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Warning: Don't Tweet, Send, or Publish Until You Read This

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 23:25:37 GMT

Image from Rafael Marchesini on sxc.hu

In the battle for your customer's attention, every second counts. You must make a lasting impression quickly, or risk getting left behind by the frantic pace.

Information flies at your customer fast. You'll be caught standing still if you don't stand out right away.

But how do you stand out for all the right reasons? How do you create marketing messages that resonate and tell your story in a way that captivates?

Before you send that Tweet, newsletter, or press release, think. Before you publish that webpage or article, run it through the checklist below. Your reputation will soar as a company that provides value in the information you send.

T.H.I.N.K.

Ask yourself:

Is this...

T - True?

Did you verify that the information you're sending is accurate? Once you post or send something, you're giving your stamp of approval that it's correct.

Don't sign off on something unless you're sure it's true. The web and social media are littered with untrue "facts" and dumb statements that will hurt your credibility if you attach your brand to them.

H - Helpful?

This is the golden rule for managing your brand on Social Media. Nobody listens to you if you're only promoting yourself. Give. Serve others. Promote the cool stuff that your peers share.

See an article that would help your network of customers and prospects? Share the love. With the rise of social media, the internet has become a place where those who share and serve win, while self-absorbed businesses get left in the dust.

On the other hand, don't share everything. Share quality information and links others post, and you'll gain a reputation for saying useful things. That's how you gain a following - by posting useful and interesting things.

The same is true for your website. Let every page speak directly to your prospect in a helpful way that shows you exist to serve him.

I - Inspiring?

Does your article inspire people that they can accomplish something worthwhile? Does that link or statement you're about to send make people excited about what's possible?

Think of your business, product, or service as a platform to inspire your customers. Make lives better. Paint the picture about happier days and sunnier skies. Show how your product fits into that sunny solution, and you'll attract people that listen, trust, and buy from you.

N - Necessary?

Do you mix business and personal information on social media? Does your website contain a bunch of information your prospect doesn't care about?

On social media, it's important to be human. But too much of a good thing can destroy your brand online. Negative comments, "venting," or spewing frustrations chase people away from you.

Don't trash your competitors. Take the high road. Be the positive influence your customers are looking for. People have to like you before they'll give you their money. Before you send that email or publish that post, ask: "Is it necessary?"

K - Kind?

Unless you have your head in the sand, you have to admit that the world is full of bad people.

Now, let me ask you a question:

How did that last statement make you feel?

Exactly.

Remember that people often decide whether to do business with you based on emotions. You want people to feel the pain deeply, so they'll want your solution badly. But consider yourself the one who soothes the pain. Don't create feelings of frustration that don't already exist in your customer's life.

Speak kindly and carefully of others - especially your competition. You're not trying to beat the other guy into submission. You're only trying to convince your prospect that your solution is better.

In sales, this can work to your advantage. Acknowledge the competition. Speak respectfully of their product, but emphasize what makes yours better.

This doesn't mean that you hide their weaknesses. Instead, you keep the focus on why you're the right choice.

Gain a reputation as someone who THINKs before he speaks - on the web, in social media, and in life. Watch the difference this makes in your number of sales, subscribers, and shares.

I want to hear from you: What's the most important lesson you've learned about communicating effectively to customers? Share your tip in the comments below.

Need content for your blog, homepage, or email list? Hire me or ask a question here.

You can follow me on Twitter: @CajunCopy

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Guide to Excellence

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 18:34:24 GMT

Photo courtesy U.S. Library of Congress

He had every reason to burn with anger.

He used the anger that burned inside of him to inspire a nation.

He changed the course of history, through a message that resonated with any person of decent moral character.

And his powerful example could inspire you today.

Dr. Martin Luther King changed a nation through his powerful message, peaceful character, and steadfast determination to stand up for what he believed in.

Today, take a few moments to let these thoughts inspire you to accomplish things that matter deeply in your sphere of influence.

