Techniques vs. Ways

The Niche Man · 04-12-2011, 05:03 PM

I'm working on a self improvement book and in the process of split testing in the next few weeks. But what word works best for you personally?
Ways or Techniques and why?

For example ...
5 Proven Ways To ...
or
5 Proven Techniques To ...

Thanks for your Feedback!

WebRank1 · 04-13-2011, 01:18 AM

Depends on your audience but 'Techniques' suggests the product is detailed, more than 'Ways' does.
'Ways' could be anything from simple outlines of techniques to stories on how the product does something.
'Techniques' suggests that there is a tangible method, something that could be taken and applied immediately.

But again, it all depends on target audience.
'Techniques' may do better with audiences that are analytical about problem solving like web designers, programmers etc.
'Ways' may do better with an audience that is not on an experienced level in their niche and still make decisions largely based on emotion. For example if you are selling a book on how to take care of your newborn baby. 'Techniques' won't do but 'Ways' would do better.

Hope that made sense because I just woke up and I am still a little foggy haha.

Regards,
Mark

Paul Hooper-Kelly · 04-13-2011, 02:29 AM

Hi Niche Man,

Deep down, folks crave secrets, rather than information or techniques - particularly if it's stuff known only to a privileged few.

So I suggest also testing both 'secrets' and 'insider secrets'.

Warmest regards,

Paul

just Zer0 · 04-13-2011, 04:15 AM

Excellent advice from Paul ^ IMHO.

AdmiralGloom · 04-13-2011, 05:11 AM

I have this headline in my arsenal

"Liz's Secrets Revealed In Best Friends Diary"

It was from a Cosmo or something...But may be use to you.

Instead of "Liz" prehaps a self improvement guru?

Rach72 · 04-14-2011, 09:59 PM

For free info 'Techniques' makes me think too hard and I'll skip it.

But if it was for a book that I have to spend money getting then 'techniques' makes it sound like I am going to get advice from an expert.

davis cup · 04-20-2011, 10:37 AM

Ways, Techniques or Secrets, it solely depends on what you are trying to give. If you are compiling common facts and giving it in your style, ways will do. If you are giving some practical examples Techniques will be good. If you are going to give something new and out of ordinary, secrets will work well. Decide upon your goal and work accordingly.

Drez · 04-28-2011, 03:39 PM

I think you should use the same vocabulary your market uses - to keep the copy sounding conversational and real.

In the self help market you can clearly mix and match. Like this:

XX ways to boost your brain power, amp up your energy and supercharge your memory (The first secret alone will add 150 points to your IQ - take THAT Mensa)

[Of course I was just havin' some fun there]

GlobalMedia · 04-30-2011, 04:03 AM

I will go with the "ways", because it is more general. "Techniques" sound more technical. Many people might skip it thinking that it may be complex to understand.

dorothydot · 04-30-2011, 05:52 AM

I totally agree with "secrets". But that said, you could also consider saying "tips" or "discoveries".
Dot

04-12-2011, 05:03 PM	#1
The Niche Man Niche Hunting Warrior Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Beach, California Posts: 1,190 Thanks: 184 Thanked 230 Times in 151 Posts	Techniques vs. Ways I'm working on a self improvement book and in the process of split testing in the next few weeks. But what word works best for you personally? Ways or Techniques and why? For example ... 5 Proven Ways To ... or 5 Proven Techniques To ... Thanks for your Feedback!
	How To ... Create, Find or Improve Money-Making ‘‘Niche Products and Services’’ -- Faster! <=

04-13-2011, 01:18 AM	#2
WebRank1 Banned War Room Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NL Posts: 306 Thanks: 56 Thanked 50 Times in 40 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: Techniques vs. Ways Depends on your audience but 'Techniques' suggests the product is detailed, more than 'Ways' does. 'Ways' could be anything from simple outlines of techniques to stories on how the product does something. 'Techniques' suggests that there is a tangible method, something that could be taken and applied immediately. But again, it all depends on target audience. 'Techniques' may do better with audiences that are analytical about problem solving like web designers, programmers etc. 'Ways' may do better with an audience that is not on an experienced level in their niche and still make decisions largely based on emotion. For example if you are selling a book on how to take care of your newborn baby. 'Techniques' won't do but 'Ways' would do better. Hope that made sense because I just woke up and I am still a little foggy haha. Regards, Mark

