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For Professional Marketers Only
Showcase Your Skills—
and Knowledge—with
Long-Form Stealth
Marketing
Dale L. Sims,
Stealth Sales Strategist
“The #1 Advocate for Self-Help Marketers”
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2015 - Dale L. Sims - All rights reserved. THIS E-BOOK IS NOT TO BE RESOLD UNDER ANY CONDITION – RIGHTS RESERVED BY DALE
L. SIMS.
Every effort has been made to ensure that this special report is free from error. It is offered with the understanding
that I cannot take any responsibility for loss or action to any individual or corporation acting, or not acting, as a
result of the material presented here.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic,
including photocopying and recording or by any storage and retrieval system without the express written permission
from the author.
Legal Notice
Information in this report is taken directly from publicly accessible file archives. They are used as “fair use” under
17 U.S.C. Section 107 for news purposes only, to illustrate various points made in this publication.
While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, neither the author nor the
publisher assumes responsibility for error, omissions or contrary interpretations of the subject matter herein.
The publisher warns to stress that the information contained herein may be subject to varying state and/or federal
laws or regulations. All users are advised to retain competent counsel to determine what state and/or federal laws or
regulations may apply to the user’s particular business.
The purchaser or prospect of this publication assumes responsibility for the use of these materials and information.
Adherence to applicable laws and regulations, both federal, state and local, governing professional licensing,
business practices, advertising and all other aspects if doing business in the United States or any other jurisdiction is the sole responsibility of the purchaser or prospect.
The author and publisher assume no responsibility whatsoever on the behalf of any publisher or prospect of these
materials.
www.selfhelpmarketcopywriting.com
Email: [email protected]
Table of Contents
How to get fast, fresh & easy ammo to trigger your content marketing………………………………..1 Do these “Cursed Objects” haunt your health copy?...............................................................9 Bulls eye writing tips—from Sherlock Holmes?……….……………………………………………………………18 Avoid the huge mistake most health & fitness marketers make online..................................22 How Rachel got “bit” in the butt trying to be sneaky………….………………………………………………..26
Is this copywriting “technique” setting you up for a hefty FTC fine?.....………………………………..30
Bonus article: Is this why sales of your fat-loss product stink?……..………………………………….….34
How to get fast, fresh & easy ammo to trigger
your content marketing
Do you ever fantasize about…
…finding new, quick and simple ways to generate ideas for content marketing
articles?
If so, you can stop daydreaming now.
Here’s why. During the past year or so, I wrote a variety of marketing articles
from sources on my bookshelf or stored in my computer. Getting the needed info
from these resources, most several years old, took minutes.
So let me share some of the article themes I came up with, and their convenient
origins.
You’re payback? By the time you’re done here, you can start using some or all
of these ideas to ignite ideas for your own stealth marketing campaign.
And, not light-weight pieces either. Your articles can still “pop” with authority
and actionable info.
First up…
Scary stories prompt chance to show legal know-
how
Page 1
Legal minefields abound in copywriting and marketing. So showing prospective
clients that you’re knowledgeable about these threats is vital.
But coming up with the best approach to do this can be tough.
In fact, I struggled with this last spring--then a website I visit daily,
Maajak.com--provided an eerie solution.
The martial arts and strange-news site had displayed the following link:
http://io9.com/7-terrifying-cursed-objects-that-exist-in-real-life-1560847160
The article tempted readers with the following headline: “7 Terrifying Cursed
Objects That Actually Exist.”
As you can see, the piece cites creepy examples of cursed physical objects that
have supposedly caused many unexplained deaths. (You’ll even see Annabelle, of
recent movie “fame” in there.)
Bizarre, yes. But for some other reason the article struck a chord—I felt I could
use the info in some future copy or content.
Two days later, an idea struck me. It turned into this theme for an article:
“You wouldn’t want one of those cursed items in your house, would you? What about
certain legal land mines? In the same way, you wouldn’t want them in your copy or content
either.”
Here’s the head and part of the lead of the piece that resulted:
Do These “Cursed Objects” Haunt Your Health Copy?
10 booby traps that can kill your copy, career, and cash reserves
These stories are bizarre… They tell of people getting hurt, harassed, or murdered by objects that have dreadful curses placed on them. Creepy, huh?
But we’re going look at a few anyway before covering how they connect to health copy.
http://selfhelpmarketcopywriting.com/do-these-cursed-objects-haunt-your-health-copy/
(See page 9 for entire article.)
Page 2
In contrast, this next article resource had sat on my bookshelf for almost 15 years. And it provided…
Help from the fog-cloaked streets of 19th
century
London
The Quotable Sherlock Holmes (Warner Books, Inc., 2000) is a theme-based treasure trove of sayings from the fictional detective. And, just over a year ago, while glancing through the book, the following well-known Holmes’ quote got me thinking.
"Data! Data! Data!" he cried impatiently. "I can't make bricks without
clay."
Were there enough quotes available to cover the process of writing long-form copy or content?
A quick check--online and off--said yes. In fact, some quick paste and copying gave me the bare bones for an article that earned me the easiest $200 I ever made.
The 1,122-word article that followed showed both my grasp of the writing process and my ability to easily and engagingly share it with others.
Here’s the head and lead:
Bull’s Eye Writing Tips…From Sherlock Holmes?
Can the methods of a fictional detective from the fog-shrouded streets of 19th-century London help today’s tech-savvy writer? Absolutely. In fact, these concepts are so elementary to apply, they can enrich your entire writing experience. But they’re not just for newer writers. Veterans will find them worth reviewing as well. Writing a sales letter, landing page, or content marketing article? Doesn’t matter, Sherlock’s principals still apply. So let’s take a look at how Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s consulting detective can help you write more successfully—from start to finish… http://www.kathrynaragon.com/writing-tips-sherlock/
Page 3
(See page 18 for entire article.)
Later, I used a similar framework in a marketing piece to promote my special report…
Hands down, here’s the easiest content marketing
promo to write
Even though it’s one of the simplest articles to write, you don’t see a lot of copywriters doing this.
Essentially, you shrink down your marketing special report and use the resulting article to promote that special report.
I saved time and money by doing this last year.
You see, I faced a minor marketing dilemma.
Initially, here’s how I reached prospective clients:
After researching them, I’d personalize my special report, then send it to the
printers. From there, I’d mail it at the cheapest rate. This took time and cost about $7 per piece for mailing and printing.
