Get Your Free Ebook Now!
You'll also get our popular weekly ezine with the latest articles and teleclasses for solo entrepreneurs (See
recent archives)
Your
personal information
will NEVER
be shared. Unsubscribe
anytime.
Privacy
Policy
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Recommended
Copywriting Articles |
 |
|
|
Here are 5 critical copywriting mistakes! If you’re making these mistakes in your website and SEO copywriting, make a point to correct them ASAP.
|
Richard Sears was an innovator: He knew what people wanted and found a way to give it to them affordably. But this, in and of itself, wasn’t where his success came from. It was due largely to his copywriting and the ability to differentiate his company from the competition.
|
What’s the golden rule of copywriting? Know thy target audience. Why? Because you can’t effectively write and/or persuade people that you know nothing about. What do you have to know in order to convince customers that you are the obvious choice to solve their problem?
|
From short ecommerce product descriptions to enormously long sales letters; ask any copywriter and they’ll quickly tell you that bullet points are one of the most valuable tools in their skill set. Why? Because they almost always get read. Karon will show you one quick process for cranking out an endless list of persuasive bullets that will help your copy convert.
|
One of the stylistic elements that sets the good/great writers apart from the so-so is rhythm. Here are three tips to help you improve your sense of rhythm.
|
Headlines are the most important part of a print ad. But before you start despairing over your headline-writing skills, take heart!
|
Your marketing message is the bridge that connects your business to the outside world. Even on your busiest day, you must filter out the madness happening behind the scenes and deliver your message in a clear, compelling way that gets results. So how can you do this in a quick and easy way?
|
You need to bring closure to whatever you’re doing or it will feel unfinished. This is true for a lot of things in life, including your marketing and copywriting. It’s not enough to simply talk about the problem. People need to know they’re going to get a solution. Now, why do you want to go through all of this? Because providing closure feels comfortable to people. And the more comfortable you can make them in the sales process, the more likely they’ll become a customer.
|
Once upon a time…a long, long time ago… Tell a few more lines and then look carefully, what’s happening to your listener? What happens when we tell a story. It’s a kind of magic really, and amazingly, it happens from the very first few words.
|
This is one of those questions I get ALL the time. “I never read those long-copy sales letters. They can’t possibly work, can they?”
|
Sales page creation is both an art and a science. It can be very creative and artistic, and at the same time, there is a science to getting people to make purchases online. With an online sales page, you really are presenting a story. So, how do you create a sales page that presents your story and connects you to your future buyers?
|
I hear all the time that people really dislike long sales pages and they usually just skip it all and scroll down to the bottom to see what the price is. So should you really write those long sales pages?
|
Sometimes learning what not to do is as important as learning what to do. Copywriting is no exception. I oftentimes see copy that is well written, but obviously created by an amateur. How do I know? One or more of the following five mistakes was made and they killed the copy.
|
It’s a term that’s used by virtually everyone involved with Internet marketing: target customer. You’ve heard it a million times. You may even be able to define its meaning. But, are you actually focusing on this target when you write copy, or are you missing the mark?
|
A friend of mine got all excited about going to an event coming up this fall after reading the “sales” page for it, and then got so annoyed with what he described as a “marketing trick” that now he won’t even consider going.
|
Here’s what to do first to get inside your potential customer’s shoes. Think about the problem that you are trying to solve for that ideal customer. Then, imagine the information that you would look for before spending a penny on a purchase. If you need help, consider questions around the who, what, where, when, why, how, and how much. The answers to these questions become part of your check list of items to cover on your sales page.
|
When talking about their business, most solo-preneurs make the mistake of describing exactly what they do, in boring detail. “My company has been in business for X number of years and we use the newest technology systems. We use a complicated series of… blah blah blah.” Many coaches and consultants talk about coaching ad nauseam, “What is coaching, are you coachable, what is your coachability index, who is the coach, blah blah blah”. Ideal prospects are motivated by: The Motivators. Here is a list of the top 10 reasons, results or benefits that make people buy, according to Jim Edwards and David Garfinkel in the ebook entitled “Ebook Secrets Exposed.”
