7 replies
Every niche has more junk... than quality products and services.

Why is that important for you to acknowledge?

Because when you're putting yourself in your prospect's shoes, you've got to know the other stuff they're being exposed to.

Study what ISN'T working... as much as researching and immersing yourself in what IS working.

You've got to make sure you're sending out a clearer, sharper, branded message that genuinely connects with what your ideal customer/client NEEDS to hear.

Likewise...

All of that junk and off-the-mark copy consuming your niche only creates more objections and skepticism than ever in the mind of your ideal client or customer.

You may not like it, but it's your job to become aware of and overcome those objections...

...and turn those skeptics into hot buyers.

When you see how your competition is positioning themselves, you'll see a lot more of the potential objections your prospects will likely bring with them - when they find themselves on your site.

That's huge.

Think about it.

Studying what works definitely gives you a competitive edge.

But exposing yourself to the endless crap that's mucking up the waters of your niche is equally important.

It helps you understand how the passionless money-grabbers are putting themselves out there...

...so you can easily figure out how to do it better; how to position your product or service as the solution-beacon your audience is REALLY looking for.

Just a tip.

Mark
  • Profile picture of the author lorrainesmithills
    I agree completely. There is no point in sticking your head in the sand and refusing to acknowledge the junk out there. Studying the dross will actually provide a road map of pitfalls you can avoid and help you to rise above with excellent copy that converts.
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  • Profile picture of the author sethczerepak
    Originally Posted by Mark Pescetti View Post

    Study what ISN'T working...
    Well put. I've found that mystery shopping really helps with your confidence too. You see what other people are offering...sometimes even the people who are doing BETTER than you, and it's a confidence booster. Also helps with the "here's what we're NOT..." positioning.
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  • Profile picture of the author max5ty
    Mark,

    I can kind of understand in a way what you're saying as far as learning what your competition is doing...but I'm wondering if people really shop around for stuff like diet programs, as an example...

    I tend to think most don't.

    I think customers usually buy the first thing that grabs their fancy.

    I think it mostly has to do with marketing.

    It's good to study your competition...but I don't think most have read all the other ads and then made a calculated decision to buy your product.

    Just my thoughts...

    Interesting post.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
      Originally Posted by max5ty View Post

      I can kind of understand in a way what you're saying as far as learning what your competition is doing...but I'm wondering if people really shop around for stuff like diet programs, as an example...
      I think dieters shop around more than anyone else.

      Most dieters are fitness and nutrition program addicts.

      They go for the lastest and greatest craze - dropping whatever they previously used in a heartbeat.

      "Oh, THAT will make my body ripped."

      Or...

      "Hey honey, I think I found a supplement that will FINALLY help me feel better."

      Dieters (and fitness hounds) are always looking for a quick fix, especially those who let themselves go a little too much and desperately want to look and feel better (but aren't willing to put in the REAL road work.)

      The fact is...

      A LOT of the dieting programs out there actually work.

      People just don't apply themselves enough...

      ...or make the right common sense decisions about modifying the program they're on for their own specific needs and intentions.

      That being said...

      There are a ton of diet, supplement, nutrition and fitness letters/videos littered with horrible copy.

      I see people post their "3 weird tricks to burn fat" BS here and I think to myself, "You're just using techniques, but you're not saying anything!"

      If somebody had something truly unique to say and cut through the BS, they'd be positioning themselves to make an impact. (Thus doing it better;-)

      There are a lot of posers in the nutrition, diet and fitness niches.

      But someone could put them to shame - even though everyone always says, "This is a highly competitive market..." blah blah blah.

      And then you're right:

      People wouldn't have to shop around.

      Mark
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  • Profile picture of the author ReferralCandy
    Just my $0.02, Dieters DEFINITELY shop around. I've looked at countless supplements and never bought anything, because nothing satisfies me. The same goes for a lot of my friends.

    The best thing you'll have going for you are really, really, REALLY good results, and a really compelling story that resonates with the user. You have to make me go "Yes, that's exactly how I'm feeling, that's exactly what I'm going through!"

    The better your results, the more likely people are going to be interested in whatever it is you're selling- even if it doesn't work. You need powerful testimonials from people with clear, measurable results. Do that and you'll demolish the competition.

    The problem is, for that to work you're going to have a product that works. As Hamlet would say, "Ay, there's the rub."
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
      Originally Posted by ReferralCandy View Post

      The best thing you'll have going for you are really, really, REALLY good results, and a really compelling story that resonates with the user. You have to make me go "Yes, that's exactly how I'm feeling, that's exactly what I'm going through!"
      A compelling story is always a great hook.

      In diet, health, weight loss, fat burning, dating, finance...

      ...It's so important to work with people (or be a business owner) who genuinely believe(s) in their product or service and personally achieved out-of-this-world results with whatever they're selling. If there's a powerful story that can be leveraged, you're already head and shoulders above the competition that uses a more traditional hook.

      People emotionally connect with stories more than well-produced, provocative information.

      Mark
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