How and Why Your Conscious Copywriter Effectively Captivates The Attention—and Heart—Of Your Customers

As a knowledgeable business owner, you already know the individual definitions of the words ‘conscious’ and ‘copywriter,’ but when combined into one term, ‘conscious copywriter,’ what is the definition?

conscious copywriter
A person who writes the text of advertisements or marketing content using an artful combination of technical and visceral skills, such as intuition and intention


Why are visceral skills important in the creation of your copy?

As part of the creative process, visceral skills (based on instinct rather than intellect) ensure effective development of the vibrational aspect of your copy, which is essential to making an authentic connection with your audience.

From personal experience, there are elements of the creative writing process that cannot be accomplished by expert training or years of real-world writing. These fall into the visceral category. They are the awareness and application of intuition. These inspirations rise to the surface and conscious copywriters know there is an inherent wisdom within, even though the insight may not make ‘sense’ using logic. They just appear.

What is ‘the vibrational aspect’ of copy?

It is that often overlooked—and underestimated—aspect of your marketing content. It is the feeling your readers experience when they read your copy, based in the pure intent behind your message.

As consumers become more self-aware, feel their way through life (here’s a great example), and align themselves with businesses that speak their language, they become more attuned to the subtle nuances of the spirit of your copy.

That’s why conscious copywriting
is so important.
It takes into account
the vital essence
intended to serve, not sell

Serving vs. selling is what sets your marketing materials apart from the rest. If your message is not genuine, the reader picks up on it even if they cannot articulate what’s happening as they read your offer. They know when they’re being ‘sold’ and simply won’t resonate with a message that’s intended to manipulate them toward the sale… no matter how strategic the savvy copywriting method being used!

In Conclusion

There is a heart behind conscious copywriting; it cannot be manufactured with skill or replicated in an attempt to sell for the sole purpose of making the sale. It requires an authentic, intuitive connection to the spirit of your business to convey your message.

As a conscious copywriter, using my technical ability in equal portion to my intuition is the most effective method of delivering content to clients that is ‘spot-on.’ Time has proven that development of conscious-based copy with intent to serve truly resonates with potential customers, resulting in increased response rates.

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Reader or scanners? You don't have to choose; write to both at the same time!

There are readers and there are scanners. Readers want to digest every word. Scanners want the gist and nothing more.

If you think you have to choose between writing to readers or scanners, the good news is: there's an easy to way reach both at the same time!

Go ahead and write your full content (your readers will LOVE this!). Then, to capture the attention of scanners, embolden prominent segments so they benefit from the value of your message but don't have to read every word.

Your content can then be enjoyed by everyone; readers and scanners.

Emphasizing Price vs. Value: Two Easy Tips to Make Your Desired Impression

Pricing your products or services can be tricky. From calculating the cost of ingredients or components, to factoring in resources like electricity, natural gas, time and expertise, pricing is a common area of stumpification for business owners. (Okay, that's not really a word, but it still works!)

Then there's the marketing aspect. When listing dollar figures, how do you leverage your marketing content so it maximizes results? And what about value? How do you emphasize that?

Fortunately, there are only two things to remember when putting your pricing in writing:

1. If you want to deemphasize the price/cost (and decrease the perception of cost) exclude .00. Here are several examples:
   
   
   • The investment for this 14-day writing retreat is $1,495.
   • Until the end of this month, pricing for all necklaces is $49.
   
   Any time you list prices that your customers pay you for your products or services, avoid cent placeholders. This not only ensures you have clean copy, but the consumer perceives a cost that seems less because of the visual simplicity. Want to this this in action?
   
   Of these two options, which visually seems like less of a cost/price/investment?
   
   
   $2,998 or $2,998.00
   
   
   Yes, one little dot and two zeroes can make that much difference.
   
   
2. Conversely, if you want to emphasize the price/cost (and increase the perception of value) include .00. Here are several examples:
   
   
   • 36-page workbook (value $19.00)
   • I give you my 100% "no questions asked" satisfaction guarantee on your tuition, plus $750.00 in documented travel expenses.
   
   Any time you list prices that represent the value of what you offer your customers, always include cent placeholders. That way, it feels like "more."
   
