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Articles by Karon Thackston

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81 articles by Karon Thackston · showing 31

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By Karon ThackstonMay 15, 20041 topic

Copywriting Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

Â© 2004nhttp://www.copywritingcourse.com nnI was in shock. Honestly, I shook my head when I read his email. I meant no disrespect; I just couldnât believe he really felt that way.nnâKaron, I want you to write the sales letter for my site. How much will it cost me?â read his note. After looking at his home page and evaluating his target audience, I didnât feel a sales letter would be the best type of copy for his site. When I sent him my suggestion he replied with some

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,050 views

By Karon ThackstonMay 15, 20041 topic

Copywriting Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

Â© 2004nhttp://www.copywritingcourse.com nnI was in shock. Honestly, I shook my head when I read his email. I meant no disrespect; I just couldnât believe he really felt that way.nnâKaron, I want you to write the sales letter for my site. How much will it cost me?â read his note. After looking at his home page and evaluating his target audience, I didnât feel a sales letter would be the best type of copy for his site. When I sent him my suggestion he replied with some

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,050 views

By Karon ThackstonMay 15, 20041 topic

Copywriting Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

Â© 2004nhttp://www.copywritingcourse.com nnI was in shock. Honestly, I shook my head when I read his email. I meant no disrespect; I just couldnât believe he really felt that way.nnâKaron, I want you to write the sales letter for my site. How much will it cost me?â read his note. After looking at his home page and evaluating his target audience, I didnât feel a sales letter would be the best type of copy for his site. When I sent him my suggestion he replied with some

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,040 views

By Karon ThackstonMay 15, 20041 topic

Copywriting Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

Â© 2004nhttp://www.copywritingcourse.com nnI was in shock. Honestly, I shook my head when I read his email. I meant no disrespect; I just couldnât believe he really felt that way.nnâKaron, I want you to write the sales letter for my site. How much will it cost me?â read his note. After looking at his home page and evaluating his target audience, I didnât feel a sales letter would be the best type of copy for his site. When I sent him my suggestion he replied with some

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,266 views

By Karon ThackstonApr 27, 20041 topic

A Lesson From âThe Apprenticeâ That Can Make You A Master

Â© 2004nhttp://www.copywritingcourse.com nnI have to admit, I was curious. When I saw previews of a new show called âThe Apprentice,â it made me want to at least watch the premiere to see what was going on. Immediately, I was hooked. The whole idea of candidates - from all walks of life, not just college grads fresh from their commencement ceremonies - vying for a position in one of Donald Trumpâs organizations piqued my interest. What kept my interest were the real-lif

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,050 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonMar 23, 20041 topic

Copywriting Makeover: Know Where Your Customers Are In The Buying Process Part 2 of 2

Â© 2004 http://www.copywritingcourse.com nnIn part one of this article series, I introduced a client of mine (AEwebworks) who suffered from some copywriting traumas. The basic diagnosis was a lack of synergy within the copy, ineffective use of testimonials, a lack of focus on the target customerâs buying process, and the inability of the current copy to support the search engine goals of AEwebworks. nnAfter doing some research, I created a plan of action for writing SEO cop

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,152 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonMar 23, 20041 topic

Copywriting Makeover: Know Where Your Customers Are In The Buying Process Part 1 of 2

Â© 2004nhttp://www.copywritingcourse.com nnWhen you begin to write copy for any product or service, there are a few things you have to take into consideration. The first is always your target audience: who youâll be writing to. Finding out about the needs and wants of the audience members, their communication styles, their lifestyles, and a multitude of other elements are âmustsâ before writing one word of copy.nnBut something most people neglect is giving due attention

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,118 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonMar 9, 20041 topic

Are You Asking the Right Questions in Your Copy?

