Biggest mistakes of new copywriters?

8 replies
In your opinion, what do you think the biggest mistakes new copywriters make?

I am just getting in to the field really, although i write a lot on my own sites and do some things naturally, i still feel like i am leaving a lot of money on the table. I have grasped the following:

- Understanding my audiences needs, wants, desires, fears and motivations.
- Tailoring my content to emphasize the benefits of a product or service to them personally.
- Using fear, scarcity and other negative emotions in order to encourage people to act quickly.
- Create value in order to instill trust.

What else am i missing?

Thanks!
#biggest #copywriters #mistakes
  • Profile picture of the author Pusateri
    Being boring. If the reader can consistently anticipate what you will say next, it's hard to hold his attention.
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    • Profile picture of the author Make Money Ninja
      Originally Posted by Pusateri View Post

      Being boring. If the reader can consistently anticipate what you will say next, it's hard to hold his attention.
      How do you ensure you are not boring?
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  • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
    Originally Posted by Make Money Ninja View Post

    In your opinion, what do you think the biggest mistakes new copywriters make?

    I am just getting in to the field really, although i write a lot on my own sites and do some things naturally, i still feel like i am leaving a lot of money on the table. I have grasped the following:

    - Understanding my audiences needs, wants, desires, fears and motivations.
    - Tailoring my content to emphasize the benefits of a product or service to them personally.
    - Using fear, scarcity and other negative emotions in order to encourage people to act quickly.
    - Create value in order to instill trust.

    What else am i missing?

    Thanks!
    Sounds like you have the "I" and "D" of the AIDA formula down pat.

    Don't forget "A" - get your prospect's attention with a curiosity and big benefit headline.

    And the second "A" - get your prospect to take the action you desire.

    Alex
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  • Profile picture of the author wrcato2
    Using simple metaphors will spruce up your content and add make a big impact with your audience. Think Dr. Phil, and my personal favorite Tom McCahill. You're probably to young to remember this guy that is why I added the link. A few examples there. If you can find mechanix illustrated read his stuff. Fantastic!
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    • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
      Lack of state of awareness of problem and solutions
      available.

      Not knowing what stage they are in the buying decision making,
      from zero to made up their mind to buy.

      Each has it's own point of entry into the mind.

      Best,
      Ewen
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  • ...and not hitting the right emotional buttons.

    No point in relentlessly pelting your poor prospects with over the top enthusiasm.

    If they are bored.


    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
    I've personally written (and read copy from other copywriters) that was brilliant.

    And it didn't make a dime.

    Because it didn't connect with the action-inspiring-emotions the audience was feeing.

    Maybe the circumstances that attempted to elicit emotion were off.

    Maybe it was the hook/USP (positioning.)

    Maybe it was the branding (positioning.)

    Maybe there was too much hype.

    Or not enough.

    My point is...

    It's great to have a basic construct to write your copy, but if you're off about the emotion/circumstance bit, you'll have a great sales letter that's worth precisely zip.

    Here's the deal:

    There's no such thing as good or bad copy. It's either effective (as in it generates conversions) or it's ineffective (it fails to HIT the right triggers.)

    Focus more on being able to isolate the emotions and circumstances your audience is feeling.

    The copy virtually writes itself - when you're hot on the trail of what's REALLY going on inside the collective mind of your prospects.

    Oh...

    And become a master at breaking down who your avatar is.

    That'll make a HUGE difference in how you position your copy - so it actually has a chance to resonate.

    Mark
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  • Profile picture of the author RickDuris
    Originally Posted by Make Money Ninja View Post

    In your opinion, what do you think the biggest mistakes new copywriters make?

    I am just getting in to the field really, although i write a lot on my own sites and do some things naturally, i still feel like i am leaving a lot of money on the table. I have grasped the following:

    - Understanding my audiences needs, wants, desires, fears and motivations.
    - Tailoring my content to emphasize the benefits of a product or service to them personally.
    - Using fear, scarcity and other negative emotions in order to encourage people to act quickly.
    - Create value in order to instill trust.

    What else am i missing?

    Thanks!
    Given your question, this might be helpful:


    Click the View button.

    - Rick Duris
    Signature
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