An easy fix for wimpy marketing and sales copy…

An easy fix for wimpy marketing and sales copy…

There’s a huge mistake that a lot of novice sales people make that leads to wimpy sales presentations… And, because copywriting, marketing, and advertising are “selling multiplied,” it should come as no surprise that many novice copywriters make the same dang mistake....
The ONLY three big ideas for any selling message…

The ONLY three big ideas for any selling message…

Can I admit that sometimes I don’t know what I’m doing? I’ll get to what I promised in the subject line — the ONLY three big ideas for any selling message — in a minute.  But first, confession time… A few weeks ago, I promised my next training, High-Velocity...
Copywriting for today’s short attention spans…

Copywriting for today’s short attention spans…

Humans today have a shorter attention span than a goldfish! Or so the story goes… I was going to write some kind of intro, but I kept giving away too much, so I’ve deleted all that.  And I’ll reveal my response to this AFTER today’s Mailbox Monday question. And a...
A lesson in swiping great ad ideas and copy, from a hypnotist

A lesson in swiping great ad ideas and copy, from a hypnotist

You can’t even say I dabble in hypnotism… I’ve actually never really practiced it.  Not on anyone else, at least. But I’ve spent significant time studying the principles behind hypnotism.  Call it intellectual curiosity.  Perhaps childish fascination. Whatever it is,...
“It’s no wonder they’re so successful, because…”

“It’s no wonder they’re so successful, because…”

Imagine if someone were to spend a week spying on you… No, not in a creepy way.  Rather, they were spying on you to observe your work habits.  To really track what you do on a daily basis. And then, at the end of the week, that person who spied on you has to guess how...
The only Facebook placement to use for long copy ads

The only Facebook placement to use for long copy ads

File today’s daily essay under “More stupid mistakes from Roy’s misadventures in trying to master Facebook ads,” with a cross-reference under “Public Service Announcement.” (The public service announcement comes from Googling “What Facebook placements are best for...
The best (or worst) advice to get better copywriting

The best (or worst) advice to get better copywriting

Today I have advice that you’re either going to love or hate… And, I have a bit of a damaging admission — that actually serves as an object lesson of the power of this advice. If you want to get really good at copywriting (whether for your business, or your clients’),...
Massive productivity is a habit…

Massive productivity is a habit…

I’ve given myself too little time to write this… Normally, I block out an hour to write these essays.  It’s time that’s blocked out on my calendar, dedicated specifically to this task. When I’m asked how I’m so productive, or how I’m able to write so much, this is the...
A lesson from football, about business…

A lesson from football, about business…

Last week, my two teams battled it out… I don’t watch a lot of football. I really like watching individual games.  But I just don’t have it in me to get emotionally invested in any sports team for the season.  My emotional investment is elsewhere: my family, and my...
You must conquer your fear of failure (here’s how)…

You must conquer your fear of failure (here’s how)…

Most people I know or have met who play small (and never make a big impact) have one thing in common… Major successes, on the other hand, have the opposite in common. And I don’t care if we’re talking about entrepreneurial success, or ANY calling.  Parent, teacher,...
Should I niche-focus my marketing agency?

Should I niche-focus my marketing agency?

What’s the best way to niche-focus your marketing services business? This question comes up over and over and over again.  And it applies to nearly everyone in the marketing services business.  Copywriters, traffic specialists, agency owners, the works… If you sell...