Would you play Donald Trump at his own game? Or take yoga from a sadistic guru? These are just some of the issues we explore in this episode of Content Marketing… Stripped!

Be a likeable leader

Content marketing and copywriting on the subject of how you help customers, establishes you as a leader and authority. It proves you have knowledge about your industry and an ability to solve problems.

Which is pretty awesome. Pause here and meditate on your greatness.

Done? Good. Because while it is important to demonstrate your abilities, it’s a fine line between being authoritative and being patronising, even insulting. I’m pretty sure I could whip Donald Trump at a game of Buckaroo, but in this episode he made it clear he was in charge.

Now, how far you can go in singing your own praises will depend on your customer and the tone-of-voice they find most appealing. Some people love the super-confident business owner or service professional, whereas other markets are attracted to a more softly-softly approach.

If you’re worried that your content is bordering on boastful, I’ve found one thing which can rapidly adjust the perspective to be more customer-focused, without compromising on content.

Whenever you show off your awesome, make sure your readers know they will benefit

For example, instead of writing:

In just 2 years I’ve been featured at several of the biggest conferences around the world.

Try something like:

In the last 2 years I’ve spoken at some of the biggest conferences in the world. It’s given me the opportunity to connect with people suffering from [problem] from a wide variety of industries. When you work with me I can help you solve [problem] whether you’re from [industry example 1], [industry example 2] and many more!

Don’t kick them when they’re down

Not that you would, but one thing you do want to avoid when writing copy for your customers, is blaming them for their own problems.[signup-form id=”12713″]

You’re the leader remember.

If you’re an expert in time-management, don’t be too hard on your customer about their procrastination.  If you’re a nutritionist, don’t put down your customer’s desires for brownies though you’ve mastered your own cravings. You know the answers, you’re further along than they are so write content that is confident and kind.

I know many people who have been mercilessly mocked by electricians, plumbers, mechanics and IT experts because of their ‘foolish actions.’ These foolish actions then caused a problem which meant business and money for aforementioned ‘experts.’

You don’t want your content to read like that. I’m sorry for picking out those industries, they were just the ones people have have mentioned. If you are in one of those industries, play the advantage. Be extra kind, patient and understanding with your customer and you’ll stand out like a beacon!

So, instead of writing:

If you don’t like your figure, you have no one to blame but yourself. Fortunately, that means you’re the best person to ‘undo’ your mistakes, with my help of course…

Try:

If you’ve tried every diet under the sun without success I need to let you into a little secret: it’s not you, it’s them. You’re unique, so don’t be surprised if the diet that worked for your best friend, didn’t work for you. You need something that suits your personality, your lifestyle habits and your goals. Think you’ll find that in your favourite woman’s magazine? Exactly. Fortunately, I can help…

What’s your super skill?

I don’t want you to think that you have to be humble about what you do of course, so in the comments below I would love to hear something about you that makes you special, and why that in turn helps your customers. Share your super skill below!

If you would like some 1:1 help to blitz your message so it’s confident (and kind) don’t forget to look at the laser-copywriting coaching sessions where we can blitz this together.

Video music by Malcolm McLeod and www.freesfx.co.uk