Recently I saw a notice promising "free web hosting without ads." And I dismissed the promise as yet another "too good to be true." I was reminded of all those diet plans that promise you can eat all the chocolate and french fries you want (and still lose weight).
But suppose you really can deliver a product or service that's truly unique. In the free web hosting example, maybe customers automatically receive an ezine filled with hard-hitting ads. The hosting company could sell space in their ezine or they could run their own adsense or affiliate ads. Now the business model makes sense and customers will believe the promise - if you tell them.
So if you have a "too good to be true" offer:
(1) Promise only what you really deliver. That means no surprises and no hidden fees, charges or conditions.
Suppose that web hosting company doesn't charge hosting fees or show ads on your website. But instead you have to join a club with monthly dues of $40. Or you buy their design services, whether you need them or not. Or they charge a set-up fee.
In any of these cases, their offer would not be genuine. As a copywriter, I would have to make sure customers really knew what they were buying.
Sounds far-fetched? I've seen dozens of "free stuff" offers from big name marketers. When I say yes, I'm directed to an order form to pay shipping charges. Usually they're modest -- just a few bucks because the marketer wants to capture your name and physical address.
But once I saw a terrific offer to get a product for $20... if I'd pay a $40 shipping fee to get 6 CDs and a notebook. The actual shipping costs less than $10 and packaging maybe another $2. This offer comes dangerously close to being deceptive.
(2) Design a website that absolutely screams credibility. Use colors, words and layout to communicate sincerity and commitment.
You don't have to spend big bucks on design. Most of the top marketers spend very little. In fact, a simple design with easy navigation and magnetic copy will encourage visitors to trust and buy from you.
(3) Include testimonials with full names and URLs of satisfied customers and clients. If your clients don't have websites, use their cities and (ideally) tell readers their occupations.
You have to convince readers that these testimonials came from real people. These days, "Mary S from Chicago" will actually cost more credibility than no testimonial at all.
(4) Defuse the hype. Include a line like, "Here's how we are able to make this offer." You may have a system, ingredient or business model that allows you to offer special value.
Ideally, you will translate your unique quality into a benefit. For example, a client says, "Most consultants require 4 visits to analyze your system. We need just 1 on-site visit. The copy will read:
"With 20 years of experience in this specialty, we have developed a 3-step system that allow us to analyze your system with just one on-site visit. You benefit because you can continue your business without interruptions. Your increase in productivity will more than justify your entire investment in our services." systems that create savings in time and money. Therefore, we can offer solution that deliver higher return for your investment."
(5) Use a news type headline instead of a claim or "struggle" headline. So instead of "Get a free web host without advertising," you could say, "New 3-in-one program delivers free web hosting without ads." The sub-headings will assure readers, "No hidden charges or cancellation fees."
It is a very good practice to never send a moving company your personal or financial information before you fully understand all the terms of your contract. Free quote are a common practice among moving companies, you should get at least a few. When your free quote come in generally the highest and the lowest are not the best, but everyones situation is different, so you should look at all the quote to find the best for you.
What is the best deal for you. Well that is different for everyone. While price is important in choosing a moving company, it should not be the only thing that is reviewed. Often times the cheapest quote do not include services that you may need in your move, so it is imperative that your fully understand what is included and what will cost you extra, in all the quote you get.
If you do not fully understand what your quote say about services and situations you could be in for some ugly surprises. Your quote should have a statement about what happens if your items are lost, stolen or damaged during the move.
It should be very clear as to what you are responsible for as far a packing and having furniture ready for the move, and what the moving company is responsible for as far as packing, unpacking and putting furniture in your desired locations. You should also fully understand the insurance issue that may come into play with your move.
One of the best services a moving company can offer is the unpacking and putting away of packed and boxed items. These is not usually included in most low end quotes, and would cost you extra, if you could get the service at all. Do not underestimate the personal benefit of having furniture and or boxed and packed items put were you want them to be. Moving is stressful enough, make your life a little easier.
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that a cheap quote is from an disreputable or untrustworthy company. As a matter of fact many time very good moving companies run special sales or discounts, for a variety of reasons. We just want you to fully research your move before it happens so you are a prepared as you can be.
The best resource you will have at your disposal is the internet. The last thing you need to be clear on id the payment arrangements in your contract. Have a clear schedule of payments including deposits, and final payment. You should also be clear on the types of payments your moving company accepts.
You will feel much better about your move if you take the time to educate yourself. That education can be completely free through free quote and information provided on the moving company web sites. This information should be free and with no obligations.
Both Cathy Goodwin & Laura Buckley are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Cathy Goodwin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Debt Consolidation, Copywriting and Career Change. And now I invite you to learn more techniques to attract clients and generate website revenue by claiming your free download of 7 Copywriting Secrets to Increase Sales. Get instant access by visiting. Cathy Goodwin's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.
Laura Buckley has sinced written about articles on various topics from Auto Insurance, Trucks and Home. L. Buckley is an expert author on moving. If your deciding on how you want to make your move you can get information at moving and. Laura Buckley's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.