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View Rich Schefren and Brad Fallon video
In the Attention Age, getting your prospect’s attention is harder than ever.
But it gets worse - because once you get attention, your job has just started.
You see, the real trick is holding onto your reader’s attention long enough to get your message across.
My good friend and world-class copywriter John Carlton says:
"The most common blunder rookie copywriters make is to assume the reader will ‘hang in there’… Your reader will not hang in there. At the very moment you bore him, confuse him, or ask him to ‘bear with you’…he’s out of there."
Think about it: Doesn’t your own experience confirm it?
The truth is, readers don’t bail on your blog post, email, or salesletter and then come back to it again later. Nope. Once you lose them - chances are they’re gone for good.
However, don’t take my word for it. Just check your website’s bounce rate (Bounce rate is the percentage of single-page visits) and the average length of time on your site to see how unforgiving your readers can be.
Now don’t get bent out of shape about this just yet. Because I’ve got something for you that’ll instantly make it easier for you to hold on to your readers attention. And today it’s my gift to you.
First, let me switch gears for a moment - it’s important.
You may have noticed the blog has been a whirlwind of activity lately. More and more marketers and entrepreneurs are starting to realize that attention or the lack of it, is one of the big hurdles you must overcome to be successful.
Frankly, it was bound to happen - but I want you to know the increase in attention has brought a new level of enthusiasm here at our office. And that’s good for business.
So, I’ve got a proposition for you…
If you like what were giving away, tell others, post a comment, or better yet use any of the countless social bookmarking sites (digg, del.icio.us,
stumbleupon, sphinn, etc…) to help us get these materials out. In return, we’ll keep giving you great resources to download. Fair enough?
OK, let’s get down to business.
Have you ever heard of the Bucket Brigade?
You’ve been reading it, all through this blog post.
Phrases like: "But it gets worse", "You see", "Think about it:", "The truth is", "However", "First" and "Frankly" are phrases that are referred to as the "Bucket Brigade". They are phrases and words that keep the reader moving forward, providing a constant momentum. When done right, they make your writing seem more conversational. Even better they’ll turn your writing into a greased slide, making it almost impossible to stop reading until the end.
John Carlton said one of the easiest ways to come up with them is to "use the old journalism trick of ‘who, what, where, when, why and how’. For example: ‘Who else uses this secret?’ ‘What does this mean for you?’ ‘Why would I share such a valuable tactic with a stranger?’ ‘Where did I find this information?’ ‘How would you like to see it for yourself?’ "
So check this out: As a way of expressing our gratitude for all the comments and traffic we’ve been receiving we’ve put together a "swipe file" for you of 472 bucket brigade phrases to use to keep attention in your writing. Consider it your own stash of attention-capturing phrases.
You can grab your copy of the Phrases That Keep Attention swipe file right here.
But, before you go, tell us what attention tools you would like to receive from us next, plus any interesting or unusual ways you use or used to capture your prospect’s attention.
To higher profits,
Rich Schefren
PS - My favorite SEO Blog and SEO Book is written and run by a gentleman named Aaron Wall. That’s why it was an honor when we discovered his well know site SEOBOOK linked to our Attention Age Mindmap yesterday. So props to you Aaron. And if anyone was curious which SEO blog and expert I follow - you couldn’t go wrong following Aaron Wall’s advice. You can find him at www.seobook.com/blog
Thanks Rich! This is a great treat. I LOVE swipe files! They are sooo useful when I get writers cramp.
Take care,
Eldra
Thanks Rich!
This is great! Very similar to a “Hypnotic” swap file. We have been using these “Hypnotic Headlines” for a few years now at http://www.PositivelyMary.com and they have been incredible for increasing our click rate.
Thanks again Rich!
Matt Abernathy
Webmaster
www.PositivelyMary.com
Rich… YOU DA MAN!!!
I find that nothing helps overcome writer’s block better than having the first word of the paragraph to jump off of. Keep up the good work and i am going to STUMBLE you and SPHINN you right now.
