What's The Problem Agitate Technique?

[The Niche Man]

I just saw an Ad for a copywriter that mentioned she specializes in the "Problem Agitate Technique". Can anyone explain what that is and how effective is it?

Thanks!

[MissLauraCatella]

"Problem agitate," refers to building up the customer's current woes, problems or fears and then providing them with the solution: your product. Something like (mind you this is off of the top of my head)...

You've tried to lose weight, struggled through diet plan after exercise routine, and haven't shed nearly as many pounds as you'd hoped. It pains you to walk up to the scale, knowing you won't see improvement. Why do other people get slim and have the bodies they want while you toil, starve yourself... and still see dreaded numbers under your feet?

You know, something like that. One could also agitate the problem in the first person, to let the reader know that you KNOW where they're coming from.

Then you offer a solution to the problem. Remember, you're just like the reader, but you found a solution.

[briancassingena]

Originally Posted by The Niche Man

I just saw an Ad for a copywriter that mentioned she specializes in the "Problem Agitate Technique". Can anyone explain what that is and how effective is it?

Thanks!

Interesting that she "specializes" in "problem-agitiate"...it's only ONE PART of a system. Any copywriter worth their salt will also incorporate a bunch of other techniques.

In fact it really isn't a "technique" at all, it's more of a strategy. This copywriter needs to work on her languaging

[The Niche Man]

Originally Posted by briancassingena

Interesting that she "specializes" in "problem-agitiate"...it's only ONE PART of a system. Any copywriter worth their salt will also incorporate a bunch of other techniques.

In fact it really isn't a "technique" at all, it's more of a strategy. This copywriter needs to work on her languaging

Interesting point. I got the impression she had more knowledge and skills in this strategy than your average copywriter. So she said.

[Kay King]

Maybe she was agitating the solution?

It's a basic writing formula - present a problem and then agitate it to make it seem like a big problem - a problem that applies to you - a problem that could get worse or cause difficulties for YOU- and then provide a solution for that same problem (usually with a "buy now" link).

kay

[Paul Hooper-Kelly]

Hi Guys and Gals,

If you're careful, you can use this technique to ALSO build trust. Building trust is vital, because without trust there will be no sale.

You know this already. Don't you prefer going to stores where the clerk is open and friendly? Or do you prefer the place where the guy looks furtive and like he's about to clone your credit card?

And the way to build trust is to show the prospect you are like them. Because we all tend to like (and therefore trust) folks who are like us.

In a face to face selling situation, you would build trust by adjusting your way of speaking to match that of the prospect - even to the extend of mirroring their way of sitting.

So, in a sales letter, you can build that vital trust - as well as state the problem - if you tell the prospect, you understand their fears, because you were once in the same position.

Then you 'agitate' the problem (rub salt into the wound) by telling them how worse it will get if they do nothing.

Then ... like a shaft of sunlight piercing the dark thunder clouds, you introduce your solution (the product).

The problem and agitate sections are merely two of about thirteen sections every successful sales letter needs to convert properly.

Warmest regards,

Paul

[ThomasOMalley]

Dan Kennedy discusses the problem, agitate the problem, solution, approach in his book, The Ultimate Sales Letter. It's a solid foundation for any piece of copy.