I Learned It All From Pixar

Do it yourself life coaching.

Learn (or teach your kids) life enhancing concepts the fun way ... by watching these 10 Pixar animated movies: 

Lesson: Always be yourself.

Lesson: We’re all unique and special
in our own ways.

Lesson: Don’t hide your talents.

Lesson: Embrace your emotions.

Lesson: Everyone makes mistakes;
learn from them.

Lesson:  The scary ones are scared, too.

Lesson: True friends stick by your side.

Lesson: Be there for the ones who
have been there for you.

Lesson: Follow your dreams, don’t get derailed
by negative comments.

Lesson: It’s never too late.

_________________________

Since this blog is focused on marketing writing, this post was going to be on story telling. And how masterful Pixar is at it. But it seemed a little obvious. So I took it another direction. 

But now that I've opened the door, if you decide to watch/re-watch any or all of these films, observe how Pixar 

• introduces and develops characters
• brings in conflict
• generates tension
• adds comic relief
• sticks to the plot
• engages the audience's emotions

They're consistently excellent at their craft of telling stories.

Unleash the Power of Persuasion with the OATH Formula in Copywriting

Crafting compelling copy isn't about stringing words together; it's about connecting with your audience in a way that resonates with them at their unique stage of awareness. Enter the OATH formula, a strategic approach that can elevate your copywriting game.

What is the OATH Formula?

The OATH formula is a copywriting strategy designed to ensure your copy speaks directly to your audience's level of awareness about your brand, product, or service. It recognizes that not all readers have the same knowledge of your offering. 

OATH = Oblivious, Apathetic, Thinking, Hurting

1. Oblivious: At this stage, your reader has no clue about your brand or what you offer. They're essentially starting with a blank slate, and your copy needs to introduce them to your world.
   
   
2. Apathetic: In the apathetic stage, readers are aware of your existence but are largely uninterested or indifferent to what you provide. Your copy here should aim to spark curiosity and capture their attention.
   
   
3. Thinking: Readers in this stage have recognized a potential need for your product or service. They're considering their options and are open to persuasion. Your copy should inform and guide them toward a decision.
   
   
4. Hurting: At the hurting stage, your audience has a pressing problem that desperately needs solving, and they're actively seeking a solution. Your copy should address their pain points directly and position your offering as the answer they've been searching for.

Tailoring Your Copy to OATH

One of the most significant advantages of the OATH formula is its ability to guide you in crafting copy that speaks directly to your audience's state of mind. Here's how you can adapt your copy for each stage of OATH:

1. Oblivious (Unaware):

• Start with a strong, attention-grabbing headline.
• Provide a concise and engaging introduction to your brand or product.
• Focus on creating brand awareness and piquing their interest.

2. Apathetic (Aware but Indifferent):

• Use compelling storytelling to draw them in.
• Highlight unique selling points and benefits to capture their attention.
• Aim to spark curiosity and create a desire to learn more.

3. Thinking (Considering Options):

• Present informative content that addresses their needs and concerns.
• Provide evidence, testimonials, and case studies to build trust.
• Guide them toward considering your offering as a viable solution.

4. Hurting (Desperately in Need):

• Address their pain points head-on and show empathy.
• Offer immediate solutions and benefits.
• Use urgency and a clear call to action to prompt them to take the next step.

In Conclusion

The OATH formula is a powerful tool in a copywriter's arsenal. By understanding and implementing this strategy, you can create copy that resonates with your audience at every stage of their awareness journey. Remember, effective copywriting isn't one-size-fits-all; it's about tailoring your message to meet your reader where they are. The next time you're crafting copy, consider the OATH formula.

The Question Pro Writers Ask When Hired to Write a Blog Post

When I'm approached about writing blog posts, I always ask: "What's your budget for promoting the post?"

Whether the budget is large, small, or nonexistent, this gives me insight into a number of things, including:

1. Is there a goal for this post/series of posts?

2. Is there a plan to reach that goal?

3. What're the client's expectations?

4. How will success be measured?

5. How serious is this client?

 

The Parking Spot Next to the Front Door

“You could sell sawdust to a lumber mill,” said my boss as he threw his arm around Byron’s shoulders.

The team applauded as Byron held up the contract he had just gotten signed.

Byron was the top dog in the sales department and he wore his status like a custom made suit.

He was charming, smooth, and persuasive.

And he had a cool car that lived in the parking place reserved for the salesperson of the month.

That day, even though I was a rookie kid, I set myself a goal to outsell him and to take over that parking spot.

I hit that goal after 7 months and, from that point on, I consistently outperformed him. 

At the time I think I was more excited about the parking spot than the commission.

 

One afternoon, one of the guys in production asked me how I kept getting the high-profile spot.

“The rep with the highest sales for the month gets to park there,” I said.

“I thought Byron was the number one salesperson.”

“Byron’s a superstar.”

“Then why do you get the spot?”

 

“Byron closes a lot of deals with the companies that the boss says, ‘Those guys’ll never buy.’”

“The boss must love that.”

“Yep.”

“Then how come you always get the spot.”

“I sell to businesses that want and need our stuff.”

Byron was a star and the boss loved that he'd bring in high profile accounts that were considered impossible to sell.

But Byron's accounts would drop off when they didn't get results. Mine would stick around 'cause we worked for them.

So I sold more than the rock star. And I got the parking spot next to the front door.

And, although, like everybody, I was impressed with Byron's style, I learned that I could do better by targeting businesses that wanted and needed what I was selling.

Now I'm a copywriter. 

So I'm still selling. 

And if anybody tells me, "You could sell sawdust to a lumber mill," I'll be mildly offended and say, "But I wouldn't."