checklist here: [link]
Have a great day (and keep your coffee safe!),
[Your Name]
Subject: What spilling coffee taught me about email marketing
Hi [Name],
This morning I spilled coffee all over my desk. Total disaster!
But it reminded me of something important:
Mistakes happen.
In email marketing, it’s okay to mess up—a bad subject line or a typo won’t ruin your business.
The key is to keep going and keep learning.
If you want to avoid the biggest mistakes (and get my best tips), check out my free checklist here: [link]
Have a great day (and keep your coffee safe!),
[Your Name]
Example 2: The Lost Keys
Subject: Ever lose your keys? Me too…
Hi [Name],
Yesterday I spent 20 minutes searching for my keys.
Turns out, they were in my pocket the whole time.
Sometimes, the solution is right in front of us!
If you’re struggling to grow your list, maybe you just need a simple, proven plan.
Here’s what I recommend: [link to your lead magnet or offer]
Talk soon,
[Your Name]
Subject: Ever lose your keys? Me too…
Hi [Name],
Yesterday I spent 20 minutes searching for my keys.
Turns out, they were in my pocket the whole time.
Sometimes, the solution is right in front of us!
If you’re struggling to grow your list, maybe you just need a simple, proven plan.
Here’s what I recommend: [link to your lead magnet or offer]
Talk soon,
[Your Name]
Example 3: The Netflix Binge
Subject: What Netflix taught me about building a list
Hi [Name],
I’ll admit it—I spent way too much time watching Netflix last weekend.
But you know what? Netflix keeps me coming back with cliffhangers and new episodes.
You can do the same with your emails:
Leave your subscribers curious, and they’ll look forward to your next message!
Want to see how I do it? [Link to your Soap Opera Sequence or main offer]
To your success,
[Your Name]
Subject: What Netflix taught me about building a list
Hi [Name],
I’ll admit it—I spent way too much time watching Netflix last weekend.
But you know what? Netflix keeps me coming back with cliffhangers and new episodes.
You can do the same with your emails:
Leave your subscribers curious, and they’ll look forward to your next message!
Want to see how I do it? [Link to your Soap Opera Sequence or main offer]
To your success,
[Your Name]
Tips for Story-Driven Engagement
- Use real stories from your life or business (even small ones!).
- Be honest, even about mistakes or failures.
- Use cliffhangers and open loops to keep people reading.
- Relate every story back to a lesson, tip, or offer.
- Write like you’re talking to a friend.
Quick-Start Checklist
- Map out your Soap Opera Sequence (5–7 emails)
- Write 2–3 Seinfeld-style story emails per week
- Always end with a call to action (click, reply, or check out your offer)
- Track opens and replies—see what stories resonate most
Final Thoughts
Soap Opera and Seinfeld email sequences make your emails fun, memorable, and profitable. The more you practice storytelling, the more your subscribers will look forward to hearing from you—and the more sales you’ll make!