I think there comes a time in every person’s life when he has to ask himself, “Am I most effectively doing what Copyblogger tells me to do, to the point of abdicating my free will and possibly granting its editors power of attorney?” So this week, I took inventory and decided that I wasn’t spreading my words widely enough.
To remedy the situation, I finally put some stuff up on Kindle as several people keep telling me I should do — my 2008 humor collection, two manifesto-weight posts to disseminate amongst the Kindle users of the world, and a short story from over a decade ago that I was shocked to discover I still really liked.
So when the Copy Police come around, make sure you tell them that I’m toeing the line, okay?
Here’s what happened this week on Copyblogger:
Monday:
Are You Losing Business When You Hunt for Customers?
When I first saw this post’s title, I thought the concept was ridiculous. “If we aren’t supposed to hunt and eat customers,” I thought, “then why are they made out of meat?” But then I read more and began to understand the new metaphor: Gardening instead of hunting. Nurturing instead of killing. (Read on; this post even contains slugs.)
Tuesday:
Sickly Sales Page? Try These 3 Copywriting Remedies
I’d never really considered approaching writing a sales page in the same way a doctor approaches treating an illness, but it makes total sense. Check this one out to see how a little bit of diagnostic methodology could spice up your sales. Side note: If ever someone offers you a home remedy for an ailment, make sure you ask first what it is and that you don’t accept if it’s a kick in the face, because I’ve decided that one is really ineffective.
Wednesday:
If your writing is lifeless, it’ll get a lifeless reaction from people. But if it’s vibrant, you can convey your point in a way that actually moves and persuades your audience. I’ll just say that you should use the tips in this post with caution. The last time I tried to make my writing real, I accidentally created a doppelganger named George Stark who was really unpleasant, but you can consider evil figments “optional” when writing copy if you’re squeamish.
Thursday:
49 Drop-Dead Gorgeous Reasons You Should Run Your Website on WordPress
I used to think that simply having a site and slapping any old theme on it was good enough, but I don’t really think that anymore. Lackluster sites make you look like a lackluster businessperson with a lackluster attitude… and even the aesthetic stuff doesn’t address annoying things like hacking and SEO. Check out this writeup of some of the Genesis framework’s greatest hits.
Friday:
What Works With SEO Right Now and Why No One Does What You Want
This episode of IMfSP radio has such enticing bullets as “The 2 words that get you 4 times more Retweets” and “The super-secret, embarrassingly simple, copywriting tip that converts,” but really what should drag you in is this one: “Why good SEO is like getting the hot girl in high school.” Now don’t you want to listen?
This week’s cool links:
- We Are All Weird: This post interested me because I’m pretty sure it means Seth is stealing my ideas, given my posts like “If People Think You’re Weird, They’re Right” and “Ronald Reagan: Clearly a Zombie since 1951.”
- Are You Hiding Your Brand Personality?: You should read this one for two reasons: First, I see people all the time who aren’t letting their personalities into their brand, to their own detriment. And second, because I know Carole Brown and she’s awesome.
- Are You a Social Media Polygamist?: I totally get this post, but to extend the metaphor, I’d add that sometimes a new social network is like that person who everybody says is hot and irresistible, but who you look at and go, “Meh. I don’t get it.”
- Plus1 is Even More Powerful: Google is trying to make things confusing by introducing Google+ AND a +1 button but not really tying them together so far as I can tell. Here’s Chris Brogan’s guide to the button half, anyway.
About the Author: Johnny B. Truant specializes in heretical personal development and business strategies. You should sign up for his free series on how to start making more money blogging whether you plan on being heretical yourself or not.
Reader Comments (8)
Honestly, Tuesday’s post that talks about “3 steps to remedy sickly copy” was my favorite. I enjoyed reading it and much more than that, I was able to learn amazing copywriting tips. I want to personally thank you Brian Clark for sharing powerful marketing advice here, I’ve become a better blogger, freelance writer and web designer.
I believe copywriting is the “little pin” that makes the whole difference in online marketing. God will bless you for pouring out your heart. I’m grateful and I’m making success already.
Fridays audio was great!! Those two words for more retweets is so effective. Thanks for the weekly wrap up.
Fair point about the meat. I thought no-one would notice, but I should have known you’d call me out.
I loved the “How to Make Your Writing Real” post on Wednesday. There is nothing worst than lifeless and meaningless content. All writing should be full of life and tell the story in order to elicit action whether that is a smile or the purchase of a product.
Can I just say that the Copyblogger Weekly Wrap is some of the best (or most entertaining) writing ever!
I had an inkling of that idea, so when this week’s wrap showed up in my email I thought, “Oh yeah, those are usually pretty funny, so I should check this out.”
Then I was blown away with this one and hurt myself laughing so hard. Stuff like the opening line that starts to sound like blah blah blah, until the words “…Copyblogger tells me to do.” Killed me.
Then the whole quote about “…then why are they made out of meat.” had me hurting with unseemly outbursts in a public place.
With this one post, you sealed my loyalty as a dedicated Weekly Wrap reader.
(Or maybe I’m just a loyal CWW by Johnny B. Truant reader.)
Thanks Johnny.
I won’t lie; I was proud of that one when I wrote it. 🙂
Thanks for reminding me that keeping my writing real is crucial to my blog’s success!
Best of the day to you,
Pam 🙂
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