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Writing Styles for Info-Products: Which one do you choose?

by princecapri
8 replies
Hey,

I can write in a lot of different styles, but struggle to understand what writing style the target market would prefer. Let's assume that the target market (or the person) is an average Internet marketer. Which writing style do you think would have the most impact on him (we are talking about a 30-60 page info-product here):

Factual: The driest, but perhaps the cleanest way to write. Allows the reader to pick out facts and important points quickly. However, a large guide with lots of factual information could turn really boring.

Example: Adsense is a great way to earn money by putting advertisements on your blog. Very easy to setup, you could be up and running in 10 minutes.

Imaginative/Talkative: This kind of style appeals to a reader who likes to get involved in a story. While it might make reading a delight, it does tend to skirt around an issue, and thus could be seen as a lot of fluff with too little information.

Example: I like Adsense because it gives me an easy way to monetize my content. When I first found adsense, it turned around my income, and I think it can do the same for you.

Persuasive: This is the kind of writing which pushes you to take an action. Tells you the fact, and a story, and urges you to make a mark. Great way to communicate, as you help people by writing like this, but it could leave a bitter taste if some consider it intrusive. Also, if people still fail to take action, the consider such pieces overly-challenging.

Example: You know, Adsense is the best thing since sliced bread. You don't need to go out looking for hundred-advertisers. Just sign up with one, and you can quickly turn around zero-income days to $100 days!

So which writing style do you choose for your information-packed products, and why? Remember, these are not email flyers, these are guides with over 5,000 words!

Just keen to know as I would like my writing style to match my average target market - in this case the average Internet marketer.

Cheers,
Neeraj.
#choose #infoproducts #styles #writing
  • Profile picture of the author Ralf Skirr
    You've given the answer by the wording you chose in describing the writing styles.
    You ask for impact!
    "This is the kind of writing which pushes you to take an action. "
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  • Profile picture of the author WebPen
    If you're writing for internet marketers, I think they generally like it straight to the point, or factual.

    If they want to be talkative, they come into the Warrior Forum or check the hundreds of emails from the goorooz

    As far as being persuasive- that's for the sales page, not the ebook.
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  • Profile picture of the author princecapri
    Yes, but (I will play the devil's advocate here..) 30 pages of writing that pushes someone to take an action can seem nagging and pushy. Some people don't like that. Persuasive copy works, but I am not sure how well persuasive guides work.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Originally Posted by princecapri View Post

      Yes, but (I will play the devil's advocate here..) 30 pages of writing that pushes someone to take an action can seem nagging and pushy.
      Very much so. And I'm not playing devil's advocate, at all.

      In my opinion, that would be the one to avoid. Either of the others you've exemplified above will do the job. Personally, I'd go for "factual".
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  • Profile picture of the author Wilton White
    Hello Neeraj,

    Of the styles you mention, I believe that "factual" may be the best style if your target audience is other marketers. The other two styles seem more intended for a customer as the target audience. Although a case could be made that you're trying to "sell" an Internet Marketer on a specific idea, most Internet Marketers are usually keen on the fact that they are being "sold" to or persuaded in some fashion--even if it is in the form of a story. Most Internet Marketers want to digest the facts without a lot of "fluff".

    For any target audience, I would do a little research on the demographics. Discover the general profile that makes up your audience: where do they come from? What age group? Education? Etc.

    Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Meaney
    In my ebooks, I like to write with a mix of factual and imaginative...

    Present the facts, then demonstrate it, or show it in action it with a brief 3 act story.

    Telling a story inside an ebook is a good way to keep the reader engaged and take them on a 'feel good' journey while educating them.

    A lot of stories have been told in order to teach us a lesson and it's a part of humanity that goes way back, so I figure it must be a good way for customers to understand and like the product.
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    • Profile picture of the author fin
      I didn't even know you could change styles.

      I thought you just had one. I agree with above: maybe imaginative with a little factual thrown in.
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    • Profile picture of the author WikiWarrior
      Originally Posted by Mick Meaney View Post

      In my ebooks, I like to write with a mix of factual and imaginative...

      Present the facts, then demonstrate it, or show it in action it with a brief 3 act story.

      Telling a story inside an ebook is a good way to keep the reader engaged and take them on a 'feel good' journey while educating them.

      A lot of stories have been told in order to teach us a lesson and it's a part of humanity that goes way back, so I figure it must be a good way for customers to understand and like the product.
      I agree with Mick. I like ebooks to be predominantly factual and if you can weave in short stories/examples and your personality (without adding fluff) then so much the better. Also, Justin made a good point that the persuasion part was already achieved on the sales page. If any persuading needs to be done in the actual info product it's simply to "sell yourself" as friendly and interesting. Like if you are trying to build a brand around yourself as an authority in the niche, having a unique voice will make you stand out.
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