   With a quick visual scan, copy on a page should be clean. That means there's plenty of white space, visual variety in colors and content, and natural flow. Extra-seemingly unnecessary-digits can make content look busy. However, when you understand the rationale for including .00, the tradeoff is worthwhile; it's more busy, but it's also more effective to convey value.

One dot. Two little cent placeholders. Use them to your greatest advantage by knowing when--and when not--to include them in your savvy marketing materials.

~~~

Want to reprint or share this original article? Feel free; simply use the unedited article in its entirety with the following credit:

Charlon Bobo is a best-selling author, entrepreneurial visionary and empowermentor, as well as a copywriter, editor, online marketer. Affectionately known as the 'conscious entrepreneur' Charlon develops high-impact marketing materials for conscious business owners and empowers women worldwide with her acclaimed 1-on-1 coaching service, Stand In Your Power®. See more at EditCopyProof.com and charlonbobo.com

Bridge the Copywriting Gap Between Hardsell Sales Techniques and Esoteric Language

Our minds are powerful. And the ability to influence others with strategic copy is something to take seriously. It's also a great responsibility.

As a conscious or spirit-based business owner, the impact on you of using manipulative language in your marketing copy can run the full spectrum from mildly uncomfortable to physically nauseating.

One of my clients recently shared a story: in an effort to write more effective marketing content, she immersed herself in the tips, tactics and techniques of the most acclaimed copywriters alive today. She said some of it literally upset her stomach. The recommended tactics for increasing sales didn't resonate with her and she knew they wouldn't resonate with her audience either.

She's wise; she recognizes there's something that won't work for her readers, but what does she do about it?

It's a very real circumstance; something to be reconciled. You cannot escape it. You must somehow bridge the gap between hardsell sales copy and light, fluffy, esoteric language. But what?

Ask any mainstream copywriter and they can tell you the 3 steps to writing copy that kills (aka converts to dramatic sales numbers and dollars), or the single-most read aspect of any sales letter, or how to inject subliminal messages into copy so readers do one thing: take action.

Ask them about esoteric sales language and they would probably say it has no place in the arsenal of strategies of the greatest online marketers or copywriters; that it is an embarrassment and worse, it is not even effective.

After years of exploration, making sweeping changes, trial testing, experimentation, starting from scratch on several occasions, and fine-tuning the techniques taught by my copywriting mentors,

the most powerful way
to write content that has maximum impact
is to infuse and energize words
with your genuine intent to be of service

The truth is: you can no longer manipulate the thinking or behavior of others. People are changing and our world is changing. Although it may not be the mainstream method yet, conscious businesses are now implementing energetic imprints; the sentiments cradling the words of your copy.

The vibration of the planet is rising exponentially. Consumers are becoming aware of even the most subtle sales influences. They can now discern the energetic difference of a marketing message meant solely to sell and one intended to serve. Guess which one gets their business?

With the sentiment of manipulation as a basis for your marketing content, I promise, your words simply won't resonate. No action will be taken by the reader and worse, you will have made your imprint on them, leaving them with something unsettling; something intangible and yet very real.

In the copywriting world, it's termed word exploitation; the use of words to control, dominate, or manipulate for a specific outcome. It's an outdated model that has no place in our future.

Fortunately, you are no longer limited to:

• hard-sell techniques
• underlying, hidden or mixed messages
• attempts to address lack, loss, heartache, damage or woundedness
• scheming subliminal messages, or
• "proven" formulas based on a crumbling marketing paradigm based in patriarchy

You have new, energetic options to powerfully portray your business.

Breathing vibrance into your words of a pure intent to serve, maintains the integrity of you, your inspired work, and your readers. The power behind words is actually more impactful than the specific words you choose. Of course the words matter to some degree--and they must be based on the fullness of life, instead of deficit, lack, frustration, etc.--but be assured: the sentiment of words carries a positive influence uniquely its own, based on your genuine desire to use your products and services to enrich the world.

With the shifting business paradigm to a collaborative, cooperative, everyone-wins approach, real-world results prove there's something tangible and applicable to the business world on the other side of this "woo-woo" stuff.

