Every day we are exposed to thousands of brands and marketing messages.
Texts, emails, social media, television, radio, billboards, cars and buses all tell us what we need to be, do, have and buy.
As a result, our customers have never been more savvy, or more immune to marketing messages as they are today.
For those of us who play in overcrowded market places or are busy creating new ones, the need to be different and memorable in our marketing has never been more important.
Here are three copywriting tricks to help.
Never underestimate the power of a good metaphor – think Coco Pops’ “just like a chocolate milkshake only crunchy”, or Butter Menthol’s “like a comforting hug from Mum”.
Metaphors give you the opportunity to simplify complicated concepts or introduce new ideas and products in a simple, relatable way, allowing your potential customers and investors to understand the value in what you do.
Metaphors can also help you evoke emotion quickly. Get the right comparison and you can often transport your customers back to a time or situation that creates the right emotional response for them to see the need to buy your product or service.
I know rhyming has a bad rap in some circles but there is still benefit in using it.
Not only does it make messages easier to remember but research has also suggested that rhyming phrases are perceived to be more accurate and truthful.
I’m certainly not saying you need to go and make lyrical magic with every piece of marketing material you put out but don’t be afraid to get a little creative. Give rhyming a go on one of your calls to actions and test your results.
As you develop your brand personality, it is important to identify the role you want to play with your customers. Your role or relationship to them can dramatically change the tone of voice and content you use in everything from a social media update to an ad campaign.
Do you want to be the older authoritative figure they listen to and admire? The quirky aunt they love? The best friend they can’t live without? The older brother or sister who is looking out for them?
Find the role your customer needs that best matches your mission and why. Not only will it make you more relatable and your tone and purpose clearer, but it can also help you build rapid rapport and loyalty simply by reminding them of someone who is important to them.
Follow StartupSmart on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and SoundCloud.
Amanda is the founder of Velocity Media and Communications.
