5 Hot Tips to Make Your Readers Fall in Love

You’ve tried to get their attention. You’ve read the right books, listened to all the gurus, and freshened up your appearance, but it’s not working.

You aren’t being noticed by the one you love. Your ideal customer isn’t giving you the time of day. They’re ignoring your offers. All of your overtures are rebuffed.

They’re just not that into you.

To wrap up Valentine’s week here on Copyblogger, we’re going to cover how to flirt with potential customers, get their attention, and make them fall head over heels with your product or service. It’s a five-part technique that — when implemented together — will attract the most resistant customer.

1. Make yourself desirable

Want to capture your potential customer’s attention? Give them what they’re looking for.

Hunger is the best sauce.
~ Italian proverb

Share valuable information, and make sure you’re offering what they actually want. You can do that by:

Checking your search stats to see what terms people use to find your site, Using sites like Twitter and Facebook to “listen in” to conversations about what buyers in your niche want, andObserving what people actually buy (rather than what they think they would buy).

High-quality information will establish your expertise and build your authority over time, and that is irresistible.

2. Show them the goods

You’ve captured their attention with your valuable, optimized content. Now it’s time to get their number so you can stay in touch.

Forget about all those cheap pick up lines you learned in high school. (Or the equally cheap lines that are still taught by sales trainers who apparently think we’re going door to door with vacuum cleaners.)

Instead, dangle something in front of your audience that they’ll find so useful, so compelling, and so tempting they’ll be rushing to type their e-mail address in your opt-in form.

Offer a solution to a problem, or a series of tips. Create a guide or checklist for getting something accomplished. Give them access to a free audio or video product.

It’s the first step in a sales funnel that will lead them along from free, to entry-level, moving through mid-range and on to the top of your price range. A really good free offer will make them fall right into the top of your funnel before they know what’s hit them.

3. Surprise them (in a good way)

Once they’ve signed up for your free offer, surprise them with the high value content you keep delivering. This is the ideal time to establish that you are a class act, and make it known you won’t let them down.

Deliver superior quality content, and present it in a professional-looking package. If it’s blog content, make sure your site looks great and works perfectly. If it’s an e-book, take the time to design it well. If it’s an email auto-responder, create a template that’s polished and easy to read. If it’s audio or video, deliver it with the best production values you can muster.

Because they’re watching your every move at this point. You have their attention. Don’t blow it.

4. Respond to their overtures

After you’ve done steps 1 through 3, some — not all — of your audience will respond to your customer flirtation techniques.

You might start to get blog comments, Twitter DMs or e-mails sent from your website.

When the messages come in, be sure to respond promptly and professionally. Don’t leave your prized customer hanging!

Show potential customers they can count on you to be responsive and trustworthy. Let them know you’ll be there when they need you.

5. Stay faithful

The last step? Repeat the first four over and over.

Consistent, high-quality content delivered over time will establish you as a reliable, authoritative source of information. “Getting their number” and staying in touch (via an email or RSS subscription) will allow you to continue the courting process. And reliable, responsive customer service will seal the deal.

When it’s time to swoop in and make the sale, the stage will be set. Your customers will be all warmed up and ready for action. These techniques will make it easy to sweep them off their feet.

Before you know it, they’ll be in your arms with wallets open — captivated by your content, smitten with your services, and carrying a torch for your products.

About the Author: Pamela Wilson uses all the techniques above at the Big Brand System blog, where she helps small businesses grow big brands through effective marketing and design. See them in action at Big Brand System.

P.S.

Want lots more tips and techniques for making your readers fall in love? Check out the Internet Marketing for Smart People newsletter. It kicks off with a free 20-part tutorial on what works today in online marketing to create a great relationship with customers … and translate that into success.

