3. Selling Features This common marketing trap is similar to Me-Centered copy trap. Instead of figuring want prospect wants to know about your product (why they need it, how it will help them), it’s so easy to just tell them what you know about product. A professional copywriter will avoid this trap and focus on a product’s benefits, not features.

4. No Testimonials If your copy doesn’t include powerful testimonials, you’re marketing efforts are missing out on one of their most powerful tools. A professional copywriter will always ask about testimonials. If you don’t have them, they’ll offer some tips for collecting them.

5. Where’s Your Target? One of most common copywriting errors is overlooking target market. In an effort not to exclude anyone, copy doesn’t appeal to people it’s really meant for. If your copy doesn’t immediately grab (and hold) attention of those your product or service is meant for, a professional copywriter can help your response rate.

6. What’s Your USP? Your Unique Selling Proposition. What sets you apart from competition. And ultimately why someone buys from you. A professional copywriter will want to know what it is or will help you determine it. And they will use it to make your marketing copy stronger.

7. Don’t generalize. A professional copywriter will spend time researching market and issues of interest related to your product. They’ll always be specific with information they convey, adding intrigue and credibility to your every marketing piece.

These are just some of most common pitfalls that a professional copywriter can help you avoid. By enlisting services of a professional, you can improve your marketing efforts through a better response rate and an increased return on investment.

Who will benefit most from your product? This is a good question to keep in mind when looking for collaborations. It’s particularly true if you’re trying to approach a business. Remember that they will have their own interests at heart, so they’ll want to know how you can help them. A friend of mine used to send postcards to bars that said, “I want to help you sell liquor.” Of course his band got gig! So instead of thinking of ways for you to benefit from others, start thinking of ways they can benefit from you: you’re sure to have success. Where to begin? No matter what, you have to begin somewhere; otherwise you won’t begin at all. Though it does matter where you start, what is most important is THAT you start. Start small if you’re nervous about getting your feet wet, but once you start, remember; you can never stop. This is your business; this is you. And your life and financial future could be counting on it. _____________________________________________________________ Up and Coming Renaissance woman, founder of National Artistic Effort, social activist, and expert self-promoter, Ja-Nae Duane, is taking world by storm.....one gig at a time. Check out: http://www.Ja-Nae.com Hear Ja-Naé: http://www.mp3.com/Ja_Na__Duane Buy Ja-Naé Merchandise: http://www.cafepress.com/janaeduane Join her mailing list!: Ja-Nae@yahoogroups.com For more information on National Artistic Effort, please go to: http://www.geocities.com/elektra1313/ REPRINT PERMISSION Would you like to run some of content from this article on your web site or in your e-zine? You may do so for free as long as you add following credit:

"Reprinted from Ja-Naé Duane's Newsletter, featuring Ja-Naé's up-coming gigs and projects; and focusing on free self- promotion ideas; and free self-actualizing hints. Visit www.Ja-Nae.com for free details." __________________________________________________ Ja-Naé Duane's Articles are published by Ja-Naé Duane E-mail: nae@Ja-Nae.com http://www.Ja-Nae.com/ (c) 2003 by Ja-Naé Duane - All Rights Reserved __________________________________________________