I needed a better, yet still proactive method. Yes, I could have switched website platforms so it could be downloaded from my site. Then drove traffic and so on. However, I didn’t want to do that.
So instead, I wrote the following and posted it on my site:
Avoid the huge mistake most health & fitness marketers
make online
Guess who just landed on your website?
It’s Penelope Parkington, 51, whose last teen just moved out. Now she has plenty of time to
start doing some of the things she’s put off for the last 20 years—active social life, Caribbean
cruise, getting her PHD.
And Penelope wants to look and feel stellar doing those thing. While she doesn’t have money to
burn, she does have it to spend—if she’s convinced she’ll get one-of-a kind results.
Page 4
So she’s on your site looking for nutritional supplements, fitness equipment, or workout DVDs to
help her reach her goals. Penelope’s already looked at several other sites, plus she’s looked
offline at sales letters and magazine ads.
And each time she’s asking, “What’s separates this stuff from all the rest?”
http://selfhelpmarketcopywriting.com/avoid-the-huge-mistake-most-health-fitness-marketers-
make-online/
(See page 22 for entire article.)
Then, I used LinkedIn and other social media platforms to get traffic (Did the
same with most of the other articles here).
Problem solved.
I used a similar idea several months for this next piece. Here you simply…
Transform a sales page/letter into a story-based
marketing article
Last winter, I wanted to push my website content auditing service. Up till then,
I had a landing page which had been promoted on social media shortly after
creation.
But since marketing stories were the rage, I decided to go that route.
But what story could I use?
Then I got one the old-fashioned way—by eavesdropping.
While at a local deli, I overheard a manager—her nameplate said Rachel—talking
to an employee. She complained about how she always had to rescue her little
brother from some problem.
“Aha,” I thought, as I waited for my breakfast Panini.
So later that day, I used Rachel’s complaint and my current promo--
http://selfhelpmarketcopywriting.com/health-wellness-or-fitness-pro-are-slow-website-
traffic-sales-killing-your-business/ --to create this stealth sales article:
How Rachel got “bit in the butt” trying to be sneaky…but
became her company’s hero soon after
Page 5
What’s worse?
Getting the “Evil Eye” from your boss throughout a two hour-long meeting and not knowing
why…
Or…
…knowing why and realizing you’re about to get “bit in the butt” for a bad decision you made six
months ago?
Definitely the latter, decided Rachel, company marketing coordinator.
And glares from Beatrice, her boss’s executive secretary, and Albert, her counterpart in Sales,
just jacked up her anxiety even higher.
http://selfhelpmarketcopywriting.com/how-rachel-got-bit-in-the-butt-trying-to-be-sneakybut-
became-her-companys-hero-soon-after/
(See page 26 for entire article.)
I’m betting you can probably easily do this with your own direct response-style promotions.
Anyway, shortly after finishing that article, I faced another challenge: How do I
show prospective clients my knowledge of the rules and regs of the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC)?
I did that with this final article about an example how…
Unproven claims provoke punishing FTC Fines
The original plan was to do a round-up of several recent FTC rulings from press
releases stored in my “FTC” email file.
You know the kind of article I mean.
The FTC caught these companies doing X, so don’t do X. Not too original.
However, a careful re-reading of the releases and linked info revealed a crucial
tidbit in one of the rulings. In fact, this affects how even you—and I--might handle
a future project.
In essence, a company used a third-party endorsement about the successes of a
nutritional ingredient as evidence that their formula could thwart diabetes.
Page 6
The court’s reply? “Unacceptable.”
Focusing on that angle, I wrote the following:
Attention Supplement Marketers:
Is This Copywriting “Technique” Setting You up for a Hefty
FTC Fine?
When a Glendale, Calif., company tried to use this popular technique as part of their defense
against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)…
…A federal judge in California denied its use and slammed them with a $2.2 million dollar
judgment.
The court had accused the Wellness Support Network, Inc. (WNS), with marketing bogus
products that claimed to treat and prevent diabetes, the agency’s press release reported.
http://selfhelpmarketcopywriting.com/attention-supplement-marketers-is-this-copywriting-technique-setting-you-up-for-a-hefty-ftc-fine-2/
(See page 30 for entire article.)
The social media and website payoffs were jarringly good. Hundreds of favorable comments, clicks and connections.
Page 7
So let’s conclude with more about that notion of payoffs.
You’ll get at least 4 if you remember and use these 5 tips.
You’ll have peace of mind as you start your projects. Why? Because you know you can get the info you need lickety-split.
You’ll pump out commanding content faster and easier than ever.
AND, you won’t be dipping from the same pool as your competition. The sources you use may be comparable, but the material will be uniquely your own.
So keep these in mind…and go from empty fantasies to the reality of prolific
content marketing.
Page 8
Do These “Cursed Objects” Haunt Your
Health Copy?
10 booby traps that can kill your copy, career, and cash
reserves
These stories are bizarre… They tell of people getting hurt, harassed, or murdered by objects that have dreadful curses placed on them.
Creepy, huh? But we’re going look at a few anyway before covering how they connect to health copy. --Our first tale supposedly happened in the early ‘70s. A raggedy doll
Page 9
named Annabelle stunned two college roommates by changing positions and moving to different locations in their home. Things got worse after a friend, Lou, warned them that they should get rid
of it. The story goes Annabelle then visited Lou in his apartment and strangled him till he passed out. The next night, sounds from a nearby room caused Lou to investigate. His loud screams soon had the female roommates by his side. They found two large claw marks on Lou’s chest and an empty room—except for
Annabelle. Ed and Lorraine Warren, known for their Amityville horror work, investigated. The demon-possessed doll, they concluded, was actually a conduit to hell. --Then there’s Thomas Busby’s deadly chair...
Busby strangled his father-in-law to death in 1702. Before his execution soon after, he put a curse on his favorite chair. Since then, allegedly 63 people died early deaths after sitting in the chair. Even weirder…
The Thirsk Museum in North Yorkshire, U.K., which houses the infamous chair, had to suspend it from the ceiling in 1972. Why? Too many people tried to commit suicide by sitting in the chair! --Our last example is the jinxed Basano Vase. In 1988, an enterprising soul discovered the 15th century silver Italian
vase in a yard. After reading the enclosed curse—“Beware…this vase brings death.”—and trashing it, the person sold the vase to an auction house. A series of sudden death followed. A pharmacist died three months after buying the vase…a 37-year-old surgeon bought it and died two months later…an archaeologist then purchased it—same thing, same time
frame…and the next owner died within a month of buying the vase. Italian newspapers claimed police confiscated then reburied the vase in a lead box in a secret location. 1
Page 10
So what do these disturbing tales of cursed objects have to do with health copy? One crucial thing:
You wouldn’t want any of these sinister objects in your house, would you? The same fear applies to your copy. You don’t want anything in your promo that’s going to doom it—or you and your client.