"A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus. "

Thousands of businesses follow the crowd. Today, how can you set yourself apart? A passionate conviction that you're providing something valuable elevates your business. Are you driven to solve problems people desperately want solved? Only then will you become a molder of consensus.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

What matters most to you? Don't shove aside what matters most to you for what seems urgent. Speak up. Speak out. Stand up for yourself and for what you believe is right. No one else will do this for you.

"All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence."

Commit today to giving your best effort every day. Find something important to pour your heart into - something that matters. Pour your life into something big that you care deeply about, and watch what happens. The fire that fuels a life of joy is a big enough "why."

Today, think about your "why." Is it big enough?

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Stand your ground when the heat comes. Allow the examples of people like Dr. King to make you think differently about what's possible. Give yourself permission to dream big dreams and chase those dreams. When the storms come, allow those dreams to give you the courage to stand firm.

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."

What would today be like, if every thought you entertained created positive momentum?

Sometimes, it's right to get mad. But what are you going to do about it? How can you use the situation as a lesson to propel you forward? What can you improve? Who can help? How can you make it the way you want it?

Today, will you choose love instead of hate? Will you choose to do something about it, instead of complaining about the way it ought to be?

Choose to be inspired. Choose to act inspired. Choose to inspire those around you. Your attitude and actions could change the culture of your business, your family, and your community.

You might even change the course of an entire nation.

Your turn: what inspires you? What quote, thought, question, or idea could you share, that would inspire someone who reads this after you? Now's your chance to leave your mark. Share it in the comments below.

Need content for your blog, homepage, or email list? Hire me or ask a question here.

You can follow me on Twitter: @CajunCopy

How to Increase the Sales of Your Product - Without Being Sneaky or Pushy

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 01:14:42 GMT

Image courtesy ilker on sxc.hu

"I'm not a salesperson."

"I'm no good at sales."

Yes you are.

In the next 5 minutes, I'll prove it to you.

You sell every day. When you argue, debate, and discuss something with someone you disagree with, you're selling the idea that you're right.

You're selling yourself when you talk to strangers and they ask, "What do you do?"

When you post some link on Twitter or update your status on Facebook, you're selling others on the idea that what you've posted is interesting enough for them to read.

So why has "salesman" become such a dirty word?

Fear.

Fear of looking foolish. Fear of coming across as sleazy or sneaky. Fear of rejection.

But you don't always have that fear. Sometimes, you're a sales rock star.

Think back to the last time you were in an argument. The last time you had to correct your kids' behavior. The last time someone challenged your viewpoint.

The last time someone said you were wrong.

Think about what happened next. How did you respond? What did you say?

That was selling. "I'm right, and I'm going to tell you why."

Everyone is good at selling... at certain times. To be a sales rock star in any situation, all you need are 3 ingredients:

1. A point of view that you feel passionate about.
2. A strong conviction that people should agree with what you have to say.
3. A solution to a problem someone wants solved.

If "selling" is such a dirty word, why do we do it every day to the people we love most?

When I first got a DVR, I thought it was the greatest device ever invented. I told my dad all the reasons he should get one. You can record your shows, so you don't have to miss them. You'll never have to sit through another commercial. You can even rewind when you miss what someone says.

Was I receiving a commission for this? Nope.

Was I selling? You bet I was.

Did he get one? Nope.

So the next time I talked to him, I told him all about why he had to get a DVR. And the next time. And the next.

His life would be so much better if he got one. I pleaded with him to get one. "Please, dad...just try it. You'll like it."

Was I a pushy, sneaky salesperson?

Nope. I love my dad, and I thought a DVR would make him happy.

Eventually, he got a DVR. He couldn't wait to tell me about how happy he was that he got one.

I was selling him on an idea I genuinely believed in. I did him a favor.

That's sales.

You don't have to be something you're not, over-hype, lie, or steal. All you need is a message you think matters and a solution your audience wants.

What I hope you take away from this post is that sales isn't a presentation. It's a conversation.

You have something valuable. You want to show people why it's valuable to them.

