by Karon Thackston © 2002 http://www.copywritingcourse.com http://www.ktamarketing.comI was talking with a group of business associates
other day and one question popped up that was of particular interest. “Is everyone finding that sales come MUCH slower these days?” The answer from all on call was a resounding yes! The next question won’t surprise you… “What do we do about it?”
There is no doubt that individuals and business people alike are becoming more and more cautious with their money. Rather than buying anything and everything that peaks their interest, serious consideration is being given to each and every expense. That’s natural in a recession.
What that means is advertising copy has to work harder and better. No longer will a simple quip like, “You’ll love it” or “Be first to own one” work. You have to earn each purchase. You have to prove your worth.
People who live and work in recession-laden times have specific criteria for making purchases. If your product or service “qualifies”, you get sale. The challenge comes in determining what it takes to qualify.
I’ve said it a thousand times: “Before you write one word, get inside mind of your customer.” You have to understand who person/business is, what they need, what they want… and then give it to them.
In a recession, focus turns from “trying” to “getting results”. Those who might, in an ordinary economy, try something just to see if it would work will now demand proof of results. Those who would normally take a risk will now ask for guarantees.
In order to build trust and create an atmosphere conducive to converting cautious visitors into customers, you’ll need to make three things obvious in your copy:
1) Benefits. Yes, even novice advertisers know about features vs. benefits. But it is imperative that you fill your copy with as many of them as it will hold. In a recession, your customers will not wonder – but will demand to know – what’s in it for them. Let them know exactly what they will get for their dollar/pound/euro.
