Top 10 Things Marketers Say That Annoy Me

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Victoria Gates

Top 10 Things Marketers Say That Annoy Me
(Mostly for laughs but yeah....)

10. Have "A Secret" Shhh.....
9. Claim internet marketing is "Easy"
8. Use the word "Sneaky" a lot in copy
7. "Print Money" nuff said..
6. "Anyone" can do this thing (Never a 1 size fits all in this biz.)
5. Here is a "free" video/book/tool and you instead get forced opt-in
4. Ask if you want to be rich.. well DUH!!!!
3. Begging for sign-ups or other free info...
2. Claim "Newbies" made bunches of money within some tiny amount of time after reading their miracle product then claiming in tiny letters at the bottom you probably wont even if you use the method exactly.
and the number one thing is...
1. They are all so "CRAZY" for selling their product so low... nooo crazy is like a dollar... not $27... $37... of $67 "when it should be sold for a ZILLION dollars!"

Hahahaha Thats a nice list! I sometimes thought it was only me who got pissed at those things...

For once I dont want to hear about "making zillions" hehe

Ive read so many like that, I just never buy anymore... even tho there is always a small thing I can learn from some of them (im sure)..

[ 1 ] Thanks
2 replies

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3268201].message }}

Tess D 13 years ago

I also hate the "this is worth over $4000 but I'm offering it to you right now for $19.95"

Ugh.

Good post : )
- Thanks
- 1 reply
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3268225].message }}
- x3xsolxdierx3x 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by AnneHouse
  
  I also hate the "this is worth over $4000 but I'm offering it to you right now for $19.95"
  
  Ugh.
  
  Good post : )
  
  They do this to help build up the perceived value of the product. I don't use it, but it is a very effective strategy, especially if you can honestly prove that its worth $4,000. The very fact that this thread was begun just shows how irritating these tactics are becoming.
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
  Signature
  
  "the Next Squidoo, HubPages, Suite101, and eHow"
  1,001 Free eBooks You Must Read to Succeed (at Just About Anything!)
  "WritingTactics: Top Best Article Writing Online"
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3268231].message }}
  
  PatrickBrianONeill 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by x3xsolxdierx3x
  
  ... if you can honestly prove that its worth $4,000...
  
  I agree, soldier, as I almost always do when you have something to say.
  
  I know that a great way to use this properly and ethically is to throw up a free blog, get some PLR eCourse or eBook, clean it up, change the title and the cover, slap it on your blog and "sell" it for $49, $79, whatever.
  
  Then send people there as "proof" that your freebie is worth $49, $79, whatever.
  
  This works well, as the value goes from "perceived" to "proven".
  
  For a lot of you out there struggling to build a list, this is one great way. Just make sure you give away a really good course or book.
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  PatrickBrianONeill.com
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3302164].message }}
x3xsolxdierx3x 13 years ago

Not every IM'er says those things

The reason some say those things is because they are effective, at least to some extent. They may equate to short term profit, however, as evidenced by this post, people do tend to just get annoyed by them.

The online world is evolving and people don't want to be lied to, tricked, etc. IMHO, online users are really beginning to understand that when they click on a link, someone typically earns a commission when they buy something. I think there are few secrets online anymore, and resorting to tricky/deceitful tactics are just beginning to make people look really untrustworthy in the eyes of their audience.

I'd really just be transparent about it all, and let people decide for themselves if what I have to say is valuable or not.
- Thanks
Signature

"the Next Squidoo, HubPages, Suite101, and eHow"
1,001 Free eBooks You Must Read to Succeed (at Just About Anything!)
"WritingTactics: Top Best Article Writing Online"
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3268226].message }}

axus_auto

13 years ago

what? you missed out on the $2,039 per day super secret formula for success? only 9 copies available...

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3268259].message }}

ForeignProfessor

13 years ago

This is a punctuation thing, but I HATE HATE HATE the misuse of quotation marks. It's mainly in sales letters, so I guess I should probably blame the copywriters.

What I mean is things like :

See how I "MAKE $1000 A DAY"!

What, so you don't make it? You steal it? You find it on the street?

This "INCREDIBLE OFFER" is only available for the next 12 hours!

I take it the offer isn't good then, is it?

If you don't understand why these things are wrong have a look at this blog: http://www.unnecessaryquotes.com/ (It's not mine, but it is amusing.)