|
Social media and internet marketing give entrepreneurs the online visibility they need to get traffic that turns into clients. But lurking under the constant stream of Tweets and the large followings are some very frustrated business owners. Because on the outside they look like they have it all together (big numbers to show the world, a bit of niche fame) yet on the inside they’re falling apart because they aren’t making enough money. Here are 3 tips I’ve gleaned from the highs and the lows of turning visibility into profitability.
|
We often resist traditional marketing methods because they just don’t feel good or we feel we‘re losing ourselves and what’s important to us in those methods. It’s time for a new way of marketing, and I’m going to let my Inner Business Goddess lead the way with a basic marketing tool like sales pages.
|
Write a personal ad for your business to help you identify your perfect customer and you'll have a short and sweet reminder that will help you focus your marketing efforts in the right places to get results and help more of the right people.
|
If you’re going to write an ad that generates a dynamic and powerful response, follow the ten tips to ensure your success.
|
Can You Afford to Take a Month Off?! For most of us the answer is an emphatic, "NO!" (Unless, of course, you have a holiday-related business). But there are ways to make the traditionally slow season a balance of productivity, relaxation, and FUN. Here are a few tips to keep your marketing and mental state on track during the 'I don't wanna do nothing' season except what I wanna do.
|
Whether you are writing ad-copy for a sales brochure, website or email campaign, it’s essential that you have four key elements in place. Although these four elements are fundamentally different, when combined, they produce a highly effective marketing message. Once you are able to master these important techniques, you will have the recipe to create ads that sell.
|
As a small business owner, at one time or another, you will need to create a compelling ad. It doesn't matter if your ad is a sales brochure, email announcement or a newspaper ad, ultimately, your ad-copy must grab your prospect's attention, produce a desired emotional response that urges them to take action.
|
Stories are wickedly effective in getting attention. They work in conversation. And they work like gangbusters in copy. Why?
|
Sometimes choosing which company to buy from is about like deciding which brand of canned peas is the best. To make matters worse, the copy on most websites doesn't offer any help.
|
Copywriting is a team sport. There is you (the writer) and the reader. But the reader has all the power. She gets to decide when the game's over. As soon as the reader is gone, no one is there to read the copy! So anticipate what's going to keep her interested and intrigued ahead of time. Here's how it's done.
|
Words on the web are a different animal than words in print. Studies show a full 79% of Internet users SCAN the page rather than read word for word. Here are 7 web copy mistakes you need to avoid.
|
The late, great Gary Halbert once said something like copy can never be too long, only too boring. That is why you need to infuse it with character! Don't be afraid to put a little stand-out language in your copy. Know why? Because we are so bombarded with marketing messages all the time, now more than ever we need copy that is a little - no, A LOT more interesting. But how do you get a sparkling personality down on paper?
|
Here is a method guaranteed to get your copy razor sharp in a hurry. It's an old journalism school trick and it works great to get those creative juices flowing.
|
It doesn't matter what level of a writer you are. With this award-winning workbook, you can't help but turn out professional-looking copy. Red Hot Copy To Woo Your Target Market is a step-by-step guide to getting your copy whipped into shape fast.
|
Copy is salesmanship in print, but does it have to be a greasy used-car salesman? The answer is, "No!" Follow these 5 tips and watch your prospects' trust level rise.
|
The idea of mixing effective marketing with soul can, for some, seem like trying to mix oil and vinegar. If your marketing is angled to get results, then isn’t it too “hard sell” to be soulful; but if you lean towards giving your marketing more soul, will it actually reap results?
|
How many times have you heard the old adage, "The customer doesn't want a drill, he wants a hole in his wall"? While Karon may disagree with parts of that phrase, one thing is for sure... if you want to increase your advertising effectiveness, you have to stop selling what YOU want the customer to buy and start solving his problems.
|
Who of us hasn't written advertising copy that we thought was great only to find out it flopped big time? Why? When you wrote it, it seemed very persuasive. You included lots of benefits and even gave a money back guarantee. It got YOU up and moving so why did your customers turn their heads?
|
Whether you love to write or not, the written word is still one of the most influential ways to reach your audience, get your message out to the world and give people an opportunity to resonate with you.
|
Regardless of some nay sayers, the long copy sales letter continues to be the hub of all direct response copy. But long copy does not work on its own. Much like a wheel, a sales letter won't do its job without its support spokes. Each of these spokes requires specific copy. Here is how you use the Sales Letter Copy Wheel to get that sales letter rolling along . . . and boost your bank account at the same time!
