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To All The Poor People...

by max5ty
47 replies
I'm about to give you some advice that could change your life. It can easily make you a fortune in as little as 30 days. What you do with this information is up to you...you can try it and succeed, or you can knock it and continue being broke. The choice is yours.

Before you say, "What's this have to do with copywriting?", let me explain. You'll need a little ingenuity to come up with the content.

First: I've always wondered why some sit around trying to drum up business for their copywriting empire (lol). If you're as good at copywriting as you say, create your own product. Start making some serious cash. Unless of course you're looking to build a name for yourself...in that case, carry on.

Anyways...

"Bob" was talking to me one night at a get together, and was telling me about this website he was running that listed all the lottery numbers, both past and present. I asked him if he had it monetized -- he said he was selling an ebook with all the past lottery statistics but wasn't doing that well with sales. Knowing I was in marketing, he asked me for some advice. I told him to go "local".

Big tip here: No matter what you're doing on the internet...even if it's selling your copywriting services...you've got a whole world right outside your door that you should focus on...you'll find a treasure of wealth.

"How can I go local", Bob asked. "Simple, sell your info in booklets".

Now, before you start your tirade about how you've seen stuff on the net about booklets...let me say this. I was a big supporter of booklets before the internet ever came to be. I did a post when I first started posting here about a booklet I had done as a "contest" with some friends and made around $20,000.00 in 30 days. This stuff works.

Do a booklet and you're an author. Do a booklet and you've got some credibility. Do a booklet and get wealthy.

Back to the details...

Bob asked if I'd take him on as a client. No, I wouldn't. I was doing a lot of work at the time for some other clients and didn't have the time. I did tell him I'd give him some advice. Here's what I offered:

(I'm going to edit some of this advice because the tools I suggested then are even better now)

1. Download some software that lets you create books. The reason special software is required is because books print out differently than other things. Page 1 may print the same time as page 40 (example).

Tip: Adobe InDesign is an expensive program, but you can download the trial version to use for 30 days free of charge. It does all the things the paid version does...it doesn't include watermarks, etc. You only need 30 days, right?

2. Print out about 20 booklets.

3. Time to get orders. Go around to all the carry-outs, etc. in your local area...ask them if you can sell your booklet. Offer them .50 cents for each booklet sold. It's a win-win for them.

Tip: My suggestion (that he adopted) was a simple cover with a big bold print title. The back was a short but catchy few paragraphs that excited the typical "lottery" buyer.

Some stores needed a UPC label or they wouldn't sell them. Well, I was busy but did some research. There's sites on the net where you could purchase UPC labels rather cheaply and they'd send them to you in label form if you wanted. Problem solved.

Tip: Don't let little problems derail your whole idea. Enough research and ingenuity can usually overcome any problem.

So far, the whole booklet was produced rather cheaply. The labels were cheap...can't remember the cost...but it wasn't much.

Next: Now that he he had the orders...time to get the booklets printed. He went to the local printers...they wanted a fortune. He would have to charge too much for the booklet to cover the costs.

Solved: There was a site on the internet that offered low cost printing. He went with them. There's so much competition out there for printing that you can get some good deals...more than the choices you had in the past.

Conclusion: Bob made a fortune...he went on to author some other booklets. One was about Bingo...he cleaned up.

You CAN do the same thing. All it takes is a little work.

Now, back to the part about being a copywriter...

...imagine the titles you could come up with?

101 Ways To Look 10 Years Younger

101 Ways To Cure Back Pain

101 Ways To...

Get it?

Hopefully your creative juices are flowing.

Now go and make some money!
#people #poor
  • Profile picture of the author KingOfContentMarketing
    Good stuff, really good stuff. (Johnny Carson reference for you youngins.) I have InDesign and it works well. For a cheaper option check out ClickBook.com.

    Brochure Printing, Book Printing, Catalog Printing, PDF Software

    I think it's around $50. You can use MS Word or whatever word processor. When you go to print, you select Clickbook as the printer. Then you set up your layout, pages, etc. It prints all the pages in the layout you need to make into booklets, books, flyers, tri-folds, etc. I've used it to build several booklets I sell locally and it works like a charm.

    If you don't want to go the booklet route, I'm also building a brand of short reports on Kindle. It's a similar concept to booklets without needing to worry about printing and everything. Try doing both. People love useful short reports and booklets.
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    - Jack Trout
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    • Profile picture of the author max5ty
      Originally Posted by Joe Ditzel View Post

      Good stuff, really good stuff. (Johnny Carson reference for you youngins.) I have InDesign and it works well. For a cheaper option check out ClickBook.com.

      Brochure Printing, Book Printing, Catalog Printing, PDF Software

      I think it's around $50. You can use MS Word or whatever word processor. When you go to print, you select Clickbook as the printer. Then you set up your layout, pages, etc. It prints all the pages in the layout you need to make into booklets, books, flyers, tri-folds, etc. I've used it to build several booklets I sell locally and it works like a charm.

      If you don't want to go the booklet route, I'm also building a brand of short reports on Kindle. It's a similar concept to booklets without needing to worry about printing and everything. Try doing both. People love useful short reports and booklets.
      Thanks for the comment Joe...