Thanks
3 replies

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3268284].message }}

Victoria Gates

13 years ago

Originally Posted by ForeignProfessor

This is a punctuation thing, but I HATE HATE HATE the misuse of quotation marks. It's mainly in sales letters, so I guess I should probably blame the copywriters.

What I mean is things like :

See how I "MAKE $1000 A DAY"!

What, so you don't make it? You steal it? You find it on the street?

This "INCREDIBLE OFFER" is only available for the next 12 hours!

I take it the offer isn't good then, is it?

Those are good too.

Thanks

Signature

Victoria Gates - Digital Marketing Specialist

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3268288].message }}

Kevin Riley

13 years ago

Originally Posted by ForeignProfessor

This is a punctuation thing, but I HATE HATE HATE the misuse of quotation marks. It's mainly in sales letters, so I guess I should probably blame the copywriters.

What I mean is things like :

See how I "MAKE $1000 A DAY"!

What, so you don't make it? You steal it? You find it on the street?

This "INCREDIBLE OFFER" is only available for the next 12 hours!

I take it the offer isn't good then, is it?

If you don't understand why these things are wrong have a look at this blog: The “Blog” of “Unnecessary” Quotation Marks (It's not mine, but it is amusing.)

LOL. I would bet that the irony of using quotes in that way flies over the top of a lot of heads.

Thanks

Signature

Kevin Riley, long-time Warrior living in Osaka, Japan

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3268299].message }}

x3xsolxdierx3x

13 years ago

I'm a bit confused by this post. I understand that these things, when said, annoy you....but, like them or not, these statements represent tactics in IM. I think some are over the top, but some 'can be' completely honest and truthful.

The second statement intentionally injects scarcity into a purchase. It doesn't really have a bearing on whether the product is good or not. An offer can be "incredible" and still not be available for more than 12 hours. The real test of an IMer's truthfulness, though, is if that product is still available after 12 hours or not.

Is it? Is it not?

Originally Posted by ForeignProfessor

This is a punctuation thing, but I HATE HATE HATE the misuse of quotation marks. It's mainly in sales letters, so I guess I should probably blame the copywriters.

What I mean is things like :

See how I "MAKE $1000 A DAY"!

What, so you don't make it? You steal it? You find it on the street?

This "INCREDIBLE OFFER" is only available for the next 12 hours!

I take it the offer isn't good then, is it?

If you don't understand why these things are wrong have a look at this blog: The “Blog” of “Unnecessary” Quotation Marks (It's not mine, but it is amusing.)

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

"the Next Squidoo, HubPages, Suite101, and eHow"
1,001 Free eBooks You Must Read to Succeed (at Just About Anything!)
"WritingTactics: Top Best Article Writing Online"

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3268301].message }}

ForeignProfessor

13 years ago

Originally Posted by x3xsolxdierx3x

I'm a bit confused by this post. I understand that these things, when said, annoy you....but, like them or not, these statements represent tactics in IM. I think some are over the top, but some 'can be' completely honest and truthful.

The second statement intentionally injects scarcity into a purchase. It doesn't really have a bearing on whether the product is good or not. An offer can be "incredible" and still not be available for more than 12 hours. The real test of an IMer's truthfulness, though, is if that product is still available after 12 hours or not.

Is it? Is it not?

I think you misunderstand

It wasn't the tactics I was criticizing, it was the misuse of quotation marks. In the above examples the quotation marks weren't being used to represent reported speech. The way they were used implies an ironic statement.

People who write like that are, I think, using them for emphasis. But this is an incorrect use of quotation marks. The way it's written implies that the information in the quotation marks is incorrect, or a joke.

For emphasis I recommend underlining, italics, a bigger font or a different color instead.

Check this out for more information: http://www.quotation-marks.com/emphasis_and_irony.php

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3268349].message }}

GeorgR.

13 years ago

"Regular Price $2000 - Today Only $37!"

I saw that line today related to some recent product.

You wonder why he couldn't sell it for $2000 - obvious it must be crap because otherwise he wouldn't sell it for only $37

Basically admitting his product is not worth the $2000....

Wouldn't be surprised that if you leave the page you would get a additional exit pop-up trying to sell it for even cheaper

Fail marketing at its best...