How To Maintain Your Article Marketing Campaign With Quick Article Writing Method

Article marketing is an important key to establishing and maintaining your expertise on the Web. It also goes a long way in ensuring your audience keeps coming back because you have interesting, fresh content.

With the daily demands on your time, however, your article marketing campaign often gets relegated to the background. It’s not that you think it’s unimportant, but somehow other tasks continually take precedence, with varying degrees of negative impact to your business.

What if you had an easy, proven system to producing lots of articles? Here’s how, and I promise it works because in less than one hour, this article was written using this very method:

1. Choose a topic that’s easy for you to write about without the need for research
2. Choose key words(s)
3. Choose key points
4. Set your timer for 20 minutes
5. Write or type without thinking, editing, reviewing or proofing. Just get the information out of your head
6. Wait a minimum of 30 minutes (start another article or do something else)
7. Set your timer for 10 minutes
8. Quickly restructure article for organization and logical flow
9. Strategically place or double-check placement of your keyword(s)
10. Wait a minimum of 30 minutes (start another article or do something else)
11. Set your timer for a maximum of 10 minutes.
12. Proofread for grammar and punctuation
13. Set your timer for 5 minutes.
14. Write as many dynamic titles for your article as possible
15. Choose the article title with the most impact
16. Review article one final time for organization, flow, grammar, spelling and punctuation (or delegate a final review to your virtual assistant or editor)
17. Publish or post article on article distribution sites like ezinearticles.com


Using this method is incredibly effective in producing articles in less than an hour, without compromising quality. If you did this daily, or even weekly, you could quickly accumulate 365 or 52 articles (respectively) every year. If you have one hour, you have one article to promote yourself, your products or services. Article writing doesn’t have to be daunting. Just get started with an effective system that delivers… every time.

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Too Many Words Undermine Your Copywriting Efforts

I saw this recently in an article about copywriting:

'However, before you begin your copywriting venture it is essential to know the basics about copywriting so that you can channelize your creative skill in the right direction and open the doorways for millions to flow into your treasure house.'

Channelize? Open the doorways for millions? (Learning copywriting basics will deliver millions? Really?) Your treasure house?

High-impact copywriting is succinct AND avoids the use of colloquialisms (e.g. treasure house). If I were hired to edit this paragraph, this is how it would look:

'However, before beginning your copywriting career, learn the basics. Knowing the essentials is vital to writing captivating content, thereby opening additional channels of revenue.'

Although the first version is colorful, it requires readers to work to understand its meaning.

Too much work = disinterested reader

When your audience has to read and reread your content to gain understanding, their frustration level increases and instead of intriguing them, you lose them... maybe permanently. If you're trying to build your marketing list, establish yourself as an expert or increase sales, obviously losing a reader won't deliver the results you desire.

In copywriting, every word must pull its weight. Words are used strategically and chosen specifically to deliver the most impact. Writing isn't an accidental business activity. Your efforts must be smart, focused and speak effectively to your market... as succinctly as possible.

So, how do you do that?

Here are 7 insider copywriting tips for writing and editing highly-effective, targeted marketing content:

1. Know your target market before writing anything
2. Use fewer words for your first draft (you can always add more later, if necessary)
3. Create an outline. Make each point, provide a brief explanation and move on
4. Avoid words that don't 'pull their own weight'
5. Review content with a keen eye for brevity (and be aggressive with the delete button!)
6. Review content asking yourself how to say something more effectively with fewer words
7. Review content for all words-or strings of words-that aren't widely understood or causes your reader to 'work' to understand the meaning (e.g. colloquialisms, vernacular terms, idioms, or jargon)

Implementing these 7 tools is a solid foundation for copywriting that accomplishes your marketing goals.

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Entrepreneurs Ask... What Can I Expect To Pay For Expert Copywriting?

The Answer: It depends. There's no specific answer because there are too many variables.

Craigslist.com has copywriter postings for $10/hour. Top copywriters command upwards of $750/hour. So, you can expect to pay between $10 and $750 per hour. Averaged, that is $370 per hour.

I know. It's not much of an answer.