      ...funny you should say that.

      Was just talking to someone yesterday that was "cleaning up" with kindle.

      I'll admit I don't know a lot about kindle...but I guess there's a whole nother world there that has unbelievable potential.
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      • Profile picture of the author KingOfContentMarketing
        Originally Posted by max5ty View Post

        I'll admit I don't know a lot about kindle...but I guess there's a whole nother world there that has unbelievable potential.
        One cool thing about Kindle is you can try a concept quickly and see if there is any initial buzz.

        For my short reports line on Kindle I'm building a brand so that eventually I can take it to national retail chains. The reports are sized to fit into those counter-top display racks that turn and hold sheet music or 8.5 x 11 booklets. Similar to postcard racks but bigger.

        You could go the other way, too. Build a successful booklet locally and then put them up on Kindle and Barnes and Noble. Or sell it locally and online at the same time.
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        Marketing is not a battle of products. It is a battle of perceptions.
        - Jack Trout
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    • Profile picture of the author CathyAnn
      Originally Posted by Joe Ditzel View Post

      Good stuff, really good stuff. (Johnny Carson reference for you youngins.) I have InDesign and it works well. For a cheaper option check out ClickBook.com.

      Brochure Printing, Book Printing, Catalog Printing, PDF Software

      I think it's around $50. You can use MS Word or whatever word processor. When you go to print, you select Clickbook as the printer. Then you set up your layout, pages, etc. It prints all the pages in the layout you need to make into booklets, books, flyers, tri-folds, etc. I've used it to build several booklets I sell locally and it works like a charm.

      If you don't want to go the booklet route, I'm also building a brand of short reports on Kindle. It's a similar concept to booklets without needing to worry about printing and everything. Try doing both. People love useful short reports and booklets.
      Thanks so much, Joe. This is exactly what I've been looking for to get my booklets done. Big hug to you!
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
    Just a thought if you do what our good friend Max suggested.

    It won't take long before you'll have a list of "titles".

    Now, rather than sell them through retailers who'll want a significant cut.

    Print up some phenomenal Flyers and distribute them around the best neighbourhoods.

    And get stacks of orders and much higher profits.


    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author max5ty
      Originally Posted by Steve The Copywriter View Post

      Just a thought if you do what our good friend Max suggested.

      It won't take long before you'll have a list of "titles".

      Now, rather than sell them through retailers who'll want a significant cut.

      Print up some phenomenal Flyers and distribute them around the best neighbourhoods.

      And get stacks of orders and much higher profits.


      Steve
      Steve, have you tried this? Just curious.

      Wondering if all the work of handing out fliers would justify the ends.

      I've done the flier thing for a security business...but never thought about it to sell booklets. Interesting thought.
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      • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
        Originally Posted by max5ty View Post

        Steve, have you tried this? Just curious.

        Wondering if all the work of handing out fliers would justify the ends.

        I've done the flier thing for a security business...but never thought about it to sell booklets. Interesting thought.


        Max,

        I did it for very specific "household guide" about 5 years ago.

        And the results were excellent. The client is still doing them and making a very comfortable living.

        It really is a lot less hassle and work delivering Flyers than it is trying to persuade retailers to merchandise and "sell" the booklets or guides. And then dealing with the money, commissions and paperwork.

        The profits are significantly higher - because the costs are dramatically lower.


        Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author KingOfContentMarketing
    Don't worry if a booklet doesn't sell at first. Give it some time, and if it is still not moving try the old trick of just changing the title.
    Signature
    Marketing is not a battle of products. It is a battle of perceptions.
    - Jack Trout
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    • Profile picture of the author mulesmurf
      Originally Posted by Joe Ditzel View Post

      Don't worry if a booklet doesn't sell at first. Give it some time, and if it is still not moving try the old trick of just changing the title.
      Cool Booklet Idea Here:
      I recently got a book called "Cashvertising"...by Drew Whitman. In it the writer discusses an old time booklet Guru named Haldeman Julius. This guy sold more booklets than anyone, like 200 Million! (At 5 cents apiece!)

      Before he printed he used several DIFFERENT titles for his booklets. He found the ones that more people were interested in, and printed THAT ONE!

      He had placed ads for several different titles for the same book, and found people Preferred one title over another in EVERY INSTANCE! He was doing Title Split testing in 1920!!!

      OMG! I have a Quit Smoking DVD called Coach Quit. Maybe that title sucks? But how else would I know!

      I JUST GAVE MYSELF A TIP!!!

      Try it out guys,
      ~Mulesmurf
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
    You had a post similar to this one that you deleted.

    Still good, relevant information though.
    Signature

    Do you want a 9 figure copywriter and biz owner to Write With You? I'll work with you, on zoom, to help write your copy or client copy... while you learn from one of the few copywriters to legit hit 9 figures in gross sales! Discover More

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    • Profile picture of the author max5ty
      Originally Posted by Mark Pescetti View Post

      You had a post similar to this one that you deleted.

      Still good, relevant information though.
      I talked about the original post in the post I just did.

      I found out there was someone selling the info through an ebook.

      I deleted the post...probably shouldn't have...but I did.

