What Makes a Successful Post?

Avoid These Common Pitfalls:

Writing copy for a post or ad can be challenging, but it’s even harder when you:

• Speak Too Generally: Addressing a broad audience makes your message sound like fluff. Your content should speak directly to your target audience.

• Focus on Yourself: Talking too much about your products, features, or services can alienate your audience. Remember, it's about them, not you.

• Overwhelm with Information: When you try to cover too many points, you lose clarity and the focus of your message.

• Reveal Everything: Don’t give away all the details. Leaving room for curiosity keeps your audience engaged.

• Make Outlandish Claims: Huge promises can be off-putting. Keep it believable to maintain trust.

Keys to Creating Engaging Posts and Ads:

Writing posts and ads that resonate with your audience is easy when you:

• Know Your Audience: Conduct thorough research to understand your target audience’s thoughts, needs, and challenges. Write directly to them.

• Be Specific: Focus on specific aspects of your content—whether it’s a video, image, or offer—to maintain clarity.

• Ensure Logical Flow: Your ideas should follow a clear, easy-to-understand structure.

• Stay Focused: Clearly define who you’re helping and how. Speak directly to your audience's needs.

• Maintain Clarity: Clearly outline the benefits your audience will gain. Clarity in your message is key.

• Make Believable Claims: Underpromise and overdeliver. Social media is full of exaggerated claims—be the voice of reason and authenticity.

Creating Winning Posts, Copy, and Ads Can Be Simple:

It all starts with your mindset. Consider the story of Captain John Rade:

Captain John Rade’s Story:

In the Northeast, every fishing captain would tell you that Captain John Rade was the best. Day after day, he would catch his limit using just a fishing pole, outpacing others who used nets and more elaborate gear.

When Captain Rade retired, he was asked about the secret to his success. His answer was simple yet profound: “When fishermen go out to fish, they think like fishermen. When I go out to fish, I think like a fish.”

The Point?

Success in posting and advertising comes from thinking like your audience. Here’s how you can create posts, ads, and offers that work:

• Make Your Audience Feel Understood: Use images and language that speak directly to their daily experiences and observations.

• Speak to Their Problems: Address their issues before talking about your products or services.

• Offer Solutions They Already Want: Connect with the desires they already have and offer solutions they’re eager to accept.

• Obsess Over Helping Them: Focus on how you can help them achieve their desired outcome.

The 4 P’s of Persuasion:

To craft persuasive content, focus on these four elements:

1. Unique Problem: Identify the specific problem your audience faces.

2. Unique Promise: Offer a unique solution that addresses this problem.

3. Unique Proof: Provide proof to back up your claims—whether it’s testimonials, demonstrations, or case studies.

4. Unique Proposition: Present a compelling reason for your audience to take action.

The Anatomy of a Post or Ad:

Much like a conversation, your post or ad should have a clear message from start to finish. Here’s the proven flow:

1. The Creative: The first thing they see is your image, video, or visual—something that draws them in.

2. The Headline: Answer the question, “What’s in this for me?”

3. The Copy: If the creative and headline are done well, they’ll start reading your copy.

4. The Action: If they’re engaged, they’ll continue reading and be more likely to take the desired action.

Successful Messaging Boils Down to Three Elements:

If a post or ad isn’t working, it usually comes down to one of these three elements:

• The Hook: Capture their attention with something unique, a specific benefit, or curiosity.

  • Example: “How to lose 20 pounds without exercising more than 10 minutes a day.”

• The Story: Show that you understand their problems and offer a believable positive outcome.

  • Example: “I used to go to the gym five days a week, but nothing seemed to change. At The Forge, I’ve lost more weight by going only twice a week.”

• The Offer: Present a solution that draws them closer to their desired outcome.

  • Example: “Mike’s Supermom and Superdad program at The Forge has an end-of-summer special that will help you lose that 20 lbs. in less time.”

Final Thoughts:

The objective of your post or ad is to capture the attention of a very specific audience. Use these principles, and you’ll see an increase in engagement and results.

Summary:

• Focus on a unique person or audience.

• Think like your audience, not like a marketer.

• Be unique in your approach.

• Ensure your post flows logically.

• Remember the three essentials: Hook, Story, Offer.

For more information about how to Supercharge your Online Posts, reach out to The Web Mavericks today!