Nutrisystem is an example of great marketing.
Not only do they demonstrate that their system works with dozens of powerful before and after photos, they also make weight loss seem exceptionally easy with perfectly-sized portions delivered straight to your front door.
All you do is plug-in to Nutrisystem, eat what they tell you, throw in some physical activity, and the pounds begin to melt away.
Of course, the marketing works. Tens of thousands of people have signed up. But the funny part is, in spite of all the marketing, Nutrisystem is still just an easy way to starve.
Ultimately, the formula for weight loss is fairly simple:
Consume quality calories (eliminate refined grains, sugar, artificial sweeteners, etc.)
Consume fewer quality calories than you burn each day.
Exercise (both cardiovascular and weight training) to boost your metabolism so that you begin to burn more calories each day.
Do these three things and you'll lose weight. Trouble is, I can't sell it for $50 or $100 a month. Neither can Nutrisystem.
this is a good reminder that the real purpose of marketing (with integrity anyway) is to serve people (and help yourself - but the purpose must stay on giving something of value).
~ Diane Clancy
www.dianeclancy.com/blog
Posted by: Diane Clancy | July 05, 2007 at 10:13 AM
Good points.
It's really about knowing what you are selling. Are you selling weight loss information, or you selling motivation, reminders, a "virtual coach," a regid path to follow.
Want to learn copywriting? Probably anyone could become a six-figure copywriter by just going to the library and getting every book ever written on the subject.
By getting on mailing list and doing long hand.
In fact, that's how I got started.
Who needs courses?
But, it keeps you on track. And I think that's one of the main selling points.
Like Dan Kennedy said in a recent newsletter, people want "babysitters" and "hand-holders."
If you're willing to do it, and know how to communicate it, then you got a business selling something Ryan could summarize in one blog entry.
John
http://www.RealityCopywriting.com/true_stories
Posted by: John A. Manley | July 06, 2007 at 11:33 AM