      I went into a lot more detail in the other post. If someone wants more info, I'll be happy to share it with them.
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  • Profile picture of the author KingOfContentMarketing
    Another thought, it's tough to get booklets into some of the bigger chains. But there are a bunch of outlets you may not think of. For example, there are distributors that specialize in selling to truck stops. Get a good booklet into one of the top truck stop chains in the US and you can make some dough.
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    - Jack Trout
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  • Profile picture of the author KingOfContentMarketing
    OK, one more thought. It will help with local retailers if your pitch includes a little display box. Otherwise, they never know really know how to display the booklets, especially if they don't sell them normally. You can buy the display boxes separately. They can be branded but now you are getting into some cash. Just depends if the profit margin allows it.
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    - Jack Trout
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    • Profile picture of the author max5ty
      Originally Posted by Joe Ditzel View Post

      OK, one more thought. It will help with local retailers if your pitch includes a little display box. Otherwise, they never know really know how to display the booklets, especially if they don't sell them normally. You can buy the display boxes separately. They can be branded but now you are getting into some cash. Just depends if the profit margin allows it.
      The whole "display" thing was a headache...

      ...but

      Here's what we finally did...

      Some stores would just lay them on the counter...for others...Bob bought the little plastic do hickeys that would allow you to hang them on a vertical rod...like most stores have to display certain items...especially carry-outs.

      Always have your product at eye level...works wonders.

      Most don't realize it, but there's a whole long line of training around how and where to display your product in the store...lots of "favors" are done to get the product in the "buying" zone.
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      • Profile picture of the author KingOfContentMarketing
        Originally Posted by max5ty View Post


        Most don't realize it, but there's a whole long line of training around how and where to display your product in the store...lots of "favors" are done to get the product in the "buying" zone.
        I just borrowed a Kindle book from the library called "Why Customers Really Buy." One of the authors got a job as head of business development for ABC Radio (the network owned stations major markets).

        It was considered by others to be just a stepping-stone job because the network could not approach advertising agencies due to agreements with the national radio reps. Instead, she went right to the top Fortune 500 advertisers and asked them where there pain points were. Number one answer: they needed to get into more retail stores and get better display positioning.

        Long story short (too late), she worked co-op deals that got the advertisers into new stores with premium positions if they advertised on ABC Radio. They ended up creating a new division around her sales team.
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        - Jack Trout
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        • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
          Banned
          Marcus...

          Sometimes you're a bloody pain in the arse.

          Other times you're a bloody genius.

          Talk about simple.

          Hmmm... mind if I come with a little idea as well?

          How about a little friendly competition? Any copywriter, in fact anyone can join in and given 45 days time, starting this Sunday, we'll see who won with the most number of sales and profit employing this idea.

          Just throwing the idea out there.

          Who's in?


          Mark Andrews
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          • Profile picture of the author max5ty
            Originally Posted by Mark Andrews View Post

            Marcus...

            Sometimes you're a bloody pain in the arse.

            Other times you're a bloody genius.

            Talk about simple.

            Hmmm... mind if I come with a little idea as well?

            How about a little friendly competition? Any copywriter, in fact anyone can join in and given 45 days time, starting this Sunday, we'll see who won with the most number of sales and profit employing this idea.

            Just throwing the idea out there.

            Who's in?


            Mark Andrews
            Mark, thanks for the comment.

            I doubt however many will try this. Remember the old saying about giving people a fish, and they eat for a day...teach people to fish and they eat for a lifetime?

            The "Dark Concept" was originated in the late 30's because some understood most wouldn't take the time to fish. The concept is still one of the most guarded secrets in the ad/marketing world. It's a genius of an idea. A handful of very successful copywriters use it.

            True story: I knew someone that was trying to do some b2b marketing in a particular city. They couldn't seem to break through the ice to achieve big results. I told them about the booklet thing. Even told them the subject to write about (nothing at all about what they were selling). They became almost an instant success. Doors opened for them that they never could have realized.

            I know this isn't the only way...there are others. This is just one idea you can use.

            Hopefully everyone is enjoying their weekend.
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    • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
      You might be able to benefit from the documentation on how 100 million little booklets were sold just by their titles.

      You can get a free copy here...http://brittlebooks.library.illinois...0001firhun.pdf

      Best,
      Ewen
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
    ...so I just nipped down to the local store to pick up a newspaper and there they were.

    2 dozen booklets with a rather explicit graphic of a gorgeous topless lady sitting in the drivers seat next to a chap with a huge smile.

    With an intriguing title -

    "How To Reverse Your Motor Home - Without Hitting The Bollards" by M Andrews.

    I think there was a slight typo - "Bollards" was misspelt and reads "Bollocks"

    Anyway - 3 copies have already been sold.


    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author max5ty
      Originally Posted by Steve The Copywriter View Post

      ...so I just nipped down to the local store to pick up a newspaper and there they were.

      2 dozen booklets with a rather explicit graphic of a gorgeous topless lady sitting in the drivers seat next to a chap with a huge smile.

      They have an intriguing title -

      "How To Reverse Your Motor Home - Without Hitting The Bollards" by M Andrews.