A terrific addition Rich and many thanks. Now I have a resource I can call on when it all feels like it dried up
Thanks Rich, I too love swipe files and this one is now safely nestling inside my swipe folder.
Sally
Cheers Rich,
Makes a nice change to be given a really Useful Freebie
Warm Regards
Randy Smith
http://www.RandolfSmith.com
Rich,
You always deliver above and beyond expectations and with great depth of usefullness. Your genuine desire to see marketers understand the “world” they are marketing to is awesome and greatly appreciated. Thanks for the great swipe file!
Thanks!
And here’s my contribution:
5 Proven Ways To Make Your Biz Op Simply Irresistible ~ Free PDF Download
To Your Success!
Leigh Ann
Your download doesn’t work. I can’t get to www.vaho.us.
Perhaps there’s a way to fix it
thanks
Joseph
Hi Leigh Ann,
Thank you for your resource as well!
It’s much appreciated.
Cristian
http://www.voiceoverpal.com/
Thanks a lot Rich!
That’s definitely a resource every internet marketer should have.
Thanks again!
Cristian
http://www.voiceoverpal.com/
Unless what she will “bear with you” to view is something irresistable; only then she won’t be lost forever ;-:) Am I right?
It would be great if there exist a tool that can measure the comeback rate of bounced unique visitors.
Ah, actually, I have an idea, and correct me if I’m wrong, it just came to my mind:
We can measure the total number of visitors to the site, and
the total number of unique visitors to that site in that same period of time.
From the two measurements above, we can tell the number of comebacks.
oh wait a second, that still won’t tell the comebacks from the set of bounced visitors. Also, it is not accurate because one person can come multiple times affecting the measurements accuracy.
The reason I’m asking is because, it is interesting to know how many you really lost forever.
I have done a survey recently and interestingly about 75% of the people who left the sales letter with no action said that they are planning to purchase within 2 to 3 months.
This means sometimes, the sales letter is well written but some people leave it due to personal constraints that has nothing to do with the way the sales letter is written.
Although after reading your post, I do completely agree that language need be picked carefully.
Well, that was sweet of you
Bravo Rich
Thanks Rich for a great resource and the copywriting tips from John. All that we have to do is actually implement them now in our own web & offline copy.
Tip o’ the beanie to ya!
Hi Rich,
The following post is a response to your final comment on THE closed blog post. Now, don’t get the wrong idea. What I’m writing belongs here as well. Bear with me, because I’m going to show you how easy it is to apply the advice given in this blog post and use phrases that keep attention. Here are some examples…
First, I am Anne at Aboon Books. The simple truth is I don’t usually use my own name or company name as my blog post “name” because neither Anne nor Aboon Books is a keyword and why not use a keyword tag when chatting on a blog and gradually improve search engine position while having a dialog.
Rich, you commented that you didn’t like what I did, which is why I’m writing to you. Do you mean reposting Anette’s original post? I’m sorry but, believe it or not, I thought it was a legitimate post that made some good points and that you had deleted it for no apparent reason. If it didn’t have a valid email address, then I can understand why you deleted it. In any event, you could simply have deleted my reposting the content and sent an email or post explaining why you had done so.
You commented at the beginning of the post you closed for comments that you had never before in your blog attacked anyone personally until that post. And you commented in your closing comment that you have never before had to police your blog. I don’t think those two firsts going hand-in-hand is a coincidence. Think about it.
The topic probably did have a longer discussion than it deserved. In the interest of not prolonging it, I’ll restrain myself from commenting on your comments about my comments on others’ comments on your comments.
So let me ask you, if you’ve seen me post several times, why have you avoided the following question: What happened on your launch data almost a year ago? I don’t think it’s unreasonable if you tell your readers that there is some big news that we aren’t going to believe and to sit tight, to expect to hear the explanation. Though perhaps I am the only one that hasn’t forgotten.
So…. if you find what I did so irritating that you want to ban my IP address or email address or some such, go ahead. The truth is there are plenty of interesting blogs out there, just like you found someone else to buy tires from… not all business relationships work out. Fair enough?
