Never underestimate the power of simplicity!
Hiya CopyStar!
In 2017 my husband and I visited Kenya and experienced an unforgettable, eye-opening adventure! We lived… ate… played and became honorary family members of the Masai tribesman. Heck — the Masai Warriors even gave me a name, “Namunyak” — which means “The Fortunate One”!
I stayed in a home made of cow dung. How ironic since I write a lot of promotions on colon health — and have even been coined the “Queen of Poop!”
The home had everything the family of 4 needed — yet it was smaller than my master closet. These folks lived so simply. They woke up when it was light and went to bed when it was dark. In between they took care of the basic necessities. No electricity… no mortgage… no bills! And they were such happy people!
I was so impressed at seeing simplicity in action — especially as I thought about our complex world. We’ve got tons of gadgets to help us “simplify” — yet our lives are more complicated than ever!
So after my trip — I made a concerted effort to get rid of stuff. To simplify. And this wasn’t just in my home — I also focused on simplifying my copy too! And you know what?
I’ve written some KILLER controls just by following the principle of KISS! Feel free to take a look at them in my e-store so you can learn some of my techniques. CarlineCole.com. But — right now…
… I’m going to give you 2 simple steps to help you boost your writing skills — by keeping it simple…
1. Baby step your way to success! The best way to handle a project that feels overwhelming is to break it down in small pieces! Give yourself simple goals to reach each day — and celebrate when you reach those goals!
Here’s an example:
OR
Full disclosure: I almost NEVER write outlines! My brain doesn’t work that way. I’m more of an eclectic writer. When I read something that interests me — when I get that “Ah ha!” moment — that’s when I start writing!
For example…
… A while ago a client wanted me to write about a remarkable sacred oil. This oil could help cure everything from allergies to zika! Hmmm… sounded more like snake oil to me! I wasn’t feeling it. Didn’t want to do it.
I started feeling overwhelmed. Time was ticking and nothing was getting me excited about this project! So what did I do?
I took the day off!
And then I came back to work — and just baby stepped my way through the project.
Here’s how:
I picked the smallest book in the copywriter start kit. I decided to only read the 1st chapter containing 10 pages and then stop. That was my goal. But guess what? The book was interesting! I wanted to learn more about how this oil worked! So…
…I decided to read another chapter. And then another. And before I knew it……Words… sentences… paragraphs started popping up on my computer screen! Is that ME writing this great copy? Yep! I found little nuggets to write about and before I knew it — my copy was done!
Take a look:
Yep — I took my pessimistic attitude — and turned it into the theme of my copy! But you know what CopyStar?
I would never have gotten to the finish line if I hadn’t baby stepped it!
Now this brings us to my next simple step…
2. Use simple words an 8-year-old can understand! Keep your copy simple and clear. Don’t risk confusing your prospect. Now — sometimes you may need to use a big, complicated word. So whaddaya do? Immediately break it down for your prospect!
For example…
In the same promotion I spoke about earlier — I said:
“Pharaoh’s Oil is a potent immune-modulator”
Then — immediately I followed up by saying “that’s just a fancy schmancy way of saying this oil gets and keeps your immune system in a healthy balance!”
See what I mean?
Here’s another way I keep my words simple: I copy and paste my document into the Hemingway App. This app gives me a grade level for my copy. It also alerts me to areas where my copy may be confusing to the reader. It’s really simple to use! Check it out at: Hemingway App
So CopyStar — remember to KISS often. If you do — you’ll…
- Take baby steps — so you don’t get overwhelmed!
- Connect with your prospect!
- Deliver strong copy and keep your client happy!
You can get LOTS more ideas and proven strategies to help you KISS — and create winning controls here: CarlineCole.com
Yours for stellar results,
Million-Dollar Copywriter & Consultant