      I think there was a slight typo - "Bollards" was misspelt and reads "Bollocks"

      Anyway - 3 copies have already been sold.


      Steve
      Was the cover an obvious Photoshop set up?

      Just kidding...your post was funny though.

      I do hope Mark success if he tries this. I have no doubt he can do it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
    ...well the cover looked genuine.

    When I said "gorgeous topless lady" maybe I should have said "gorgeous 58 year old topless lady"

    She looks good for her age - and gravity has been extremely kind to her.

    I'm not sure if her hand was on the gear stick or... thankfully that bit was photoshopped out.


    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
    First, a question. (and thanks to Max for the subject).

    Question...How many of you copywriters have a booklet for your business? One you can send in the mail, or a pdf to be downloaded? Just wondering if anyone is using a booklet to promote either their Writing or Copywriting Service?

    Next, before the case study... a link to the booklet Baroness Paulette Ensign
    Tips Business Booklets Small Business Promotion Publicity Paulette Ensign Business Card

    Great stuff from Paulette.

    Case Study. How to Give Away Free Booklets to Build a Business.

    Late 80's. I had over 1200 registered members for my golf training program. I had 5 PGA pros on payroll including 2 Master PGA guys and 3 who had played on the Tour.

    I was getting 50 bux for 45 minute training session.
    Most golfers didn't know what or how to think on the course.
    Developed a seminar, Think And Reach Par.
    Charged 50 bux for the hour seminar.
    Class of 10 per each seminar. Had a waiting list.

    Recorded seminar on cassette.
    Sold cassette.
    Developed small booklet which could be attached to the golf bag.

    OK. I gave away the booklets to local golf shops. They could sell them if they wanted and some did for 4.95. Others used as a FREEBIE.

    The booklet contained my TARP system. Every page had my phone number on it where the page number usually goes on the bottom middle.

    By giving away the booklets, it increased my business by about 22%.

    Developed another workshop, How to Play an Unknown Golf Course like a Big Bux Pro. Repeated above process.

    These cassettes were later turned into CD's and they did very well for me.

    While doing this, I had several Entrepreneurs on my roster. They loved the booklet idea. Wound up developing several give away booklets for them to use and they paid a lot more than they paid for a golf lesson, that's for sure.

    So, an easy ADD ON Profit Center for your Writing/Copywriting Business is to offer up a booklet creation.

    From the original Booklet, Think And Reach Par, I created a one page HOTSHEET which was cut in half twice and with a shower curtain hook, was a nice premium I gave away. The HOTSHEET was laminated and hooked onto the golf bag.

    I also got permission to run ads at various holes on local courses, this turned into a nice sideline.

    I had local pros develop HOTSHEETS for their courses, giving tips on how to best score on "Their" course. Each HOTSHEET had the local pro's name on it...and it helped his teaching business too.

    So, Thinkers...how could YOU use a booklet or a Hotsheet to increase your business? Any ideas?

    Jimmy Krug made a very quick 100 grand (as I remember) creating booklets for Credit Unions.

    Almost every business which advertisers could be a renewable customer for you if you can help them get more customers....and consider the lowly booklet...think of it as a Mini-Magalog for the business. They work.

    gjabiz




    Originally Posted by max5ty View Post

    I'm about to give you some advice that could change your life. It can easily make you a fortune in as little as 30 days. What you do with this information is up to you...you can try it and succeed, or you can knock it and continue being broke. The choice is yours.

    Before you say, "What's this have to do with copywriting?", let me explain. You'll need a little ingenuity to come up with the content.

    First: I've always wondered why some sit around trying to drum up business for their copywriting empire (lol). If you're as good at copywriting as you say, create your own product. Start making some serious cash. Unless of course you're looking to build a name for yourself...in that case, carry on.

    Anyways...

    "Bob" was talking to me one night at a get together, and was telling me about this website he was running that listed all the lottery numbers, both past and present. I asked him if he had it monetized -- he said he was selling an ebook with all the past lottery statistics but wasn't doing that well with sales. Knowing I was in marketing, he asked me for some advice. I told him to go "local".

    Big tip here: No matter what you're doing on the internet...even if it's selling your copywriting services...you've got a whole world right outside your door that you should focus on...you'll find a treasure of wealth.

    "How can I go local", Bob asked. "Simple, sell your info in booklets".

    Now, before you start your tirade about how you've seen stuff on the net about booklets...let me say this. I was a big supporter of booklets before the internet ever came to be. I did a post when I first started posting here about a booklet I had done as a "contest" with some friends and made around $20,000.00 in 30 days. This stuff works.

    Do a booklet and you're an author. Do a booklet and you've got some credibility. Do a booklet and get wealthy.

    Back to the details...

    Bob asked if I'd take him on as a client. No, I wouldn't. I was doing a lot of work at the time for some other clients and didn't have the time. I did tell him I'd give him some advice. Here's what I offered:

    (I'm going to edit some of this advice because the tools I suggested then are even better now)

    1. Download some software that lets you create books. The reason special software is required is because books print out differently than other things. Page 1 may print the same time as page 40 (example).

    Tip: Adobe InDesign is an expensive program, but you can download the trial version to use for 30 days free of charge. It does all the things the paid version does...it doesn't include watermarks, etc. You only need 30 days, right?