Beware of this witch’s brew of possible pitfalls Let’s start with one of the most severe:
1. The Unsubstantiated Claim
Simply, this is an advertising claim that lacks adequate support. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires proof for all express and implied product claims. And several factors decide the right amount and type of substantiation needed.
They are:
The type of product
The type of claim
The benefits of a truthful claim
The cost and feasibility of developing proof for the claim
The consequences of a false claim
The amount of substantiation that experts in the field believe is
reasonable
To make your health-related claim(s), the FTC says you need to provide: “Tests, analyses, research, studies, or other evidence based on the expertise of professionals in the relevant area…that were conducted and evaluated in an objective manner by qualified persons…using generally accepted procedures to yield accurate and reliable results.” 2
Now onward to our next taboo…
2. A Health Claim
Page 11
Careful here. This subject matter can be devilishly tricky if you’re not familiar with it. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits supplement marketers to make
two kinds of claims on labeling and sales literature—health claims and structure-function statements. Health claims cover a connection between a nutrient and a disease or health-related condition. These must have “significant scientific agreement” and pre-approval by the FDA. Also, the FDA’s modernization act of 1997 allows health claims based on
“authoritative statements” from certain federal scientific bodies, such as the National Institutes of Health. Here’s an example of a health claim: “This formula contains 1,000 milligrams of cinnamon, which is known to help fight diabetes.”
No FDA approval? Then use proper structure-function statements. Simply, such wording refers to a nutrient’s effect on the structure or function of the body for maintaining good health. However, please keep in mind:
Claims must still be truthful and substantiated.
Always include in your promo the standard disclaimer, “”This claim has not been evaluated by the FDA….”
FDA pre-authorization is not needed; Notification within 60 days of use is. 2
Here’s an example of a structure-function statement: “The nutrients in this proven formula help promote strong, healthy joints within weeks of taking.” Next, there’s another kind of claim that can bedevil the unsuspecting marketer…
3. A False and Deceptive Claim
This one violates a major FTC rule (and many state consumer protection laws):
Page 12
Advertising must be truthful and not misleading. Section 5 of the FTC act says any advertising is deceptive and unfair if it...
Misleads consumers
Affects buyer’s behavior
Causes avoidable or substantial injury
Isn’t outweighed by other benefits 3
Here are two short examples: Suppose a company says its fiber product is proven to aid in weight loss. However, the amount of fiber used in the supplement is less than the amount in two published, peer-reviewed studies. This evidence doesn’t support the proven claim.
Also, say a company markets a capsule that contains a concentrated extract of an herb used in its raw form in China to brew teas for boosting energy. If the concentrated extract isn’t consistent with the traditional use of the herb and causes a significantly different effect, the ad may still be deceptive. 2
Next, beware, lest you…
4. Violate the Lanham Act
Ever want to write, “My product is 10 times more powerful than (competitor’s
name) product”?
Under this federal trademark statute, you can’t state this without proof. This act
says making that claim without evidence is a misrepresentation of yours or another
person’s goods or services. 3
Defy this act and you’ll soon be shackled—by a civil suit.
Our next potential landmine is the…
5. Mishandling of the Fair Use Doctrine
How much copyrighted material can you use in your copy or content without its
owner’s permission?
Page 13
This question continues to mystify many marketers and writers. But here are six
general guidelines to follow:
Fair Use favors scholarship and critical review. Its use in sales is
permitted but is looked on less favorably.
The less material you use compared to the size of the original the
better.
Ensure that your excerpt only supports your point and is not the
core of it.
It’s not Fair Use if you cite so much that it lowers the need for
anyone to read the original. 3
Fair Use standards for fiction are harder to meet than non-fiction.
Your use mustn’t devalue the original work. 4
Also, keep in mind, you could still be sued even if you follow these guidelines. Then,
your careful following of fair use rules would be your defense. 4
So be on the safe side here. Do your due diligence before using any amount of another author’s copyrighted work.
Now let’s look at an easier to understand copy killer:
6. Puffery Abstract claims or praise equals puffery. For instance, boasting that, “My martial arts studio provides the deadliest
self-defense system ever,” is puffery. Little worry of false advertising here. A competitor or the FTC would have trouble disproving your claim. Problem is vagueness doesn’t sell. But we all know what does: Specifics.
And when you use them along with the needed proof, you greatly boost your chances of reaching your promo’s goals. 3 The next way to jinx your copy is to violate...
7. Trading on a Name Statutes
Are you aching to proclaim in your copy that your self-help guru’s new book, “Takes up where Eckhart Tolle’s ‘The Power of Now’ left off”?
Page 14
Don’t do it. Under this rule, you can’t exploit a living famous person’s identity without his or her permission. Also, implying that that they back your claims or product can quickly get you sued.
However, it’s unlikely you’ll have an issue if you do this: Bury the public personality’s name in your copy—say on page 10 of a 12-page sales letter—and put it in a regular font. 3 So let’s emphasize three points in case you decide you must use such a person’s name: You shouldn’t…
…highlight it… …use it to make a sale… …try to steal business away from that personality. 3 Another method of hexing your copy is if you…
8. Over Guarantee
Let’s start with some examples.
Telling prospects…
“I guarantee you’ll be able defend yourself against any mugger after two
weeks of my karate class. If you can’t, I’ll give you $1,000.”
Or…
“I guarantee if you don’t lose 20 pounds in one week after you start taking
my amazing new diet powder, I’ll Fed Ex you five 100 dollar bills!”
…legally binds you to those promises. Remember, advertising is considered a legal
offer.
You can still make a guarantee like one of these, but if a customer takes you up on
it—hello, bankruptcy court.
Also be aware, using an over-the-top guarantee like one of these can get you in
trouble with the FTC. 3
Our next “cursed object” can doom you to a different kind of court. It’s the…
9. “Unintentional” Defamation
Page 15
Here, we’re only going to look at a few of the most vital points.
First, when it comes to defamation, claiming that using the wrong name or
information was an accident or wasn’t deliberate is no defense. Only one thing
matters: whom the reader believes you’re naming. 3
So if you’re getting info from, say an FTC press release, triple check the spelling of
all of the names, companies, and websites.