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Find out more about the framework featuresCheck out the Genesis demo and the variety of child themesSee example designs in the Genesis design showcaseBookmark and Promote!Like this post on FacebookSubscribe to CopybloggerBookmark on del.icio.usDigg this postStumble this postFurther ReadingAre You In Love With Your Own Writing?I Don’t Care About YouDo You Know When to Shut Up?The 5 Immutable Laws of Persuasive BloggingDo You Love Viral Marketing?Sites That Link to this PostTweets that mention | Copyblogger -- Topsy.com | February 18, 2011 10 Marketing Stories You Might Have Missed This Week | Internet Marketing Denver | ReachLocal Denver | Social Media Denver | February 18, 2011 Among the Blogosphere | Among the Realm | February 18, 2011 Tweets that mention | Copyblogger -- Topsy.com | February 19, 2011 Copyblogger Weekly Wrap | Copyblogger | February 19, 2011 TechSharing Weekly Link Post #3 | February 21, 2011 How To Get Clients Using LinkedIn | February 23, 2011 CommentsIda M Temple says: February 18, 2011 at 9:58 am

As a new author I thank you for your information. I am still in the learning stage of how to have people wanting to read my work. I write fiction in the mystery genre.

ReplyPamela Wilson says: February 18, 2011 at 10:02 am

You’re welcome, Ida. I’m glad you enjoyed it! This was a fun post to write.

ReplyRob @ Atlanta Real Estate says: February 20, 2011 at 10:17 am

“”

With each other?

ReplyPamela Wilson says: February 20, 2011 at 10:36 am

Ha! Agreed, Rob … the headline wasn’t super specific. But it made you click, didn’t it?

ReplyRandy Kemp says: February 18, 2011 at 10:10 am

Pam:

I’m happy your continuing the trend of falling in love – relating it to business relationships.

Good stuff. I wonder if anyone from Copyblogger has a special for President’s day?

Randy

ReplyPamela Wilson says: February 18, 2011 at 10:14 am

I had an idea for a President’s Day post Randy, but this one hit me first. I’ll develop the President’s Day idea for next year, OK?

ReplyErin Fickert-Rowland says: February 18, 2011 at 10:45 am

I appreciate the clearly outlined steps you have provided in this article, Pamela! I think customers deserve to be “courted”, and though that does take time and care, it is rewarding to see you have a relationship with your customer!

ReplyNina Herman says: February 18, 2011 at 11:03 am

Thank your tips Pamela, i still learn to make readers fall in love

Replysam says: February 18, 2011 at 11:37 am

Thanks for the hot tips.

ReplySacha says: February 18, 2011 at 11:57 am

Thanks for reminding everyone that it is essential to “kill-with-kindness”! It’s unbelievable how bad some customer service teams are – rude representatives, non-responsiveness to emails and just overall inefficiency and lack of quality content. These are some great tips, which everyone will find to be helpful. Thanks!

ReplyPamela Wilson says: February 18, 2011 at 3:50 pm

I’m a big believer in kindness, and you’re right — there’s not enough of it out there. It’s a great way to stand out!

ReplyRick Lapoint says: February 18, 2011 at 12:13 pm

Hi Pamela,

All the best companies I have dealt with followed these rules. Regardless if someone is a blogger, a salesperson, or an executive, these methods are an excellent way to “win friends and influence people.”

BTW, having made my share of red sauce, I loved your proverb

Rick

ReplyPamela Wilson says: February 18, 2011 at 3:52 pm

It seems very appropriate that it’s an Italian proverb, doesn’t it?

Thanks for the comment, Rick. Dale Carnegie’s ideas never get stale, do they?

ReplyLeah McClellan says: February 18, 2011 at 12:20 pm

Hi Pamela, Great points! I was nodding along, especially with #3, and then I scrolled down to see who wrote this good stuff, and it’s you! :::waves:::

Love it! Very solid, very sensible. I’m going to save this as part of my 2011 action plan. Thanks.

ReplyPamela Wilson says: February 18, 2011 at 3:53 pm

Hi Leah! (waves back). I know you’ve been working on #3, so I’m glad it resonated with you!

