How Reality TV Marketing Can Capture The Attention of Your Prime Time Prospects

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Sure, we may affectionately refer to reality television as “trash TV.” But there's no doubting its ability to hold the attention of an audience like no other.

I mean, look at the top-ranked shows right now. At the time of writing, America’s Got Talent occupies two places on network television's top 10. Another two places are taken up by Big Brother. America’s Funniest Home Videos also makes the list.?

Do you think this is a coincidence? It isn’t. The fact is that all reality shows share the same successful formula. I bet you’d like to know what that formula is??

Wouldn't you love to win the attention of your market’s prime time audience? I’m going to show you how by using copywriting techniques based on reality TV's top marketing strategies.

Fully Engaged

Yes, that's right. I can show you how to grab and hold your audience's attention until they're fully engaged and can't wait to see what you come up with next. And you won't need a hopeless love story or access to a jungle to help you do it.

Look, I’ve seen people absolutely riveted by the hottest storylines from the likes of Big Brother and The Bachelor.

In fact, let's take The Bachelor as an example. Many people are absolutely hooked on this show.

“Don’t you dare give her that rose!” my sister screamed at the TV. She. like millions of others, is a fanatic about this show.

But you know what - it's a product just like any other. Just like your own products, in fact.

Later, my sister was reminiscing over what still perhaps ranks as the most popular Bachelor storyline of all time. I remember Deanna and Jason from season 13. I didn't ever think they'd get together.”

Well, whether you do or you don't remember that, it was a huge ratings winner.

Now, let’s recap just why that particular storyline was so riveting.?

25 Women and 1 Bold Statement

Jason Mesnick, the Bachelor, was the man who set expectations high when he said, “I get a chance to meet 25 amazing women, and I know one of them is going to be my wife.”

Mesnick later sent Molly Malaney home and proposed to Melisa Rycroft.?

Of course, happy endings often come with a twist on The Bachelor.

Soon after, Jason confessed to Chris Harrison, host of the show, “Chris, I”m out of my mind. I can’t stop thinking about Molly.”

Molly - clearly not one to give up on love, had been waiting backstage the whole time.

Jason told her "we should follow our hearts, even when it’s not the classiest or coolest thing to do in the world.”

Surprisingly flattered, Molly agreed to take Jason back with the words, “this is something I dreamt of, but I never expected to hear.”

It was probably the most dramatic of all Bachelor endings. As the saying goes, “you can't make this stuff up.”

It isn’t difficult to see why that particular storyline was so popular. Who could resist the trials and tribulations of a hopeless, young romantic? Not anyone who tuned in at any point that season, that's for sure.

Television can teach us a lot about holding attention? As an experienced freelance writer of over 11 years, I have plenty of experience when it comes to keeping eyeballs on the page myself.

I also have a Master’s Degree in Film, during which I wrote scripts for the small screen. So I know all about how the right words and captivating story can grab the attention of your audience.

Now let me tell you exactly how reality TV keeps audiences in its almighty grip. Every reality show uses the same formula.

It’s all interwoven in the selection of contestants, the location, etc. But then, that formula really only boils down to three things. Let's explore each one and how you can apply them to your own copy.

• Tell a story

As human beings, we love and appreciate stories. That’s been the case since the earliest cave drawings some 30,000 years ago.

But what is it that makes a great story, exactly? Characters that change (usually for the better), great plots that send those characters in all sorts of different directions, and an underlying message that either teaches or reaffirms a sacred principle of life. But it all starts with a great character.

Do you want to persuade your readers to take action? Show them somebody who has been where they are, took action, and overcame their biggest obstacles.

They got richer. They got slimmer. They found the person of their dreams. Whatever it was, they went through a change and ended up all the better for it. They evolved.?

If you’re your own brand, or if you have a big role to play in it, you can apply these storytelling principles to your own journey. Alternatively, you can use them in your case studies. Your best case studies showcase how your company has successfully changed the lives or the businesses of your clients.

It doesn't matter which route you choose. Just make sure you tell a damn story and you'll be on your way to getting your prospects hooked on your brand.

• Show emotion

Look, when we see someone we care about becoming emotional, it often affects us too. That's why audiences react emotionally when someone is going through a hard time on a show like The Bachelor.

That doesn’t mean you should use every emoji in your arsenal when writing your copy. But what you can do to hold your audience’s attention is simply reveal your emotions. Tell them your frustrations, your pains, your stress, your fears, and your joy. Take them on a roller-coaster ride as you tell them your story.

If you're honest and authentic, they'll sense it. And they'll be ready to feel every part of the journey with you.

• Build suspense

Many reality TV trailers could have been produced by Hitchcock himself. They know exactly how to whet your appetite for the next episode by revealing what could be about to happen without giving away the full story.?

Someone is about to reveal a deep, dark secret to one of the other contestants that audiences have known about for weeks. Or they're finally about to tell someone else how they feel about them.?

You can apply these exact same principles in your copy. You can tease the reader right at the start to create immediate suspense. Or you can do so at the end, if it’s one of a series of articles.

If you're in the information marketing world, you can add suspense in the call-to-action. There, the answer to the tease lies right there in the product you want them to buy.

So there you have it. The formula for how reality TV grabs the attention of a prime time audience. And a formula your own business can apply.

I'd love to get to know you and your business and help you get started using my techniques right away. Do you want copy that grabs and holds the attention of your audience?

If so, drop me a message?here on LinkedIn, via my website at www.jacksonkellycm.com, or email me directly at [email protected].