04-13-2011, 02:29 AM	#3
Paul Hooper-Kelly $1.33 MILLION Marketer War Room Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: King William's former royal hunting forest, Hampshire, England, UK Posts: 456 Thanks: 9 Thanked 75 Times in 54 Posts Social Networking	Re: Techniques vs. Ways Hi Niche Man, Deep down, folks crave secrets, rather than information or techniques - particularly if it's stuff known only to a privileged few. So I suggest also testing both 'secrets' and 'insider secrets'. Warmest regards, Paul
	Have you claimed your Unfair Advantage yet?

04-13-2011, 04:15 AM	#4
just Zer0 Warrior Wildcard Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: England Posts: 68 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 29 Thanked 36 Times in 17 Posts Contact Info	Re: Techniques vs. Ways Excellent advice from Paul ^ IMHO.
	Zer0: Creative Geniu$.

04-13-2011, 05:11 AM	#5
AdmiralGloom HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Rochester, Minnesota Posts: 336 Thanks: 63 Thanked 100 Times in 34 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: Techniques vs. Ways I have this headline in my arsenal "Liz's Secrets Revealed In Best Friends Diary" It was from a Cosmo or something...But may be use to you. Instead of "Liz" prehaps a self improvement guru?
	Are You Slowly Killing Your Business By NOT Hiring A Copywriter? Email:dlektcopywriting@gmail.com Phone: 507-593-9123

04-14-2011, 09:59 PM	#6
Rach72 HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: At my laptop Posts: 184 Thanks: 106 Thanked 34 Times in 32 Posts Social Networking	Re: Techniques vs. Ways For free info 'Techniques' makes me think too hard and I'll skip it. But if it was for a book that I have to spend money getting then 'techniques' makes it sound like I am going to get advice from an expert.
	For PLR that Kicks Ass and Freelance Writing that'll Rock Your World New Guide for the Digital Writer 101 Writing Tips That Separate You From The Pack

04-20-2011, 10:37 AM	#7
davis cup Warrior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 26 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Techniques vs. Ways Ways, Techniques or Secrets, it solely depends on what you are trying to give. If you are compiling common facts and giving it in your style, ways will do. If you are giving some practical examples Techniques will be good. If you are going to give something new and out of ordinary, secrets will work well. Decide upon your goal and work accordingly.
	Miracle Mineral Supplement \| Resveratrol Australia

04-28-2011, 03:39 PM	#8
Drez HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 195 Thanks: 24 Thanked 149 Times in 70 Posts Social Networking	Re: Techniques vs. Ways I think you should use the same vocabulary your market uses - to keep the copy sounding conversational and real. In the self help market you can clearly mix and match. Like this: XX ways to boost your brain power, amp up your energy and supercharge your memory (The first secret alone will add 150 points to your IQ - take THAT Mensa) [Of course I was just havin' some fun there]
	Mark "Drez" Dresner Swipe My Massive Copywriting Swipe Files Collection for FREE http://AdvertisingCopySwipes.com

04-30-2011, 04:03 AM	#9
GlobalMedia HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Around the Globe Posts: 256 Thanks: 5 Thanked 13 Times in 11 Posts Contact Info	Re: Techniques vs. Ways I will go with the "ways", because it is more general. "Techniques" sound more technical. Many people might skip it thinking that it may be complex to understand.

04-30-2011, 05:52 AM	#10
dorothydot Selling with Stories War Room Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 497 Thanks: 289 Thanked 119 Times in 101 Posts	Re: Techniques vs. Ways I totally agree with "secrets". But that said, you could also consider saying "tips" or "discoveries". Dot
	"Sell the Magic of A Dream" www.DP-Copywriting-Service.com