Also...
According to common law theory, if you quote another person’s libelous statement,
you’re just as guilty as that original speaker. So, just saying you were
repeating something won’t keep you out of court. 5
And now for our final copy nightmare…
10. Unrepresentative Customer Testimonials
A surprising number of people in our market are either unaware of this one—or just
ignore it.
All of us know testimonials must be truthful. But do you know you must have the
proper scientific evidence to support your testimonial’s claims?
The FTC says any customer comment you use about the safety and efficiency of
your product must be backed by proof. This shows that the experience is similar to
what all prospects can expect.
If you don’t have it, a clear and conspicuous disclaimer is needed. A disclaimer in
the same font size right next to the ad stating, “These results are not typical.
(Provide expected results in short sentence),” would suffice.
And if you have expert endorsers? Ensure they meet these criteria:
Possess appropriate expert credentials
Have used industry-accepted testing to make sure the product produces the
promised claims
Also, both expert and consumer endorsers must reveal any personal, financial, or
similar ties to the advertiser. 2, 6
Now, the good news. You only need one weapon to make sure you don’t make
Page 16
any of these 10 grave errors. And that’s…
Knowledge: Use it to “exorcise” YOUR health copy
Now you know the insidious dangers to watch out for when you write or edit health copy. Of course, you’ll want to double check legal sources if you’re uncertain about any of them. And don’t wait for the exorcism editing process to catch these copy gremlins. Yes, many writing coaches discourage editing while writing. But, in this case, you’re going to want to spike any of these the second you see one’s creeped into your
copy. So do you want successful health copy for your business? But are you frightened that you may end up facing one of these 10 terrors? Here’s what to do: Send me a message with the form beneath the references right now. I’ll quickly respond and let you know how I can end your nightmare
starting today. References:
1. http://io9.com/7-terrifying-cursed-objects-that-exist-in-real-life-1560847160, 2014
2. Dietary Supplements: An Advertising Guide For Industry, 2001 (FTC) 3. The Legalities of Copywriting Made Simple, 2009 (AWAI) 4. Legal Issues for Freelance Writers, 2006, (R. Kennedy, B. Bly)
5. The Associated Press Stylebook, 2007 (AP) 6. The FTC’s Revised Endorsement Guides: What People are Asking, 2010 (FTC)
Page 17
Bull’s Eye Writing Tips…From Sherlock Holmes?
Can the methods of a fictional detective from the fog-shrouded streets
of 19th-century London help today’s tech-savvy writer?
Absolutely. In fact, these concepts are so elementary to apply, they can enrich your entire writing experience. But they’re not just for newer writers. Veterans will find them worth reviewing as well.
Writing a sales letter, landing page, or content marketing article? Doesn’t matter, Sherlock’s principals still apply.
So let’s take a look at how Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s consulting detective can help you write more successfully—from start to finish.
The Game’s Afoot: the Research Phase
Suppose you’re a copywriter or content marketer. It’s 9 a.m. and you have a meeting with a client today at 3 p.m. You know the person has a project for you and you know what the subject is. What do you do?
Decide to keep an open mind so do nothing but review your prospect questionnaire then stuff it in your attaché case?
Or, do you start outlining and thinking about possible headlines, leads, subheads, and so on?
Consider using Sherlock Holmes’s approach to solving mysteries.
In The Adventure of the Cardboard Box, he explains to Dr. Watson:
"We approached the case, you remember, with an absolutely blank mind, which is always an advantage. We had formed no theories. We were simply
there to observe and to draw inferences from our observations."
This method saves time for at least two reasons, Sherlock notes:
Page 18
“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.”
-A Scandal in Bohemia
"I had come to an entirely erroneous conclusion, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from insufficient data."
-The Adventure of the Speckled Band
In short, it’s best to start with an open mind. You then meet your client and get your information. Because as Sherlock says in The Adventure of the Copper Beeches:
"Data! Data! Data!" he cried impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay."
Of course, you’ll want to add to the material—old promos, product sheets, press releases,
brochures, testimonials—your prospect gave you.
So don’t forget to glean valuable viewpoints from online blogs, websites, forums, and social media platforms.
Then…What’s that Mr. Holmes?
“There is nothing new under the sun. It has all been done before,” the detective observes in Doyle’s first Holmes story--A Study in Scarlet.
Is this hinting that you should “borrow” from other writers? Not exactly.
It’s fine to get ideas from them; you just have to put things in your own words. And getting samples is simple. You probably get articles, sales letters, and other info in your email or postal box daily.
It’s an easy way to get ideas for structuring and writing your material.
Now, let’s discover…
The Scientific Use of Imagination: the Writing Phase
Think comparing writing to detective work (even if fictional) is a bit of a stretch?
Sherlock’s comment from The Reigate Puzzle should change your mind.
"It is of the highest importance in the art of detection to be able to recognize, out of a number of facts, which are incidental and which vital. Otherwise your energy and attention must be dissipated instead of being
concentrated."
Page 19
Sounds like the ideal way to start the actual writing process.
Now which facts are the best? Let’s hear from Sherlock again:
“It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.”
-A Case of Identity
“You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of trifles.”
-The Boscombe Valley Mystery
He’s talking about specific details. And, as AWAI emphasizes in its courses and articles, you need these if you want readers to believe your claims—from your headline...to your close or P.S.
In addition, Sherlock's use of backward reasoning offers a can’t-miss method of writing copy.
In A Study in Scarlett, he says:
"In solving a problem…the grand thing is to be able to reason backwards. There are few people…who, if you told them a result, would be able to evolve from their own inner consciousness what the steps were which led up to that
result. This power is what I mean when I talk of reasoning backwards…."
Now I’ve heard of this approach before--but I‘ve rarely used it. It does make sense though. Suppose you’re promoting a pricey product or service.
Most likely, you’ll write your headline, lead, and subheads first. Then follow with what you
feel is the best formula. For example, I usually write copy with the Picture, Promise, Proof, Push (4Ps) template in mind.
But try this. First, perform an in-depth analysis of the components you’ll need to build your
case. Then construct your promo from P.S. or close to headline. Result? A much stronger sales argument.
And if someone objects to your claims and proofs?
Again, let Sherlock reply:
“One should always look for a possible alternative, and provide against it.”
