A lesson in copywriting...?

Well... I don't know all the answers myself...

BUT... What I think this is, is an excellent LESSON in copywriting....

Look at the responses! And look at the ad that produced those responses!

Don't focus so much on the "product" in this example - but focus on the ad that Gordon posted.... I believe that is where the lesson lies. Why does it seem to work so well? Perhaps you should print it out and add it to your files. Or copy it out in your own handwriting like Arcadia Flynn did....

And if you want an insight into how Gordon writes advertisements (my own blatant plug coming) - have a look at Remote Hypnosis. :)

(You'll find the link to get it on this site.)

- Dien Rice

I've learned a HECK of a lot from Gordon - but I find I'm still learning !

In a recent post here about selling the ads on the Daily Special Boards, Gordon said,

And I have an attitude. Doesn't matter to me who goes on the board, I'm going to fill it up and fill it up quick. Because I have a take it or leave it attitude, it puts all the pressure on the advertiser.

I noticed that's what Gordon has in this ad too - attitude. Take it or leave it, doesn't bother me - but you snooze, you lose. It seems to be a powerful approach if you know how to use it - and can convince them of the benefits!

Any other comments on this? Agree, disagree? This connection only just popped into my mind....

I think it's a bit like asking for a date (from a male perspective). If you seem too desperate, nobody's interested. But if you're confident, finding a date isn't too hard. I think in some ways, advertising can be similar!

- Dien Rice

Yes,

It's that "take it or leave it, I don't care because I'm doing YOU a favor" attitude that cements the "time limited offer only" approach - if the seller doesn't care about closing the sale with you then he's liable to make good on the time limit and you'd be out of luck. If he's not going to extend it just to get a few more sales then it's powerful incentive to make you hurry up and buy it without stopping to think about it!

After all - he's already reaped the benefits of the product (assumed wealth) so why should he care about making more money off it or not? He's just offering it to do "smart people" a favor. And if you aren't grateful enough, or smart enough to snap it up, then too bad, you lose.

It's no wonder everyone was in such a frenzy to get out their credit cards that they missed the "test only" at the end of the ad.

And yes, he had me wanting it too. (I still do!) BUT.....not enough to steal from my kid's piggy-bank. Sorry. We have to EAT FIRST!!!

Anya :)

> I've learned a HECK of a lot from Gordon -
> but I find I'm still learning !

> In a recent post here about selling the ads
> on the Daily Special Boards, Gordon said,

> And I have an attitude. Doesn't matter to
> me who goes on the board, I'm going to fill
> it up and fill it up quick. Because I have a
> take it or leave it attitude, it puts all
> the pressure on the advertiser. I noticed
> that's what Gordon has in this ad too -
> attitude . Take it or leave it, doesn't
> bother me - but you snooze, you lose. It
> seems to be a powerful approach if you know
> how to use it - and can convince them of the
> benefits!

> Any other comments on this? Agree, disagree?
> This connection only just popped into my
> mind....

> I think it's a bit like asking for a date
> (from a male perspective). If you seem too
> desperate, nobody's interested. But if
> you're confident, finding a date isn't too
> hard. I think in some ways, advertising can
> be similar!

> - Dien Rice

Hi Anya,

Thanks, those were some great comments! I agree with all that you said....

Another thing which crossed my mind was how this ad by Gordon really builds CREDIBILITY.

All those names... Anyone who has spent some time in marketing circles would have heard of at least SOME of these people. It is well suited to its intended target market. :)

Those names all have immense credibility. Together, the effect is overwhelming!!!!

In addition to that, the advertisement makes some great promises - it is a great OFFER to its target market. I think a great offer, plus solid credibility, goes a long way towards a successful promotion. :)

It's really a great lesson!

- Dien Rice

Hi Dien,

Gordon has also done a wonderful job of "selling himself". People respect him. They know he's not out to scam them. They know he's been successful. And he's "given enough away" in the past that they know his ideas work.

That sort of personal credibility goes a long way (with me, anyways because I don't know most of the people he listed) towards people jumping at an offer they KNOW is GOOD becomes it comes from someone who's PROVEN himself and is TRUSTWORTHY.

There's a lesson here we all could learn - sell yourself BEFORE you try to sell your products!

Anya :)
> Hi Anya,

> Thanks, those were some great comments! I
> agree with all that you said....

> Another thing which crossed my mind was how
> this ad by Gordon really builds CREDIBILITY.

> All those names... Anyone who has spent some
> time in marketing circles would have heard
> of at least SOME of these people. It is well
> suited to its intended target market. :)

> Those names all have immense credibility.
> Together, the effect is overwhelming!!!!

> In addition to that, the advertisement makes
> some great promises - it is a great OFFER to
> its target market. I think a great offer,
> plus solid credibility, goes a long way
> towards a successful promotion. :)

> It's really a great lesson!

> - Dien Rice