The Strange Power of the Word "Almost" in Copywriting
Published: Fri, 02/03/23
The Power of "Almost" in Copywriting
When it comes to copywriting, I have found the word "almost" can have a more powerful impact than a straightforward
statement.
This simple word, used in the right context, can evoke a sense of mystery, create a sense of urgency, and ultimately, drive action.
In today's post, I will share with you the
psychology behind the word "almost" and how it can be leveraged in your marketing campaigns.
The Magic of Almost
The word "almost" evokes
a sense of mystery, creating a desire to find out what that missing piece is. It also creates a sense of urgency, as the reader wants to know what they're missing and why they need it.
This feeling of urgency is often what drives action, as the reader wants to take advantage of what is being offered before it's gone.
The Believability of Almost
Another reason why "almost" is so powerful is that it is more believable than an absolute. When a statement is absolute, it is perceived as a bold claim, which can often make people skeptical. But when the same statement is prefaced with "almost", it's perceived as more credible, as it acknowledges that there is a small gap that needs to be filled.
The Curiosity Factor of Almost
The curiosity factor behind the word "almost" lies in its ability to evoke a sense of mystery and create a desire to find out what the missing piece is. When something is described
as "almost", it implies that there is a gap that needs to be filled, which can make the reader want to know more and discover what the missing piece is. The reader is then driven by a sense of urgency to find out what they're missing and why they need it, which can be a powerful motivator in driving action.
Introducing The Almost Perfect Stock
One of the best examples of the power of "almost" in marketing can be seen in my Almost Perfect Stock promotion. This email promotion was the longest-running control for Louis Navellier's Blue Chip Growth advisory, with the headline "The Almost Perfect Stock".
The concept behind this promotion is that there is always a flaw in stock
investments, but in this case, the flaw was really a disguised benefit - a low-priced stock making a ton of money that the investment world didn't know about.
This promotion
was so successful because it played directly into what investors know - that there are no perfect stocks.
The Master Key To Its Success
One of the key factors that made the Almost Perfect Stock promotion so successful was the "curiosity factor" of the word "almost". By using this word in the headline/subject line, it created a sense of mystery and intrigue
that made every investor want to know what the flaw was.
This curiosity was the driving force behind the success of this
promotion, as it piqued the reader's interest and made them want to find out more. It also made the promotion more relatable, as it played directly into what investors know - that there are no perfect stocks.
In essence, the word "almost" was the perfect way to grab the reader's attention and make them want to learn more about the promotion. It was the catalyst for the reader's journey down the "Yellow Brick Road" methodology to the order form.
The headline/subject line of "The Almost Perfect Stock" created a mammoth curiosity factor, making every
investor want to know what the flaw was.
The flaw, in this case, was really a disguised benefit, a low-priced stock making a ton of money that the investment world didn't know about.
As you'll see, my Almost Perfect Stock is a perfect example of the power of "almost" and the impact it can have on driving action.
If
you're interested in learning more about how to use "almost" in your marketing campaigns, check out my Almost Perfect Stock video breakdown, where you'll discover the complete breakdown of this successful email promotion and how to apply this "Almost Perfect" concept to your own emails, landing pages, or video sales letters.
In it, you'll discover how I:
Use my "Yellow Brick Road" methodology to walk the reader down the page to the order form
Prove--paragraph by paragraph--this "secret stock" is not only "the next big thing" but could make you 50% richer in six months
Blend the benefits of owning this secret stock with the benefits of subscribing to this publication
Tie the immediacy of grabbing this stock now to the offer to subscribe to this publication.
Combine credibility, believability, and risk reversal as the only logical end to this email: to click and buy.
Once you see my breakdown, you'll see the magic behind my Almost Perfect Stock email and be able to use it for your next promotion.
It might just be the missing piece to drive the action you want from your clients and readers!
P.S. If you desire to obtain personal coaching on my methods, I invite you to sign up for my Million-Dollar Copywriting Formula coaching program. We'll work together to help you achieve the same success I have enjoyed over the years.
As a seasoned direct response copywriter, Doug has created hundreds of profitable direct mail packages, emails, and video sales letters for the world's largest specialized information publishers—generating over $100 million in direct sales.