    2. Print out about 20 booklets.

    3. Time to get orders. Go around to all the carry-outs, etc. in your local area...ask them if you can sell your booklet. Offer them .50 cents for each booklet sold. It's a win-win for them.

    Tip: My suggestion (that he adopted) was a simple cover with a big bold print title. The back was a short but catchy few paragraphs that excited the typical "lottery" buyer.

    Some stores needed a UPC label or they wouldn't sell them. Well, I was busy but did some research. There's sites on the net where you could purchase UPC labels rather cheaply and they'd send them to you in label form if you wanted. Problem solved.

    Tip: Don't let little problems derail your whole idea. Enough research and ingenuity can usually overcome any problem.

    So far, the whole booklet was produced rather cheaply. The labels were cheap...can't remember the cost...but it wasn't much.

    Next: Now that he he had the orders...time to get the booklets printed. He went to the local printers...they wanted a fortune. He would have to charge too much for the booklet to cover the costs.

    Solved: There was a site on the internet that offered low cost printing. He went with them. There's so much competition out there for printing that you can get some good deals...more than the choices you had in the past.

    Conclusion: Bob made a fortune...he went on to author some other booklets. One was about Bingo...he cleaned up.

    You CAN do the same thing. All it takes is a little work.

    Now, back to the part about being a copywriter...

    ...imagine the titles you could come up with?

    101 Ways To Look 10 Years Younger

    101 Ways To Cure Back Pain

    101 Ways To...

    Get it?

    Hopefully your creative juices are flowing.

    Now go and make some money!
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  • Profile picture of the author The Copy Nazi
    Banned
    This is all just penny-ante stuff. Why would you do booklets and go around to stores begging for them to be displayed...when you can just create an online product and blast it out to millions worldwide? Far less hassle.

    Or create a Mobile App - that's where quick fortunes are being made. Not this old-school crap. You kidding me?
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
      Banned
      Originally Posted by The Copy Nazi View Post

      This is all just penny-ante stuff. Why would you do booklets and go around to stores begging for them to be displayed...when you can just create an online product and blast it out to millions worldwide? Far less hassle.

      Or create a Mobile App - that's where quick fortunes are being made. Not this old-school crap. You kidding me?
      Why would you do booklets?

      Because a massive number of people believe it or not hate computers and especially the Internet. More people than you might imagine. And even if they are somewhat familiar with the net, most people haven't got a clue how to find the information they're looking for online.

      So this strategy is a good way to get a foot in the door to reach a large audience of people who you wouldn't otherwise be able to reach.

      For example for local businesses you could easily put together a guide...

      How to
      Reach More
      Potential Customers
      Online

      Keep the written content extraordinarily simple and easy to understand including links to sites or tools online which they can use to fulfill their objective.

      Essentially this idea is a snowball effect, it's an add-on to whatever online marketing you're doing. The two strategies each complimenting the other. Where you're not getting sales online you might get quite a few more offline and vice versa.

      Did you click on my supplied link above?

      Here it is again, read it through completely - it might just give you a few more ideas...

      tips for self-publishing - making money from home - home-based business ideas

      Smoking hot,


      Mark Andrews
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    • Profile picture of the author max5ty
      Originally Posted by The Copy Nazi View Post

      This is all just penny-ante stuff. Why would you do booklets and go around to stores begging for them to be displayed...when you can just create an online product and blast it out to millions worldwide? Far less hassle.

      Or create a Mobile App - that's where quick fortunes are being made. Not this old-school crap. You kidding me?
      Dear Mr. Lambe

      Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns. I have forwarded a copy of your post to our customer relations department.

      Please be assured, we have and always will honor our "Till you quit b!tchin guarantee". Therefore, a full refund in the amount of 0.00 will be deposited into your pay pal account within 7 to 14 business minutes.

      I thought I had made it very clear a couple of times that this wasn't for everyone. Evidently you're one of the everyone.

      This was only offered as an option that some may find useful. It has been tried and it does work.

      Sorry for any inconvenience.

      Your friend Max5ty
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      • Profile picture of the author The Copy Nazi
        Banned
        Originally Posted by max5ty View Post

        Dear Mr. Lambe

        Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns. I have forwarded a copy of your post to our customer relations department.

        Please be assured, we have and always will honor our "Till you quit b!tchin guarantee". Therefore, a full refund in the amount of 0.00 will be deposited into your pay pal account within 7 to 14 business minutes.

        I thought I had made it very clear a couple of times that this wasn't for everyone. Evidently you're one of the everyone.

        This was only offered as an option that some may find useful. It has been tried and it does work.

        Sorry for any inconvenience.

        Your friend Max5ty
        Not at all. You start your missive with
        I'm about to give you some advice that could change your life. It can easily make you a fortune in as little as 30 days.
        Dream on. But then I suppose it comes down to what you call "a fortune".
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    • Profile picture of the author CathyAnn
      Originally Posted by The Copy Nazi View Post

      This is all just penny-ante stuff. Why would you do booklets and go around to stores begging for them to be displayed...when you can just create an online product and blast it out to millions worldwide? Far less hassle.

