5 New Year’s Resolutions for online copywriters and marketers.

I don’t know about you, but I like to use the end of each year as a time to reframe my business in one way or another.

It’s a time when I try to step back, see what I’ve been doing, and make a few changes.

I dump a few of the things that are no longer working well for me.

And I step forward into new ideas or approaches that I think will serve me better over the year to come.

That’s where my resolutions come in.

For the year ahead, my resolution is to double down on my advocacy of conversational copywriting.

And now I’m inviting you to join me on that journey.

In fact, I’ve written out 5 new year’s resolutions for you to choose from… all of them based on the conversational approach to writing and sales.

Resolution #1: I’m not going to practice brute force copywriting.

We’ve all been on the receiving end of hard-charging, in-your-face sales copy. And I’m guessing you don’t much like it. I certainly don’t.

It’s invasive, pushy and unwelcome.

I’ve always had a suspicion that the hard-charging approach to sales actually does more harm than good.

While it may give you a spike of extra sales in the short term, in the long term it damages the relationships you have with your prospects and customers.

That’s why my focus is now on teaching the conversational approach to sales and copywriting.

So… no more pushy, adversarial copywriting!

Resolution #2: I’m going to listen to my audience before I start writing.

This is step one for anyone who wants to be more conversational in their copy.

A conversation is all about taking turns.

And while we can’t physically take turns with our readers when writing an email or web page, we can at least spend some time listening before we start writing.

Whatever your product or service, tune into a few social media groups and see what people are saying about you or your close competitors.

Get a feel for what your prospects are saying, and the language they’re using.

Do that, and you’re taking turns. You’re listening before you start writing.

A pretty good new year’s resolution!

Resolution #3: No more business jargon… I’m going to write in simple, everyday language.

One crime that many of us commit is to be too salesy in our writing. Too pushy.

Another crime is that we use too much business jargon. Too much industry gobbledygook.

Nobody likes reading that. And it’s a lazy way to write.

Instead of using jargon, use simple, everyday language.

Imagine you’re no longer in that meeting room, but chatting with friends in a bar or coffee shop. What language would you use with friends, in a more relaxed setting?

Business jargon creates barriers to understanding. Everyday language brings us closer together.

Another fine resolution for the new year!

Resolution #4: I’m going to sell through enthusiasm, not deception.

When you use the tips and tricks of deception and manipulation, you’ll definitely make some sales.

But you won’t earn the trust of your readers. Nor will you retain their loyalty over the long term.

Blunt-force selling is a short-term game.

If you’re in it for the long haul, and want to earn the trust and loyalty of your audience, put aside all those sneaky tricks and tips… and tap into the power of raw enthusiasm.

Enthusiasm is infectious. People are attracted to it.

And the best way to express your enthusiasm is with natural, everyday language. Conversational language.

Resolution #5: I’m going to apply the conversational approach to copywriting.

The best thing about conversational copywriting is that it’s just as effective as traditional copywriting.

You get to make just as many sales. If not more.

And without the adversarial mindset. Without the hype and manipulation.

As an added benefit, you’ll also feel better about yourself and your business when you take the conversational approach.

And your prospects and customers will like and respect you more as well.

Sound good?

If so, step up and learn the craft of Conversational Copywriting.

What a great way to start the new year!