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Your Attitude Sucks?

by max5ty
5 replies
I retired last year at the age of 50 so I don't do much work anymore except for some of my past favorite clients that call from time to time wanting to do a new ad campaign.

Marketing/copywriting/sales is still something that I follow because it's always something that's interesting to me.

It's been a great career for me...I became a millionaire at 35 and never slowed down -- till last year when I decided I wasn't taking any new work. I didn't need it.

Here's something I've noticed about copywriters.

They all have their own attitude.

Here's what I mean...

When you write a sales piece, etc., your attitude always goes into what you do...some are laid back in their approach, some are more "In your face", some use comedy, some try and shock you...while others use a subtle approach.

No matter how many courses you read...your attitude is what shapes your writing.

Young people have different approaches in attitude that are different from the older copywriters.

I've read posts from some of the "young uns" on here, and I enjoy their fresh approach to things.

My attitude towards things has always been "short and to the point".

I'm not into long sales letters if you can say it all in 2 sentences.

I've always got right to the point and asked for the sale...it's worked for me...but may not work for everyone.

No matter how much we read or study...our attitude will always shape our writing.

Some will say that it's possible to be versatile in writing...maybe...to a point...but your attitude still will eventually show.

What do you think is the best attitude to use when writing a sales piece?
#attitude
  • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
    Originally Posted by max5ty View Post

    What do you think is the best attitude to use when writing a sales piece?
    Different niches require different tones.

    For example, the tone that works in the internet marketing niche doesn't work in the get-pregnant niche.

    I find that as I prepare - looking at what's currently working and immersing myself in the details of the project - helps me get the right tone.

    Alex
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  • Profile picture of the author CopyWriteHer
    I think that there will be a "return to honesty" in sales writing, as consumers become increasingly aware of marketing techniques. Hype still works, but it's going to have to be hype with a solid foundation of truth beneath it. With the market being flooded with new products and services on a daily basis, people scramble to be different or "first", but you can only do so many variations on a thing. For that reason, I think that presenting in a conversational, raw tone will be a saving grace, allowing a marketer to connect with his audience without needing to vie for the "most original in show" title.

    I think my style is very "real", infused with sexy. That can be toned down or enhanced depending on the intended audience, but overall, that's my voice. And really, that's the thing - finding your voice and using it, as opposed to reading 100 books and trying to adopt someone else's voice. Take what you have and make it work.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
      Originally Posted by CopyWriteHer View Post

      I think that there will be a "return to honesty" in sales writing, as consumers become increasingly aware of marketing techniques. Hype still works, but it's going to have to be hype with a solid foundation of truth beneath it. With the market being flooded with new products and services on a daily basis, people scramble to be different or "first", but you can only do so many variations on a thing. For that reason, I think that presenting in a conversational, raw tone will be a saving grace, allowing a marketer to connect with his audience without needing to vie for the "most original in show" title.

      I think my style is very "real", infused with sexy. That can be toned down or enhanced depending on the intended audience, but overall, that's my voice. And really, that's the thing - finding your voice and using it, as opposed to reading 100 books and trying to adopt someone else's voice. Take what you have and make it work.
      Sorry, can't agree with the "return to honesty" idea. People won't stop being people.

      What we will continue to see is different tactics.

      A "conversational, raw tone" is simply a different tactic. And I do agree with you there... I too expect to see more and more of it.

      But as to it being a "saving grace"... nah. When it's day is done, it'll sit on the shelf of tired marketing tactics next to all the others that no longer work very well.

      Alex
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      • Profile picture of the author CopyWriteHer
        I agree that what works will change over time, but I think that one of the things that will not change is the consumer's generally raised awareness of being sold to. I think the methods we use to make sales in spite of that will have to adapt to the evolving consumer profile.
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        • Profile picture of the author ThomasOMalley
          I have always felt that you if you write with sincerity, you will do just fine.

          Your readers know when you're blowing smoke up their ass.

          I think David Ogilvy once said something to the effect of don't treat your customer like a moron...you'll pay dearly for that.

          And when I say write with sincerity, I see nothing wrong with using the persusasive tools in your arsenal.
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