Hiring a copywriter sounds like an easy task. Then you begin researching the possibilities and quickly enter the abyss of frustration and overwhelm. There are no easy "apples-to-apples, oranges-to-oranges" comparisons because pricing depends on:

• Years of experience
• Target market
• Knowledge/expertise in a specific industry
• A proven track record of results
• Investment in ongoing training and learning about industry trends from national experts
• What the current market will pay

Most copywriters don't charge by the hour, but provide a bid or proposal instead based on the specifics of your unique project. This is the most professional and effective method of charging you fairly... again because there are so many variables.

Generally, there are 4 ways copywriters charge for services:

1. Per word (copy suitable for newsletters, Web sites, brochures, business cards and blogs)
2. Per page (Web site copywriting)
3. Per project (based on a review of your materials and a formal written proposal)
4. Per package (a specific number of copywriting hours per month, pre-paid in full)

The best method of comparing copywriters is:

1. Ask for referrals from fellow colleagues/entrepreneurs you trust.
2. Review Web sites for all referrals to determine if the copywriter is a good fit for you based on experience, knowledge of your industry, specific expertise and a personal vibe.
3. Read the policies/procedures and pricing pages, if posted, to determine how projects are priced.
4. Submit a request for proposal via email, submit a "Request for Proposal" form or schedule an appointment to discuss the project parameters. Your final decision is often based on how you connect with the copywriter.

Compare proposals not only for pricing, but items included at no additional charge. Typically, the following additional services are included:

• Review of client materials
• First draft
• Two rounds of client revisions (additional revisions charged hourly rate)

REMEMBER: The old adage You Get What You Pay For definitely applies to hiring a copywriter.

With a quick internet search, you can find services offering copywriting for $10/page. That sounds good at first... until you realize the work is actually performed in India (or Pakistan or China) by non-native English speakers.

You don't think that will cost you later in grief, time AND money?

Sure it will, but by the time you realize your lapse in judgment to get the best deal, it's too late. Your Agreement has been signed, you paid a deposit, your credit card number is on file to pay the balance due, and what you get back after waiting weeks or months cannot even be used, the quality is so poor. So, the search begins all over again and the saga continues.

In conclusion, what you can expect to pay for professional copywriting comes down to the investment you make to find a good fit financially, energetically and professionally.

Don't choose the cheapest bid simply because it's the lowest. Pros charge professional rates because they can and do deliver. That's the whole point in hiring them in the first place. You pay a rate that ensures professional results.

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FOR SERIOUS ENTREPRENEURS ONLY! Why You Need a Ghostwriter On Your Team

You may have never thought about it, but having a ghostwriter at your disposal is important to the life of your ongoing marketing efforts. Hiring someone whose expertise it is to write rich content propels you in business and FREES YOUR TIME to focus on management and long-term planning.

I write special reports, articles, and blog posts all under the names of my clients. I take no credit, but instead work quietly behind-the-scenes to feature your products and services so you shine among your existing clients and promising prospects.

So, let me get back to why you need a ghostwriter. You only need one if:

• You're serious about being smart with your time and money
• You're savvy to the point of understanding the fundamentals of wisely investing in your business and its future
• You insist on only knowledgeable, experienced and reliable talent to enhance your already savvy team
• You can no longer justify writing your own materials because it requires a colossal effort beyond your expertise
• You want to effectively market yourself with high-impact support services like ghostwriting (this is in incredibly simple and effective method of projecting professionalism - everyone knows none of us succeeds without the support of a professional team. If you use this information in your marketing content, you are even closer to the big money because people naturally want to align themselves with others they perceive to be professionals)
• You're ready to hand off tasks that zap your days of precious time and energy
• You want to convert prospects to long-term satisfied and devoted customers

Hiring a ghostwriter isn't right for every entrepreneur. It may not be your time. You may not have planned for an allocation of funds. You may not understand the ROI (return-on-investment) value.

However, if you do get it, and are ready to delegate your marketing writing to a pro who works silently to ensure your business growth and creatively showcases your unique offerings, email me. I'd love to hear your ideas and offer you an array of limitless possibilities.

