Ben Settle

It’s funny how people still haggle over long copy.

They think “Web 2.0” has changed the need for people to want all the facts and details about a product before buying (especially when selling to an ice cold prospect). Or to hear a story they can step inside and relate to. Or simply to bond with he or she who is selling to them in the first place.

Long copy isn’t always best, of course.

But sometimes it’s necessary for maximum sales.

Take telling a story, for example.

Ever hear of the musician Meat Loaf?

He has a song that sold like gangbusters almost 10 minutes long!

It’s called “Paradise On The Dashboard Light.”

And it’s just one LONG story.

It’s about this 17 year old whipper-snapper who’s in the car with his girlfriend, he wants her to “give up the goods”, but she refuses unless he promises to love her for the rest of their lives.

At first, young Meat Loaf resists.

He even tries getting her to agree to let him decide later (haha).

But she refuses and makes him decide NOW.

Finally, in all his teenage hormonal angst… he gives in! He promises to love her and marry her and be with her forever, and swears to God and on his mother’s grave he’ll love her until the end of time.

Then, after she’s given up the goods… he has regrets!

He can’t stand her anymore.

But, do to his promise, he can’t leave.

And so… he starts praying for the end of time…

Anyway, it’s a long song.

And, at the time, made big album sales.

Thus, the power of stories.

And that’s why, if you’re not using stories in your ads, emails, articles, videos, whatever you market with… you could be missing out on a lot of sales. If you want to learn how to tell stories in your ads, then check out the new (and improved) “Copywriting Grab Bag”:

It covers several ways to tell stories.

But not just any stories.

Stories designed to sell.

Profit ye from them.

Ben Settle

Problem with working at home is being a blob.

It’s oh-so-easy to plop your butt in a chair for 3 or 4 or 10 hours a day and completely mangle your body in the process with potentially deadly blood clots growing in your legs, messing up your circulation and (if you’re a man) damaging your prostate, testicles and other bits & pieces of your “nether region.”

Think I’m joking?

It happened BIG TIME to one of my friends.

He spent several hours per day creating a product and screwed up his legs so bad he is in near constant pain (and he’s not even 30 years old).

The solution?

I call it the “email workout.”

(With mega creative titles like that, how can I go wrong?)

For me it’s email, but it works for anything you’re working on (articles, sales letters, blog posts, programming, research, wasting time on social media sites, whatever).

Here’s how it works:

Every time I finish a task, I do the following:

• A set of pull ups

• A set of chin ups

• A set of pushups

Many cool things result.

Yes, there’s exercise and circulation.

I also get LOTS more work done, too.

(Way more than I would otherwise.)

But besides that, there is a creative benefit — it forces me to get away from work and, sure as shizzit, just like Gene Schwartz taught, ideas come slipping into my mind for whatever I’m working on.

This comes in especially handy with big workloads.

Like, for example back in February.

Between client work and my own projects I was writing well over 25-30 articles/emails per day (plus sales letters).

Brutal.

But this routine got me through it with my legs intact.

The key is doing a set of 3 exercises (doesn’t matter what kind — just short intense reps) after each “action.” By action I mean, you write an email — you do a set. You write an article, you do a set. You write a page or chapter, you do a set, etc.

You can also just do it every 30 minutes if that’s easier.

Anyway, that’s the email marketing workout.

Not the cleverest of titles.

But that’s all I got.

For more email secrets (for making sales, not muscle), go to:

Ben Settle

Recently, I had an interesting talk with Doberman Dan.

Actually, it wasn’t a “talk.”

It was more of a “type” since it was via email.

Anyway, we were rapping about how most Internet marketers have absolutely no balls whatsoever. They whine, complain and screech about the dumbest things “My autoresponder raised their fees! 100 people unfollowed me on Twitter! Goo-roo Bob won’t return my emails! Nobody will joint venture with me!” and 100 other sniveling complaints.

What got us talking about this?

His wife.

For example…

Doberman Dan’s wife came to the US from Columbia, couldn’t speak a word of English, and yet built a solid residential cleaning business from scratch — going door to door. (She even had the police called on her a few times, talk about culture shock!)

Can you imagine any goo-roo fanboys doing that?

The ones droning on about “push button” systems?

Yeah, right.

Anyway, the point?

The Internet has turned people into certified, “Grade A” candy asses — and I sometimes can hardly even believe what some people whine about online.

It’s almost embarrassing.

Anyway, let’s face it, we got it easy.

Opportunities that didn’t exist 10 years ago ABOUND today.

Take advantage of them.

And if things go wrong?

Hey, it could be worse.

You could go door to door…

Ben Settle

P.S. One of my other friends was saying how after using The Street Smart Email course, his income went up a full $150.00 per DAY (just by sending emails the way I teach).

That does it.

I am WAY underpricing my course.

And I’m likely going to raise it to $995.00 soon.

So if you want it at its current price, sally forth on over to:

Here’s an interesting question that came in…

“Ben, what if someone buys one of my products and then repackages the information inside and creates their own product based off of my hard work? What can I do?”