Â© 2004 http://www.copywritingcourse.comnnItâs a common approach to writing copy. You begin by asking questions. Why? To evoke thoughts in your readers' minds, to stir up emotions, and to get customers thinking in the way you want them to think. But have you ever thought about how you phrase your questions? Are you doing it in a way that will have the greatest impact on your readers or are you just throwing questions on a page?nnBehaviorally speaking, not everybody responds

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,204 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonFeb 9, 20041 topic

Press Releases Can Increase Search Engine Positioning

Â© 2004nhttp://www.copywritingcourse.comnnWhen you write a press release, what is your ultimate goal? No doubt, getting the information to as many publications and on as many Web sites as possible. The focus lies in moving outwardâ¦ taking the press release to as many *other* sources as possible. We buy lists of journalists, pay public relations companies to distribute the release to thousands of targeted leads, use online press release distribution services, and create our

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,128 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonJan 21, 20041 topic

What Do Your Customers Really Want? Ask Your Competition

Â© 2004nhttp://www.marketingwords.comnnItâs not always an easy task. Sometimes discovering what your customers really want is like pulling teeth. It is imperative for any business owner who hopes to develop new products/services or to write effective advertising copy to know what is important to his customers. But when direct questions donât deliver the results you need, whatâs the next step?nnActually, your competition can often lend a hand in this areaâ¦ and without

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,030 views

By Karon ThackstonJan 13, 20041 topic

SEO Copywriting - In the Wake of the âFloridaâ Update

Â© 2004nhttp://www.copywritingcourse.com/keyword nnAfter Googleâs most recent update, those in the search engine optimization (SEO) field seem to be standing at attention. As sites that have held long-standing positions in the top 10 flounder and bob around in the search results like a fishing cork in a pond, many are scrambling for answers about what to do next. Iâve been asked for my opinions about changes in search engine copywriting, so I thought Iâd share some of m

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,114 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonDec 17, 20031 topic

How To Ruin Your Press Release in 3 Easy Steps

Â© 2003nhttp://www.marketingwords.comnnI see it almost every day. People who want to generate a press frenzy, but go about it in just the opposite way that they should. nnThere are some definite strategies you need to use when writing a press release that gets results. There are also some long-standing, proven ways to completely and totally ruin your release. In an effort to help you get what you want out of your next press campaign, Iâd like to share the top three âbombs

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,199 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonNov 22, 20031 topic

Rules, Regs, and Recommendations for Search Engine Copywriting

2003nhttp://www.copywritingcourse.comnnCopywriting is a primary factor when it comes to achieving good search engine placement. However, many times all that is done is to include keywords in the tags of a page and to include a few keyword mentions. While not extremely difficult, writing for the engines is a little more complicated than that.nnKnow Your Keyphrases Before You WritennIt is much easier to create search engine copywriting if you know which keyphrases you'll use be

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,200 views3/5 (2)

By Karon ThackstonNov 5, 20031 topic

Choosing Keywords That Bring the Best Results

Â© 2003nhttp://www.copywritingcourse.comnnAs a search engine optimization copywriter, Iâve seen my share of keywords. When working with me, clients choose their own keywords (or have someone else choose them) and then send me the list to include in their copy. I must admit, sometimes Iâm just amazed at the selections I receive.nnItâs absolutely imperative that you make wise choices in the area of keywords. Many people simply look at statistics. Others go strictly on the

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,234 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonOct 27, 20031 topic

Copywriting Makeover: Itâs Not About YOU, Itâs About THEM

Â© 2003nhttp://www.copywritingcourse.comnnIâve always loved scented candles. They help create a cozy atmosphere. They give you a relaxed feeling. And - most importantly - they make your home smell wonderful! So, naturally, I was excited when I was approached to rewrite the index (front) page for an online retailer who made specialty, soy scented candles.nnThe goals of the copywriting rewrite were to increase sales and improve search engine positioning for the terms âsoy c

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,139 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonOct 3, 20031 topic

SEO Writing Strategies for Graphic-Oriented Sites

Â© 2003nhttp://www.copywritingcourse.comnnAs a copywriter, Iâd love to tell you that every site on the Web needs tons of copy. However, the simple truth is not all do. Many sites simply produce better sales when they use more graphics than words. Since search engines are hungry for words you simply have to use copy if you plan to get ranked high. Quite a dilemma, isnât it?nnSo what do you do if youâre a graphic designer, if you sell jewelry, or if you have another site

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,253 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonSep 25, 20031 topic

They're Searching So Why Aren't They Buying?

