When you are creating content — be it marketing copy for a brochure, an e-book, a radio script or even leaving a sales call voicemail — you need to know when to shut up. We're so eager to tell the customers/prospects all about our widget, service or knowledge — we try to cram it all into one message.
Which is satisfying to us, but miserable for the audience. Like a firehose — we've flooded them with facts, features and benefits. And in the end, they can't remember any of it.
Next time — be brave. Tell them the most important thing. And then, shut up. Too many words clog the brain and never allow you to connect with their heart. And that's where the buying decision happens. In their heart.
Nissan's new TV spot for their LEAF vehicle gets it. Watch this spot and then identify the single most important fact about this car. I will bet you a dozen donuts — you won't forget it. (e-mail subscribers, click here to view.)
Would someone react the same way (emotionally charged AND remembering the key point) if they looked at whatever you wrote last?
If not…how could you turn that around?
The back story for the most brilliant outdoor campaign ever
Are you brave enough to walk away from business?
Do you know your company's story?
Restraint in underrated. Ads like that are the 180 of most local ads with 50 seconds of copy in a 30 second spot.
I had the same reaction the first time I saw the Leaf spot on air.
Krispy Kreme donuts?
I watched 6 seconds, and I’m going out on a limb that the USP is low emissions?
Drew, Excellent point and told so very well in the form of imagery from this ad. Thanks for sharing; this will definitely help me to be more mindful of flooding the deck with too much info.
The commercial was ok. I really thought the article will help me tremendously. I have a tendency to be “throwing up” all over my clients. I am sure I lost many deals throughout the years because I didn’t “know when to shut up.” Probably out of fear. Great stuff!
very true! keeping the message succinct will make it stay in the mind of the reader for a long time. I guess putting yourself in the shoes of your readers is a good way to test this. It’s also obvious that audiences will crave for more information if they are sure that they really want/need what they have read.
Nice article..the video is great!
Peter,
Nicely said. Restraint is about confidence. TV spots that are literally stuffed with copy are about fear and a lack of clarity in terms of the message.
You’re right — those kinds of ads are easy to spot. I often think they’re a result of bad coaching/advice as well.
Drew
Steve — Why of course, Krispie Kreme. Are you going to mail them to me?
Drew
Andy,
They don’t even get quick that specific but yes — a car that is good for the planet. Of course, if I hadn’t told you it was a car commercial, that 6 second guess would have been a little tougher!
Drew
Michelle,
Great analogy — flooding the deck. So if we all agree this is a much better way to handle a TV spot, why do you think most do just the opposite?
Drew
Rick,
Believe me…your habit of “throwing up” all over a client is hardly a rare thing. But you’re right — it probably has cost you business. I’m curious, what are you going to implement to avoid the same mistake in the future?
Drew
Jason,
I think it takes a very clear vision of yourself/your product/service to recognize that not everyone is utterly taken by you nor do they need to know every detail.
I think many a business owner/marketing exec mistakenly believe that everyone is as fascinating with their offerings as they are. Which means someone is going to have to lay some tough love on them — and help them see the truth.
Drew
Its a great example you pointed here in the form of this ad. It is important to know well about the fine speaking with the clients and that is clearly proved here. Thanks.
Awesome Article!
Great information. Great commercial. How about brownie bites instead of donuts?
Interesting thoughts..That is actually a great example.
Mystery will always work to capture attention, provoke reaction and definitely attract audience..it has the biggest impact on customers in general…Although it’s already old-school, but hardly used effectively..
Thank you!
Are you only chasing your "right fit" customers? // Aug 15, 2011 at 8:47 am
[...] I’m afraid this is the only ad/website/sales letter they’ll ever see so I need to cram everything I can into it. [...]