Sales isn't sleight of hand, where you try to manipulate people into doing things they'll regret. Sales is enthusiastically sharing something valuable.

Your assignment:

Figure out what's valuable about what you have to offer. If you're not excited about the value you bring to the discussion, keep searching. Don't stop until you find what makes your product or service valuable.

Once you have a message to share that gets you pumped up, become the enthusiastic evangelist of your product. You have solutions that people want, right? Become the problem-solver.

That's sales.

What about you? How do you overcome sales jitters? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Need content for your blog, homepage, or email list? Hire me or ask a question here.

You can follow me on Twitter: @CajunCopy

How Much Are Testimonials Costing Your Company?

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 23:16:08 GMT

Courtesy: Christian Ferrari on sxc.hu

Today, I want you to adopt
a new habit that will boost your confidence, raise your credibility, and increase sales.

If you're not asking for testimonials from satisfied customers, you're throwing money in the trash.

If you're asking, I want you to ask in a different way.

Why?

Because your testimonials may be costing you money.

What a Testimonial Needs to Do

Nobody wants to be first. People want to know your product or service has some sort of track record before they'll trust you enough to spend their money. The reassuring words of people just like you soothe your worries.

Or do they?

Many testimonials lack that "friend telling a friend" feeling. Instead, they come across as the salesman yelling, "See? They say it's great! Ready to buy?"

Generic testimonials cost you business because they sound like this:

People considering your product want to hear someone say, "I've been in your shoes. I've experienced what you're going through. Let me show you what worked for me. I no longer have this problem, and you can experience the same thing." Let's make that happen, starting today.

Here's how.

1. Ask

I'm surprised how many companies don't ask their satisfied customers about their experiences. If you're not, start today. Contact previous customers and say:

"Could you please do me a favor? People want to hear about the experiences previous customers have had with us. Would you mind answering a few short questions about your experience with our product? It'll take less than 5 minutes."

Some won't take the time. But if you ask everyone, some will.

2. Before, During, After

This is where testimonials go off track and cost you money.

"This product was great. I'll use it again."

"Best ever!"

Does that make you salivate over an offer?

Instead, ask specific questions that elicit the response you need.

Before: "What was your situation like before you came to us? How did you find us?

During: "How easy was it to work with us? How user-friendly was the product? What was your favorite thing about doing business with us?"

After: "What were the results you experienced? How is your life better? What was the outcome? Why would you recommend us to a friend?"

Adapt these questions to fit your product or service. But get more before, during, and after testimonials. Your readers will see themselves in your customers.

They'll see that you do have the solution to their problem. Let your satisfied customers paint the picture that soothes the doubts of your prospects.

3. Don't Forget the Ugly Stuff

If you want to take it to the next level, dig deep to find out what they didn't like about your product or service.

Ask, "What could we have done better? How could the product be improved? If you could make one change to your experience with us, what would it be?"

You'll get more than a cheerleader. You'll get honest feedback that helps you improve your product. You'll show that you care and respond to what matters most to your customers.

More importantly, you'll get more testimonials with happy endings.

What's your opinion? How do you ask for testimonials? What strategies have I missed? Let me know in the comments below.

Need content for your blog, homepage, or email list? Hire me or ask a question here.

You can follow me on Twitter: @CajunCopy

You're 3 Questions Away From Your Best Year Ever

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 01:28:56 GMT

Image credit: Ariel da Silva Parreira on sxc.hu

Want to look back on 2013 with amazement at all you accomplished? Keep these 3 questions handy. Ask them whenever you feel yourself getting off track. Instead of setting new year's resolutions you know you'll never keep, use this simple approach to become unstoppable.

1. What's the point?

On my most productive days, I ask myself this at least ten times. Develop the habit of stopping what you're doing - often. Ask yourself, "What's the goal of this action? What's this helping me to accomplish? Am I moving forward toward something worthwhile, or am I wasting time?"

The people who'll look back at 2013 as a launching pad to incredible success are the ones who keep their reasons in sight. How's that extra trip to Facebook helping you get to whatever matters most?