Anne Emerick
Aboon Books
P.S. In any event, if you are still reading, then I guess these phrases that keep attention really work, since I used one in almost every sentence (perhaps a bit overdone) AND I’d like to tell you more about how I intend to use them on Aboon Books….. but this is the Strategic Profits blog, not mine.
How would you feel if someone used your webpage to criticise you? It is plain common sense to block negative comments of others on your own webpage …..
Markus Trauernicht
Well, some bloggers allow the negative or diverse comments so that there’s an honest dialogue, as opposed to a one sided love fest….
p.s. Sorry for the lack of paragraphs in above post. Apparently when I cut and pasted, my blank lines got lost. Would you take it the wrong way if I suggested a preview post function?
Rich, I’ve posted a blog over at www.trishjones.com, compelling my readers to come and get their copy.
This is the kind of thing that will “give voice” to boring copy - whether a blog, email, newsletter or sales copy.
I’m personally going to print and bind mine and keep it where I can access it daily - yeah … that good!
Trish Jones
“You think I’m lying” … “But” . . . this is Divine! Thanks, Rich.
I really loved the “Keep it conversational” along with all the key phrases. I use the same thing but (guess what?) I really like implanting phrases in different parts as I just did.
The flow seems natural and it isn’t as disrupting as starting a sentence or paragraph with the question. You can do the same thing “That’s what I do!” to emphasize a point.
Everyone who’s teaching how to write script seems to dislike long paragraphs. I disagree. With an emphasis point imbedded allows you to continue the thought of the paragraph without figuring out how to start another one on the same subject.
Just some of my own approaches to script writing (when I’m organized and focussed enough) without writing a long paragraph that will lose many readers. Just keep them looking for more even with the last dumb phrase I just inserted.
I started writing Science Fiction when I was 12 (late 40’s) and got noplace. That is “noplace” until the acknowledged Dean of Science Fiction Writers and Publishers (John Campbell {who wrote the story about the atomic bomb with the right locations 2 years before it happened}) replied with an offhanded statement.
He always wrote back what was missing from a story that he would publish (Astounding and Imagination at that time) but he finally sent me a short letter with the suggestion of using imbedded phrases to hold attention.
I proceeded to become one of the gurus of Science Fiction (my facts were correct but my population of the planets was obviously erroneous). From 14 to 18, I made more money than any other writer out there (sure I said “Out There” as an obvious pun.
Military service followed by college (funded by the government) took all of my next 10 years. Then I had to keep working (I loved every moment of it) on the most revolutionary concepts and technology at that time.
Now I have finally retired in my 70’s and I’ll start writing script for sales to make some real money (the government does not pay real well, especially for science and physics).
If you think this approach has some merit in the present thinking, please let me know.
Thanks, J D Lenig
JesuServe@earthlink.net
321-256-2323
Rich,
I’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS FOREVER!
Wow… thank you so much. this will help me greatly when writing my autorepsonder copy and sales pages. A dream come true
thanks
Chris Brisson
http://www.37daystocleancredit.com
Probably one of the more mysterious copy elements most marketers gloss over (even now, in late ‘07) involves the use of graphics and pictures.
We’re always told to use these sparingly and prudently. Yet, we also know how they can draw attention…
So might the bucket brigade swipe fill of phrases best be followed by a repository of graphics and pictures (or their representative categories) correlated to those areas in the copy (and on the order page, too) where these work well to draw attention?
Or, if that’s not practical, how about representative sales letters employing such tactics to positive effect of drawing attention?
Rich,
If you can past packing snad of peoples asses and quit with the lying and the BS promises you might hold their attention. That is the opinion of an MBA.
Remember the story of Joe Cook the high school principal. Stand and Delivery. Deliver something of real value and you can hold a person’s attention. Have some real integrity and you can hold a person’s attention.
Otherwise you are wasting your time and a readers time. Facts talk and BS walks. You and other have lied so much that no one believes anything you say. Just so you know you are not alone. You have the company of a list of people who hide behind no reply email addresses
ROD
Ummmmm… I hate when people bash, it’s stupid and of no benefit to anyone, especially when you can’t read it.