Â© 2003nhttp://www.marketingwords.comnnThere seems to be a common myth regarding site visitors and the buying process these days. Iâve heard this statement more than a few times over the last several months: âMy visitors find me when they use search engines. They type in the exact keyphrases Iâm listed under. So when they get to my site why arenât they buying?â The simple answer is that they arenâât ready to buy yet.nnJust because surfers type a specific keyphra

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,133 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonAug 26, 20031 topic

Short Copy: Understanding Its Purpose Can Increase Sales

Â© 2003 http://www.copywritingcourse.comnnI believe it was Mark Twain that once said, "If I would have had time, I would have written a shorter letter." His point being... it takes much more thought and time to write a short, concise piece than a long one. It's true, too!nnThink about it. How hard is it to get your point across in a very limited amount of time or space? Ever tried to write copy for a postcard mailing? How about a 30-second radio commercial? How do you tell cu

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,137 views

By Karon ThackstonAug 8, 20031 topic

âOut of Focusâ Ads Can Cost You Customers

As I was riding down the road last week, I noticed a billboard. As I sat waiting on a stoplight I kept staring at it. I couldnât help wondering what those people were thinking when they created that thing. It made no sense to me whatsoever. The focus was completely off. They were spending all that money on a billboard that was practically useless.nnThat happens quite a bit with all types of advertising. Well-meaning people design and/or write ads that just donât make good

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,172 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonJul 15, 20031 topic

Solving the "I Get Tons of Traffic But No Sales" Mystery

Â© 2003nhttp://www.copywritingcourse.comnnI canât even begin to tell you how many times Iâve heard the statement, âI get tons of traffic, but no sales.â Itâs normally followed by comments like: âMy site is highly optimized for the engines and my rankings are great. I donât understand why no one is buying.â Let me shed some light on this mystery.nnMost often, when site owners (or professional copywriters for that matter) write âsearch engine optimizedâ copy

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,149 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonJun 23, 20031 topic

Case In Point: What You Need To Know About Link Popularity

Link popularity. The term has flooded the âNet over the last year, and everybody is in a buzz trying to build link popularity for their sites. But do we really understand what link popularity is, and how it works best? If not, youâre about to find out. nnDebra OâNeil-Mastaler of Alliance Link ( http://www.Alliance-Link.com ) is here to give us the ins and outs of link popularity and how to ensure your linking strategies accomplish your goals.nnKARON: Hi, Debra! It was s

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,247 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonApr 19, 20031 topic

Is Your Copy Upside Down?

Â© 2003nhttp://www.copywritingcourse.comnnAs a professional copywriter, Iâve seen my share of copywriting mistakes. One that seems to be particularly common is writing copy thatâs âupside down.â When you do this â when you donât relay your message in the correct order â you lose your audienceâs attention, and the sale!nnYouâve probably seen copy that reads something like:nn Professional Virtual Assistant ServicesnFor over seven years, we have been providing

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,216 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonApr 19, 20031 topic

Nip and Tuck â Three Quick Tricks for Writing SEO Copy

Â© 2003nhttp://www.copywritingcourse.comnnHave you ever been to one of those sites that has obviously been written to get high search engine rankings? You know the onesâ¦ they have copy that sounds like this:nnâWhen you buy quality silver jewelry from us, you know your quality silver jewelry is of the highest quality because we only sell quality silver jewelry that is top-notch. No other quality silver jewelry site on the Web offers the selection of quality silver jewelry

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,319 views1/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonMar 26, 20031 topic

Understanding the Buying Process Can Increase Your Sales

Â© 2003nhttp://www.copywritingcourse.comnnMost marketers donât give a lot of thought to the buying processes of their customers. Thatâs a shame. Lending due attention to the buying process can have a dramatic effect on your sales. nnWhat is the buying process? Where does your customer fall within it? How can you use it to help bring your customer to the point-of-purchase? Follow me as we take a look at the decisions customers must make before deciding to buy.nnEach and ev