-The Adventure of Black Peter
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And do so immediately. The longer doubt remains, the more likely your reader will seek information elsewhere. Also, looking at both sides ups your credibility.
The Final Problem: the Polishing Phase
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of proofreading and copyediting, top writing coaches advise a break of a day or so—if possible.
Even Sherlock did something similar.
“Having gathered these facts, Watson, I smoked several pipes over them.”
-The Crooked Man
Then you go to work…
…Read your copy on your monitor for flow and grammar errors. Then check flow again by reading it aloud. Even better, have a pre-teen read it aloud. If you or the pre-teen stumble anywhere, so will your reader.
…Print it out. Sometimes copy reads differently on paper.
…Start at the last word and go through your copy backwards. Now you’re looking for
spelling errors, weak verbs, typos and the like.
…Listen to it as a tape recording. This is an ideal ways to catch awkward sentence structure.
…Have several individuals read it as prospects. “Nothing clears up a case so much as
stating it to another person,” the detective agrees in A Study in Scarlet.
Does that seem like a lot of work?
Not if you’re aiming for the freelance writing A leagues.
Observes Sherlock in A Study in Scarlett:
“They say that genius is an infinite capacity for taking pains.”
Talking about pains, let’s conclude on that note…
Next time you’re facing one of writing’s biggest ones--the blank screen--get a clue from Sherlock Holmes.
Solve your mystery by using his tips as a template. They’ll not only help get you started…but will make it easier for you to finish your project as well.
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Avoid the huge mistake most health & fitness marketers
make online
Guess who just landed on your website?
It’s Penelope Parkington, 51, whose last teen just moved out. Now she has plenty of
time to start doing some of the things she’s put off for the last 20 years—active social life,
Caribbean cruise, getting her PHD.
And Penelope wants to look and feel stellar doing those thing. While she doesn’t have
money to burn, she does have it to spend—if she’s convinced she’ll get one-of-a kind
results.
So she’s on your site looking for nutritional supplements, fitness equipment, or workout
DVDs to help her reach her goals. Penelope’s already looked at several other sites, plus
she’s looked offline at sales letters and magazine
ads.
And each time she’s asking, “What’s separates
this stuff from all the rest?”
Does she find that uniqueness in what you
offer?
If your only difference is a bunch of descriptive
phrases such as, “Ultimate Performance,”
“Turbocharged Results,” and “Superior Quality”—
you might as well close shop.
Because if you research your competition on,
say Google, you’ll see why.
Here’s how to unlock your product’s true potential
For instance, one day recently, these three categories offered the following search
results…
Nutritional supplement companies—2,090,000
Workout DVDs—9,570,000
Fitness equipment companies—36,700,000
Those results mean you need to do more research to separate what you sell from what
they sell. Then you can create a distinct Unique Selling Proposition (USP) for each of your
offerings.
Only sell one product? Then relax and enjoy the challenge.
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Anyway, you’re probably already familiar with the concept of USPs. A product’s USP
grabs your prospect’s attention in a novel and emotional way. It then shows them why only
your product offers the ultimate benefits.
And you uncover your USP only after a complete study of your product—and prospect.
The problem up to now has been finding the most suitable USPs for your particular
niche. Sure, most marketing material—online and off—list USPs. But the definitions and
examples are generally generic.
So you need a source that lists USPs for just health, wellness, fitness, and self-help
products.
A shortened form of that list follows…
Components
To find this USP just ask yourself: What feature enables this product to produce the
ultimate benefit for its user that no other item does? This can be a nutrient,
equipment part, or other chemical.
If you find more than one, no problem, you can bundle them into one USP.
Quality
This is a hard USP to beat. Problem is you can only use it if research proves your
product is at the top in its class.
And the best proof? Clinical trials and specifics-based testimonials from users during
the research phase.
Promoting the Big Promise
This popular proposition offers prospects a grand picture of what their life will be like
once they get your product. This can either be an addition—say permanent power
and peace of mind from yoga—or the opposite, such as life-long stress relief from a
debt reduction DVD.
Process
This definition is different than you’ll find in most marketing textbooks. Here, a
process USP focuses on the novel way your customer receives your product’s
benefits.
Faster? Less impact on joints? Easier to swallow?
Price
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This offer-based USP can succeed in a number of ways.
One, you make your price look puny compared to all the big changes your prospect
will experience with your product.
Or you can minimize the price by saying, for example, “less than the dollar you
spend daily for a cup of coffee.” You could also compare it to your competitor’s
higher-priced items.
Personalities
This is a bit tougher. But here you use the distinctive personality and experiences of
the promotion writer as your USP.
This could be the doctor who’s furious at the medical mainstream, or a CEO who’s
visited many a exotic place in search of business opportunities.
Dosage
A few unscrupulous supplement merchants have hurt the industry by peddling
products with low nutrient dosages. This, of course, explains why prospects often
complain supplements don’t work.
You can counter this by SHOWING how your supplement or item has the exact
amount needed. Having this clinically proven is best; doctor approved still works.
Oh yes, in this case, more is not always better.
Guarantee
Reducing your prospect’s risk is expected nowadays—but reversing it? Unbeatable.
Thirty-day guarantees may still work but they’re, well, stale.
If you want to amaze your potential customer, reverse their risk with a 120-day, one
year, or forever guarantee. Then use that as your USP.
Transubstantiation
Called the greatest copywriting secret ever, transubstantiation is also a valuable
USP. Your focus here is on the striking result your product will give your customer
rather than on its everyday use.
For instance, you’re not selling a hair-loss supplement that starts working in less
than 30 days. No, you’re offering them a chance to recapture their manhood—and
the eyes of all the hot women they meet—in under a month!
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So there you go. Now all you have to do to start creating your product’s new USP is to
shift your research skills and imagination into gear.
Does the product under study surpass your competition in one of the above areas? Does
it match the definition of a USP? If so, you’ve found your unique selling proposition.
There’s only one source for more info on this—and it’s yours FREE
Now that you’re aware of how critical it is that each of your product’s has a USP, you
may want more information. And as crucial, see examples of USPs in action.
If you’re a marketing director, creative manager, or have a similar responsibility, you’ll
want to look at, “Finding Your Self-Help Product’s Unique Selling Proposition: 9 Coveted
Copywriting Secrets That’ll Catapult Your Products Above the Competition.”
This 24-page special report, the only publication available for finding USPs for products
specific to our market, is yours ABSOLUTELY FREE ($14.95 value). It also comes with a
handy checklist to make your USP search faster and easier. (It’s also adaptable for
services.)
