How to Get Instant Attention

Most of us have seen a heckler at a baseball game. Sure, he's likely to draw attention, both positive and negative. The louder he hollers, the more attention he gets.

But do you and I want that kind of attention? Probably not. What most of us want to do ? especially with our writing ? is to make a positive impression that stays with the reader.

That's the reason I wrote the little book "Words That Stick"?to help writers create impressions that stick to a reader's memory like duct tape.

So, here are five ideas to help you attract attention:

1. Begin with a unique headline. Some of my favorite headlines are slightly incongruous, or create curiosity. That's what forces me to read more. Example: "Cold wave linked to temperature."

2. A second headline technique: ask a question. Example: "Do you have these symptoms of work fatigue?"

3. In the first sentence, offer the reader some benefit for reading the article. Example: "While biking through the woods last month, I made a discovery that changed my life."

4. Another way to begin: ask why. Example: "Why do I always remember where I left the keys, but never remember where I left the car?"

5. Use the word "you." Researchers say it's one of the most persuasive words in our language. Why? It reportedly makes readers feel you're talking directly to them.

Rix Quinn's new book "Words That Stick" offers methods for writing several types of documents. It's available from your local bookstore, or http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN /1580085768/qid/

Rix creates workshops for schools, professional associations, and companies. E-mail him directly at mailto:rixquinn@charter.net

---

Hooks, Lines & Sinkers

Hands up if the title to this article made you... Read More

Copywriting Secrets Of Indias Mystics

Hi everyone,Been ruminating on this one for a little while... Read More

Crank Out More Articles More Often With An Article Swipe File

If you write copy you need a swipe file. A... Read More

7 Steps You MUST Take Before Writing a Word of Copy!

Copywriting ChecklistOkay, you know you have your product (or service)... Read More

Writing for People and Search Engines

Writing for the search engines is much different than writing... Read More

How To Find Freelance Jobs - Writing About Food

Did you know that jobs writing about food are available?... Read More

Stop Chasing Away Customers! Bad Copy is Your Worst Enemy

Every day, more and more of us begin new online... Read More

Be That Copywriter Everyone Wants to Work With

So many copywriters think that it's enough to be a... Read More

Website Promotion: 10 Secret Motivational Triggers That Make People Buy

Unless you know the secret motivational secrets that make people... Read More

The Lost Art Of Fundamental Copywriting

What ever happened to good old fashion, fundamental copywriting? Has... Read More

10 Tips for Tech-Writers

Tech-writing is a tricky business. It's not a very high... Read More

Art Of Writing Profitable Classified Ads

The art of writing profitable classified adsEverybody wants to make... Read More

Writing Benefit-Driven Web Copy ? 4 Steps to More Sales

You've identified the benefits you offer your customers, but how... Read More

Tomorrow?s Clichés Today

I went to Google and entered a couple of different... Read More

Why Copywriting Is The Secret To Your Online Success

Over the last decade, the number of companies selling their... Read More

3 Keys to Better Online Copywriting

Doing the copywriting for your own website without the proper... Read More

Step One for Copywriters: Understand WHAT to Say

Find a passage of poorly written copy, and chances are... Read More

How To Ethically Use A Swipe File For Your Ad Copy

Did you ever wish you could afford to hire one... Read More

How to Hold Peoples Interest throughout those Long Copy Sales Letters

People tend to read your ads and sales letters in... Read More

7 Essential Tips for Reviewing and Approving Copy

Nothing can turn strong copy into a 97-pound weakling faster... Read More

A Copywriting Lesson from Dr. Seuss

Looking for inspiration for your next marketing communication? Try the... Read More

Boost Your B to B Marketing Copy: 3 Major Copywriting Blunders and How to Correct Them

When you're writing or evaluating copy for a B to... Read More

How You Can Find Freelance Copy Editing Jobs

Even for those with the skills needed, finding copy editing... Read More

How To Personalize Your Headlines For Increased Profits!

Personalizing your headlines to your target audience can significantly improve... Read More

Top 7 Things To Do Before You Hire A Copywriter

Now that you've decided to hire a copywriter, how do... Read More

Writing Great Website Sales Copy

Many small businesses fail because their owners don't pay enough... Read More

Can 97% of Netpreneurs be Wrong?

Why Some People's Ads Almost Always Make MoneyDiscover the Master... Read More

Copywriting Makeover: Making An Emotional Connection - Part 1 of 2

One statistic shows that over 80% of all buying decisions... Read More

Its Time To Start That Swipe File

Just as great fiction is an art, so is great... Read More

7 Powerful Sales Copy Writing Techniques!

Your sales letter is the most important component in your... Read More

Your USP is Useless

One of the keys to writing good marketing copy is... Read More

Writing For Sex Markets

Many professional freelancers will go their entire career without ever... Read More

Copywriter Rates, Getting The Facts Beforehand

Have you ever had the experience of hiring a freelance... Read More