Thanks
2 replies

Signature

*** Affiliate Site Quick --> The Fastest & Easiest Way to Make Affiliate Sites!<--
-> VISIT www.1UP-SEO.com *** <- Internet Marketing, SEO Tips, Reviews & More!! ***
*** HIGH QUALITY CONTENT CREATION +++ Manual Article Spinning (Thread Here) ***
Content Creation, Blogging, Articles, Converting Sales Copy, Reviews, Ebooks, Rewrites

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3268317].message }}

Kevin Riley

13 years ago

Originally Posted by GeorgR.

"Regular Price $2000 - Today Only $37!"

I saw that line today related to some recent product.

You wonder why he couldn't sell it for $2000 - obvious it must be crap because otherwise he wouldn't sell it for only $37

Basically admitting his product is not worth the $2000....

Wouldn't be surprised that if you leave the page you would get a additional exit pop-up trying to sell it for even cheaper

Fail marketing at its best...

George

I think I know which one you're talking about. It's actually a product that is good ($2000 good? Not sure, but well worth the $37) and by a respected guy with lots of experience. I committed to promote it, but was very disappointed by that sales page he put up. It was too hypey. As a result, my promotion of it did not do well. I think he shot himself in the foot with that sales page.

Thanks

Signature

Kevin Riley, long-time Warrior living in Osaka, Japan

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3268367].message }}

PatrickBrianONeill

13 years ago

Originally Posted by GeorgR.

"Regular Price $2000 - Today Only $37!"

I saw that line today related to some recent product.

You wonder why he couldn't sell it for $2000 - obvious it must be crap because otherwise he wouldn't sell it for only $37

Basically admitting his product is not worth the $2000....

Wouldn't be surprised that if you leave the page you would get a additional exit pop-up trying to sell it for even cheaper

Fail marketing at its best...

So GeorgR,

Don't leave us hanging!
Where can I get it before it runs out?!

Thanks

Signature

PatrickBrianONeill.com

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3302251].message }}

George Wright

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Victoria Gates

Top 10 Things Marketers Say That Annoy Me
(Mostly for laughs but yeah....)

10. Have "A Secret" Shhh.....
9. Claim internet marketing is "Easy"
8. Use the word "Sneaky" a lot in copy
7. "Print Money" nuff said..
6. "Anyone" can do this thing (Never a 1 size fits all in this biz.)
5. Here is a "free" video/book/tool and you instead get forced opt-in
4. Ask if you want to be rich.. well DUH!!!!
3. Begging for sign-ups or other free info...
2. Claim "Newbies" made bunches of money within some tiny amount of time after reading their miracle product then claiming in tiny letters at the bottom you probably wont even if you use the method exactly.
and the number one thing is...
1. They are all so "CRAZY" for selling their product so low... nooo crazy is like a dollar... not $27... $37... of $67 "when it should be sold for a ZILLION dollars!"

Thanks for the outline for a GREAT sales letter.

George Wright

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

"The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book." Mickey Spillane

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3268325].message }}

Victoria Gates 13 years ago

Originally Posted by George Wright

Thanks for the outline for a GREAT sales letter.

George Wright

lol Your Welcome..
- Thanks
Signature

Victoria Gates - Digital Marketing Specialist
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3268366].message }}

iAmNameLess

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Victoria Gates

10. Have "A Secret" Shhh.....
9. Claim internet marketing is "Easy"
6. "Anyone" can do this thing (Never a 1 size fits all in this biz.)
5. Here is a "free" video/book/tool and you instead get forced opt-in
2. Claim "Newbies" made bunches of money within some tiny amount of time after reading their miracle product then claiming in tiny letters at the bottom you probably wont even if you use the method exactly.
and the number one thing is...

Good post... BUT!!!

If you have the word secret in your sales letter, it peaks curiosity. Everyone wants to know the secret to something, we know there is no real secret everything is available somewhere. However, telling someone it is a secret will initiate sales. It might annoy you personally, but try it out and I bet you will have a higher conversion.

Internet marketing is easy in the sense that you don't need a special skill to so it. Anyone can really do it, it just takes drive and patience.

Someone said in this forum earlier today that if you have an email list, then you are a king. He's right. If business is slow, you go to your email list, blast out some info and a product or service and you recover fast!