That’s a great question.

I used to struggle with this, too.

In fact, every now and then someone will buy my Copywriting Grab Bag product or my Street Smart Email product or my Crypto Marketing Newsletter and then teach my content as if they invented it or even know what they’re talking about.

Yes, goo-roo fanboys have no shame.

And no common sense, either.

You see, all they do is hurt themselves.

And when you understand that, they don’t annoy you as much as they amuse you. (Although it never hurts to sic the legal dogs on them, too, of course — something I’m going to start doing… copycats take notice…)

But either way, it all boils down to reputation.

And also credibility, too.

Unless the rip off guy is actually GOOD at what he teaches (walks the walk, and not just talks the talk…) he will eventually look like a fool.

It may not happen today.

Or even tomorrow.

But it WILL happen.

Especially if enough people buy his “sloppy seconds” product, see how the person really doesn’t know the subject as well as they pretend (because they haven’t logged in their 10,000 hours or even 10 hours, doing what they’re teaching), and then start spreading the word.

So if you excel at what you teach, you’re safe.

Especially if they aren’t that good at it.

(And just reading a book or course will not make someone an expert — they have to log in many hours DOING before being taken seriously as a teacher…)

That’s why I don’t sweat it.

Copycats are really weaklings.

They make you look good.

And, eventually, make you sales…

Ben Settle

I don’t do much consulting these days.

Yes, I have a little blurb on my site for consulting but I rarely do it (and turn down probably 9 out of 10 requests, even when they have money in hand). Some people have even offered to fly me to their location and do all day consults with them.

Those requests are always denied.

Why?

Am I crazy?

No… I’m just too pressed for time.

I know that sounds strange, but I routinely have something like 5 or 6 different writing projects going on at all times (including 2 of my own sites, an ongoing JV, and a client who has me on retainer), and just don’t have the time.

Well, guess what?

I could use a break.

A little change of routine to recharge my batteries.

So next week, I’m shelving a few of my writing projects, and doing consults for those interested. Plus, as a “hat tip” to the would-be consulting clients I’ve shot down, I’ll do them at 50% off.

Here’s the deal:

For next week only, I’m doing 60 minute consults for $250.

That’s one solid hour, each.

And they can be about anything I’m qualified to discuss — emails, marketing, copywriting, publicity (offline), article marketing, Internet marketing, audio marketing, affiliate marketing, positioning, selling, product creation, book marketing, launching your products… and anything else I’m qualified to talk about.

We can discuss your emails.

We can discuss your ads.

We can discuss your product.

We can rap about launching your product.

It’s all up to you and again, as long as I’m qualified to discuss it (i.e. anything I have written about in these emails over the years or that you’ve observed and wonder how you can do it, too) we can.

And, next week, it’s 50% off my normal rate.

But, there is one small “catch.”

I have no clue how many people are interested in this.

Maybe nobody is.

Or, maybe dozens of people are.

I just don’t know.

So I’m “capping” the number of people to 5 (just one person per day next week, and next week ONLY — if you can’t do this next week then you’re out of luck).

So if you want in, email me immediately.

As for the details…

Just send me a brief (one paragraph or less) description of your business — who you are, what your URL is, what you sell, and what kind of questions you have. If I can help you, I’ll give you payment instructions (all payments are due up front) and we’ll set a time.

Also, one more thing:

There are some businesses I cannot help.

If that’s your case, I’ll let you know upfront.

Ben Settle

P.S. For ongoing “virtual” coaching (via my print newsletter) for just 90 cents per day, check out The Crypto Marketing Newsletter at:

Lots of people whine about so-called “google slaps.”

Whether it be PPC slaps or even SEO slaps (such as the recent “slap” against article directories — all of who got whacked pretty hard a few weeks ago).

But there’s another slap they whine about, too.

The “goo-roo slaps.”

People are so worried about goo-roos in their market.

“How can I compete with them — when they have more cash flow, a bigger list, all the JV partners and all I have is a small list and a single product nobody has heard of???”

The answer is as easy:

Position thyself!

Think of it this way:

Ever walk down the cereal aisle at your local grocery store? Did you notice how there are certain cereal boxes at eye level, some above your head, and some all the way down by your feet?

Well, guess what?

The eye level cereal will often get bought FIRST.

Yes, even it tastes like crap.

And even if it’s terrible for your health.

Their advantage is positioning.

That’s it.

And yes, YOU can have positioning like that, too. One way is to not try to be #1 if you are just starting out or still too small to really compete with ye olde goo-roos.

Instead, go for #2.

There’s a lot of money in being the “7-Up” of your market.

The pleasant alternative to the Cokes and Pepsis — who many people despise simply because they ARE #1, and it’s in a lot of peoples’ personalities to cheer the underdog.

That’s why positioning is so big.

It’s the ultimate trump card.

When you get this right, it almost doesn’t matter if your ads are any good, have a big list or even know what you’re doing.

You know, there’s actually a lot to this.