Plus, you'll enjoy your work more. When you feel frustrated or overwhelmed, reminding yourself about what's important fuels you to push through the wall to the other side.

2. What's the next step?

Forget about planning your goals. That's the quickest way to procrastination. Once you know what you want most, ask, "What's the first thing I need to do?"

Take that step. You'll probably mess up. You'll probably do it wrong. That's perfect.

Why? Because you'll learn 10 times faster by doing something.

Take the next step that occurs to you. Then figure out the next step.

Most people never obtain the success they deserve in their business or personal lives because they "plan" until the clock runs out.

Decide that this year, you're going to screw up as much as possible. The faster you screw up, the quicker you figure out what you don't know. The sooner you know what questions to ask to get where your business needs to be.

Ed Gandia, co-founder of the International Freelancers' Academy, gave me an illustration I'll never forget. He said that your journey is like driving across the country at night.

When you leave California, heading toward North Carolina, you don't see every millimeter of highway. Your headlights illuminate about 20 feet in front of you.

You clearly see less than 1% of the journey ahead. But your headlights help you see clearly what's immediately in front of you.

Don't wait until you've got everything figured out. Turn on your headlights and start driving. The rest of the road will come into focus as you drive toward your destination.

3. Who Can Help Me?

But what if you don't know the next step? If you've got dreams that fuel your passion, but no idea how to get started, this question is for you.

Who has been down this road? Who has successfully navigated those challenges?

Successful people often love helping others become successful. Ask someone who has been where you're going for driving directions. What worked? What didn't? What's the most important lesson they've learned?

No matter what has you stuck, someone has overcome that challenge. Why learn from trial and error, when you can learn from the path others have taken?

If you don't know the next step, then find someone and ask.

2013 can be a special year for your business - but only if you get behind the wheel and start driving. These 3 questions will cut through the darkness, keep your eyes focused on the road, and light the way to what matters most.

Your turn: What matters most to you? What's your next step? Who can help you get there? Let me know in the comments below.

Need content for your blog, homepage, or email list? Hire me or ask a question here.

You can follow me on Twitter: @CajunCopy

Don't Know What to Say? Try These 4 Words

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 21:18:34 GMT

Image Credit: Rajesh Sundaram on sxc.hu

If you could write newsletters your customers love to read, what would that mean to your business? When people think of their problem, wouldn't it be cool if your solution was the one that came to mind first?

What if your company's website made people want to know more about your products? Most of the time, people click away within seconds.

Filled with distractions, they quickly scamper to put out the latest fire and forget that you exist. What if you could hold their attention, keep it, and keep them coming back to hear what you have to say?

You're only 4 words away from the power to create that kind of content any time you need it. Keep your blog fresh with posts people want to read and share. Create sales letters that magnetically draw your customer toward the sale. Make your homepage stand out with information that matters.

In only 4 words.

Open a blank document in your word processor, and write your topic at the top. Don't worry about getting it perfect. Keep it simple: "Exercises to Lose Weight," or "Tips for Growing Tomatoes," or "How to Be Productive." Keep it Simple.

Here are the 4 words:

"This is interesting because..."

Before you groan and click away, try the rest of this exercise. If you do, you'll never struggle through writing the old way again.

Write, "This is interesting because..." and finish the sentence. Write whatever comes to mind, as fast as you can.

Next, write "This is interesting because..." and finish the sentence.

Do it again. And again.

And again.

Keep going until you hit that moment where you go, "WOW. I never thought about it like that."

What does this do? First, it shows you whether your topic is interesting or not. It's better to find out now, before you create your entire website around an idea no one cares about. Find a more interesting topic, and make that the central focus of your website.

More importantly, this brings you deep into the heart of what matters most to the people reading your stuff. When you get there, you'll show that you "get" them. They'll feel you understand what it's like to be in their world, with their problems and struggles. Your solution automatically begins to appeal to them more.