      Or create a Mobile App - that's where quick fortunes are being made. Not this old-school crap. You kidding me?
      My, my, my... check out Paulette Ensign and discover how she makes a very nice living with booklets. There's much more to it than going to stores. The big money is in licensing them. I know a pretty good number of people who don't do this new fangled stuff called apps. They like to hold things in their hands.

      But, don't you worry yourself about. I know how to hit the booklet market and Paulette taught me how. You do the apps and I'll do the booklets. Deal?
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      • Profile picture of the author The Copy Nazi
        Banned
        Originally Posted by CathyAnn View Post

        My, my, my... check out Paulette Ensign and discover how she makes a very nice living with booklets. There's much more to it than going to stores. The big money is in licensing them. I know a pretty good number of people who don't do this new fangled stuff called apps. They like to hold things in their hands.

        But, don't you worry yourself about. I know how to hit the booklet market and Paulette taught me how. You do the apps and I'll do the booklets. Deal?
        I checked out her old-fashioned site. And her offer. And the "success stories" of people making zip. But Madam Paulette is probably doing quite nicely selling a $97 downloadable ebook on "How to Promote Your Business With Booklets". Anyone else see the irony in that?
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  • Profile picture of the author max5ty
    Thanks Gordon for the added advice. Thank you Mark for the compliment.

    Here's a couple more little tips you might find helpful if you're doing this.

    I found it best to keep the booklets to around 40 pages. Most don't buy a booklet expecting it to be a whole "War And Peace" type of reading. Saddle stitching is what's used on most booklets. That's where there's a couple staples holding it all together. Too many pages and you'll need to go to a more expensive stitching.

    Have an even number of pages.

    The booklet I talked about in the original post...I did this way:

    I took an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper and set it up so I was printing 2 pages on each sheet. In other words each sheet printed was printing 2 number 1 pages and 2 number 40 pages, etc. Then I would cut the pages in half...it gave me two booklets. I had the price down to around .50 cents per booklet. You'll want to experiment with your booklet size.

    I used Pages Plus for the book above. Now they charge for the program. I since found Adobe Indesign and liked it.

    You can get creative with the cover if you like. My idea was always something simple. I.E. big bold headline.

    You will also need to decide if you want the booklet in all black and white, or if you want to add color. Color of course adds to the printing price. Most sites on the internet let you put in all your requirements and they'll give you a free quote. You can play around with the options and see which one's fit into your price range.

    The same approach publishers use on the big books can be used on booklets. You have about 3 seconds to capture their attention with the cover...then about 8 seconds on the back.

    There are instances, depending on the subject of your booklet, you can sell advertising to help offset the printing costs, etc. Something you can consider.

    I'm not the best at punctuation...in case you didn't notice. I knew a retired English teacher that proofread my booklet. I gave her a little bit for each booklet sold. A lot of the online printers offer proofreading services. I'm not sure what they charge, but it's an option you can look into.

    You will want to test your price for the booklet...unless of course you're giving them away. I think the $4.95 to $5.95 ranges is a pretty good start.

    You can have a lot of fun doing this. The hardest part will be learning the program you're planning on using. The one I mentioned will take a couple days to get the hang of it, but after that you'll probably know enough to get going.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
    I'm guessing the people who hate the inter web the most are the elderly.

    Say the over 60's. Who probably dream about the "good old" low tech days.

    They can also be the most affluent consumers.

    Mortgage paid off, kids married and a good safe pension.

    And...

    Time.

    They want to do stuff (not computer based) - so a "booklet" with the right info aimed at this audience could do extremely well.


    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
    There are infinite ways to make money - whether it's on or offline.

    All of the OP's "101" examples can be online ebooks, guides or systems - just as easy as offline booklets.

    Just like anything...

    All that's required is impeccable positioning and a thirsty marketplace.

    That's all.

    Mark

    P.S. I do agree that copywriters should be developing and selling their own products, instead of constantly looking for gigs. It's hard to be taken seriously by potential clients if you aren't actively producing passive income. Don't limit yourself to written products through (i.e. books, booklets, ebooks, reports, guides, etc.)
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    • Profile picture of the author Jeremey
      I have to admit I'm a little mystified at the concept...I notice many of you posting are from the UK - Is this more of a UK phenomenon? Because in the US, I can't tell you a single convenience store, grocery store, music store or bookstore in the past decade at least that has had handmade booklets for sale on their counters or anywhere else in their store.

      I can't get my head around the idea of making $20,000 in 30 days with this idea. At $3.95 per book (probably a high price point for a handmade or printed on the cheap booklet), that's still over 150 booklets sold every day -- Not including any commission paid to the retailer... From where?

      I've travelled about 200 days a year for the past several years all over the US and haven't seen anything like this in any of my travels. I would love to move on an idea I have for a booklet, but the labor of traveling all over the region or nation like a door to door salesman trying to get mom and pop stores (which are virtually extinct) to carry my $3.95 booklet in hopes of even selling 150 copies per MONTH (probably more sales than 99% of any author pitching a book with a national distribution company) doesn't seem like a real surefire way of getting anywhere...

