My Priceless Advice for a Copywriter Called “Lice”

I got an email this morning from a pitchy, pesty subscriber who offered to help me with my copywriting.

To protect the “innocent,” I’ll call her “Lice.”

Lice signed up for my list 17 days ago and claims she read all my emails since. She offered a 21-day trial period where she would work with me to write better, revenue-generating emails. 

“If at the end of the 21 days, it seems like a good fit…We could figure out some more ways I could bring value to what you’re doing…But if not, then I’ll deliver the project and be out of your hair.”

I passed…

…but not before I offered advice to Lice.

Lice littered her email with rookie copywriting mistakes, and I outlined several in my “Thanks-but-no-thanks” reply to her.

I know… That’s a bit cheeky of me . But Lice’s email bugged me. And I saw an opportunity to outline some valuable business lessons for her AND you. (Read on to see how you can get your hands on ALL the lessons I shared with Lice).

I’ll share one lesson here:

Never, ever (EVER!) position yourself as a pest!

Here’s how I put it for Lice: “When you say you’ll get out of my hair, you position yourself as a pest and inconvenience. You undermine your value.”

Instead of saying, “But if not, then I’ll deliver the project and be out of your hair…”

…Lice could have said, “But if not, you’ll still have my feedback (with actionable, business-building advice), and we can part as friends.”

See the difference?

People position themselves as pests all the time…

…in obvious ways (i.e. “Sorry to bother you, but…”)…

…and subtle ways (i.e. “Thank you for your time.”)

Yep, “thank you for your time” positions you as a pest. (Credit to the great Chet Holmes and his book The Ultimate Sales Machine for opening my eyes to this one.)

When you thank someone for their time, you imply THEIR time is more valuable than YOUR time. You imply they sacrificed something when they blessed you with their presence.

Your time is as valuable as theirs. The information you share with them is a gift, not an imposition.

“Thank you for your time” implies THEY offered you a gift.

“Thank you” will suffice.

As for the other lessons I shared with Lice…

I’m gonna make a video to reveal ’em all.

In this short video, I’ll break down Lice’s email and share seven tips to write better copy. This applies not just to cold pitches like Lice’s. This applies to any copy designed to engage prospects and land clients.

If you want that video, reply to this email with “LICE,” and I’ll get back to you with the details about where to find it.