ReplyIvin says: February 18, 2011 at 12:23 pm

I think someone like Gary Vaunerchuck would say ‘fall in love with your (potential) customers instead of forcing them to fall in love with you.

ReplyPamela Wilson says: February 18, 2011 at 3:54 pm

It should definitely be a two-way relationship, right? Ideally there’s love in both directions.

ReplyBenoit Lelievre says: February 18, 2011 at 12:44 pm

I like your way of presenting things. Blogging IS a seduction process and it’s important to remember that readership is to be conquered and treated well, like a significant other. In a way, they are the absolute, faceless significant other that the writers are longing for.

Great post.

ReplyPamela Wilson says: February 18, 2011 at 3:56 pm

Thanks, Benoit. I love how you call them the “significant other.” So true! They’re who we’re reaching out for, even if we can’t see them.

ReplyElgin SUBWAYSURFER Bolling says: February 18, 2011 at 12:47 pm

Your comment about checking your stats to find out what THEY are interested in, rather than what you are interested in has made all the difference at my blog, http://www.Subwaysurfer.blogspot.com lately.
Doing this also takes some of the air out of an inflated ego, I find. If you really take time to listen, people ready do tell you what they want,and need. What I love about this social media age is that people, especially businesses, are starting to truly listen to people now. It really does create a win win stress free environment for everyone, and enables us to bring our humanity back into business.

ReplyPamela Wilson says: February 18, 2011 at 3:58 pm

I agree, Elgin. There’s so much information out there now: we don’t have to market blindly any more.

It makes our communication more effective and we can develop products and services people are actually interested in, not the ones we think they want.

ReplyBrandon Yanofsky says: February 18, 2011 at 1:41 pm

Love it Pamela. And I love you for sharing this information (in a non creepy non stalkerish kind of way).

ReplyPamela Wilson says: February 18, 2011 at 3:59 pm

Oh boy, all this LOVE floating around on Copyblogger this week! I hope we’re not making Brian sick to his stomach …

ReplyBrandon Yanofsky says: February 18, 2011 at 4:03 pm

If we’re making Brian sick with our love, I think we’re all doing our jobs.

ReplySonia Simone says: February 18, 2011 at 5:24 pm

Laughing. Monday I think I’ll run a post about raking in tons of cash. that should cut the sugar a little.

ReplyTogrul says: February 18, 2011 at 2:06 pm

Great tips,

Thank you Pamela for saring this. I liked the first item most of all

Cheers,
Togrul

ReplyClara says: February 18, 2011 at 2:27 pm

Thanks Pamela- been guilty of not responding to twitter followers! Will definitely fix this unpopular way of how I’ve been connecting with potential clients!

Best,
Clara.
btw-will be retweeting this one!

ReplyPamela Wilson says: February 18, 2011 at 3:59 pm

Awesome: thanks Clara!

ReplyStu says: February 18, 2011 at 3:57 pm

Great post. I find the part about listening to conversations very interesting. When preparing campaigns for my clients I allways start off by listening to the conversations about them or their niche so that I can understand their needs better and most importantly, their customers needs.

ReplyPamela Wilson says: February 18, 2011 at 4:01 pm

And it’s so easy to listen now, isn’t it? We’re all sharing so much about ourselves in social media that all you need to do is put your ear to the ground to hear what’s being said.

ReplyKiran says: February 18, 2011 at 5:31 pm

Great tips. I always find myself in a flux to deliver consistent results. I hope to make it “consistent” some day, and soon

ReplyPamela Wilson says: February 18, 2011 at 5:47 pm

Just keep consistently trying, Kiran. It will happen!

ReplyWendi Cooper says: February 18, 2011 at 9:04 pm

I love Copy Blogger! As a direct response expert for over …wait for it…19 years, I find that a lot of what is being said is what we know as the fundamentals of direct response – not direct marketing but direct response advertising. Personally I would love to start a blog, but I find that I really don’t have the time.

