At the beginning of my Internet Marketing carreer, I thought the only way to go was to copy what the big boys were doing. Big hypey salescopy!
It was all hype, hype, BS and more hype!
It didn’t sit well with me then and still doesn’t now!
The only thing different is that I have learned so much since then and know that all you really need to do is target your market. Get the people with the problem and then fix it for them.
I am much more into talking on a personal level without all the crap!
A great product will sell itself to the audience that are looking for it!
Just find them and the product and put the 2 together.
Your blog is proving to be a great resource – Thankyou.

I’ve just downloaded the interview with Shaune – I’m about half way through it so far, but it’s poving to be really enlightening. At last, someone proposing somethig that resonates with my experience and my perception of “salesy” ad copy. I was beginning to think it was only me! Thanks for bringing us this great resource.

Ian

Thankfully, I quickly learned that I couldn’t do hype. I’ve tried and I’m really bad at it! Every time I tried to write hypey copy it made me feel nauseous. Unfortunately this also put major doubts in my mind as to whether I would ever make a dime in this industry if that is what I needed to be a success.

I’m perhaps lucky that writing using empathy and indirect persuasion comes fairly naturally to me and is in line with how I want to market online – with integrity.

When I think back to my previous I.T. sales job, the reason I was consistently their top performer was, I didn’t try to sell. I didn’t align myself with the company, I simply listened to the customer, matched up their wants and needs with a couple of products that would be right for them and let them choose.

I put the right products in front of the right audience and the rest almost took care of itself.

I love the copy you write on your sites! Just like Shaune, your writing definitely stands out as unique and empathetic.

The fact you said, “prospects love the copy so much they use the tell-a-friend” is a strong reason to study that letter as well (I had already printed it out as I saw it before).

In the Net business niche at least, the copywriting brand is now burned beyond repair, and tinkering with the formula will not rescue it.

A real mindset shift is required, involving sellers being truly honest with themselves regarding what kind of shopping experience they themselves wish to have.

I actually left the copywriting industry (3+ years ago) because I just didn’t feel comfortable writing copy the “standard” way. When I came back, I decided I was going to write the type of copy I’d like reading. Coincidentally, I ran into Shaune Clarke a month later (2 years ago), and was one of his first coaching students.

Upon finishing his program, I competed in the 2006 Copywriter’s Showdown. My copy converted 200% better than the runner-ups, winning first place.

I’ve continued to use Shaune’s techniques, while discovering my own voice. Another site I wrote recently for a doctor, produces $2.50 back for every $1 invested in PPC (www.constipationremediesforwomen.com). It’s a one product site. I was only aiming for breakeven, not a profit.

Not only does it convert well, but the prospects love the copy so much they use the tell-a-friend form like crazy, creating tons of free leads.

I really appreciate you backing up Shaune Clarke. Also thought the copy you wrote for the interview was spot-on. Many things you said in the copy, I’ve said myself (e.g. the part about showing your family what you have written).