Wanna Be A Copy Bunny?

Get featured on this site as the Copy Bunny of the Month!

All you need to do in order to get a full month of exposure is to “wow” me.  In 50 words or less, tell me the reasons why you should be featured.  (I’ll toss out any application that exceeds this amount)

WARNING: You’re a copywriter so I do expect a degree of creativity and style! And you must be legit.

If chosen, your copywriting bio and links will be featured for an entire month. After that time, the next worthy applicant will take the title.

So…why am I featuring other copywriters on my own copywriting site?

Because I firmly believe there’s enough to go around. I’m not running low on my own clients, and as a copywriting coach I’ve seen how one seemingly small break can make a huge difference in someone’s life.  So I’m just paying it forward.

Are you ready to jump in and be Copy Bunny Of The Month? Then email me with your entry at cb@copybunny.com

Looking forward to hearing from you!

-    CB

Your copy: Does it whisper or scream?

Hype-Free does NOT mean No Selling!!!

I’ve received a few emails from my Granny Panties blog. Some aspiring writers – some of whom are currently enrolled in an illustrious mail-order copywriting course — asked for clarification.

Ah grasshoppers, allow me to explain.

When writing no-hype copy, we’re taking the reader by the hand and leading them through the sales process rather than…

Grabbing ‘em by the hair and SCARING THE BEJEEZUS OUT OF ‘EM!

Understand that in order for no-hype copy to be tremendously effective, we’re talking to a very small piece of the Target Market pie  – the very people who will actually BUY the product.  See where this is going?

Let’s say we’re writing copy for a naturopathic remedy for cold sore sufferers.  The fact that this product is naturopathic allows us to take a big step in determining what the pre-qualifications for this TA may be. 

(Btw, if you’re dating someone who repeatedly insists “Honest, it’s just a cold sore!”  proceed with caution)

Your job as a copywriter is to figure out if…

- The cold sores are stress-induced or a result of a high fever (we’re ruling out the STD variety, ok?)

-The TA has already tried a pharmaceutical approach

- They want to clear that pesky herpes virus out of their systems once and for all

Now, we want to find out “who” this TA is. Look for ways to insert moments within the copy where the qualified reader will have no choice but to nod their heads and say, “Yeah, that’s me.”

So, in order to do that, find similar identifying factors. What are the emotional parameters causing them to seek a cure?

Are they…

- Giving an important business presentation

- Re-entering the work force

- Getting married

- Tired of being asked, “What’s that on your lip?”

Find that common thread and run with it!

See where this is going?

 We’ve narrowed it down from a very broad TA (cold sore sufferers) to a very specific group of people (those who need quick and immediate action).  We then can tighten it up even further using techniques that allow you to quickly drill into this very rich material.

Here’s the fun part…you can now write your copy with surgical precision.  No need to “let it brew” for months on end, struggling while awaitng the subconscious thoughts to surface.

You’ve now defined and located the EXACT TA for this product. This makes it easier to write in a “no-hype” manner as you can now be conversational in order to gain the attention of the unique individuals rather than screaming through a bullhorn to the masses.

Identification– familiarization – connection. It comes down to knowing “what” to ask, and not being afraid to dig for deeper information.

Hope this helps!

Hoppily yours,

CB

Granny Panties – Pole-Dancing – Copywriting

I’ll get to how pole-dancing ties into this blog, but first we can all agree…

“Hype-free” is a buzzword, and worthy of some attention. But what exactly does it mean?

Let’s first define what “hype” is. Better yet, I’ll just give my opinion since this is my blog anyway!

We can “feel” hyped-up copy much the same way we can feel grease sticking to us when we slide off a diner stool. Hype refers to grandiose claims that would guarantee a blood rush to Bernie Madoff’s private parts. <shudder>

Pie-in-the-sky promises such as…

“Invest $67 in a “hot new product” and you’ll be making millions within 90 days!!!”

“Purchase your own tropical island complete with a gorgeous pool-boy serving tropical drinks with little umbrellas in them” (oops that’s my fantasy…sorry!)

Before my imagination gets the best of me, let’s establish exactly how someone can legally make such claims and get away with it.

Picture this headline….

“Granny Panties” literally smooths out the cellulite

that’s collected on your ass since the age of 25!

Simply wear them for 17 days and your ass will be as

smooth and ridge-free as the day you were born! 

 Let’s assume we’d all love for this to be true – any woman over the age of 30 wants to believe in a miracle cure for “hail-damaged cheeks”. 

But how can this claim be made? The answer is contained in these 2 words…

“Extenuating circumstances”.

Yes indeed. There are circumstances which contributed to the results, but aren’t brought to light in the copy.

In the case of Granny Panties, here’s the hypothetical situation…

Out of 1000 people who purchased the product, Tina from Tuscaloosa is now a huge fan and wrote a rave review  (note: we’re not sure if she was paid for this or not).

“It works! I’m able to wear my bikini without embarrassment! No more ugly cellulite to hide.”