The direct response basics, which is now seriously infiltrating most if not all marketing endeavors due to not only social but overall purchasing on the web in general, which is something we learned long ago – that making it simple, compelling and adding value will gain a loyal follower (customer) – whomever that person may be, is the key to actionable results, whatever the definition of actionable may be…sale, return to blog, opening an email, conversations – retweets on Twitter, Likes, FB, etc.

It’s nice to read and listen (podcast), to content that is not “blasting” the use of these key fundamentals to engage each and every one of us in one way or another – on a daily basis.

Kudos to Copy Blogger!

Wendi Cooper

ReplyPamela Wilson says: February 18, 2011 at 10:08 pm

That comment means a lot coming from someone who’s been doing direct response for so long. Thanks, Wendi!

ReplyJason says: February 18, 2011 at 9:20 pm

Thanks again

ReplyNasrul Hanis says: February 18, 2011 at 11:48 pm

I love to practice an approach while writing – be useful and helpful to the readers and audience. Although you’re not successful in helping them in the way they expected, they are going to appreciate it.

And from appreciation – there’s love!

ReplyJohn McNally says: February 19, 2011 at 3:48 am

This was a clever link to Valentine Pamela. I can’t argue with a single point. It all comes down to quality. If your blog offers quality throughout all aspects, the customers will come like bees to honey.

John
Leamington Spa, England

Replympa says: February 19, 2011 at 4:13 am

I totally agree with responding to your readers. As an example, I always appreciate bloggers who answers some questions I ask them whether through email or through the comment system.

ReplyMike Cormack says: February 19, 2011 at 5:09 am

I once worked as a blogger for a B2B company, doing a daily blog for about six months. But I got next to zero feedback (most comments were queries or complaints about the company, rather than a response to what I was producing), so it was hard to know what people were responding to! Google Analytics was some help, but in the end, I had to follow my own instincts. It can be very difficult though! Any suggestions what to do in such cases?

ReplyPamela Wilson says: February 19, 2011 at 6:26 am

Hi Mike,

Without seeing the blog it’s hard to say what might have been the problem. I know some of the suggestions about B2B blogs are:

1. People respond to people, not companies, so write from a personal point of view. It’s an opportunity to put a face and personality to your company, and that should shine through in your writing.

2. Use all the best practices we talk about on Copyblogger: engaging headlines and suhbeads, bulleted lists, and topics that answer a question in a surprising — but useful — way. There’s a lot more to it, but if you’re a reader here you know that.

3. Use photos. A photo at the top of your post will draw the reader in, and a photo of the author will help personalize the message.

I hope these suggestions are helpful. It must have been challenging to keep writing for all that time without getting feedback. You get an A+ for persistence!

ReplyMani Viswanathan @ DailyBlogging says: February 19, 2011 at 6:52 am

Staying Honest enough also works in our way.

ReplyDesign Expertise says: February 19, 2011 at 11:56 am

Once the door is open, feedback is so important, it’s the payoff that readers are really hoping to receive.

Your most likely clients are usually the most engaged and interactive – take care of them, and they will take care of you!

ReplyRyan says: February 19, 2011 at 2:56 pm

Great advice!

Personally, I think the best way is to just write good content!

ReplyMark Heading says: February 20, 2011 at 6:09 am

Wow, that’s a fantastic article and it’s inspired me to develop my skills in blog writing!

ReplyRichard says: February 20, 2011 at 11:09 am

You Rock! Kudos for an ecellent article that is spot on!!

Thank you.

ReplyRichard says: February 20, 2011 at 10:29 pm

I would say love your audience back by staying in communication with them and writing good content. If you can show your audience that you care about them then they will fall in love with you too.

ReplyElmar Sandyck says: February 23, 2011 at 5:07 pm

Hi Pamela!

I guess that with writing a blogpost as with entering into a romantic relationship, the same set of rules apply. And may I just add: perseverance. When all else fails the first time, we shouldn’t give up easily and show enduring love by ceaseless wooing.

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