IOU an explanation [Stretch #26]

*Your 2-minute stretch break for better email marketing.*

Black Friday reminder: Get my support with marketing, copywriting, or business for the lowest price I've ever offered this week. Missed the details? Read 'em here.

I owe you an explanation, Reader

Because maybe you've wondered why I put desk stretches in a newsletter about email marketing?

The truth is that without daily mobility practice, I wouldn’t be able to do this work.

I have a rare, benign bone tumor that makes my right arm more prone to fracture. I've broken it three times.

The effects of all that healing, plus anxiety-induced muscle tension and years of computer work, led to chronic pain and limited mobility in my shoulders, upper back, and neck.

Doctors recommended invasive surgery, and I opted out.

Instead, I made small, consistent changes that added up over the years:

- Strength training

- Daily mobility (CARs ftw)

- Walking pad + floor sitting

If I skip these, my pain makes it impossible to work pretty quickly.

That’s why I share a weekly stretch.

We all need reminders to move, breathe, and make sure business feels sustainable, not painful.

Your best work only flows when you take care of yourself first.

And like I saw with my arm, you don’t always need the most invasive fix to see meaningful improvements in your marketing.

Sometimes, the loudest voices are selling a full rebrand or funnel overhaul you don’t actually need.

Small, strategic shifts make a big difference.

In today’s Lift, I’ll show you how to apply that thinking to your next email, with one quick change to get more subscribers to act.

The Warmup

One easy desk stretch

Scapular CARs (Controlled Articular Rotations)

Reach in front of you, then move your shoulders slowly through their full range of motion:

1. Shrug upward

2. Reach forward

3. Depress down

4. Squeeze back and together.

Repeat a few slow, controlled circles in each direction while you read.

The Lift

One insight to stretch your email ROI

A/B testing your emails is a great low-lift activity to improve conversions.

Because the best tests only change one variable, like a subject line or CTA tweak.

🧠 A/B tests to try in your next email (pick 1):

→ Use first names in the subject line vs. not

→ Test a curiosity hook vs. a benefit-driven intro

→ Place your CTA up top vs. naturally within the copy

Start with a simple hypothesis: “I think my audience responds more to [X] than [Y].” Note which email gets more clicks, replies, or sales. Use the results to send more effective emails moving forward.

The Cooldown

One quick brain breather

Did you know you can create GIFs of yourself using a free site called ezgif? That's how I made the one above.

Does it look okay on your end? Do you find the stretches helpful? lmk your thoughts!

Grateful for you, Reader 💙