Here are the extenuating circumstances with Tina…

1.    She began a detoxifying program complete with special diet and herbal supplements

2.    Had started a pole-dancing class 8 weeks earlier and was now working the poles nightly

3.    Had a miniscule atom of cellulite on her ass to begin with.

We’re shown a photo of a firm and radiant Tina, newly in love with her pole-dancing instructor after coming out as a lesbian. 

Proof? Perhaps…but it only tells part of the story.

Hype-copy makes exaggerated claims – backed by “some” proof but not enough to be substantial. Lowering the hype-level  makes the copy more real.

More importantly, readers feel it and respond!

Honesty in copy has tremendous benefits in terms of customer loyalty. imagine if the copy had a dose of realism such as…

“Y’know, it worked for Tina. But she was following a healthy diet and exercising while using this product. This could work for you!”

Would people take a chance and order? YES!  And best of all, they may even place future orders as well. (yes, desperation in the cellulite battle goes beyond reason)

What’s important to know is – if you’re actually going to be using this healthy realism in your copy…

While the amount of initial sales of the product or service “may” be slightly reduced, there will be far fewer returns. The biggest payback will be the loyalty of the customers!  Win-win.

So next time, rather than give in to the need to promise the sun, the moon and the stars, offer up a bit of honesty. Your copy will be richer for it.

Till next time, be hoppy!

 -CB

 

Top 10 Signs Of A False Guru

In my previous post, I shared my frustrations about self-proclaimed gurus. I’m sure some of you may have run across a couple of these smooth operators, much to your regret.

As promised…

TOP 10 SIGNS OF A FALSE GURU

1. Believes that everyone loves him and is hanging on his every word
2. Surrounds himself with butt-kissers – everyone else gets kicked off the island
3. Considers self much more “evolved” than 99.9% of the rest of civilization
4. Once he gets you to hand over your wallet, he runs onto the next score
5. 75% of his conversation is spent convincing you how great he is
6. Rehashes his one big “success story”…over and over…
7. Doesn’t have an outline or “real” strategy, just flies by the seat of his pants
8. Apprentices come and go as often as a change of underwear
9. Fails to recognize or give credit to those who’ve come before him

The BIGGEST indicator of a SPG is…

He hasn’t even tested his own copy!

So folks, as one of my clients likes to say…”Watch their feet”.

This means it doesn’t matter what they say, or how they’re diverting you. Rather, pay attention to their actions and priorities. It’ll save you time, energy and money to invest with someone who may be less flashy, but is “The Real Deal”.

Until next time,

CB

Does Mr. “6-Figure Copywriter” actually live in a camper?!?

Here’s my question for the day…

Exactly “who” has the all-knowing power to appoint someone else as a “guru”?

Is there some type of Guru Council that sits down and decides which lucky person is going to be inducted into the “Guru Of The Month” club?

I’ve seen past the smoke and mirrors – have taken a longer-than-necessary look behind the curtain. The truth is…

People annoint themselves as The Highest Authority!!! It’s all part of the marketing game. What glitters isn’t gold, it’s merely the artificial light bouncing off of cheap imitation watches and well-pressed suits. (Bitter? Who me???)

Allow me to give you the 411 – the low-down – the real scoop…

There’s a BIG difference between “Gurus” and “Experts”.  Hold tightly onto your wallet when around the Gurus – learn to invest with an Expert.

 I can guarantee you that the mothers of “6-Figure Gurus” are applying for low-income housing because they can’t pay their utility bills***.  

***Any similarities are purely coincidental to real-life…maybe.

That being said, there are plenty of GENUINE experts out there with great information. These people are typically low-key but have a wealth of knowledge to share.

One of my favorites who’s currently making the rounds on the teleseminar circuit is Daniel Levis. He’s a great guy who wields his intellect carefully.

I’m not a “friend” or affiliate, nor does he even know I’m making this recommendation. I’m just truly impressed with what he does – it’s quality stuff.

I’m using him as an example of an expert worth following. Don’t waste your time or money on a “guru”.

Stay tuned for my next blog listing the Top 10 Signs Of A False Guru.

Hoppily yours,

CB

P.S.  As always, thoughts/comments/suggestions/wine lists appreciated!

Leverage Your Efforts Into Income

This section is dedicated to how to keep income flowing into your household. As solopreneurs, it’s difficult to juggle the tasks and duties while still marketing for future clients. No longer is “trying hard” going to be enough to take care of you and your loved ones.

The goal here is to make it easier. Through the years, I’ve seen businesses that are run extremely well and others that are…let’s just say that emergencies were a daily occurrence. Going against my lawyer’s advice, I’ll be highlighting some real-life examples of how NOT to do business. heh heh heh.  Of course, all names will be changed to protect…me.

Taking steps to avoid undue stress as well as provide greater cash flow will be highlighted in this section.

Keep in mind that my suggestions – whether it be products or valuable suggestions – are all tested by me first. The last thing I’d want is to pass along second-hand information. I’m not an “affiliate-hare” and strive to maintain the integrity of this site.

Hoppily yours,

- C.B.