Pre-suppositions in copywriting – an intermediate lesson (for beginners)

by SARubin

OK, I already know some of you more intelligent, and experienced copywriters, understand what pre-suppositions are, when it comes to persuasive copywriting?

So this lesson is for the less experienced sales writer, who wants to “up their game.”

First, let me start with a short and sweet definition, just to get this party started…

For the sake of this post, a pre-supposition (when it comes to copywriting) is basically the same thing as pre-framing or “priming” the next thing you’re about to say, to put your reader in the right state of mind.

(Yes, I can already hear the grammarians among us screaming “that’s not the true definition of a presupposition!”)

Well, maybe… maybe not. But I write copy designed to sells things, not to impress my English Lit. Professor. So this is the definition we’re going with for this post.

A pre-suppostion is often used to subtly achieve acceptance, and pre-dispose your reader to an idea, so they’re more open to believing the next part of your message.

OK, I’ll admit that definition might sound a little confusing. So…Would you like to see an example of what I’m talking about?
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This should always be your main focus when writing a sales piece

by SARubin

This short, but powerful post is about what our main focus should always be when writing a sales piece .

I decided to write it because there was thread on one of the forums I sometimes visit, from someone who wanted advice on how to increase donations to her crowdfunding page.

One of the replies that came from a member of the forum contained the following passage…

[Quote]

In addition to the feedback you have already rec’d, my opinion for faster fund raising results is to refocus your campaign on the traffic that comes there, and of course, the SOURCE of this traffic and I think they are more interested in your goodies at the different levels.

Crowd fund raising investors, outside of family friends, want to see what is in it for them,

[End Quote]

^^^ I just want to say… That contains a brilliant bit of advice right there!!! ^^^

I’ve told people this, over and over (and over again). Sometimes they get it… More often, they don’t…
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Email copy – Good… or not?

by SARubin

Well, the other day I posted a thread here with a direct response copywriting exercise.

I was trying to add some hands on education to this site. And I did get a couple private emails asking for more posts like these.

But, other than that… nothing more than crickets chirping… and tumbleweeds rolling.

So, I’m thinking that maybe not too many people here are interested in exercising their sales copy skills?

But, I’ve never been one to “take the hint” (at least not on the first go around)

So let’s try again (one more time)… shall we?

This is an email I got from Netflix a couple days ago…

I won’t break it down with any critique this time. I’ll just let you look at it, and soak it all in…

So what do you think of it?
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Why are professional copywriters so damn expensive?

by SARubin

A 5 minute conversation about why professional copywriters cost so much

Why are you sales writers so damn expensive !!!???

That’s the question I was recently asked by a local business owner, while we both waited in line at the coffee shop.

We’ve chatted in the past, so he knows what I do for a living. But this was the first time he ever came right out and (aggressively) asked me this question.

He went on to say, “anybody can write an advertisement. All you have to do is write down what you’re selling… tell them where to find you… and if they want it, they’ll come buy it.”

So how can you copywriters justify charging so much?

Of course, the first thing I did was ask him if he writes all his own advertisements? He answered “yes, he writes his own ads. And sometimes, when he’s too busy, he hires a guy from one of those freelancer sites.”

So I asked him how well his ads worked?

His response…? “We usually get a few sales, but advertising doesn’t really work that good, anyway.”

Well, in the back of my mind that little voice was screaming to just slap this guy upside the head, and tell him to go away.

But, I’ve heard his same story many times in the past (plus, I’ve learned to control my anger issues), so I already have a much calmer response sitting in my reservoir.

This was my basic response…

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How to build your email list – A guide for newbies

by SARubin

One of the most important things you can do to keep your website visitors coming back, is to build your email list.

Social media is great for keeping in touch with friends, but a solid email list is your ‘holy grail’ for website success.

Sure, you need a nice website that offers value. And of course, compelling webcopy is crucial. But with a kabillion websites on the internet ( kabillion is just a rough estimate 🙂 ) the likelihood of someone forgetting which website they visited last week is pretty darn high.

When you build your email list it allows you to stay in direct contact with people who’ve already shown an interest in what you’re offering. And by staying in contact with them, you ensure they won’t forget you.

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