|
When you can identify powerful copy you get your message NOTICED, READ and RESPONDED TO. Whether you write the check for a copywriter, pass it off to someone on your staff or do it yourself - you need to be able to look at your copy from an expert angle and evaluate it to see if it's doing the job, which is bring more dollars into your business.
|
All successful marketers know the sale comes from the words or the copy. While the traditional definition of copy is salesmanship in print Lorrie actually takes a broader approach. Copy is used in ALL your promotional sales and marketing material. That means any place there are words about your business there is copy. So it's EVERYWHERE. Some people will drop loads of cash on website design or graphics, but balk at learning the one skill that's a veritable silver bullet when it comes to boosting income fast - tweaking the copy. Don't make that mistake. Your business is too important.
|
Lorrie gets asked all the time, "Lorrie, how can I make my copy more persuasive?" Well frankly it helps if you can speak your prospect's language. But writing persuasively is more involved than just saying the right words. You need to say them in the right order . . . and in a way that lowers resistance to new information and is acceptable to his or her mind. One discipline that translates to writing persuasive copy is NLP or Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP).
|
Have you ever been to one of those sites that has obviously been written to get high search engine rankings? Copy that simply doesn’t sound “real.” So just how do you get your keywords and phrases into your copy and still have a nice, flowing sales message? It’s really easier than you might think. Here are a couple of strategies I use when writing SEO copy.
|
As a copywriter, Karon would love to tell you that every site on the Web needs tons of copy. However, the simple truth is not all do. Many sites simply produce better sales when they use more graphics than words. Since search engines are hungry for words you simply have to use copy if you plan to get ranked high. Quite a dilemma, isn’t it?
|
Karon has always loved scented candles. They help create a cozy atmosphere. They give you a relaxed feeling. And - most importantly - they make your home smell wonderful! So, naturally, Karon was excited when she was approached to rewrite the index (front) page for an online retailer who made specialty, soy scented candles.
|
There seems to be a common myth regarding site visitors and the buying process these days. Karon has heard this statement more than a few times over the last several months: “My visitors find me when they use search engines. They type in the exact keyphrases I’m listed under. So when they get to my site why aren’t they buying?” The simple answer is that they aren’t ready to buy yet.
|
Want to know the secret for creating promotional materials that make sales? It starts with the headline. So how can you craft a headline that persuades your prospects to keep reading? Here are 3 tips to get you started.
|
What does Stephenie Meyer, the author of Twilight, do to be successful and how this help you with YOUR business success?
|
Brochures have held an important place in marketing plans for longer than most of us can remember. There is no doubt that they have the ability to generate sales and increase revenues. Why then do so many of them fail?
|
In its most basic form, copywriting is, among other things, the art of conveying a message in writing for the purpose of persuading someone to do something. This is especially true when writing descriptive copy. Why? Because your customer’s five senses don’t work on paper… they only work in person. That’s why we, as copywriters, have to create a sensory experience for our customers through our words.
|
It only makes sense. You have an e-commerce catalog site. You want lots of visitors to come to your site and buy. The best (and most cost-effective) way to do that is with great search engine placement. However, search engines are text machines, and most catalogs don’t have a lot of text, so herein lies the problem.
|
Wanna know the secret to my success as a copywriter? Once you get this concept, you're practically guaranteed to boost sales for yourself AND your clients.
|
Do you like to watch home makeover shows? It's kind of fun to see radical transformation happen fast (if only because it NEVER seems to work that way in real life, ) and, as a marketer, I find it interesting to see all the different ways you can 'merchandise' a space to make it more appealing.
|
In part one of this article series, Karon introduced a client of hers (AEwebworks) who suffered from some copywriting traumas. The basic diagnosis was a lack of synergy within the copy, ineffective use of testimonials, a lack of focus on the target customer’s buying process, and the inability of the current copy to support the search engine goals of AEwebworks.
|
When you begin to write copy for any product or service, there are a few things you have to take into consideration. The first is always your target audience: who you’ll be writing to. Finding out about the needs and wants of the audience members, their communication styles, their lifestyles, and a multitude of other elements are “musts” before writing one word of copy.