      I'm not saying "this isn't an idea for me," and I should move along...I'm just wondering how in the world something like this could work in the era of national chains where distributors spend millions on getting their work stocked in a retailer and even more trying to get it placed.
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      • Profile picture of the author KingOfContentMarketing
        Originally Posted by Jeremey View Post

        Because in the US, I can't tell you a single convenience store, grocery store, music store or bookstore in the past decade at least that has had handmade booklets for sale on their counters or anywhere else in their store.
        Think beyond booklets, call it small form factor publishing. In that context, you see a ton of it. Every bookstore has gobs of those mini-books at the counter, ready for impulse buys: Here is an example:


        Shania Twain: Michael-Anne Johns: 9780836231557:...Shania Twain: Michael-Anne Johns: 9780836231557:...

        At computer chains like Fry's they sell lots of laminated reference guides like this one:


        Microsoft Excel 2010 Introduction Quick Reference...Microsoft Excel 2010 Introduction Quick Reference...

        You wouldn't have to go around setting up displays at mom and pops. Call the regional manager of national or regional stores and give them your pitch. It helps to have a local angle. They are always looking for high-quality local products.

        Or, a Gordon suggested, you can use them as added value. Or you can send them along with a "stick letter." For example, let's say you sell expensive handmade ties. Include a guide with the stick letter that shows the different ways to tie a tie.

        Tie a tie? Sounds like a Hawaiian dish of some kind. "Yes, I'll have the Tie-A-Tie and a beer."
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        • Profile picture of the author Jeremey
          Thanks Steve & Joe...good points, I'm still skeptical about retail penetration opportunities in the US. Maybe I'm jaded because I've had experience with independent music production and found no distribution outlets other than paid distribution and used CD shops - then again in music the market is digital.

          I've had ideas for a couple of good booklets over the past few years but haven't seen where the retail opportunties were...even small retailers treat every last inch of their stores as profit centers, and space doesn't come cheap.

          I've wondered, if the idea for the booklet is strong, considering the work (and expense) that goes into offline printing (I still can't see home inkjet printing as a viable option to retail), why not approach an independent publisher and let them handle the retail? Small 5 figure advances are pretty common for good ideas and if you have a good platform (your own online marketing efforts), a good publisher is going to want in on the action.

          I will keep my eyes open over the next few weeks to see where the market is here in my local area....thanks for the advice!
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          • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
            Banned
            Thing is...

            If the idea is not for you then it's not for you but...

            There's no need to pour cold water on other peoples imagination how to bring information products to market.

            Isn't this what a copywriter is supposed to be? A marketer / copywriter after all? So thinking outside the box - I see no reason why this shouldn't work with a little ingenuity.

            If it's not for you, fair enough don't do it, move along, find your itch with something else which does work for you.

            But for everyone else who can see something in this, then I say... go for it and don't let anyone tell you it can't be done.

            There's always going to be individuals who tell you your idea is silly or stupid or not worth pursuing and if you only ever listen to these negative comments, well, nothing in this world would ever get created out of ideas.

            Everything starts with ideas and having the willpower, the persistence, and the willingness to adapt your business model to the local environment, will if your head is screwed on, will pay handsome dividends eventually.

            Question is... how ingenious are you? Are you an information marketer or not?

            For some the world is full of possibilities, doors opening and opportunity galore.

            For others the world is full of pessimism, doors closing, getting old, decrepit and jaded in ones thinking.

            Now thing is... do you want to move ahead with the times or forever stay stagnant unwilling to try something new? Online, offline - whatever you want to do is up to you. If at first you don't succeed, try, try, and try again. Persistence will always get you there eventually.

            Of course there's always going to be more failures than winners but if you don't try how would you know which camp you fall in to? And who knows? You might just stumble upon a really good in demand niche for which booklet self publishing complimented by an online digital information product really pays off. Hitting two birds with one stone.

            You'll never know until you take the first step and start taking action.

            Smoking hot,


            Mark Andrews
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            • Profile picture of the author The Copy Nazi
              Banned
              Originally Posted by Mark Andrews View Post


              For others the world is full of pessimism, doors closing, getting old, decrepit and jaded in ones thinking.
              Listen to you. Making ageism attacks. The kids might look at you and think "Old...burnt out...never had a hit".

              "Doors closing" - if only you knew how wrong you are. I have so many doors opening it's sometimes difficult to know which one to go through.

              "Jaded in ones thinking". Nope. But I know a dud idea when I see one. From a long career in Marketing, Advertising, Publishing and Radio.

              But this is the best bit -
              Now thing is... do you want to move ahead with the times or forever stay stagnant unwilling to try something new?
              Ah...no...I'll stick with printing my crappy little booklets and trying to get outlets to carry them.

              I would encourage any new copywriter or marketer to go with their BIG IDEAS. If they bomb you can always fall back on your smaller ideas. But what you don't want is to be looking back when you're older...sitting in your solar-powered second-hand van by the river...thinking "That was a good idea...why didn't I go for it?"

              But either way - "If you think you can - you're right. If you think you can't - you're also right".
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
    Jeremey,

    It's not a UK thing, you rarely see any "booklets" here.

    And there's the irony...

    The potential is as big as you could ever want it to be.

