Section 1.1: Does It Feel Like Marketing?

If your marketing comes across as pushy, it's time to rethink your strategy. Marketing should never feel like marketing; instead, it should resonate with your audience. Avoid using spammy language, countdown timers, annoying sounds, and aggressive sales pitches. The old adage of "the louder you shout, the more you sell" is obsolete. In today's market, being subtle is key. A client once mentioned that their product was cheap; however, there's a significant distinction between being cheap and being affordable. Welcome to the era of whisper marketing.

Section 1.2: Does It Challenge the Norm?

When your content blends in with the rest, it needs alteration. People typically expect the mundane; provide them with the extraordinary. In a sea of blue, dare to go purple. If competitors use complex language, opt for simplicity. When others send out unattractive emails, ensure yours stands out with design. Consider how a flight attendant commands attention by breaking from the norm. This approach not only captures interest but leaves a lasting impression.

The second video, "15 Questions to Ask your Client before you launch a Digital Marketing Campaign," offers insights on pre-launch inquiries that can significantly impact campaign success.

Section 2.1: Does It Tell a Story?

If your content lacks a narrative, it requires a change. For instance, stating, "The cat lays on the mat," is merely a fact, whereas saying, "The cat sprawls on the dog's mat," paints a picture. Our brains are wired to remember stories, not mere facts. A compelling marketing narrative includes relatable characters, problems, details, and turning points. A great example is the story of a young intern who faced rejection from 83 companies before landing a position at Splunk, showcasing the power of perseverance in a single image.

Section 2.2: Is Your Message Clear?

If your message is unclear, it needs refining. Utilize the one-second rule: illustrate your concept through a quick doodle and ask someone to explain it after just one second of viewing. If they grasp the idea, you’re on the right track; if not, iterate until clarity is achieved. In our fast-paced TikTok world, long ads are out. Aim for brevity and clarity.

Section 2.3: Are You Adding Value?

If your marketing feels like it takes rather than gives, it's time to change your approach. The best marketing strategies focus on giving value—always. Foster a relationship where value is exchanged, rather than chasing customers, which can be draining. By focusing on what improves your ideal customer's life, you can cultivate lasting loyalty.

Section 2.4: Is There a Singular Core Idea?

If your content presents multiple core ideas, it needs refinement. Clarity emerges from focusing on one main idea. If you communicate multiple points, you risk diluting your message. The essence of this article is simple: create marketing that doesn't feel like marketing. Overloading ads with objections can overwhelm potential customers, leading to decision paralysis. Instead, tackle one objection at a time for more effective marketing.

Section 2.5: Does It Evoke Emotion?

If your content fails to stir emotions, it requires adjustment. Aim to trigger feelings of happiness and empathy. Utilize humor, aesthetics, and engaging narratives to boost dopamine levels, while ensuring your message resonates on a personal level to foster oxytocin release. Apple's advertising campaigns exemplify this dual emotional appeal—both engaging and deeply personal.

In conclusion, remember that effective marketing is about giving rather than taking. Infuse kindness into your efforts, eliminate unnecessary fluff, and prioritize love in your messaging. If this resonates with you and you'd like to receive concise copywriting and marketing insights, follow me on Twitter for regular updates and valuable nuggets.