Sometimes it's hard to know just how impactful, easy and freeing it can be to delegate writing, so how about a little taste? It really is as simple as providing project parameters. We do the rest. Can you even imagine handing off the assignment of a free special report, as only one example, and having it delivered to your inbox within a week? What would you do with the time? Put up your feet? Relax? Well, maybe not, but you could certainly focus your efforts on other more demanding items requiring your specific input.

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Gender-based Marketing Copy: Why This Trend Is Growing Exponentially and Why It's Crucial To Speak Directly To Women

Statistics show women make 85% of consumer buying decisions. Is it any wonder then that we need to write online and Web site content specifically to them? Using a new approach that literally speaks their language?

Instead of writing tired copy based on the old patriarchal paradigm, it's time to think differently about how we approach women to offer our products and services.

There's a completely new shift happening and with it comes many opportunities to market in ways never before imagined or attempted... which will actually use less language to sell and more language that connects. When women feel they're heard and understood, they will purchase from you. When they see a fresh coat of paint on an old marketing approach, they won't. All the rules have changed. Let's dig in.

Why is this trend growing so rapidly?

Simply put: Because it's time.

There is an energetic/spiritual reconciliation occurring on the planet and women (as well as those characteristics culturally related to being female) will become much more prominent... in business, in politics, in religion, in every leadership position. It is a result of things being so out of balance for so long. What is out of balance must right itself at some point in time. That time is now.

So, how does this relate to the language of online marketing? Because if what I'm saying is true (you must feel it for yourself and check it against what you see happening around you) there's a ton of opportunity about to explode... for all of us! Why not be ahead of the trend to make sure your business is in complete compliance and poised to maximize every possible angle?

(As a generality) women are innately nurturing nesters. There's no amount of denying this that changes it. There are inherent tendencies to women that no matter how much time passes or cultural changes occur, are prominent, prevalent and won't go away simply because they don't sound politically correct. Sure there are exceptions and nurturing nesters may never birth children, create comfortable homes or be gracious hosts, but nevertheless there are expressions of being uniquely female with variations of the same theme.

That's why it's important to write to these themes. To be effective, we must address the issues, cares, concerns, fears and frustrations of women.

Some people think targeted copy doesn't make any difference. You decide. Let me give you an example: To which gender is each of these ads meant to target?

1. "With all the demands at work, there's no time to waste. Our hard-hitting tactics guarantee results."

2. "With all the demands on your time -- at work and home, with family and friends -- it's vital to make wise decisions that ensure you have as much time as possible for everything and everyone you love."

As a female consumer, of course you are more motivated by the second ad. No doubt. It speaks to someone who understands you (you have limited time), supports you (in making wise decisions), and offers you a solution to resolve a frequent frustration (having time for everything and everyone in your life).

So, what works with women? Language that:

· elicits feelings of connection to others
· ties into/addresses personal aspects of life (home, balancing personal/business lives, integrating children, support networks, virtual and actual communities, etc.)
· ties into compassion, nurturing, connectivity
· is inclusive of more than just her... it speaks to all the women she knows

This trend is quickly gaining momentum. Not only do women make 85% of all buying decisions, they make up 40% as household heads, and run 40% of companies in the United States. Women went from being A segment of the market to being THE market!

Now's the time to invest in refining your marketing materials to address this key majority of the buying market--WOMEN. Clearly, accessing and addressing their specific needs delivers the kind of results not seen with conventional or one-gender-fits-all copywriting. Things have changed dramatically only to become a wave of the future. Be on the crest of the wave!

If you require a professional assessment of the "female-friendliness" of your marketing content, contact us.

We're female. Simply stated, "We get it!" and are driven to apply our expertise in online marketing to showcase your products and services in the burgeoning female market.

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Few Words In Small Spaces Must Still Communicate Effectively

