Reasons Why I Use the Word "FREE"
in Every Ad I Write!
By Gary Christensen
Here are five (5) reasons why I'm convinced that every new ad I compose should have the word FREE in it, at least once. One of my ads uses the word FREE a total of 4 times!
1) The word FREE always gets attention! I once wrote an ad, putting the word FREE in the headline, and also used it another time or two in the body of the ad. I then typeset the ad TWO different ways. Each ad was the same EXCEPT that the word "FREE" was in the headline of one of them, but not in the other one. The ad with FREE in it's headline pulled in 30 responses, while the other ad pulled in just 3 responses. A 900% higher response rate is pretty good.
2) The word FREE is an attractive word. It conjures up visions of all the STUFF one can get without cost. Everyone whom I know likes to get free stuff. I also like to get things free. If you need money, or a pre- addressed envelope, or just a postage stamp,.. I'll often pass, and not respond to those kinds of ads. If I have to pay the advertiser, to see his wares, or even if I have to "help with the postage costs".. then what does that tell us about the image that is formed in our minds, regarding the size of that person's business?
3) The word FREE is a powerful word. When I use it, I always get a better, quicker and greater response than when I DON'T use it. It means that readers don't need to send any money, or a stamped envelope, or even a postage stamp. I don't want anyone to feel hindered in their response. I don't want anyone to be left with ANY reason why they can't or shouldn't respond !
4) Also, the word FREE makes most people curious, causing them to think, "How can this guy make any money by giving everything away Free?" When they respond, they'll find out! It also builds their anticipation, making them dream about getting it, thinking that it might arrive in tomorrow's mail, etc.
5) Using the word FREE in every ad means that I must pay all the cost of getting my offer to new people, but that's o.k. When someone responds, they're telling me they're curious, and interested, and that they really want the free item I'm offering. But, being a "hot prospect" means that they just MIGHT send me an order for something, on down the road. Maybe I'll lose a few bucks, now, by having to pay the postage to get my offers into the hands of those "hot prospects" but I will usually ALWAYS make it back from the orders that I'll receive from those same people, who have now been mysteriously transformed from curious Inquirers into Buying Customers!
Above article was written by Gary Christensen, a Freelance Writer and Self- Published Author of 8 Books and over 100 Original Reports, like this one. Gary's newest Report, "How to Triple the Response Rate on every ad you place!" is FREE for the asking via e- mail from: Garch6@aol.com. Or write to: Gary Christensen, 2601 N.E. Jack London St., #138, Corvallis, OR 97330.