Newbies can make money with certain concepts and guidelines. They just need to have drive. If someone is serious about making money and I write an ebook on making money with press releases. It could be day 1 of their internet marketing career and I bet they would make money if they stick with it.

Pretty much everything you mentioned has truth to it. You will see many successful marketers using those techniques. Why? Not just to get on your nerves, but because it WORKS!

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

The Best Damn Marketing and Local SEO Blog

Ultimate Blueprint To Start Your Own Agency | Get Clients Without Cold Calling

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3268363].message }}

Victoria Gates

13 years ago

Originally Posted by iAmNameLess

Good post... BUT!!!

If you have the word secret in your sales letter, it peaks curiosity. Everyone wants to know the secret to something, we know there is no real secret everything is available somewhere. However, telling someone it is a secret will initiate sales. It might annoy you personally, but try it out and I bet you will have a higher conversion.

Internet marketing is easy in the sense that you don't need a special skill to so it. Anyone can really do it, it just takes drive and patience.

Someone said in this forum earlier today that if you have an email list, then you are a king. He's right. If business is slow, you go to your email list, blast out some info and a product or service and you recover fast!

Newbies can make money with certain concepts and guidelines. They just need to have drive. If someone is serious about making money and I write an ebook on making money with press releases. It could be day 1 of their internet marketing career and I bet they would make money if they stick with it.

Pretty much everything you mentioned has truth to it. You will see many successful marketers using those techniques. Why? Not just to get on your nerves, but because it WORKS!

I don't dispute the tactics behind it

It's just one of those "OMG.. not again.." eye rolling things that you get so used to seeing.

Thanks

Signature

Victoria Gates - Digital Marketing Specialist

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3268373].message }}

Daniel F. Lavoie

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Victoria Gates

Top 10 Things Marketers Say That Annoy Me
(Mostly for laughs but yeah....)

10. Have "A Secret" Shhh.....
9. Claim internet marketing is "Easy"
8. Use the word "Sneaky" a lot in copy
7. "Print Money" nuff said..
6. "Anyone" can do this thing (Never a 1 size fits all in this biz.)
5. Here is a "free" video/book/tool and you instead get forced opt-in
4. Ask if you want to be rich.. well DUH!!!!
3. Begging for sign-ups or other free info...
2. Claim "Newbies" made bunches of money within some tiny amount of time after reading their miracle product then claiming in tiny letters at the bottom you probably wont even if you use the method exactly.
and the number one thing is...
1. They are all so "CRAZY" for selling their product so low... nooo crazy is like a dollar... not $27... $37... of $67 "when it should be sold for a ZILLION dollars!"

Love it or hate it but these tactics work and will be there FOREVER.

Why? Well we - humans - are LAZY, IMPATIENT and GREEDY. We can't
do nothing about it. It's hardwired!

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3268443].message }}

darkwizgemz

13 years ago

This is so true. I've been experiencing most all of this. But hey, its what we do and what we want. We got life people. We need to live.

Thanks

Signature

5 Day Free Marketing Challenge - Build Your website now and generate your leads online!
Best Head Lice Solution - Treat your lice now
Ultimate Rose Book - Organic Rose Book

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3268480].message }}

skipper87

13 years ago

haha omg you are right...

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3277325].message }}

Chris Worner

13 years ago

Perhaps people use such things because they actually work in convincing their target market(Which obviously isn't you) to purchase?(Just a thought)

Chris

Thanks

Signature

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3277390].message }}

Dennis Gaskill

13 years ago

For some strange reason, I think I'd be better off if I focus on my business and not worry about how other people run their business.

Ah ... but I'm just odd that way, I guess.

Thanks

Signature

Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3277453].message }}

thunderbird

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Victoria Gates

Top 10 Things Marketers Say That Annoy Me
(Mostly for laughs but yeah....)

10. Have "A Secret" Shhh.....

Sometimes, someone really is selling effective strategies that they heretofore didn't share. I don't share mine, and won't since I'm not in the how to IM business.

9. Claim internet marketing is "Easy"

It *is* relatively easy. Easier, say, than washing dishes, screenprinting and selling t-shirts, prize-fighting, screenwriting, demolition work, or running a restaurant.

8. Use the word "Sneaky" a lot in copy

Yes, IM does involve stealth tactics.

7. "Print Money" nuff said..

