Entries from September 2008 ↓

Over the last few months, I’ve tweaked this blog a bit and added a few pages.

So I thought it would be good to let you know about them.

1. I removed the “no follow” tags from this blog.

I did this on Fred Black’s recommendation. You can read his post about removing “no follow” tags here: I’ve Removed the No Follow Tag from My Blog — You Should Too!

Basically, what this means is you now have a greater incentive to comment on my blog. Because PageRank will pass to your web site should you include a site when you submit a comment.

2. I’ve added an incentive for subscribing to my blog’s email list.

Earlier this month, I created what I call the “Conversion Booster Check List.” Whenever you write an ad or sales letter, simply use the check list to make sure you haven’t overlooked any obvious ways to boost response.

When you subscribe to my blog email list, you’ll get this check list free. (You’ll also get this check list free if you “Follow Me” on Twitter.)

3. I’ve created a page of Ad Copy Samples.

Every once in a while, a potential client will ask to see some of my copy samples.

In the past, I would dig up past projects, attach them individually to an email, and send them off. This was tedious, so I created the new page.

It doesn’t include entire ads or sales letters (it’s not a swipe file), although it does give you a good idea of my style. The page is located here: Ryan Healy’s Ad Copy Samples

4. I’ve created a “Ryan Recommends” page.

Since I’ve been involved in online marketing for 6+ years, I’ve encountered (and used) a lot of products.

So I’ve built a page that includes some of my favorite products. Some are free, some are paid. Some use my affiliate link, some don’t.

I’ve designed the page with an eye towards making it useful for you. That’s why I’ve written a short blurb about each tool to explain how/why I use it. If you’d like to see what I recommend, go here: Ryan Recommends

(I just added five new tools to my “recommends” page today.)

Enjoy!

-Ryan M. Healy

Popularity: 33% [?]

Pssst! Did you know you can get automatic blog updates when you join my email list or subscribe to my RSS feed?

A couple days ago, Elana Centor referenced my article “How to Write with Authority.”

Based on the tone of her article, I can’t say she was enthusiastic about my suggestion to not give attribution when it’s not necessary.

Which is why I thought I would clarify that point.

First: I do not suggest or condone plagiarism. It is against the law.

What is plagiarism? It is copying somebody’s words as they wrote them.

The remedy is simple. Write your own words!

Here’s what really irks some people. While you CAN copyright words, you CAN’T copyright ideas (with the exception of some inventions protected by patents). As such, ideas can’t be plagiarized.

At some point in time:

• Somebody had the original idea of making a drip coffee maker. Now there are dozens of different brands and styles.

• Somebody had the original idea of making a gas-powered car. Now there are hundreds of different makes and models.

• Somebody had the original idea of printing books with movable type. Now there are hundreds of book publishers who print millions of books a year.

The point: Once an idea is released into the world, you can’t stop it from propagating. It WILL spread. And as it spreads, the source of the idea will stop receiving credit.

Now, if you’ve come across a new or unique idea, and you want to write about it, should you give credit to the person who introduced the idea to you?

I think so. It’s good manners.

On the other hand, if an idea has become so ordinary as to become common knowledge, you don’t need to give attribution to anybody.

That’s why I used the example of procrastination in my last article. Everybody knows procrastination is a primary reason for not getting things done. Therefore, attribution isn’t necessary.

Likewise, I can say the most important element of a print advertisement is the headline. Do I need to source that? No.

Furthermore, who would I source? I’ve been studying advertising so long, I wouldn’t have a clue who to give credit to.

Imagine how silly it would sound if I wrote, “According to most advertising experts, including Claude Hopkins, Eugene Schwartz, and others, the headline is the most important element of a print advertisement.”

This phrasing gives unnecessary attribution, transfers credibility away from me… and makes me sound like I’m NOT an expert.

So:

• When quoting somebody verbatim, give attribution. (Do NOT plagiarize!)

• When writing about an idea or story that is new to you, give attribution — even though you don’t have to. (This is that “gray area.”)

• When referencing or writing about an idea that is considered common knowledge, DON’T give attribution.

By following these rules, you’ll be following the law and exercising good manners. Plus, your writing will naturally have more authority (always a nice perk).

-Ryan M. Healy

Popularity: 32% [?]

Pssst! Did you know you can get automatic blog updates when you join my email list or subscribe to my RSS feed?

Why do some blogs get traction while others languish?

And why are some people recognized as experts and others aren’t?

One factor is this: the ability (or inability) to write with authority.

If you’ve ever come across a new blog, you can usually tell within a few seconds whether the person is an expert… or “not quite there yet.”

Without analayzing one blog vs. another, you’d never know what makes the difference. With that in mind, here are a few tips for how to write with authority and project yourself as the expert you are.

Tip #1: Challenge commonly held beliefs in your market.

Every market has its “sacred cows”: beliefs so strong they are considered fact.

Can you challenge these beliefs?

Can you offer a different (better) point of view?

If you can, do it.

Not only will it get people’s attention, it will help to establish your authority.

After all, who challenges the status quo?

Usually, it’s either fools or experts. And as long as you’ve made your case effectively, most people will consider you an expert.

Tip #2: Write about your subject from a different perspective.

With a gazillion blogs out there, you have to find a way to stand out and attract readers. One way to do it is by “seeing different.”

Instead of re-stating the obvious, how can you make a new observation… or cast an old observation in a new mold?

Warning: This will require you to think.

If all you do is think easy thoughts and write easy stuff, you’ll never cultivate the voice of authority. Rather, you’ll cultivate the voice of “everybody else.”

Which is why writing with authority takes effort. And courage. Specifically, the courage to think hard thoughts and write about challenging subjects.

Tip #3: Say something worthwhile. And say it like you mean it.

First of all, you need to say something that your audience finds worth reading.

And second of all, when you make a point, say it like you mean it. Don’t hedge your bets.

If you’re hedging, that implies you’re not fully committed. You’re not really an expert — you’re just trying “expert” on to see how it fits.

Writing with authority requires you to commit. It requires you to take a stand and not back down.

This might make you uncomfortable. That’s okay. Get used to being uncomfortable. It’s good for you.

Tip #4: Don’t give attribution when it’s not necessary.

All that you are and all that you think is a collection of everything you’ve ever heard, read, or experienced.

Which means you could probably attribute every word you write to somebody.

For instance, my views on life go back to a series of teachers starting with my parents.

Do I need to give my parents and all my teachers attribution every time I write about something?

No. I don’t.

That’s why, if you already know something as a fact, avoid giving attribution. To do so steals your authority and transfers it to the person you’re giving attribution to.

Let’s look at a hypothetical example:

“John Doe says procrastination is the single greatest reason why people don’t get things done.”

Clearly, we don’t need to reference John Doe. Simply say, “Procrastination is the single greatest reason why people don’t get things done.”

Much stronger, isn’t it?

Obviously, if you’re quoting somebody verbatim, you need to give attribution. Otherwise, it’s not necessary. And the more attributions you leave out, the more authority your writing will have.

-Ryan M. Healy

Popularity: 42% [?]

Pssst! Did you know you can get automatic blog updates when you join my email list or subscribe to my RSS feed?