What NEVER To Ask Your Wife…
PLUS… Two Simple Ways To Get Your Prospects To BUY More!
I’d hate to think how the conversation went after this…
Little known computer guru Gary Kildall, could have been the richest man in the world…
You see, he was out flying his private plane when IBM executives called, asking to buy his computer operating system for their revolutionary new PC.
That day, in 1981, Gary asked his wife to take the call. When Kildall’s wife answered the phone, she refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement with IBM.
So IBM called a guy in Seattle instead – Bill Gates.
Evidently… Bill Gates became the richest man in the world instead…
Ouch!! Missed opportunity
There’s a deeper reason I told you this story… and an underlying powerful lesson to boot. I’ll gift wrap it all together at the end so it all makes sense to you.
Let’s start…
Right now, I’m up to my ears in creative dust from chipping away a masterpiece promotion for a client.
It’s nothing short of brilliant, I must say…
No surprise.
Anyway… to pre-empt this lesson, you’re gonna want to remember this principle:
“The more they read, the more they buy”
So, in case you’re wondering how to get more of your “stuff” read… all the way to the end… here’s one way (one of many).
To start… and stick with me here… I’m going to debunk everything you’ve ever learnt about headlines, in one fell swoop.
Here’s how. See if you can answer this…
“What is the purpose of your headline?”
Is it to grab their attention?
I need more than that. Try again.
Is it to solve a problem?
Sorry, no cigar…
Is it to build desire?
Try again.
Is it to create curiosity?
Okay. Stop. I’ll put you out of your misery. Here’s what it is.
The sole purpose of your headline is to make your prospect read the next line (the sub-headline).
That’s it. Nothing more.
Its job is purely to make your reader want to read the next line.
Got it? Good.
Next question.
What’s the purpose of the sub-headline?
I’ll give you a hint. No bugger that, I’ll tell you straight.
The sole purpose of the sub-headline is to make your prospect read the next line (the opening sentence).
And what’s the purpose of the opening sentence?
Correctomundo
The job of the opening sentence is to get them to read the next line.
And so on. You get the idea.
Now for the magic…
If you can get your reader to make these small decisions more than 4 times, chances are they’ll read your whole letter (or email, or web page, video, whatever).
I learnt this from the Copywriting Einstein “Eugene Schwartz”.
Another thing. The single best way to start your letter (so your prospect reads more) is with a story.
Remember this. Heck, write it down if you have to. It’s far too important to let slip past the keeper.
You see that’s why I kicked this email off with the “missed opportunity” story. Pulled you in, right?
Well, there’s another reason I used that story.
Since we’re talk’n ‘bout “missed opportunity”… I’m gonna save you from some future grief.
A few weeks ago I rejected 7 copywriting projects.
The reasons why aren’t that important, but they varied from:
- I didn’t think their idea would fly
- I sensed they’d be a problem client
- Their timeline was unrealistic
In other words… missed opportunity for them.
So I thought I’d give you the heads up in advance…
I reckon my A-Team copywriters and I have another 2 or 3 projects left to squeeze in before the end of 2012…
Maybe you? Just maybe it’ll be your biz we take to a whole new moneymaking stratosphere…
You know the deal… first in best dressed…
Bottom line, if you want to launch a new project… or revamp an existing one… then don’t part with another dollar (or minute of your time) until you’ve read this and had a personal chat with me…
Click here for more info:
http://www.BretThomson.com/project-success
In simple language… That’s the ONLY way to get MY brain working on YOUR business…
This is the gateway to prosperity.
Okay, that sounded lame.
See if I can do better…
Your business without ME would only be AWESO.
All right, I’ll stop there.
I’m GOOD but I’m not GOD.
But when it comes to filling up your bank account…. I’m pretty damn close.
Think big. Be different.
Bret Thomson
P.S. As per the opening story… Don’t let your partner make the decision without you… Cos I’d have no choice but to pour all my creative genius into someone else…
Let’s chat. Follow the shiny link below
http://www.BretThomson.com/project-success
P.P.S. If you’re not going to click the link, then use the buttons below to share this post … or leave a comment to let me know if these tips helped you at all…
Very informative article. Great examples. I will share with my reddit followers. Thanks!
I couldn’t agree more with your methods. Having a list of customers is great, but being able to push them to buy more is even better!
Trial and error is the only way to succeed. Make sure to cross-test everything and compare results. I say this because somethings work with some clients but not with others.
Thanks Bret. Another great post!
Creating a catchy headline is what really captures my readers. Headlines are so important but you need to make sure your intro paragraph is just as catchy and draws the reader in.