80% of All Advertising Is Wasted Due To This Common Mistake

You're flipping through this publication as you wait for your latte, when suddenly you decide to stop and read an ad. What made you stop? I'll bet it was an attention grabbing headline.

It is a scientifically proven fact that 5 times as many people read headlines as read the body copy of an ad. So with the headline, an advertiser has spent about 80% of their advertising dollar. It doesn't take a genius to realize then the headline is the most important part of any ad.

Yet, most small business advertising is wasted for lack of an effective headline or, worse yet, no headline at all. Don't make this same mistake.

The headline is the first thing that your reader or prospect sees when they open your letter, browse a magazine, or flip your postcard. In that moment, (about 3 seconds) your reader decides whether or not to read any farther.

So first and foremost, any advertisement you produce must have a headline and your headline must grab your reader's attention immediately. If you don't grab them by the throat and hold them right away, you never will.

Writing powerful headlines takes some hard work but it can be done if you follow some simple guidelines.

1. Your headline should give the reader a reason to stop and read now instead of later ? a carefully chosen word or two can create urgency

2. Your headline should communicate something the reader considers valuable ? they need to be able to justify the time spent reader your ad

3. Your headline should scream how you might offer something that is unique or at least interesting

4. Your headline should point to something very specific for the reader ? use facts and how to's

Using these points as a guide to create your headlines allows you to create headlines that hook your reader quickly, offers them a benefit they want, and gives them a reason to read on.

Never use boring, conventional or overused statements and never use a headline to trick your reader into looking on.

Attention Getting Power Words for Your Headlines

Look at powerful headlines and you will see that many contain one or more of the following words that sell. Discover Easy Free New Proven Save Results Introducing

At Last Guarantee Bargain Easy Quick Sale Why How To

Just Arrived Now Announcing

Start of by writing some headlines that clearly communicate your promise, benefit or USP. Then look for ways to make them even more powerful by adding a power word or two and checking if they contain at least 3 of the guidelines provided above.

Copyright 2004 John Jantsch

About The Author

John Jantsch is a marketing coach and creator of the Duct Tape Marketing System. You can get more information about the Duct Tape System and download your free copy of "How To Create the Ultimate Small Business Marketing System in 7 Simple Steps" by visiting http://www.DuctTapeMarketing.com


10 Reasons Why Your Company Needs Custom Invitations

I am always amazed when I hear about companies who... Read More

10 Simple Techniques To Make Your Ad Get Powerful Attention

1. Make your ad's keywords and phrases standout by enlarging... Read More

10 Tips For Writing A Profit Producing Ad

1. You can get ad copy ideas by studying similar... Read More

10 Tips to Use Giveaways Effectively

Walk around any trade or consumer show and you will... Read More

10 Ways to Advertise Your Business For Free!

At some point many small business owners are left with... Read More

10 Ways To Improve Your Print Ads

1) Include a coupon in your large ads. This can... Read More

100 Excellent Words and 70 Action Getting Phrases for Ad Writing

100 Excellent Words Absolutely. Amazing. Approved. Attractive. Authentic. Bargain.... Read More

11 Ways To Make Your Business Cards Work For You

1. Spend money on decent quality business cards. Home made... Read More

13 Facts About Newspaper Advertising

Advertising in the paper works for many people in business.... Read More

15 Tips for Better Yellow Page Ads

Yellow Pages advertising is one of the most popular forms... Read More

16 Methods for Getting Free Advertising

1. Place copies of your circular on bulletin... Read More

16 Ways to Make Your Business Cards Unforgettable

Every time you hear someone say "May I have one... Read More

2005 Super Bowl Ads... Winners and Losers

Well, Super Bowl XXXIX is history. Too bad for the... Read More

3 Elements To A Deal-Sealing Classified Ad

Have you ever wondered why your perfectly fine classified ad... Read More

3 Inside Secrets To Making You Richer Using Direct Mail!

Making money using direct mail isn't easy. And anyone who... Read More

3 Simple But Powerful Off-Line Advertising Strategies

There are several ways to advertise and get the word... Read More

3 Simple Steps to Getting Thousands in Free Advertising

Many entrepreneurs believe that they understand what public relations is,... Read More

3 Things Every Yellow Pages Advertiser Needs to Know

Too many business owners and marketers know that Yellow Pages... Read More

4 Ways to Double the Power of Your Business Cards

Sure, everyone needs business cards. But why not make your... Read More

5 Newspaper Advertising Myths Revealed

What I'm about to reveal are myths that most people... Read More

5 Reasons Why Headlines Are Crucial To Your Website?s Success

Without a powerful headline, your message stands little chance of... Read More

5 Tips for Hot Yellow Pages Ads

Yellow Pages advertising is one of the most popular forms... Read More

50 Surefire Business Card Tips

Business cards are one of the most powerful and inexpensive... Read More

6 Must-Have Elements of a Powerful Brochure

Most brochures that businesses put out today end up doing... Read More

6 Ways To Get More Sales From Your Advertisement

To bring great sales success, a great advertising technique is... Read More

7 Essential Elements for Profit-Pulling Ads

Advertising will make or break your business. It is crucial... Read More

7 Questions to Ask Before You Advertise

Most business owners and managers keep a fairly close eye... Read More

7 Tips for Better Ads

The content of advertising is basically the same no matter... Read More

7 Unique Ways To Get FREE Advertising

1. Give Testimonials When you purchase a product or service... Read More

8 Low Cost Ways To Advertise, Promote and Market Your Business

We all are looking for ways to market our businesses... Read More

80% of All Advertising Is Wasted Due To This Common Mistake

You're flipping through this publication as you wait for your... Read More

9 Tips for Better Billboards

It is a given that billboard advertising "outdoor" is not... Read More

A $40 Million Dollar Little Known Referral Strategy

Would you like to know how a car wash chain... Read More