Archive for the ‘Copywriting’ Category
It’s tricky isn’t it? If you’re too professional, you’re not taking advantage of the “social” aspect of Facebook by forming “friendships” with others. But if you’re too personal you risk damaging your image as a businessperson.
Here are some tips to help you “walk the fine line”:
Use your real name. People won’t trust you if you hide who you really are. So even if you’re using a “stage” or “nick” name like “Marketing Queen” make sure your real name is available.
Provide contact information. You can use your own discretion when it comes to cell phone numbers and mailing addresses. However, you should always list your website and an email address. This information not only helps establish your legitimacy, it also allows potential clients to contact you directly.
Use the right photo. If you want to play it safe go with a professional headshot. However, there’s nothing wrong with a nice candid shot, as long as your face is clearly visible and there aren’t distractions in the background. I know people who decide to accept or reject friend invitations solely based on the photograph so make sure it’s a good one!
Keep your profile interesting. Write your profile in the first person in a natural, conversational manner. Let your personality shine through because the whole point is to start building relationships. Get personal – but not too personal. If you go on and on about the mundane details of your life, people will lose interest so keep it simple.
Visit my profile on Facebook to learn more about me!
If you have a hard time writing about yourself you can ask a copywriter to help you with your Facebook profile. Just make sure you provide the writer with enough information so that the profile is personal. Nancy Marmolejo provides great social networking tips on her blog so check it out if you want more ideas.
Tags: Facebook, Nancy Marmolejo, profile
Posted in Copywriting, Internet Marketing, Social Networking | No Comments »
Testimonials build your credibility like nothing else can. Online this is especially true if you include a photograph, name and contact information like a phone number or web address. Most customers probably won’t follow-up and contact your source. However, the fact that you’ve given them that option makes them feel much more secure.
Make sure that they don’t get lost in the rest of your copy. Mike Capuzzi, a well-known copywriter, recommended in a webinar I recently attended to insert testimonials in a screen box and using a handwritten font to dramatically increase response.
In previous blogs I’ve talked about the best way to get a good testimonial – while they’re hot. If you provide excellent service you’ll get positive feedback and that’s the IDEAL time to get a testimonial from them.
If you haven’t been regularly obtaining testimonials you can always backtrack and contact customers you know are happy with their results. In this case call or email them and ask if they would like to participate.
Give Them a Formula
If they agree send them the following formula to help them get started. (Take a few minutes and personalize this formula for the best results.)
1. Please share any sincere and enthusiastic expressions of the benefits and results you’ve enjoyed from my service/product. What stands out in your mind? How is my service/product different?
2. Before (hiring me or buying my product) what were the biggest challenges or problems you faced?
3. Please share the three or more significant improvements (if you can be specific please include the number of clients/ revenue growth/increased productivity etc.) thanks to (my product or service).
4. (This is completely optional; let me know if you want to include the following line.) If anyone has specific question or wants to know more about the value of your (service or product), please have them call/e-mail me. I’ll be happy to talk to them about it. (List name, company name, e-mail, website and phone.)
People have the best of intentions but are often busy. Tell them that they can jot down their ideas in an informal format and you will edit their testimonial and send it to them for their final approval.
Have you had success getting testimonials? Please post a comment, I’d love to hear your suggestions.
Tags: testimonials
Posted in Copywriting, Internet Marketing, Marketing | 7 Comments »
We buy from those we know and trust. Think about your own experiences buying something. The really good salespeople establish a rapport before they even try making a sale. If they’re REALLY good you not only purchase the product…you don’t regret your purchase later.
There is an even greater need for rapport when you’re selling a product or service online. The internet is impersonal by nature. Here are a few suggestions that will help you establish that rapport with potential customers:
1. Make the person reading your copy feel as if you are writing directly to them. Use the words “you” and “I”.
2. Say “you” more than “I.” In fact, go ahead and count how many times you say “you” versus how many times you refer to yourself or your company. It shouldn’t even be close. Save the “I” or “we” for the About Us page on your site.
3. When writing have a specific person in mind and write it for them. Try to think of someone you know that is in your target market but knows little or nothing about your product.
4. Be authentic and sincere. Let your personality shine through. You won’t seem like a salesperson, you’ll come across as a real person.
Tags: Copywriting, rapport with customers
Posted in Copywriting, Marketing | No Comments »
As a copy “writer” clients often ask me questions about copyrighting. All of my clients retain their “copyright” even if I write all the material for them. Basically, a “copyright” offers you protection for original works of authorship.
If you have questions about your copyright or perhaps a trademark you should contact an attorney. Copyright, IP & Trademark Lawyers specialize in these issues. I recently came upon a website that explained the basics of copyright. Freeadvice.com provides easy-to-understand legal information to consumers and small businesses. Here are the questions they answer:
- I have a great idea. Can I copyright it?
- How long is copyright protection valid on new works?
- What is a “Copyright”?
- What rights does a copyright owner have?
- If I buy a copyrighted work, why can’t I do anything with it I want?
- When do you have a copyright?
- Can I use someone else’s copyrighted work?
Here is the link to the section on copyrighting - http://law.freeadvice.com/intellectual_property/copyright_law/115
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I’m really excited about my new upcoming website design. It’s been an interesting process for me. I put together my current site with very limited web design skills. I knew it was time for a new look. This time I hired a professional so I thought it would be easy… However, I found it challenging to figure out what kind of design it was I wanted!
I now can empathize with my clients. It’s a process to put together a website and when you’re investing your time and your money you want to do it right. Of course, my job is to help clients determine the right copy for their website. My advice to you whether your hiring a copywriter or a web designer is find someone you work well with and who is patient. Thankfully my designer has been patient with me!
I also want to mention that I’ve made it easier to post comments on my blog. You no longer have to jump through so many hoops so feel free to leave a comment.
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