Write about your audience first – and yourself second

The old days of authors being able to write hype-and-sizzle book marketing copy are gone. Forever. This is because readers can smell old-school fluffy sales pitches coming from a mile away, and they just don’t like it.

Today, persuasive marketing messages for books and online programs must be crafted in an authentic prospect-first style that puts the needs, wants, curiosities, and desires of your audience front and center.

Here is an easy way to understand this concept:

Don’t start your marketing copy by telling readers what your book is about. Start by telling readers how they will benefit from your book.

Writing from a prospect-first mindset requires you to consider three basic questions as you develop your book marketing messages: How can I …

  1. Communicate my message through a voice that is authentic and sincere?
  2. Develop compelling copy that centers more on my readers, and less on me?
  3. Create content that is clearly intended to deliver high-end VALUE to my audience?

When you focus on writing prospect-first book marketing copy you are in a much stronger position to:

  1. Give readers and fans a no-pressure way to get to know you
  2. Gain credibility with your followers and potential new followers
  3. Build lasting relationships based on a foundation of trust
  4. Get people to like you!

Nail each of these four points, and your audience is much more likely to buy your book.

To review an example of this tip and to learn more about writing prospect-first marketing copy, click through and check out this week’s Book Marketing Copy Quick Tip video.

 

 

EXAMPLE

Here is an example of prospect-first marketing copy I wrote for Martin Leifeld’s wonderful business book, Five Minutes for Fundraising.

Take note of how the copy focuses on the reader’s feelings, needs, desires, and challenges as it details how they’ll benefit from reading this book.

Picture being able to release the fear, uncertainty, and anxiety that comes with fundraising.

Imagine what it would feel like to approach influential donors with poise, confidence, and certainty in your ability to ask for significant contributions – and get them!

This vision can be your everyday reality. And there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be.

Five Minutes for Fundraising removes the intimidation that comes with trying to secure large gifts from wealthy, influential donors. You’ll learn perspectives that make it considerably easier for you to …

  • Work with difficult, demanding donors
  • Manage situations where you hear the word, “no”
  • Draw from a well of proven fundraising success strategies
  • Make a memorable, lasting impact on those your organization serves

Focus your book marketing copy on your prospects first, as in this example, and you’ll find it much easier to engage potential buyers and sell more books!

Until next week, take action and make things happen!

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Will this post make it easier for you to write prospect-first marketing copy for your books and programs? Please leave a comment and let me know!

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