There is no doubt small spaces require special attention. Space is a precious commodity; especially on instruction or ingredient labels. Based on experience, each word must pull its own weight.

A client recently contacted me about copy for a very small label. Directions for a similar product said, "Swirl, tap, buff."

As a consumer myself, with these directions, I wouldn't know how to use the product most effectively. Swirl what? Using what? Tap where? How hard? Buff where? To what extent?

Ugh. Another frustrating experience with the product thrown into the back of a drawer, never to see the light of day.

Keep in mind these 3 guidelines as you write any copy, but especially copy for tight spaces:

Guideline 1: Don't assume your customer will instinctively know how to use your product.

Guideline 2: Don't frustrate your customer by forcing her to try to figure out how to use your product.

Guideline 3: It's your job to instruct your consumer. Do it effectively.


My client required as few words as possible to fit the limited space, but as importantly, the words had to effectively communicate how to use the product. After all, what's the point if the words don't truly instruct and empower?

Below are some actual label instructions found on consumer products. They are not only attempts to write effectively in a small space, but to relieve the supplier of liability. Avoid this approach! It's lame and totally transparent to the consumer. Other examples exhibit simple carelessness, language/translation issues, and lack of attention to dual meanings.

These examples may cause you to laugh, but if it's your business name on the product, you have much to lose. If consumers perceive you as inept, will they purchase from you more than once? Probably not. This translates to a disastrous impact on your reputation and your business.

1. On a blanket from Taiwan -
   NOT TO BE USED AS PROTECTION FROM A TORNADO.


2. On a helmet-mounted mirror used by U.S. cyclists -
   REMEMBER, OBJECTS IN THE MIRROR ARE ACTUALLY BEHIND YOU.


3. On a Taiwanese shampoo -
   USE REPEATEDLY FOR SEVERE DAMAGE.


4. On the bottle-top of a (UK) flavoured milk drink -
   AFTER OPENING, KEEP UPRIGHT.


5. On a New Zealand insect spray -
   THIS PRODUCT NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS.


6. In a US guide to setting up a new computer -
   TO AVOID CONDENSATION FORMING, ALLOW THE BOXES TO WARM UP TO ROOM TEMPERATURE BEFORE OPENING.
   (Sensible, but the instruction was INSIDE the box.)


7. On a Japanese product used to relieve painful hemorrhoids -
   LIE DOWN ON BED AND INSERT POSCOOL SLOWLY UP TO THE PROJECTED PORTION LIKE A SWORD-GUARD INTO ANAL DUCT. WHILE INSERTING POSCOOL FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES, KEEP QUIET.


8. In some countries, on the bottom of Coke bottles -
   OPEN OTHER END.


9. On a packet of Sunmaid raisins -
   WHY NOT TRY TOSSING OVER YOUR FAVOURITE BREAKFAST CEREAL?


10. On a Sears hairdryer -
    DO NOT USE WHILE SLEEPING.


11. On a bag of Fritos -
    YOU COULD BE A WINNER! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. DETAILS INSIDE.
    (The shoplifter special!)


12. On a bar of Dial soap -
    DIRECTIONS - USE LIKE REGULAR SOAP.
    (And that would be how?)


13. On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom of the box) -
    DO NOT TURN UPSIDE DOWN.
    (Too late! You lose!)


14. On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding -
    PRODUCT WILL BE HOT AFTER HEATING.
    (Are you sure? Let's experiment.)


15. On a Korean kitchen knife -
    WARNING: KEEP OUT OF CHILDREN.
    (Dammit! Who are they to tell me what to do with my kids?)


16. On a string of Chinese-made Christmas lights -
    FOR INDOOR OR OUTDOOR USE ONLY.
    (As opposed to... ?)


17. On a Japanese food processor -
    NOT TO BE USED FOR THE OTHER USE.
    (Now I'm curious.)


18. On Sainsbury's peanuts -
    WARNING - CONTAINS NUTS.
    (Really? Peanuts contain nuts?)


19. On an American Airlines packet of nuts -
    INSTRUCTIONS - OPEN PACKET, EAT NUTS.
    (I'm glad they cleared that up.)


20. On a Swedish chainsaw -
    DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STOP CHAIN WITH YOUR HANDS OR GENITALS.
    (What kind of consumer phone-call led to this warning?)


21. On a child's superman costume -
    WEARING OF THIS GARMENT DOES NOT ENABLE YOU TO FLY.
    (Bummer, I want my $8.95 back!)


22. On some frozen dinners:
    SERVING SUGGESTION: DEFROST.


23. On a hotel-provided shower cap in a box -
    FITS ONE HEAD.


24. On packaging for a Rowenta iron -
    DO NOT IRON CLOTHES ON BODY.


25. On Boot's "Children's" cough medicine -
    DO NOT DRIVE CAR OR OPERATE MACHINERY.


26. On Nightly sleep aid -
    WARNING: MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS.
    (Duh! It well BETTER cause drowsiness at that price!)

Someone, somewhere, approved this copy! Don't let this happen to you!

What can you learn from these examples? Have several people review your small-space copy to ensure it conveys what you intend. Otherwise, you risk losing your precious reputation, as well as sales.

