Welcome ...

... to the latest edition of the Copywriters' Chronicle. Here's what's in store -

1. Your copywriting tip - Curiosity does more than kill cats. It also plays a vital role in our business writing.
2. 45 years in business - still learning - How to boost your client success rate with one tiny trick.
3. This week's anniversary - it's International Letter Writing Week ... let it inspire you to wow your customers.

Enjoy your week ??

Stephen Church

Curiosity does more than kill cats

This moggy's curiosity may place it in mortal danger but your curiosity is the one trait that will make or break you as a writer.

No - I'm not suggesting you have aspirations to be the next Tolstoy, J.K. Rowling or Jeffrey Archer (Forgive me. I don't know where that last one came from).

Rather, I was thinking about your approach as you write your blogs, your newsletters - even your everyday emails.

?

A bringer of untold pleasure

Along with empathy, Curiosity is my favourite human trait. It separates us from the animal kingdom, who almost without exception, act on instinct.

Curiosity is a driver that can bring untold satisfaction and pleasure. A book recommendation for you - Curious by Ian Leslie - The desire to know and why your future depends on it.

Back to the point - why curiosity matters when we write stuff for our business. We need to be curious about our readers - those souls who we hope will soon become our customers.

If we're going to engage, inform and maybe even sell to them, we need to understand them and relate to them.

How do we do this?

?

Ask more, listen more, read more

How do we find out what drives our readers - what makes them tick? Easy. We have to listen - to develop an ear for how they talk.

We need to think of them, not as a demographic, a target market, an audience segment - but simply, as people.

But it doesn't end with listening. We need to read too - widely. Yes - novels, but other stuff too. Newspapers - broadsheets and tabloids, business books, any books.

We need to ask more, listen more and read more. Then, we'll learn better how to convert our readers into paying customers.

You've worked hard on your proposal or your 'sales' email. It's perfectly worded. You close with

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

That'll do the trick.

Hang on a sec. Are you sure? Will that bland old cliche of an ending really seal the deal with your potential customer? Let's have another go.

I'll call in a few days to answer your questions.

That's more like it! Why's it so good? Because ... it massively strengthens your position - in three ways

1. The recipient is much more likely to consider your offer seriously because they know you'll be calling.
2. When you do make that follow-up call, and you come across the 'gatekeeper', there's a much greater chance you'll be put through because you can say in all honesty, 'He's expecting my call'.
3. It forces you to pluck up the courage to follow up. You've said you'll call ... so now you have to!

... International letter writing day

The power of the personal touch

?In my circles, all the talk these days is about the value of authenticity in business communications.

Quite right too!

Yet the norm is automation masquerading as personal.

But how great does it feel when, just occasionally, we receive a hand-written card or letter - maybe on our birthday, or on the anniversary of work carried out or a service provided?

Gestures like these make us feel special. They show that someone has taken the time and trouble to think about us - to acknowledge us personally - something no automated email or generic message can replicate.

?

A simple and effective investment

OK - postage isn't getting any cheaper - but this simple act will make your client feel valued as so much more than just a number.

We build trust and loyalty. Our clients will mention it to others - and that's priceless.

Sending a hand-written note is surely one of the most cost-effective ways of strengthening our client relationships and keeping our brands top of mind.

Here are two past masters of the art -

?? Michael Katz of Blue Penguin Development Inc - Word of Mouth Marketing for Professionals

?? Mark Coster of Pixooma Ltd

How's your website doing?

Is it bringing in all the business you need?

And how about that LinkedIn profile, your email campaign and those blogs?

Is there room for improvement?

Maybe it's time for a quick chat?

Get in touch

?? 07703 472207

?? [email protected]

Book a Zoom call ?? -https://calendly.com/copywriterpro/30-minute-discovery-call

Check out the Copywriter Pro website - https://www.copywriternorthampton.co.uk/

Would you like to be sure to receive The Copywriters' Chronicle every fortnight direct to your inbox?

sign up here - https://subscribepage.io/rpQyDd

and receive your FREE infographic of 15 essential Copywriting Tips!

Finally -

This is one of my all-time favourites.

It reminds me to try and embrace challenges rather than shy away from them.

What about you?

Do you have a favourite quote that inspires you in business?

Share in 'Comments' ??.

That's all for now!

Till the next time

Stephen ??