Far too much to go into here.

And so, I have dedicated the entire next Crypto Marketing Newsletter issue JUST on ways to position yourself in your market.

Do this right and goo-roos won’t scare you.

Or even be a threat to you.

(You may even profit from their existence!)

Hey, who knows?

You might slap THEM, instead.

To subscribe before it mails, sally forth over to…

Ben Settle

Here’s a question that came in:

“Ben, is there really anything in your Copywriting Grab Bag product that most of us don’t already know who study copywriting all the time?”

I can’t possibly answer that.

After all, I don’t know what you know.

But, I will say it’s certainly been unique and helpful to people who have “seen it all” when it comes to copywriting and marketing products and courses.

Take, for example, Leon Altman.

Leon is no fluke.

He has written copy for Apple Computer, The Anaheim Angels and Jim Cramer (of CNBC’s “Mad Money”)… and has even been a featured copywriter in AWAI’s “Monthly Copywriting Genius.”

Not exactly your “average” copywriter, is he?

Probably, he’s seen quite a few copywriting products.

And here’s what he says:

“The Copywriting Grab Bag is an enticing buffet of copywriting tips, tricks, techniques, stories, metaphors, resources and interviews that copywriters at any level can feast on whenever they’re hungry for new response boosting ideas. And it’s written in a distinct style that makes it fun and engaging to dip into at anytime of the day.”

But he’s just one example.

Here’s what Terry Dean said about it:

“I usually have a stack of a dozen books or so on my shelf and everything goes on the bottom of the shelf. After skimming it, there were so many tips that I immediately picked up it went to the top of the book shelf and it was the next book that I read. My first read through I pulled out between six to ten new things to take and test in my own sales letters online. And it’s on the shelf for another read through again coming up soon.”

More?

Okay, here’s what Ken McCarthy said:

(Ken, I can assure you, has ZERO tolerance for BS products…)

“Ben, what a massive contribution to the copywriting world. And very original. And I recommend anybody who’s trying to get a handle on copywriting or get better response to their ad copy to get it and read it. It’s really a fantastic resource.”

Anyway, there are many more than this.

And you can read them at the link below.

But, here’s what’s urgent:

During this special “reload” launch, the product is $100 off.

But ONLY until Sunday at midnight.

So if you want in, sprint on over to:

Ben Settle

P.S. If you have an older version of the product and want the updated one, let me know and I’ll send you a discount coupon to deduct what you paid for it last time.

Also, one more thing.

Something that came up last week:

If you own the last version of The Copywriting Grab Bag, have my Street-Smart Email course and were subscribed to The Crypto Marketing Newsletter from May-September 2010, you already have everything in this new edition.

No reason to buy it again.

Otherwise, here’s where to get your $100 discount lovin’:

I wish I could take credit for this subject line.

I really, really do.

But in reality, my friend Daniel Levis wrote it a while back when promoting my Copywriting Grab Bag product to his own list. And that email was such a huge hit, that I couldn’t resist using it today.

Especially since, it is now officially for sale again.

The added material includes two more books with:

• My entire copywriting methodology (that I have so far only taught to my paid Crypto Marketing Newsletter subscribers and nobody else — ever)

• Over 100 pages of advanced email training (revealing many of my best email secrets)

That’s well over $200.00 of additional value.

And until Sunday, March 27th at midnight it’s $100.00 off.

Details at:

Ben Settle

A while back “it” finally happened.

I’d heard about “it” happening to copywriters before.

And, especially to the bigger name copywriters, like John Carlton, Dan Kennedy, Gary Halbert, Gary Bencivenga, etc

Anyway, what is this “it” I speaketh of?

Someone swiped one of my ads almost word for word.

But here’s the ironic thing.

Even though the “perp” swiped my ad… and did it for an ad competing against mine in the same market (a blatantly unethical no-no)… it didn’t make me angry at all.

In fact, I found it kinda amusing.

Why?

Because even though the swiper thought he was being “clever”… he missed the whole point of what made the ad successful.

In other words…

He swipe all the wrong parts!

It was just a complete mess, too.

His headline missed the emotion mine targeted, his sales argument lacked any trace of fire or passion (as they say in Hollywood terms, he “phoned it in”), and it was a hatchet job where nothing read smoothly or organically.

It was just cut, paste, smooth over, pay me my fee, Mr. Client.

Yikes.

You know, that’s the big problem with swiping.

Copywriting ain’t about the words.

It’s about the market.

The best prose won’t mean jack if you get the market dynamics wrong (or ignore them altogether, like this swipemeister did).

Anyway, it really was kinda funny.

In fact, know what it reminded me of?

A two-bit thief so lazy all he can do is rip off the spare change laying on the kitchen table… instead of taking the time to find the rolls of $100 bills stuffed in a safe in the wall.

I guess it’s true what they say after all:

Crime really doesn’t pay.

And speaking of copywriting…

The new Copywriting Grab Bag “reloaded” product is going to be re-released in a couple days.

To get $100 off on it, go here:

Ben Settle