A Lesson On Customer Perspective
When did you complete Phase 4 in the Bootcamp training program? I had been dragging my feet on Bootcamp and only just completed it. I should have done all 7 Phases by now, especially that I have published 120 blog posts on my website.
Why am I asking you about Phase 4? The reason is at the end of Lesson 10 in that Phase Kyle teaches us what it takes to view our business from a customers' perspective. I feel that this is so important I thought I'd like to share the link with you along with some of my thoughts on this matter.
Kyle's Article At The End Of Bootcamp Phase 4
A Lesson On Customer Perspective
When we create a blog post, no matter what the subject, the eventual goal is to create a commission through affiliate sales. However, this should NOT be the focus of your writing. If it is, the chances are you will not earn a sale.
People don't like to be sold to. They much prefer to BUY. When you shop at a store for something special or important, how do you feel when a salesperson approaches you and starts to tell you all the great things of the item you are interested in?
It all depends on how they approach you. If they focus on you and your needs first before going into all the great things about the product, that maybe would get your attention. Won't that give you the impression that the salesperson cares about you enough to take the time to listen to your responses to the questions asked?
How To Structure Your Blog Posts
The same holds true on your blog post. The article must be constructed from the perspective of discussing the customers' needs. You can even ask questions and suggest they provide you with answers in the comments section.
Your website visitor will feel more valued if they can get the impression that instead of making a hard sell talking about the great features of the item, instead you discuss the benefits of how their needs will be met or their problems solved.
Since you will not have the opportunity to meet your prospective customer like in a real store, you have to make some assumptions. How can you do that effectively?
Research, Research and Research!
Do research online. Google or Bing is your friend in conducting this activity. You may also use Quora or inline forums or ficus groups where the item you are featuring in your post is discussed.
It is super important you learn what the pros and cons of the products are and relate these to the needs of the customer. It is OK to share that there could be some issues but perhaps not in an area your potential customer will consider a non-starter.
On the other hand, it may well be. And if you are honest enough to point that out, they may get to like and trust you enough to check out other posts you have written in that specific niche to find other items they may be interested in that could result in a sale.
The Know Like and Trust Doctrine
As Kyle drives home, people are more inclined to purchase from those who they get to know, like and trust. Read his article and refresh yourself with how you should go about developing this relationship through your blog posts.
After reading what Kyle wrote please share your perspective on just one point that stands out for you in the comments section below.
Cheers.
Edwin
Recent Comments
11
Very good point. We are writing to inform people primarily despite the fact that we want their reading to lead to a referral. Its a pretty fine balance.
Great post, Edwin.
Perhaps you are right. It all depends on how they should approach you, even if you don't necessarily need or want the product. It is always important to learn as much as you can on whatever product they sell to you, before deciding to buy it.
At least that has always been my take on the matter. 🙂
Have a nice weekend. 🙂😊
Myra
Getting your customer's trust is the most important point to remember. Think about your own experience as a customer and remember what convinced you to "buy" what a sales person ,or a blogger was selling.
I have to go back to my one on one selling days in retail. It wasn't always easy to gain your customer's attention. It took careful listening--really listening to what your customer was asking for. And believe me, one on one in a department store is easier than online.
In a one on one encounter, you have facial expression, eye contact and body language-online, you only have words- your written content. That content stands in place of your physical being. Everything that you would convey through eye contact, and body language has to come through in your content.
When you gain your reader's trust-- they will buy.
Hi Edwin
You've covered a few subjects in this post beautifully.
Whenever I find myself 'selling' face to face I use a simple coaching process. Described here at the macro level:
Goals
- get clear on what they are wanting to achieve.
Reality
- explore where they are right now in relation to the goals.
Options
- explore what options they have considered and then help them develop more if it seems appropriate.
Way forward
- find out which of the options they prefer and encourage them to make a decision and to take action.
The GROW model is probably the simplest, yet powerful process I know to help anyone achieve something that they specifically want. I am still exploring how to implement it in my writing.
:-)
Richard
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Good stuff here, Edwin!
Jeff
Thanks Jeff. I sure appreciate you checking out my rare posts here especially as I do not spend much time on WA to browse and read the posts of other members like I used to. It's like in and out after doing the minimal of tasks.
I am getting more free referrals so there is some progress. Hopefully I can persuade them to go Premium.
All the best.
Edwin
On to premium referrals as the next step, Edwin! I see that happening for you soon!
Jeff