EditCopyProof Launches Design Services

The buzz has begun.

With the latest addition of design services to our lineup of professional copywriting, copyediting and proofreading, clients are already clamoring to be among the first to benefit from high-impact visual marketing materials.

Whether you require a logo, watermark, print or online advertisement, business card, notepad, bookmark or product label, this is the final destination in your search for

• competitive pricing
• quick turnaround on all projects
• direct contact with our talented designer
• unlimited, exclusive rights to your logo/designs

Submit a quote request TODAY. Most quotes are returned to you within 2 hours of receipt. As soon as the Agreement is signed and returned to us via email or FAX, we immediately begin your project.

Here's what one satisfied client said:

"I gave EditCopyProof 's designer a scanned image of an inspired doodle, a color scheme, and a few other thoughts. Within a few days, I had 3 unique comps. They were all so good, it was hard to choose just one! I now have a logo I can use for multiple applications and many years.

What's so powerful is the consulting/copywriting/design combination. Charlon's 1-hour consult on the essential elements of a business card blew my mind. She offered a perspective of the business card being a "mini-billboard" instead of mere contact information. Who knew? My entire view of marketing has broadened, as a direct result.

If you need design services, copywriting, consulting or a highly-impactful combination of all three, there's only one place to go; EditCopyProof Designs! They are my one-stop pro shoppe."

Gina Rafkind
The Aromatherapy Luminary
VedaSun.com

Entrepreneurs Ask... I’m already successful. Do I still need to define my target market?

To write impactful marketing materials with guaranteed results, first your target market must be clearly defined.

You’ll notice I didn’t say, “To be successful in business, first your target market must be clearly defined.”

That’s because many entrepreneurs experience accidental success. They introduce a product at a most opportune time, they grow a business based on intuition, or they are just at the right place at the right time. It happens all the time, but at some point you realize the value and importance of speaking directly to your target market. You want to refine your existing system to realize even greater results. You want a strategic and specific plan for drawing in even more clients. Do this simple yet revealing exercise to open your eyes to the possibilities.

Once this happens, your vision is now crystal clear. Your perfect clients find you and instantly resonate with you. It’s because you speak “their” language. They feel you know them. And, in a way you do. You’ve zeroed in on their pain, their struggles, their life worries and you paint yourself, your products, your services as the answer to their problems.

Let me give you an example. For which market is this headline intended?

The Latest Sparkly Hair Thing-a-ma-bobber
Will Have All Eyes On You This Spring...
Make Sure It’s YOU Who Ignites This Edgy Trend

a. A 55-year-old corporate male executive with a corner office
who lives and works in Manhattan

b. A 15-year-old female fashionista who attends a public --
but very upscale -- school

c. A 37-year-old conservative, religious female who lives in a
town with the same population as her age

Yep. You guessed it; B is the correct answer.

If you’re like many entrepreneurs who – until this moment – thought a target market analysis was unnecessary, now you understand why this exercise is so crucial.

Do you think the 55-year-old executive or the 37-year-old small town lady will read past the headline? NO! And neither will your customers/clients if you are not clear on who your message is trying to reach. When you have a mental image (you’ll create this during the exercise below) of your perfect client, your marketing materials reflect that clarity.

Your message must speak the language of your intended audience. If it doesn’t, you unnecessarily expend too much time, money and energy trying to sell to everyone. That’s another way to say you waste a great deal of all three.

Your target market isn’t everyone. No product or service is meant for every person on the planet. Stop trying to be everything to everyone and start being the #1 resource for the people with whom you want to do business. Cater to them. Cater well to them. Speak their language. See what happens.

At first you may think this is a waste of time. But I promise: Doing this exercise reveals aspects of your ideal customer that don’t surface any other way. It helps if you have an existing client file, but if not, don’t fret. Chances are your ideal client is you! If that’s true, use that as a starting point.

From this point forward, write every marketing piece directly to one person who represents your target market. With a prominent mental image of this person, your writing becomes more personal and hits the mark every time.

Mark your target, and hit it with precise and pre-determined language that engages, inspires and prompts your reader to take action. Now THAT’S the power of copywriting that sells.