Hi Rich,
That is a great swipe file. I’ll keep it handy next to my Hypnotic Writing Swipe File and that means its good.
Thanks!
These work well on landing pages as well when used properly and sparingly.
Hey Rich,
We met very briefly in Sydney with Mike,
and got photos…
Thanks LOADS for the swipes!!
Had a quick scan… here’s some more…
Imagine this…
Picture this…
This is Hilarious…
This is So Stupid…
Obviously if we go adding the first name in front of all your swipes, we’d have killer email subject lines
Peaceout Rich!
Love your work…
- aj
Thanks Rich, I’ve referred all my friends, and YES Aaron Wall is fantastic, his book and blog are a part of my SEO resources.
Mark
Thank you so much Rich. This is the most valuable resource anyone could wish for if they want to create content.
www.checksunlimitedinc.com
wow, that’s really a nice collection of power phrases. I’ll certainly use some of those for my websites. Thanks Rich.
Regards from Australia
Thomas
www.auction-design-for-free.com
All I can say is “WOW” Rich… what a fabulous share that is very appreciated! It’s snug in my “Important Stuff” folder. Many thanks to you.
Mary Ann
This swipe file is great! What a wonderful gift — your generosity is truly appreciated.
Martha
Thanks Rich,
I try to emulate your example as a great internet marketer, and give away lots of valuable stuff also.
Thanks for all the great free content!
Great resource Rich. Thanks!!
I also agree with you about Aaron. He is a great teacher. I highly recommend subscribing to his blog.
Mark
Thanks Rich,
I try to emulate your example as a great internet marketer, and give away lots of valuable stuff also.
Thanks for all the great free content!
Free Life Coach Tools
Great info Rich and yes John has it on the spot.
Aaron is a go to guy for SEO for sure.
Keep up the great work and thanks for contributing such
awesome content!
It appears many of those words in the swipe file you’re giving here indicates how to start what you’re about to say, while others are questions to ponder. Makes sense if one thinks about them.
I can’t say anything better than what the others have already said, Rich. So I’ll just summarize it all by two simple words.
Thank you.
Hello Rich,
This list is awsome. It would be a big help for anyone who is working with internet marketing. I have not been in the business very long but I am sure this will be a lot of help in writing. Thanks for a great swipe file. I will use it often.
Lois Bordenkircher
Hi Rich:
First I would like to thank you for the wonderful gift.
This swipe file is a great tool and I will introduce
to my friends.
Have a great day.
God Bless.
Hi Rich,
there free.
Wow, what a spectacular gift you’re giving away, thank you very much;
I’ll be sure to use them everywhere, “Best of all”
Thanks
Ricardo
Thanks Rich - a very handy reference.
There’s just one more thing ….maybe a similar reference of phrases that ‘get attention’ and also another one that encourage ‘action’.
Hi Rich,
You make it so easy.
I have been asking for it since ages.
Thanks
Rajesh
http://rajeshmsharma.blogspot.com
Take Total Success Living Test Here!
http://www.marketerschoice.com/app/?af=667866
A handy list. I think I’ll be keeping this one.
Thanks for posting it.
Hey Rich,
Just downloaded the pdf file “Phrases That Keep Attention” and it is unreadable.
Just a bunch of boxes with question marks in them . . . all 7 pages.
What happened?
These might work in the US but the culture in Europe is different. I conducted a survey with some of these phrases a few weeks ago and quite a few are a positive turn off.
My advice is that if you want to hit an American market use these words and phrases. If you want to hit a European market choose phrases that mean something in that culture and uses UK English …not US English!
Hmm, sounds like a disclaimer is in order.
Great Swipe file! Now we need one for different elements of a sales letter. Like you’ve just given one for small “bucket brigade” phrases.
Now we need for
1- headlines
2- offers
3- lead paragraphs
4- P.S.’s
5- Little layout tricks that capture people’s attention throughout the letter
Maybe we can all team up to put these together!
Thanks
Joseph