To get your PERSONALIZED copy, just email your request to Dale L. Sims, stealth
sales strategist (www.selfhelpmarketcopywriting.com), at bwater17@att(dot)com.
Page 25
How Rachel got “bit in the butt” trying to be sneaky…but
became her company’s hero soon after
What’s worse?
Getting the “Evil Eye” from your boss throughout a two hour-long meeting and not knowing
why…
Or…
…knowing why and realizing you’re about to get “bit in the butt” for a bad decision you
made six months ago?
Definitely the latter, decided Rachel, company marketing coordinator.
And glares from Beatrice, her boss’s executive secretary, and Albert, her counterpart in
Sales, just jacked up her anxiety even higher.
Mercifully, the company quarterly budget meeting ended early. And Rachel, trying to remain
unnoticed, rose slowly, turning her body away from her detractors. She was three steps
from the conference room door when her boss’s voice stopped her.
“Rachel, I need to see you in my office in 15 minutes—exactly,” George, her boss, said.
“Yes, sir,” replied Rachel.
“And bring all your research on the three-vendor process you went through when you set up
the most recent version of our website,” George added.
The usually confident brunette managed a nod. But as Rachel escaped the room, one
thought dominated, “I am so-o-o screwed.”
Her sneakiness puts Rachel on the “hot seat”
In the safety of her small comfy office, Rachel lamented to herself, “This could cost me my
job.” She then rehashed her decision of six months ago.
George and the marketing director, Susan at the time, had tasked her to hire a vendor to fix
their faltering website. Her response? “Don’t worry about a thing. I’ll take care of it.”
Her confidence was easy to explain—at least at that time. Her brother, Pete, had just
graduated with a master’s degree in information technology—what could be more perfect?
Of course she’d have to go through the vendor selection process. But if she “nudged” her
brother in the right bid direction, he’d get the company contract.
Page 26
The ethics of the plan bothered her, but Rachel thought:
“It’s the perfect solution, I can give Pete real-world work experience, and I can save the
company money.”
What could go wrong?
She found out shortly in her boss’s office.
Too much knowledge can be dangerous—to a marketing website
“Not meeting expectations is about the nicest way I can frame our website’s result,” said
George to start the meeting.
A frowning Beatrice droned off the list of problems from a Google Analytics printout. She
concluded:
“Basically, our stats in such areas as new and repeat visits, page views, and average time
on our site are at least 33% lower than industry standards. And 14% lower than our
previous site. The only upwards trends are our page exit and site bounce rates.”
After the meeting, Rachel had one urgent mission: Eliminate all obstacles blocking the
website from reaching or exceeding the company’s marketing goals.
The last hours of her work day were spent searching for answers online. First, she looked at
many sites that offered free website reviews. But all were rejected—a quick study of their
sample questionnaires showed they were nothing but set-ups for a later hard sell.
At 4:15 p.m., she found a promo on www.selfhelpmarketcopywriting.com that sounded
promising. The headline asked:
Health, Wellness or Fitness Pro: Are Slow Website Traffic & Sales Killing Your
Business?
“And my career,” Rachel added.
She sent a short email with her company’s website address to the site’s owner, then with a,
“Thank God, this day is over,” to her personal assistant, rushed out of the building.
Early next morning, on the phone with her new consultant, she discovered why the
company website had low traffic and produced few sales.
Her brother had included several flash movies—including a loud video intro--and large photo
files as part of the new web design. These caused slow loading and viewing time, which
chased away most visitors, Rachel learned.
Page 27
Also, the site was not search-engine optimized so it didn’t rank high in Google or other
search engines, her consultant said. The content also needed a more customer focus, he
added.
Rachel would find out more when she got the proposal the next day. At least now she had
some firm info to take to her boss, and he’d know she was on her way to solving the
company’s biggest challenge in years.
Some harsh news, then…
Www.selfhelpmarketcopywriting.com won Rachel’s company’s competitive bidding process—
with no help from her. The consultant’s business used a proven one-of-a-kind system that
sounded effective, efficient, and easy for her and the rest of the staff to understand.
Plus, the consultant’s confidence and competence gave Rachel some much-needed
assurance. Of course, the introductory $100 savings discount helped too.
Completed a day before deadline, the e-mailed review detailed the many places their
website misfired. “I can’t believe we sent so wrong on this site. In fact, we thought we had
the perfect marketing vehicle—until the numbers came in,” Rachel told her consultant by
phone.
Her eyes widened as she studied the review’s recommendations for improvement. More
benefit-oriented and conversion-optimized copy…remove most of the animated photo
files…replace the free site-design template…make customers the star not
company…reorganize cluttered and confusing format…and many others.
“Thinking about all the work this is going to take is making my head spin,” Rachel said.
“Not to worry, you have a lot of options available to make this head-ache free—and
affordable,” he responded.
Rachel’s redemption
Three months later, the looks Rachel
received at her company’s third
quarter meeting were much different
than the previous one. Big grins,
high-fives, and congratulatory
handshakes ruled.
“Speech, speech, speech,” several of
her friends cried, jabbing their fists in
the air.
“Ha, Ha. Actually, the numbers speak
Page 28
for themselves,” said Rachel, now the company’s marketing director.
Indeed they did.
Rachel studied the recent analytics report—for the fifth time—from her chair directly to the
right of the boss. Yep, content’s conversion rates were up 95%, landing page conversions
had improved 50%, call-to-action success was up 125%, and so on.
“Getting that website review was the smartest thing I’ve done in a long time,” she mentally
congratulated herself.
Rachel rose and gave a short “thank you” to her fellow department heads and other
members of management. Concluding she said: “Yes, this was a huge challenge for us. But
really, all it took was just one email and I was on my way to finding the solution.”
Yes, Rachel turned her career and company’s future around by researching her options then
acting. How about you?
Are you despairing because you and your company are missing out on the financial
rewards—and personal pride—that comes from owning a successful marketing website?
Then be like Rachel. Do your due diligence and act today.
Who knows? Maybe you’ll become your company’s hero just like her.
http://selfhelpmarketcopywriting.com/health-wellness-or-fitness-pro-are-slow-website-
traffic-sales-killing-your-business/
Page 29
Attention Supplement Marketers
Is This Copywriting “Technique” Setting You up for a Hefty
FTC Fine?
