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The Battle of Two Words: "Make" vs. "Earn": Which do YOU use and Why(?)

by x3xsolxdierx3x
8 replies
In just about everything I've done in IM, I'm never quite sure whether to use the word "Make" or "Earn". From sales copy on sales pages to any other published text, it seems that these two words are pretty much interchangeable....but, I also seem to have good justification behind using both of them.....

So, I'm torn.

"Earn", to me, doesn't seem like it requires quite as much "effort" as using "Make". "Make" seems more "in your face" and aggressive....which, I guess, could be a good thing, or a bad thing, dependent upon the desired outcome.

It's the difference between:
"You can MAKE $20,000/month...."

vs.

"You can EARN $20,000/month...."

Which one sounds best to you?
#battle #earn #make #words
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    That's kind of funny. I actually think the opposite is true. The word earn conjures up images of working hard to get money. After all, people earn a living.

    Make sounds more passive to me.

    There are other choices, though, which may help. Ome word I like to use from time to time is generate. It may not be completely interchangeable, but in some cases it can be effective. Also, the word get seems to imply even less effort.

    It's not really a battle of two words, it's just a matter of finding better words.

    With all of that being said, there is one more word that is incredibly useful...test. Becaause when it comes down to it, the only thing that matters is which word you visitors prefer.

    All the best,
    Michael
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    "Ich bin en fuego!"
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    • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
      Originally Posted by Michael Oksa View Post

      That's kind of funny. I actually think the opposite is true. The word earn conjures up images of working hard to get money. After all, people earn a living.

      Make sounds more passive to me.

      There are other choices, though, which may help. Ome word I like to use from time to time is generate. It may not be completely interchangeable, but in some cases it can be effective. Also, the word get seems to imply even less effort.

      It's not really a battle of two words, it's just a matter of finding better words.

      With all of that being said, there is one more word that is incredibly useful...test. Becaause when it comes down to it, the only thing that matters is which word you visitors prefer.

      All the best,
      Michael
      lol...once I published, I said to myself "hey, maybe 'Make' DOES sound more passive?".....lol
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      • Profile picture of the author xiaophil
        How about "create"?

        I experienced a major turning point when I stopped looking for ways to
        "make money" and instead focused on ways to "create value".

        Creating income streams sounds good too.


        Phil
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  • Profile picture of the author R Hagel
    I agree with Michael on all accounts. Personally, I think make sounds easier than earn (but that's just IMO).

    Also, like Michael said, there are plenty of other words and phrases to choose from. Don't limit yourself to two. You can use get and generate as said above. Also:

    Reap
    Produce (kind of hard)
    Clear (easy -- effortless)
    Pull down (though pulling sounds hard)
    Pull in
    Receive
    Obtain

    (and many more)


    Then there are the phrases (e.g. "enjoy a never-ending stream of...)

    Cheers,
    Becky
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      I don't use either.

      I use "bank"

      It implies even less effort than "make" and sounds cooler.

      I have tested all kinds of ways to "get" money in the MMO niche over the
      years and I have found that "bank" out performs all the rest.

      Will it for you?

      Maybe, maybe not. Test. Because what works for one market may not
      necessarily work for another.

      Same as with the word "learn."

      I use "discover" instead.

      And I have a whole bunch of substitutes for words that imply any form
      of "work."

      People don't want to work. They want the money to fall from the sky into
      their lap upon the push of a magic button.

      At least that has been my experience.

      Your mileage may vary.
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  • Profile picture of the author CesarGalano
    My favourite is "Earn".However sometimes I don't have any inconveniences in use "Make".

    Cambridge Online Dictionary:

    earn verb
    /ɜːn//ɝːn/ v [I or T]



    to receive money as payment for work that you do
    I earn $30 000 a year.
    How much do you earn, if you don't mind me asking?
    You can't expect to earn a living (= be paid enough money to live on) from your painting.
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeHumphreys
    Originally Posted by x3xsolxdierx3x View Post


    It's the difference between:
    "You can MAKE $20,000/month...."

    vs.

    "You can EARN $20,000/month...."

    Which one sounds best to you?
    Make is better than earn but I probably wouldn't use either one.

    The less work, the more appealing to your prospects.

    You want to make it sound easy but still realistic.

    For example:

    "Just imagine how much easier life will be when you're enjoying passive income streams of $20,000 per month. It's easier than you think if you follow my step-by-step blueprint..."

    Hope that helps,

    Mike
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