But here's where the rubber meets the road: none of this matters if you walk away saying, "Neat!" and do nothing. It'll cost you five minutes to supercharge your newsletter article, blog post, or web copy with what matters most to your reader. Try it.

What strategies help you overcome writer's block? Please let me know in the comments below.

Need content for your blog, homepage, or email list? Hire me or ask a question here.

You can follow me on Twitter: @CajunCopy

Displayed with permission

Merry Christmas from Cajun Copy

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 18:55:35 GMT

Business is important, and I love what I do. But this Christmas season, I hope you'll take the time to hug those you love tightly and remind yourself about why you do what you do every day.

Take this opportunity to reflect on what's most important to you. Come back with a fresh perspective and determination to make 2013 the best ever for your business.

I'll be back after Christmas with a technique that will infuse your sales copy or website with life. You won't want to miss it, so drop your email in the box to the right. Your business will thank you for it.

While you're here, take 3 minutes to watch this video and remember what Christmas is all about. See you on the other side.

Need content for your blog, homepage, or email list? Hire me or ask a question here.

You can follow me on Twitter: @CajunCopy

The Kick-Butt Formula for an Irresistible Call to Action

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 19:23:47 GMT

"I'll think about it."

It's your worst nightmare when you're trying to boost sales.

You've done everything right. You led them right down your slippery slide. You grabbed their attention with an amazing headline, got them nodding in agreement with "yes" questions, overcome every objection, established trust, and created excitement in your product.

Finally, it's the moment of truth. They get to the end and say to themselves, "I'll think about it."

That means "nice try" in business-speak It means "you almost pulled it off." So close.

Why didn't you get the sale? What was missing?

A compelling call to action.

Want to change that, starting right now?

In 5 minutes, you'll be armed with a simple formula. If you put it to use today, you'll get more responses - more sales, more readers, more comments, more subscribers - responses that grow your business.

Enough, already. What's the formula?

"What, How, Why"

When you incorporate "what, how, and why" into your calls to action, you make it easy to do business with you. Sometimes, this means stating what seems obvious to you. But if your readers have to guess, chances are good they'll leave without doing anything. Make your call to action clear.

What do you want me to do when I come to your site? Buy your product? Join your mailing list? Visit your store? Call for a quote?

Say so.

How do I do what you want? Click a button? Send an email? Call a phone number? Say so, clearly and specifically. You'll send your response rate through the roof.

Why should I do what you want? What do I get out of it? Is it worth my time? Is it hard? Remember: I'm looking for a reason to bail. Tell me what I get for my effort. Am I getting free information in exchange for my email? A discount on your product? Why should I bother with your offer?

Depending on your offer, you may need to add one more ingredient to your "call to action" secret sauce: "What's next?"

What happens after I give you my email? After I purchase, is there service after the sale? When I click on that button, what's on the other side? People like surprises on birthdays and Christmas, but not when doing business. Let people know what to expect, so they'll feel comfortable taking action.

How does this work, in the real world?

"Enter your email address in the form below and click 'Submit' to subscribe to my weekly newsletter - Packed with easy-to-implement strategies you can use today to grow your business. Don't miss another sales-boosting issue."

What do I want you to do? Sign up for my newsletter. How? "Enter your email address in the form below and click 'Submit' to subscribe." Why should you? Because it's "packed with easy-to-implement strategies you can use today to grow your business." And, you'll miss sales-boosting issues if you don't.

It's not rocket science, but effective calls to action are missing from most websites I see. What about yours? Do something about it today, and watch the difference your call to action makes in your business.

Need content for your blog, homepage, or email list? Hire me or ask a question here.

You can follow me on Twitter: @CajunCopy

How to Find Hundreds of Content Ideas in Less Than 10 Minutes

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 18:42:05 GMT

Content is king. Everybody tells you that. You know your business needs content for your website or blog.

Day after day, hour after hour, you run from one task to the next. You put out fires all day in your business. Who has time to stare at a blank computer screen, wondering what to write about?