When a Glendale, Calif., company tried to use this popular technique as part of
their defense against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)…
…A federal judge in California denied its use and slammed them with a $2.2 million
dollar judgment.
The court had accused the Wellness Support Network, Inc. (WNS), with marketing
bogus products that claimed to treat and prevent diabetes, the agency’s press
release reported.
WNS posted impressive but phony sales claims on their website, Amazon.com, and
eBay, and supported them with hyped-up consumer testimonials, the FTC charged.
That’s false advertising, and it’s deceptive, said the agency.
But what’s critical to you is why one of WSN’s responses—a practice cherished by
supplement writers and marketers—got shot down…
How to know if your promos use this well-known tactic
This technique involves providing proof that the ingredients in your formula have
certain health-boosting benefits.
You then tell prospects that since your product has all these ingredients with their
potent benefits, that proves your super supplement works as described.
This tactic is often used as part of an implied endorsement, which works like this:
You get some big-name guru or other trusted source to endorse one or more
ingredients found in your product. This, you claim, proves your product is fantastic
and better than the competition. Therefore, prospective customers should buy your
formula.
So when the owners of WSN used this line after they were asked to show their
proof during the Feb. 2014 trial, they probably thought they were safe.
Instead, they got nailed…
Page 30
Why “Everybody else is doing it” didn’t cut it
The defendants claimed research showed the benefits of the individual ingredients
in their products.
For instance, their website specified, “A recent independent clinical trial was done
on one of these herbal ingredients from this amazing product. This study was done
on type 2 diabetics (mildly insulin dependent) and reported an average drop of
blood glucose levels of 31.9% and average weight loss of 4.8 pounds in just 30
days!”
Not so fast, said the court.
To help wrap up the FTC’s case, Dr. W. Timothy Garvey, an expert in the science
and treatment of insulin resistance and diabetes, concluded, “None of the WSN
claims… are supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence.”
Besides rejecting the notion that the individual ingredients spoke for the products
as a whole, he said the studies cited by the company were flawed in other areas.
For example, Garvey found that many of them were conducted in vitro or on animals and therefore didn’t substantiate that the tested ingredients work in humans.
Next, Garvey noted many shortcomings in the single-ingredient studies that
made them inapplicable to WSN’s products. For instance, insufficient amounts for comparison, lack of placebo or other controls, and testing of much larger doses than are found in WSN’s products.
Then, Garvey found that even some well-designed studies showing positive
results for individual ingredients were not conclusive because similar studies produced inconclusive or negative results.
The judgment--which also ordered extensive future recordkeeping and compliance
monitoring--was a result of several Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning
letters and an FTC investigation.
In 2005 and 2006, FDA letters warned WSN that it considered their Diabetic Pack to
be a drug, making their advertising non-compliant with FDA regulations.
The FTC got involved in 2007. They ordered WSN to produce documents and
Page 31
answer questions about whether they were making misleading statements about
the safety and effectiveness of its products.
Here’s why this case may affect YOU
The FTC is waging an ongoing war against marketers who use bogus claims that
unproven remedies can thwart and treat deadly diseases such as diabetes and
cancer.
That’s not you, you say?
The regulations governing supplement advertising are numerous and often
complex. The best way to say it is: There are few black and white areas; but
football fields of gray ones.
And remember that old saying about
ignorance being no excuse?
It absolutely applies here.
Many well-meaning supplement makers
have got on the FTC’s radar because their
advertising accidentally caught the
commission’s attention.
But unlike some federal agencies who may
just send you letters and so on, if you hear
from the FTC, it means trouble—loss of
time, money, and peace of mind-NOW.
In the case above, the technique used by
WSN wasn’t new. Nor was the FTC’s
response based on some new regulation.
So if you’re a supplement marketer what’re your options?
They’re few.
You could take a gamble…hire a pricey lawyer…invest the time to learn all the regulations yourself, or…
…get someone to write your copy who’s knowledgeable about compliance issues.
Page 32
If you want to play it smart and not kill your budget, the latter option will work best
for you. Just fill out the simple form below to get started.
Page 33
(Bonus Article)
Is This Why Sales of Your Fat-Loss
Product Stink?
Discover the Hypocritical Attack Your Government is Waging
Against Your Business
This may not surprise you as much as it once did…
…but there’s a government agency telling the media and public you’re probably a
scam artist.
It’s true.
Your accuser here is the advertising industry’s watchdog, the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC). This January (2014), the agency posted an article on its website
titled: Gut Check: A Reference Guide for Media on Spotting False Weight Loss
Claims.
While its stated audience is the media, it’s easily viewed by your prospects.
The article’s aim is to enlist the media to “censor” the ads and promos you run on
their programs, websites, and in their publications.
Why?
Because some of you marketers will target desperate consumers just to make a
quick buck, the FTC claims. And you’ll use the reputation of respected media outlets
to do it.
So what can you do to keep your business thriving?
As always, get knowledge.
So let’s do that by investigating these charges, then look at why they’re
hypocritical.
Now read on and find the answers to…
What Else is the FTC Saying About You?
Page 34
First, the general highlights. The agency says you may…
….make promises that consumers can lose weight without effort and sacrifice.
These ads are false and deceptive, the FTC charges.
…cherry-pick your best testimonials—or even make them up—to fool prospects into
thinking they’ll get the same results.
…run a fly-by-night operation. You may plan to score a quick killing, then vanish
without paying vendors.
…use “limiting phrases” in your promos that consumers may miss. For instance
claiming a product “helps consumers lose substantial weight without diet or
exercise.” Or that customers can lose “up to three pounds a week for a month or
more.”
….try to be sneaky with your promotion’s disclosure of how much weight the typical person can expect to lose. For instance, instead of placing it where it can be clearly read, you may bury it in footnotes, blocks of text, or legal language, or even hide it in other elements of your ad.
Oh yes, the FTC warns, a disclosure that just says “results not typical,” or “your results will vary” is not enough.
In part 2, you can inspect those gut check claims, or as the FTC calls them…
7 Statements in Your Ads That may be Tip-offs to Deception
You’re conning the public and media if you make the following claims, the agency warns.
And keep in mind these warnings apply not only to dietary supplements, but also to herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs. Creams, wraps, patches and similar items worn on the body or rubbed into the skin are included as well.
Now here are the specifics, and the FTC’s reasoning:
Your claims are bogus and misleading if you promise your product…
1. Causes weight loss of two pounds or more a week for a month or more without dieting or exercise
Page 35
Meaningful weight loss requires work and taking in fewer calories than you use. That’s it. Ads promising major fat loss without diet or exercise are false.
