Give Your Readers Rose-Colored Glasses

Copywriter sunglasses with reflection of a bundle of roses in the lenses.

You’re a reader, right?

I know you’ve seen copy like this before:

I want to point out a few things about this copy device, which I call an identity preframe.

You see them at the beginning of sales pages/VSLs, webinars and occasionally on a website homepage.

Maybe you’ve even used something like this before.

Here’s the thing…

The identity preframe is set up to look like a filter.

A few seconds or centimeters of copy to make sure you’re only talking to ideal clients (and everyone else knows not to waste their time).

The example above even had a STOP hand and explicitly tells the reader to leave if he doesn’t meet the criteria.

It’s not a filter.

When done right it:

  • makes you identify a characteristic you possess (or think you possess) but wish was more pronounced
  • gives you a sense of empowerment
  • heightens the desire for the transformation.

Despite its construction, the copy isn’t designed to make anyone stop and leave. Rather, the idea is to make most readers stay and read more. To think “this presentation/pitch is all about the me I want to be.

The example above goes a step further.

Bullet point #3 adds guilt into the mix. You’re going to fail your loved ones if you don’t step fully into this identity.

This kind of copy frames the rest of the copy in the perspective of “the me I want to be.”

Appeals to (aspirational) identity hit at a deeper level than features, benefits, advantages and opportunities can by themselves.

And certainly deeper than saying “this is for service providers, parents and 9-to-fivers who are thinking about starting their own business.”

How are you getting viewers/readers to see “the me I want to be” in your copy?

Sharing The Other Side of the Story

Storytelling is a very hot topic right now, and I chimed in from a unique perspective in my December newsletter.

It’s rare that I do this, but I’m making this edition available to the general public. I think it’s that important.

Take a gander at “Another Angle on Storytelling.

My point, as tends to be the case, is this: even when telling your story, IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU.

Enjoy!

Recommended Reading:
lowercase branding – What’s really important when it comes to building an incredible brand?

Copywriting Tips from CNBC

If you’re like me, you’re keeping an eye on what’s going on in the economy. I’ve found myself watching more financial news than ever.

Yesterday, I spent over an hour watching CNBC, analyzing whatever crazy moves the markets are making this week. During that time, I noticed five ways that the program kept me watching intently. These same concepts can help you become a better copywriter and marketer.

1) CNBC knows exactly who their viewers are and what they are watching for. So they are talking to one target audience, and only talking about one topic.

One of the legendary Dick Benson’s 25 direct marketing principles is that “You can never sell two things at once.” CNBC only talks about the financial markets.

Is your advertising material focused on one thing?

Read 4 more copywriting tips inspired by CNBC on the Diamond Website Conversion Blog at https://www.diamondwebsiteconversion.com/2011/10/28/5-copywriting-tips-from-cnbc/.