Copyblogger is a marketing weblog with a huge following. I like the content, to a degree. But to an even greater degree, I approach it with a certain kind of dread.
I am very aware of how easy it is to manipulate people into doing things they ought not do. I’m not accusing blogger Brian Clark of anything untoward. And yet, the motive, goal and purpose of Copyblogger is teaching people how to write manipulative copy.
There is a thin line between copy that is good, effective and useful, and copy that pushes buttons people don’t even know they have. Maybe I’m worrying too much, but this is the stuff you gotta watch.
Here’s a simple way of judging things: If you don’t want to name the motive behind the copy you’re writing — that motive is probably manipulative. Everybody’s got their own to look out for, but they shouldn’t have to be on the look out for you…
The site itself is simply gorgeous, beautifully designed. WordPress, of course.
Technorati Tags: blogging, sellsius 101, real estate, real estate marketing
jf.sellsius says:
But he always warns that you must DELIVER on your promises or you lose in the long run. He has said, echoing others before him (Kawasaki), that your customers must be your evangelists. Word of mouth advertising is only successful if there is something GOOD to spread. You will only recommend quality or a great find to your friends, else you lose their trust.
As for manipulation. In theory it is bad but in reality maybe not. If you manipulate me to save a ton of money–I won’t complain about the manipulation. The old end justifying the means. But if you manipulate me to buy crap, I’ll curse you, the crap & the manipulation.
September 26, 2006 — 9:20 am
Brian Clark says:
Telling the truth is not manipulation.
As someone who recently unloaded my interest in a successful real estate brokerage because I couldn’t stand to deal with another Realtor who violates the “truth” rule, I feel your pain.
Most Realtors work hard and do the right thing, but I swear that real estate sales makes my former profession (law) look pristine in comparison. So I’m surprised that you think what I do and teach is manipulation.
Understanding human psychology and delivering exceptional value is the essence of good copywriting and good business. But bad marketers (like bad Realtors) taint the pool for everyone and plant silly ideas in the heads of otherwise smart people.
And if you were link baiting me, this doesn’t work.
September 26, 2006 — 12:58 pm
Greg Swann says:
> And if you were link baiting me, this doesn’t work.
Wow. Preen much?
September 30, 2006 — 2:18 pm