Back in April of 1991, when my business was just 2 years old, I had the good fortune of attending a seminar hosted by copywriter Gary Halbert. A legend in the industry (and he probably would have said in his own mind as well), Gary provided us with his book How To Make Maximum Money In Minimum Time!
While doing some much-needed housekeeping, I came across Gary’s book (a compilation of his newsletters) and sat down for a re-read. Released in 1990, before the Internet took the world by storm, Gary focused on tips for direct mail copywriting. As I re-read the book, I found myself thinking “these points are still vital ones in today’s online marketplace.”
Yes, whether it was 20 years ago or today, there are copywriting tips that stand the test of time. If you’re writing a printed direct mail piece, newsletter, online sales letter or Web site, here are five timeless tips from “The Gary Halbert Letter” along with my 2011 outlook on each.
1. Gary’s copywriting tip (9/1/1986): “The primary and most important thing in all of Direct Mail Land is to get the envelope delivered and opened.”
2011 Update: While the Internet doesn’t involve an envelope that can be thrown away, it doesn’t take long for a prospect to click away from your site. So be sure your Web page catches attention and gives your prospect a reason to keep on reading.
2. Gary’s copywriting tip (9/1/1986): “It’s a matter of timing. Selling is like seduction. If you ask a woman to go to bed with you, whether or not she says ‘yes’ is largely a matter of when you ask her. If you ask her immediately, as soon as you’ve been introduced, most likely she will think you are a creep and tell you to get lost. However, if you wait a while, wait until she gets to know you a little …. your chances of getting a ‘yes’ for an answer are much, much better.”
2011 Update: You’ve probably heard this a lot regarding social media marketing. Whether you’re posting on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter, it’s not about hitting the ground running with a sales pitch. It’s about building relationships, providing information and getting your fans to know, like and trust you first.
3. Gary’s copywriting tip (9/1/1988): “Credential the promotion! . . . the #2 reason they don’t buy from you is that they are not completely convinced you are for real.”
2011 Update: While Gary touts the benefits of using celebrities in your promotions, I think you can build credibility in other ways – especially when your budget won’t cover the cost of a celebrity endorsement.
Have you heard the phrase “social proof?” It’s used a lot in webinars about marketing. Getting endorsements and testimonials from your satisfied customers helps you strengthen your credibility . . . get prospects to know, like and trust you . . . convince them you are for real. Not sure how to go about getting testimonials from your raving fans? Read my blog post about the topic.
4. Gary’s copywriting tip (7/3/1987): “Selling is not yelling. Selling is not tricks.”
2011 Update: It’s not about hype and trying to trick your prospects into something they don’t really want or need. It’s about being honest, providing your prospects with benefits that motivate them to respond – not out of trickery, but out of a true need to access your product or service. If you show you understand their concerns and provide a solution, you’re on your way to converting a prospect into a happy, loyal customer.
5. Gary’s copywriting tip (12/1/1986): “PASSION. . . Let your excitement and enthusiasm spill out all over the page. Don’t hold back. Put that pen to the page and RAVE!”
2011 Update: There isn’t much of an update to this. What was true in 1986 is true today. Let prospects know what’s in it for them. Provide them with the benefits of how your product or service helps them with one of two desires: 1) to gain something they don’t have or 2) avoid losing something they do.
Gary Halbert had many great “pearls of wisdom” to share and share he did up until 2007 when he passed on. Have you incorporated any of his timeless tips into your marketing efforts? If so, please feel free to share your results in the comments section below. I’d love to hear from you.