By the time you get to the bottom of this post, you'll posses 3 powerful techniques to cut through the time-wasting blank stare. You'll spring into action, armed with hundreds of content ideas to beef up your website or blog. Go ahead. Strut your stuff, gain subscribers, and boost sales without wasting time you can't afford to lose.

Ready? Let's go.

1. The "Checklist" Technique

This is the first ninja trick I run to when I need a flood of ideas in a hurry. Your mileage may vary, depending on the subject of your website or business. But this is the first tool I'd take out of the drawer.

Do a search, like this:

I searched for ideas for this blog, adding "checklist" to the search. From the first page of results, I can find enough topic ideas to keep my blog posting schedule on track for months - without breaking a sweat.

It's never okay to copy the content of others and claim it as your own. But you're not looking for content to copy. You're looking for topic ideas. Mix the ideas with your expertise, and show your visitors why they should trust you enough to open their wallets.

2. The "Open Book" Technique

This one's easy, too. You'll have an unlimited number of topic ideas in seconds. Head over to Amazon.com and search for books related to your business.

When you find one that's helpful, open it to the table of contents. Within seconds, you'll have at least 5-10 ideas for things you can write about.

Again, make sure the ideas you present are your own. But take a short trip through the table of contents of about 5-10 books related to your business. You'll walk away with dozens of topics for blog posts or newsletter articles your customers will love.

3. The "Questions" Technique

By now, you have more ideas for content than you can write in a year. (You did put my advice into practice, right? If not, what are you waiting for?) But I like to over-deliver, so I'll throw in one more just to run up the score.

Head over to the Wordtracker Questions Tool. Enter terms related to your business, and this tool will return questions people are entering into search engines.

Answer the questions people are asking, and you'll vault your business to front of their minds. Plus, the questions you see will make you think of others, for more content ideas.

What do you do with all the great ideas you've found? You can always hire me to write it for you. If you'd rather learn to write your own content that boosts sales, find out about the best decision I've ever made for my business.

You can follow me on Twitter: @CajunCopy

How to Turn "Who Cares?" into "I'm Listening"

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:32:19 GMT

"Look at me! Everybody look at me!"

If you saw someone waving his arms frantically, shouting this at the top of his lungs, would you buy something from him?

If I shine a bright light in your eyes, while screaming in your ear about my amazing product, how likely are you to buy from me? You're more likely to punch me in the nose.

Is your business grabbing attention - for all the wrong reasons?

Everybody tells you that your headline must grab attention. That's partially correct. Your headline must make me want to listen to what you have to say. But I'm busy, and so are the rest of your prospects. They're not going to work hard to convince themselves that your message is worth their time.

Your readers are looking for a reason to bail. So ditch the bright, obnoxious colors. Throw out the "shock and awe" headlines. Don't give them a reason to run, before they hear what you have to say.

You're destroying your reputation with "tactics." People see right through sales gimmicks and tricks, like this one:

This is an ad I came across on Facebook today. This ad tells your target audience 2 important things about your company:

You don't believe in your product or service, because you're hiding it behind a gimmick.
You are willing to lie to get attention.

What's missing? I have no idea who you are, what you're offering, or why I should care. I'm not even curious. You wasted your money.

Will some people click on the ad, thinking it'll lead to a message from their Facebook friend? Sure. Then what? They'll see you were lying, and hit the "back" button.

How could this make a difference in your marketing, starting today?

Simple. Look at your homepage. Consider the headlines you use in your advertising. Look at things from your potential customer's perspective.

Why is what you have to say worth her time? How does your message make her life better, solve her problems, erase her fears, or enable her to make her dreams come true? Why is what you have to say useful to your target reader?

Does your headline communicate that benefit? If not, rewrite your headlines to speak directly to your prospects, in a way that matters to them. Better yet, email me and let's talk about how I can help.

Don't become known for gimmicks. If you do, you'll be broke in no time. Instead, tell people why your message should matter to them, and watch what happens.

Need content for your blog, homepage, or email list? Hire me or ask a question here.

You can follow me on Twitter: @CajunCopy