    The inter web is crammed full of stuff that most people will never see or buy.

    But place the right product in the best place where people can see it - and they will buy.


    Steve


    P.S. Maybe $20,000 in 30 days is a bit of a push selling "booklets" - but it can build up to that figure.

    It means selling 169 booklets a day @ $3.95. Lets say the retailer wants 40% and the other costs are 17%. So the sales have to be 266 booklets a day to net $20,000 a month.

    Very few people make $20,000 in 30 days online - it too takes a fair amount of effort.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
    ...I mentioned a few threads back - I've had a lot of success with a "Household Guide" booklet.

    (the only difference from Max's idea is, they are not sold through retailers but direct to the house-holders by Flyers)

    We thought the biggest objection that would crush us to pieces would be -

    "No, we don't need this, all the information we want is on the web"

    What people actually said was -

    "Yes, we'll buy it, because we can never find what we want on the web and this gives us all the information we need"


    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author KingOfContentMarketing
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    - Jack Trout
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
    ...it's probably safe to say that Mal is not going to be schlepping around Paris knocking out booklets on "How To Buy Your Favourite Mercedes"

    So, good news somebody else can - if they so desire.

    It's also very safe to say that I'll never invent an "App."

    Even better news - other people can and they'll do a much better production than I ever could.

    We're all in the wonderful world of copywriting/marketing.

    Just choose to do whatever you want.



    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author max5ty
      Originally Posted by Steve The Copywriter View Post

      ...it's probably safe to say that Mal is not going to be schlepping around Paris knocking out booklets on "How To Buy Your Favourite Mercedes"

      So, good news somebody else can - if they so desire.

      It's also very safe to say that I'll never invent an "App."

      Even better news - other people can and they'll do a much better production than I ever could.

      We're all in the wonderful world of copywriting/marketing.

      Just choose to do whatever you want.



      Steve
      This is true. I also like the skeptical people...makes it less crowded for those who will or are already doing this...and contrary to what some may try and lead you to believe...there are people making some serious dough with booklets.

      I did one...I didn't have any difficulty getting it into retail outlets. But, like others have mentioned above, you don't have to sell them like that. You can also create booklets to supplement your advertising, etc.

      What will probably happen though is someone will create an app that previews all the top selling booklets and Mal will shoot it out to millions on the World Wide Web...will be a win-win for everyone.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
    ...I think Mal's comments might have dislodged Marks solar panels and he may have blacked out.

    No doubt he's flickering away with his matches trying to restore the power.

    I think we can expect a frank and carefully considered reply (stretched over anything from 5 - 19 paragraphs).

    Could take a little time.


    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
    ...meanwhile for those good people left who are still captivated and enthralled with this low tech marketing wonder system.

    What's that I hear? - everybody wants an inter web empire and not those damned booklets?

    That is such a pity - anyway just in case there are a couple of you like me who find that technology has mercifully escaped them.

    Here's another idea for a booklet.

    Rather than trying to get the retailers to sell them. Give them away!

    Go around town and find out which organisations are holding "events" over the next month.

    Offer to write them spellbinding copy for a reasonable and mutually agreed fee for your copywriting prowess - which is virtually guaranteed to bring them flocks of eager people.

    They are usually startled and thrilled that you are NOT trying to sell them an Ad.

    Instead you're writing it and publishing it.

    You'll usually find there are around 20 - 30 "events" happening each month.

    Print the whole lot up into a blazingly beautiful booklet - titled something like -

    "Don't Miss Out On What's Happening in (Name the Town).

    And GIVE them to the retailers to give out free to all their customers (they don't mind doing it - they're glad to say "Here's your free guide").

    I should warn you - they work like magic.

    You'll be asked to keep doing them - month after month (the shop customers keep asking for them and the clients are delighted with the volume of people at the "events").

    And if that's not bad enough - the deliriously excited clients will insist you write more dazzling and response producing copy for their other promotions.

    Before you get a chance to say "Adwords, Penguins and Algorithms" - you'll have created an offline dynasty.


    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Bellerine
    I found this thread almost accidentally. In reading through it, I had a veritable hurricane of a brainstorming session.

    This is a venue I had not considered and I, for one, DO think it absolutely has loads of possibility. I'm excited to get started on a two-pronged campaign directly inspired by this thread.

    Thank you for taking the time to provide the information and inspiration.
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  • Profile picture of the author DianaHeuser
    Max,

    It's a great idea and something that the offline marketers recommend doing as well to get offline clients.

    The comment above about some people either not being on the internet or unable to find what they are looking for in one place makes this a feasible option.

    I have a recommendation about getting a book/booklet printed. Submit your book to CreateSpace on Amazon. Once it has been accepted, you can order printed copies at cost. These you can distribute in the method you described above.

    The last book I did for a client was a 250 page book which only cost $3 to print per copy.

    Now you have a professionally printed and bound book/booklet that you can distribute to your potential clients or outlets as well as having the book on Amazon available for sale. Double your impact by having a Kindle version as well.

    Now you have three avenues for people to get your information.

    Di
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  • Profile picture of the author Quality Copywriter
    good post man

    Tell me this though...what carry-outs? What kind of retailers are you refering to?

    thanks
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