I don't know about that. It's not working very well for the American dollar.

6. "Anyone" can do this thing (Never a 1 size fits all in this biz.)

Within reason, just about anyone can.

5. Here is a "free" video/book/tool and you instead get forced opt-in

How horrible. To freely share a video that probably demanded substantial time and probably money, but ask for name and email. Capitalist roaders!

4. Ask if you want to be rich.. well DUH!!!!

3. Begging for sign-ups or other free info...

Begging is not fun, I imagine.

2. Claim "Newbies" made bunches of money within some tiny amount of time after reading their miracle product then claiming in tiny letters at the bottom you probably wont even if you use the method exactly.
and the number one thing is...

1. They are all so "CRAZY" for selling their product so low... nooo crazy is like a dollar... not $27... $37... of $67 "when it should be sold for a ZILLION dollars!"

After the expense (often involving thousands of dollars) and time involved in product creation, it might be a fair statement.

Thanks

Signature

Project HERE.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3278046].message }}

thunderbird

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Greg Wildermuth

Is anybody else ever annoyed at how everybody calls themselves a "guru?" That's a pretty overused (and often misused) word... I still always think about that guy in India that took all the Beatles' money.

Yeah, Sensei, Shifu, and Our Great Leader are better titles.

Thanks

Signature

Project HERE.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3278106].message }}

Dennis Gaskill

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Greg Wildermuth

Is anybody else ever annoyed at how everybody calls themselves a "guru?" That's a pretty overused (and often misused) word... I still always think about that guy in India that took all the Beatles' money.

I've never seen anyone call themselves a guru, but I've seen plenty of people throw that label at someone else.

Thanks

Signature

Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3278260].message }}

randoggle

13 years ago

That was funny .

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3278988].message }}

PatrickBrianONeill

13 years ago

You forgot the false scarcity!

I ABSOLUTELY hate when I see "only 37 - 22 - 13 copies left!" then see the same thing a month later, and I check on Clickbank and the gravity is 300!

And there are some pretty otherwise honorable big names doing it.

I had a scarcity tag in my signature here on the forum recently, and when all the spots were gone, I took it down.

I had 3 people contact me IMMEDIATELY and ask me what the heck happened!

They were so used to getting lied to, they expected me to be lying about the quantity, and they were fine with that!

Unreal

Thanks

Signature

PatrickBrianONeill.com

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3302131].message }}

PatrickBrianONeill

13 years ago

One that I feel I have to point out that has not been covered is the fake WF referral.

You have seen it, and it goes something like this...

1 - Someone with about 7 posts and a WF user name like "John Lymens" offers a WSO or Service and they pitch their product and how great it is, misspellings and grammatical errors abound, and it is an article-based offer.

2 - They don't sell any.

3 - Then, out of the blue someone who has 1 post (the one you are reading) named "Jane Wymans" chimes in with, "This offer very good. I buyed it just now. Wow! It has great to value the you. If anyone want to buy, do now before price goes up, and you miss out on this offer that crazy value offers!"

If you haven't seen this, you just might not have looked at the WSOs as frequently as I do, but come on, guys!

Try a little harder!

And the names I used were chosen just to illustrate that the "referring WF member" and the "offering WF member" will have names that are culturally or phonetically incredibly similar, and the writing styles of the two will be dead on exact.

I did not use actual WF names, nor was I referring to any specific WF member.

Please, if you want my money, at least give it a decent effort!

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

PatrickBrianONeill.com

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3302343].message }}

GlobalTrader 13 years ago

I agree with all 10, however, there is one that I have seen repeated to the point of driving me insane - "Killin It".

Maybe because I am an old man this term rubs me the wrong way as it may be something that is used quite frequently in the "younger" generation but irregardless used WAY too OFTEN and WAY too many times, especially in videos.
- Thanks
Signature

GlobalTrader
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3302710].message }}

Biggy Fat

13 years ago

Don't forget about all the "push button", "autopilot", "automated", "server crushing traffic" or all of that other BS that goes with it.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3303035].message }}

Top 10 Things Marketers Say That Annoy Me

Trending Topics

Newbie

How did you turn it all around?

A healthy fascination for Hollywood...

Any thoughts on golf's latest phenom...Scottie Scheffler??

What's the Best IM-Related Skill to Learn Today That Can Help in the Future?