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,315 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonMar 10, 20031 topic

Getting More Sales From Your Order Page

Â© 2003nhttp://www.ktamarketing.comnnItâs the gold medal of e-commerce. Getting that coveted sale is what every online business owner hopes and prays for daily. Itâs why we fight for good search engine positioning. Itâs why we battle with our copy, making it âjust so.â Itâs what pays the bills! But what if you could get even MORE sales from your order page? Itâs really not very hard to do.nnWhat Iâm about to tell you is not some big secret. Itâs a widely use

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,314 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonFeb 27, 20031 topic

Case In Point: Building a Web Business Doesnât Have To Cost a Fortune

Â© 2003nhttp://www.ktamarketing.com nnAsk Bobette Kyle about building a Web business on a small business budget, and youâll be amazed what sheâll tell you about planning and coordination. By getting to the heart of the online business structure, Bobette saves small businesses lots of time and money. Sheâs agreed to talk with us today and to share a little of her wealth of knowledge.nnKARON: Hi Bobette. Iâm excited about our time together. nnBOBETTE: Thanks, Karon. Me,

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,327 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonFeb 10, 20031 topic

Your Target Audience â Who Are They & What Do They Want?

Â© 2003 http://www.copywritingcourse.comnnIt still amazes me. When I write copy for a company, I always ask about their target audience. I have to know who Iâm writing to in order to create a message that will bring a response. But about half the time, the client is absolutely stumped about who their target audience is and what they want. nnAt the risk of sounding like a broken record, Iâll say it again: âYou have to know your target audience before you can advertise ef

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,578 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonDec 19, 20021 topic

Is Your Ezine A Wealth of Information or A Sales Trap?

Â© 2002nhttp://www.creatingezines.comnnAsk successful ezine publishers what draws subscribers to their ezines, and youâll be told one very important thing. Content, content, content. However, many would-be ezine publishers focus more on selling than they do on valuable information. They turn their attention toward making money instead of building relationships. If you follow suit, that practice will surely be the death of your ezine, my friend.nnâWhat? Ezines are supposed

Primary topic: Sales Training

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By Karon ThackstonDec 19, 20021 topic

Case In Point: Article Promotion Is Not Just For Ezines

Â© 2002nhttp://www.ktamarketing.comnnAlmost everyone on the âNet is familiar with ezine article promotion. However, Business Essentials subscriber Steve Watson (of Watsonâs Streetworks http://www.watsons-streetworks.com) has found a way to get some âfree inkâ in national paper magazines, too. Noâ¦ not press releases â full-length articles.nnKARON: Hi Steve. Thanks for your time today.nnSTEVE: Sure, Karon. Glad to do it.nnKARON: If I understand you right, youâre g

Primary topic: Sales Training

1,522 views3/5 (1)

By Karon ThackstonNov 21, 20021 topic

Case In Point: Get A Full-Page Magazine Ad Free

http://www.ktamarketing.comnnAs you know, I am continually on the look out for innovative marketing ideas that bring a high return on investment. This one is truly creative! Thanks to Roosevelt Best of UK-based Naturally First and Astrology First for sharing his ingenuity â and his results â with us.nnKARON: Hello Roosevelt. Thank you for taking the time to give us some details about this unusual (and highly effective) marketing idea.nnROOSEVELT: Good afternoon, Karon. Ce

Primary topic: Sales Training

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By Karon ThackstonNov 21, 20021 topic

Pop-Up Windows: A Nuisance or a Gold Mine?

http://www.ktamarketing.comnnHow many times a day do you see them as you surf the Web? Pop-up and pop-under windows have become a widely used marketing tool. But do they work? Are they just a nuisance, or are they really the gold mine that all the âgurusâ claim?nnAfter doing a good deal of research, Iâve discovered some pretty interesting facts. After implementing my own pop-up campaign, Iâve had some enlightening moments. Allow me to tell you what Iâve discovered,

Primary topic: Sales Training

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