One of my favorite things in marketing is the CTA. The CTA is the bottom line. It’s why every piece of marketing exists. Whether it’s a blog post, a LinkedIn post, a landing page, or an ebook, if it’s a legitimate marketing piece, it has a purpose for being, which is stated clearly and concisely […]
Direct Response Copywriting: 13 Formats for Winning Campaigns
Your research is done. Your strategy is set. It’s time to start writing copy. How do you begin? Before letting the words flow, you need to decide on the strategic approach that will best express your message and connect with readers. To help, I’ve compiled 13 direct response formats that are proven to provide a […]
Why Some Promotions Sell and Others Fail
“Perception is reality.” That’s how my professor started every marketing class, repeating the words as a mantra until they became a permanent part of our thinking. Even so, when you’re on the job and deadlines loom, it’s easy to forget. We get so caught up in features and benefits, headlines and leads, offers and guarantees, […]
The Simple Way to Find Your USP
One of the most challenging assignments for any marketer is the elusive (and intimidating) unique selling proposition (USP). “Own a piece of the market,” instructs your marketing manual. Okay, but what does that even mean? Today, I’d like to share some simple ways to identify your USP so you can own your own unique share […]
Strategic Direct Response: Banish Aimless Marketing Once and For All
Results. Converting prospects into customers and customers into loyal fans. That’s the bottom line in marketing. So why are marketing departments satisfied with lackluster messaging that doesn’t convert? Why is aimless marketing not only allowed, but encouraged?
The Time for Hype Is Over
I just got off the phone with a client. He tells me his father has never “approved” of his marketing, that it’s too edgy, too hyped. He wants me to redo one of his marketing pieces — create something that will make Dad proud. “The time for hype has passed,” he told me, “and the […]
What Is a Copywriter?
Even if you’ve never met one, you can probably guess what a business writer or commercial writer does. The term copywriter is a bit more of a challenge. Logic tells us that a copywriter writes copy. But what on earth is copy? In marketing and advertising, the words are called copy. These words may be […]
Marketers: What’s Your Point?
Writers, marketers, communications experts: it’s time to recall a foundational truth that can make a huge impact on your results. No matter what you write, no matter what communication you put in front of your readers, before you put your fingers on the keyboard, you need to answer one question… What’s the point? As communicators, […]
Fad Marketing v. Reason-Why Marketing
When it comes to marketing, which is more important: getting attention or getting results? Advertising trends suggest most marketers believe getting attention is the way to get results. But is that necessarily the case? It’s true. Cleverness does get attention. It’s not enough to ensure people remember what you’re selling, though. Think about these classic […]
