Matt's magazine ad

[landonkade]

Originally Posted by Steve If you talk to them in the future and you find they have a website. I'd love to see it. Also you mentioned to me that they offer other marketing services "such as pens, direct mailing postcards, business cards, and more." Have you thought about any of those ideas and what might you experiment with? Yeah i have thought about those ideas. I want to get stuff made that people would use everyday, and that they have to use it for a reason. I like to brand the business name when i am able to Steve- If they dont have a website for the book, if you would like i can send you a book, so you can get a better idea about it, just pm me about it sometime

[LawncareMarketingMagic]

Lawn care business tips

Well, I hate to be the bad guy here, but I see quite a few things that could be improved with this ad. Before I get to those though, Matt, great job on simply working out the trade. It's amazing how many opportunities there are like this available if you just talk to people, ask the right questions, and offer the right combination of services, products, etc. Okay, now on to the ad itself. While I know it's what everyone would expect to see in a magazine, that in itself is part of the problem. Most of today's marketing is ineffective. I'm working on some information that will explain what I mean in greater detail, but in the meantime, here are the critical elements that should be included in EVERY piece of marketing you send out: A benefit laden, attention grabbing headline You have less than 2 seconds to grab your prospects attention and unfortunately, your company name isn't enough. It's got to be something that promised some type of benefit or a solution to a problem they're having. Talk benefits, benefits, benefits Simply listing the services you offer doesn't really tell them how they'll benefit by hiring you. You've got to paint a picture for them and help them visualize how their life will be easier because of your service. Present some kind of valuable offer People are natural procrastinators and unless you give them a reason to act, they won't. Yes, the 'Free Estimates' is an offer but everyone expects that these days so there's really nothing that makes people stop and think, "DANG, I've got to have that!" Present them with an offer that will get them up off of the couch RIGHT NOW. Create urgency that motivates them to action Again, people are procrastinators and unless you give them a reason to respond right now, they won't. Doing things like limiting the number of packages available or attaching a deadline to an offer are good ways to create some urgency. Use 3rd party proof You did a GREAT JOB with this one by including the 'Before & After' photos. Testimonials are another great way to use 3rd party proof in your marketing. Present some kind of risk reversal People nowadays are skeptical and afraid of being taken for a ride so by including some type of risk reversal you make it easier for them to respond. Saying things like 'Satisfaction Guaranteed' or throwing in bonuses or premiums help your prospects feel safe when buying from you. Include a powerful call to action Unfortunately, you can't assume people know what they need to do, you've got to tell them in very specific terms. 'Pick up the phone and call us today' or 'Log onto our website at...' are good examples. Again, it's not my intent to be the bad guy it's just that everybody's marketing could be 100x's more effective if you keep these principles in mind. I can't make any promises, but I may consider redoing this add for Matt and for everyone to see how I'd incorporate each of these elements into an ad that I'd want to run.

__________________
Chestin

[Steve]

I can't make any promises, but I may consider redoing this add for Matt and for everyone to see how I'd incorporate each of these elements into an ad that I'd want to run.

I know I'd love to see it!

[landonkade]

Originally Posted by LawncareMarketingMagic

Well, I hate to be the bad guy here, but I see quite a few things that could be improved with this ad.

Before I get to those though, Matt, great job on simply working out the trade. It's amazing how many opportunities there are like this available if you just talk to people, ask the right questions, and offer the right combination of services, products, etc.

Okay, now on to the ad itself. While I know it's what everyone would expect to see in a magazine, that in itself is part of the problem. Most of today's marketing is ineffective. I'm working on some information that will explain what I mean in greater detail, but in the meantime, here are the critical elements that should be included in EVERY piece of marketing you send out:

1. A benefit laden, attention grabbing headline
   
   You have less than 2 seconds to grab your prospects attention and unfortunately, your company name isn't enough. It's got to be something that promised some type of benefit or a solution to a problem they're having.
   
   
2. Talk benefits, benefits, benefits
   
   Simply listing the services you offer doesn't really tell them how they'll benefit by hiring you. You've got to paint a picture for them and help them visualize how their life will be easier because of your service.
   
   
3. Present some kind of valuable offer
   
   People are natural procrastinators and unless you give them a reason to act, they won't. Yes, the 'Free Estimates' is an offer but everyone expects that these days so there's really nothing that makes people stop and think, "DANG, I've got to have that!"
   
   Present them with an offer that will get them up off of the couch RIGHT NOW.
   
   
4. Create urgency that motivates them to action
   
   Again, people are procrastinators and unless you give them a reason to respond right now, they won't. Doing things like limiting the number of packages available or attaching a deadline to an offer are good ways to create some urgency.
   
   
5. Use 3rd party proof
   
   You did a GREAT JOB with this one by including the 'Before & After' photos. Testimonials are another great way to use 3rd party proof in your marketing.
   
   
6. Present some kind of risk reversal
   
   People nowadays are skeptical and afraid of being taken for a ride so by including some type of risk reversal you make it easier for them to respond. Saying things like 'Satisfaction Guaranteed' or throwing in bonuses or premiums help your prospects feel safe when buying from you.
   
   
7. Include a powerful call to action
   
   Unfortunately, you can't assume people know what they need to do, you've got to tell them in very specific terms. 'Pick up the phone and call us today' or 'Log onto our website at...' are good examples.

Again, it's not my intent to be the bad guy it's just that everybody's marketing could be 100x's more effective if you keep these principles in mind.

I can't make any promises, but I may consider redoing this add for Matt and for everyone to see how I'd incorporate each of these elements into an ad that I'd want to run.

Its's already in the magazine, it was a trade so i didnt loose anything, the magazine renews every 4 months

i know where you are coming from, i told her about that, she thought it would be a good idea but she and i wanted it simply, short, and not busy. Not to much more could fit. She did mention the 2-5 sec rule of it catching someones eye.

I told her to put floresent colors so it can stand out

I do have a ''mention this ad and get a 5% discount''(yearly services)

Most of the services i have in there needed to be in there

Its a half page ad

I told Steve once it on shelves by front door of entrances such as Winn-Dixies and more and all in my town, i would send him one

[landonkade]

i was going to ask if i can get some reviews on my local business center ad, pretend you are a customer of mine telling how great the services was and such. If it will work

Here is the link:

http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8...mid=1224180880

[Steve]

I tried it again and it gave me the same error. Maybe someone else can try it and see if it happens to them as well.

[landonkade]

Originally Posted by Steve

I tried it again and it gave me the same error. Maybe someone else can try it and see if it happens to them as well.

Yeah i dont know whats wrong with it,lol. It should take a review,umm

[Steve]

Have you tried to enter one as a test?

[landonkade]

i was going to ask if i can get some reviews on my ad, pretend you are a customer of mine telling how great the services was and such. If it will work. Remember to put dothan, al for the city

Here is the link:

http://www.merchantcircle.com/busine...g.334-618-1916

Also the magazine ad comes out anyday now, just waiting,lol

[Steve]

I just added one.

I hope it helps!