|
It took Karon a while to get started on this copy. Before she began writing, she wanted to really be in the mood. Karon played around on the vacation search feature of CVC’s site and read all about some of the places she has always wanted to go. Karon took the time and let her imagination run wild while reading about the ports-of-call, the activities, and the ship’s amenities.
|
One statistic shows that over 80% of all buying decisions are emotional. That means your copywriting should be, too. This is something Karon firmly believes in and has preached for most of her copywriting career. However, all too often, she finds people skipping the vital step of making an emotional connection with their customers. That can be a tragic, and costly, mistake.
|
I shake my head every time I read one of these blanket statements. I'm amazed at how so many people still think that one size of copy still fits everyone. It's just not true, find out why...
|
In the movie, The Prestige, one of the main characters dissects the elements of a magic trick. You start by showing the object you’re going to manipulate in some way (i.e. make disappear. You manipulate the object, in this case you make it disappear. Then, you bring it back. This is the prestige. It’s not enough to make something disappear. You need to bring it back. Learn how this relates to copywriting.
|
Here are some rules of thumb I've noticed by stretching myself in my Hip Hop class that apply to others stretching themselves in copywriting (or just about anything).
|
Learn how to melt that writer's freeze and actually have fun with S.E.X.Y. marketing.
|
I’m all for having a reason for a sale. I think having a reason for why you’re knocking the price down or adding an extra bonus makes it that much more compelling for people to actually buy. But, there are good reasons and not-so-good reasons.
|
Sales letters, sent via e-mail or snail mail, are an effective and inexpensive way to get your message out. Even if your letter goes out to thousands of people, it can give the feel of a personal communication -- IF you write it in a direct and conversational tone. To get your creative juices flowing, here are five tried and true formulas that can work for either e-mail or printed letters.
|
Women are truly fascinating creatures! We're not exactly ONE SIZE FITS ALL, are we? So, the next time you want to sell a product or service to women, think of the following questions.
|
Are you struggling to find a new twist on advertising or marketing campaigns? If you're a small business owner, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Having to come up with new ideas for a long-term client (or even your own business) can be overwhelming. But never fear. Here are three ways to get those creative juices (and new ideas) flowing.
|
Whether you're selling a product or service, these 10 tips are your keys to writing great copy that communicates and persuades ... to get results! These guidelines can apply to Web copy, e-mail, sales letters, brochures, direct mail, and more. As long as your goal is to elicit a reaction from your reader, you've come to the right place.
|
You see, all marketing plays on either pleasure or pain. But... sometimes "Pain" works better.
|
Want people to buy what you have for sale? Then you have to ask for the sale. Really! Learn more.
|
People want to do business with people – not nameless, faceless corporations. Therefore, one of the fastest ways to transform your website and promotional materials into a client magnet is to add your personality (and this is true even if you want to grow a business bigger than yourself). The stronger your personality shows in your marketing, the more loyal your customers will be – and the better your results.
|
Tapping into your uniqueness and using it effectively is the "Hidden Key" to increasing business sales. Accessing this part of who you are and what you offer through your business will assist you in languaging your offer to your prospects and clients in a way that has them saying, "Yes, I want that!" This goes for verbal conversations AND on all marketing materials.
|
Want to know the secret of succeeding as a writer? (Hint: it's not what you think.)
|
There are many questions that often come up for new small business owners around offering guarantees - what kind, how long, am I risking too much by doing so, and even if they should offer them at all.
|
Between creating an e-newsletter, writing email promotions, building stronger copy for your website, developing an information product, and writing articles promoting your next teleseminar, copywriting is a major part of internet marketing for your business. Below are 5 secrets to get you started.
|
When you create a small space ad remember this: nobody cares what you look like, how many degrees you have, or how great you think your service is. If it doesn't offer some compelling benefit, they won't call and they won't buy! Here are a few things to consider when writing your next ad that will increase your chances of having a winner.
|
Here are 5 tips that can help you improve the conversions of your marketing materials.
|
As humans, we tend to seek pleasure and avoid pain. The same holds true in your marketing. If you can touch upon your target market's pain, address what it is that they are most struggling with, and offer the solution to them - well, it's a winning formula every time.
|
Learn how to bring in customers with your small business advertising.
|
There are a two main reasons why I think small business owners like you and I need to learn how to write our own effective copy. One is because it's one of the most expensive tasks to outsource and the other is that no one knows your business better than you.
|
|
|
