So how do you honestly feel about having to do your very own copywriting? Seriously, do you get just a little bit squeamish at the thought of having to actually try and use so called “persuasive” words in order to entice your readers to take the main action that you’re aiming for?
You may not know and or realize it, but about 90% of the time or more, yours truly will open each blog post asking some type of (easily) answerable question on your part.
Any idea why? Basically for three very important (and oh) so strategic-primary- reasons. First and foremost, it’s in order to quickly engage you into the copy!
And secondly, it’s to (hopefully) start your inner wheels turning. That way you quickly formulate some sort of internal mental response and then as you proceed through the rest of the copy, you start to (hopefully) emotionally attach to it and want to discover whatever the proposed solution(s) are.
And the third so incredibly important reason is…..
Are You Constantly Making These Seven Potentially Deadly Copywriting Mistakes?
BTW, (that’s short for by the way, BTW.) That last proven copywriting/marketing strategy, where you were intentionally left hanging and (hopefully) curious and emotionally engaged enough to want to know what the (so called) third mystery reason was? That’s the old “planned pause” copywriting technique!
That is, you go right to the copywriting emotional edge and just before you pull back the proverbial “explanation curtain”, guess what? In this case, you end the sentence on your blog and place a read more (clickable banner) there!
And guess what? Those that are truly engaged enough will most certainly click over in order to read on and discover the so called unrevealed “secret!” Sneaky I know! But hey, you gotta admit, it works right?
Entrepreneur you’ve got to strategically guide (not openly tease) your readers! And one of the surefire ways of doing that is by engaging them (whenever you can) on some type of emotional level.
That keeps them anticipating what comes next. So with that said, and now that we’ve brought you (hopefully) to that emotional cliff of anticipation and before you totally lose interest and bolt!
Let’s get to those seven potentially deadly copywriting mistakes! What-da-ya- say? (Note: These seven proven copywriting mistakes are not necessarily your standard run of the mill (all too common) type of common copywriting mistakes tips! They are a little less conventional!) That said:
1.) Potentially deadly copywriting mistake #one: Entrepreneur just depending on the age of your particular audience. Please constantly be aware of the typical age of your audience!
Because if they’re older, you may wanna (and probably) definitely need to increase your font size just a little bit, because (trust me!) Readers with more mature eyes (such as yours truly!) find it a little harder to read really small print! Especially when it’s on (either) a cell phone and or tablet etc! (Just saying!)
2.) Potentially deadly copywriting mistake # two: Depending on your particular target audience, when you write, focus primarily on them only! And don’t try to be too generic so as to appeal to potentia prospects outside of that niche!
You’ll hurt your overall conversion rates within your niche!
3.) Potentially deadly copywriting mistake # three: Ladies & gentlemen (entrepreneur!), do not sacrifice being your true “authentic” self in search of chasing dollars! For ex; let’s say you run a very popular, local Mom & Pop pet store. And you recently purchased one of those mid level priced copywriting courses.(Way to go!)
And the instructor advises you to use some form of “scarcity” in your copy. Don’t try and come off like a six or seven figure “hired gun” copywriter would! Instead, take heed and incorporate their proven advice, just don’t lose your true voice in the process!
Ask Yourself Would You Send This Particular Email And Or Sales Letter To A Close Friend Or Relative?
4.) Potentially deadly copywriting mistake # four: As quickly as you can; try and discover when you are you’re most attentive and cretive. Because that’s your ideal time for writing your blog post, emails, on or offline sales letter drafts and or constructing your text messages etc.
Otherwise, you’re making a huge copywriting mistake! Your emotional attitude is crucial to writing genuine copy.
5.) Potentially deadly copywriting mistake # five: Make sure your copy is basically written on the level of someone with at least an 8th grade education. not to say you’re purposely talking down to someone!
But unless your writing to scientist and or high level techies, make sure you’re clearly understood. Which means no unnecessary fancy terms only insiders might understand.
6.) Potentially deadly copywriting mistake # six: And unless your particular audience is (either) religious and or political in nature. Don’t interject your personal opinions about those two particular subjects into your copy!
To each his own! Otherwise you may inadvertently offend a potential customer/client and or subscriber etc.
Get Used To Being Your True Self In Your Copy!
7.) Potentially deadly copywriting mistake # seven: And finally entrepreneur; Write to your audience the way you’d talk to an extremely close friend, colleague and or relative!
That is, be upbeat and enthusiastic. Be warm and friendly and be mindful of their time! Don’t drone on mindlessly, if a ton less words will do. On the other hand, don’t not tell enough of your story in order to clearly get your main point(s) across!
Just know that systematically incorporating these seven proven copywriting strategies into your marketing materials, will take a little time and practice in order to seem more natural. But doing so will over time, make a world of difference to your overall conversion rates.
These are the seven deadly copywriting mistakes that far too many otherwise extremely savvy entrepreneurs are far too often guilty of consistently making! How many of them apply to you?
Please share your extremely valuable comments (in the comments section below) that you can apply to your business, product or service in the next 30 days or less!
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Great tips Mark. I’ve experienced an interesting (and admittedly unintentional) shift in audience happen since I launched my new website. My primary audience for my last blog was pretty clear cut – women 45-55yrs.
But now 40% of my audience (and nearly half of my subscribers) are men. In fact they are the most vocal of my followers and far more likely to contact me directly to share experiences or ask questions. Even though I write for a reader with a very specific attitude and belief system, I’ve always tried to write in a gender neutral voice so I suppose that accounts for at least some of the shift.
Anyway, I’m working on a reader survey so it should be interesting to see what kind of feedback I get. 🙂
It’s just your good looks, southern like charm and persuasive words of wisdom that naturally overwhelms us M!LOL!
Honestly, I never get the impression that your writings lean one way or the other!
But it’s some mighty good stuff! Thanks as always for stopping by and sharing your thoughts M!
I truly appreciate all your kind words of encouragement and your continuous support!
Mark,
You are right to be aware of my readers’ age (although many different people may show up at my blog) and to mainly focus on my niche (although others may gain value from my blogs). If you are writing your blogs for your business, then the focus has to be to enhance your business. If you are writing your blog just as a hobby, then you don’t need to pay as much attention to the copywriting errors.
Not only is it not advisable to focus on political or religious topics but it is also not a good idea to criticize another group or profession unless you are willing to back it up and take a solid stand if someone responds negatively.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
Thank you Dr.Erica!
You’ve made two excellent points about not being too or overly critical
about other groups and professions!
That is huge! And that’s equally important in terms of general proven marketing principles!
Thanks so much for sharing! You definitely want to check out this list of
dynamic entrepreneurs! Because I’m quite sure there’s one on here you’ll totally appreciate!
https://www.youcanmarketonlinenow.com/introducing-15-incredibly-dynamic-female-entrepreneurs-totally-rock-volume-two/