And ads claiming buyers can lose weight fast without changing their lifestyles – even without mentioning a specific amount of weight or length of time – are also untrue. This applies to subtler approaches such as referring to changes in dress size
or lost inches as well.
False spins on this claim include:
“I lost 30 pounds in 30 days – and still ate all my favorite foods.” “Lose up to 2 pounds a day without diet or exercise.” “Drop four dress sizes in just a month without changing your eating habits or
enduring back-breaking trips to the gym.
2. Leads to substantial weight loss no matter what or how much the consumer eats
You can’t eat unlimited amounts of food and still lose weight. Studies show to cut fat you have to burn more calories than you take in. If an ad says
otherwise, its claim is false.
Bogus claims include:
“Need to cut 20, 30, 40 pounds or more? Eat your fill of all the foods you crave and watch the weight disappear!
“Who needs rabbit food? Enjoy any mouth-watering foods you want anytime you want, and blast away dress sizes and belt notches.”
3. Results in permanent weight loss even after the consumer stops using product
Without long-term lifestyle changes--sensible food choices and more activity--
weight loss won’t last once customers stop using the product.
Don’t trust any product that promises once-and-for-all fat-loss results without
lifelong efforts.
These claims are misleading:
Page 36
“Take it off and keep it off. Kiss dieting goodbye forever.” “It’s not another weight loss gimmick. It’s a unique metabolism accelerator
that changes how your body burns fat. Why settle for temporary weight loss when you can get rid of those flabby thighs and that unsightly muffin top
once and for all.”
4. Blocks the absorption of fat or calories to enable consumers to lose substantial weight
Doctors, dieticians, and other experts agree: There’s no magic way to lose weight
without diet or exercise.
And those pills approved by the FDA to block the absorption of fat or help you eat
less and feel full? Not going to work unless combined with a low-calorie, low-fat
diet, and regular exercise.
Deceptive claims include:
“Super Flablock Formula is an energized enzyme that can absorb up to 900 times its own weight in fat. Relax and enjoy rich favorites like ice cream, butter, and cheese, confident that you’ll still blast off up to 5 pounds per
week – or more!” “Block fat before your body absorbs it. The pounds and inches will melt
away.”
5. Safely enables consumers to lose more than three pounds per week for more than four weeks
Losing more than three pounds a week over several weeks can result in gallstones and other health complications, medical experts agree. So if an ad says dieters can
safely and quickly lose a dramatic amount of weight on their own, it’s false. And--it can ruin their life.
Faulty claims include:
“Slash up to 10 pounds a week safely and effectively. Imagine looking into the mirror two months from now and seeing a slim reflection.”
“Even if you have 40, 50, 60 or more pounds to drop, doctors recommend Fat Foe as the no-risk way to blast off the weight and inches in a few short months.”
6. Causes substantial weight loss for all users
Page 37
Because people’s bodies and lifestyles are different, no product will cause every
user to drop large amounts of weight. Any ad that makes a universal promise of
success is false.
Untrue claims include:
“Lose 10-15-20 pounds. Gelaslim works for everyone, no matter how many times you’ve tried and failed.”
“Maybe you want to drop a dress size before that get-together next month or
perhaps you need to take off 50 pounds or more. Your search for a weight loss miracle is over. We’ve found the diet supplement guaranteed to work 100% of the time – regardless of how much you want to lose.”
7. Leads to substantial weight loss if a person wears it (the product) on their body or rubs it into their skin
Weight loss is an internal metabolic process. Nothing you wear or apply to the skin can cause major weight loss. So fat-loss claims for patches, creams, lotions, wraps,
body belts, earrings, and the like are false.
Invalid claims include:
“Ancient healers knew that a metabolism-boosting energy current runs from the earlobe to the stomach, making it easy to shed 30, 40, even 50 pounds. That’s the secret behind our Dieter’s Earrings.”
“Rub Melt-X Gel into your problem areas and watch the active ingredient penetrate the skin layers to melt fat at the cellular level. You’ll melt away 20 pounds in just a month.”
“Our patent-pending body wrap will increase the metabolism around your
hips to burn fat faster. You’ll zap 2-3 pounds per week just by wearing the body wrap while relaxing. Vaporize 25 pounds in 8 short weeks.”
So stay out of the FTC’s crosshairs by keeping this info in mind when you produce your promotions. Ironically though, one of the major things you must do to achieve that is forgotten by the FTC in this release.
So…
Why Isn’t the FTC Practicing what it Preaches?
In the introduction to their Dietary Supplements: An Advertising Guide for Industry, the FTC stresses that all advertising must be truthful, not misleading, and SUBSTANTIATED.
Page 38
So how does the FTC substantiate their gut check claims?
Prestigious university studies? Research by eminent scientists?
No. Surprisingly, the agency doesn’t provide proof for their findings. And even though there’s no selling involved, the agency is asking readers to accept a lot without any backup.
Sure, they may have the info somewhere. But since it isn’t with their claims, it fails their own “Clear and conspicuous” policy.
Does this mean their charges are false?
Not necessarily.
But how do readers know if they’re true and not part of an agenda?
They don’t.
It’s just another example of the federal government saying, “Do as I say, not as
I do.”
Obviously, this doesn’t change your responsibilities to prove your promises in
your promotions.
In fact, you can use this 2-step process recommended by the FTC:
First, identify all express and implied claims in your ad.
Then assess the scientific evidence and decide if there’s adequate
support for your claims.
Also, the agency mandates that if weight-loss testimonials portray non-typical results, you must reveal what kind of outcome buyers can actually expect. And,
ahem, these disclosures must be clear and conspicuous. Of course, performing the above method of ad interpretation and substantiation may require more time and knowledge than you have. But you can resolve this faster and easier than you may think. You got it--by contacting me.
Page 39
So let’s end on this invitation… Just fill out the easy form below. You’ll quickly find out how to get the help you need to solve your problem.
Page 40
About The Author:
Dale L. Sims is a stealth sales strategist based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Also,
from May 2010 to Jan. 2014, he served as marketing coordinator and health
consultant for Healthy Design, a supplement and fitness product distributor in
Cadillac, Michigan.
A former reporter and editor, Dale also has experience in radio advertising sales.
Questions about this e-book? Call 616-956-1171 or e-mail [email protected]. Main
website: www.selfhelpmarketcopywriting.com.