Email Copywriting: PT Barnum Style!

Beginner's copywriting class

P.T. Barnum, the legendary showman and entrepreneur, had a profound impact on the world of entertainment and beyond. As a master of showmanship, Barnum knew how to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. In this article, we’ll explore how his principles can be applied to email copywriting, helping you craft compelling emails that resonate with your audience.

The Art of Showmanship

Barnum’s success was built on his ability to create an experience that was both entertaining and memorable. He understood that people are more likely to engage with something that is novel, surprising, and engaging. In email copywriting, this translates to creating a sense of excitement and anticipation in your subject line and opening sentence.

The Power of Storytelling

Barnum was a master storyteller, using narratives to captivate his audiences and convey his message. In email copywriting, storytelling is essential for building a connection with your audience. Share a personal anecdote, highlight a customer success story, or use a hypothetical scenario to illustrate the benefits of your product or service.

The Importance of Emotional Connection

Barnum understood the power of emotional connection in building a loyal following. He created an emotional connection with his audience by tapping into their desires, fears, and aspirations. In email copywriting, this means appealing to your audience’s emotions by highlighting the benefits, solving a problem, or speaking to their desires.

The Art of Misdirection

Barnum was known for his clever use of misdirection, keeping his audience guessing and engaged. In email copywriting, misdirection can be achieved by using attention-grabbing headlines, surprising statistics, or unexpected offers. This keeps your audience engaged and curious, making them more likely to read on.

The Value of Authenticity

Barnum was unapologetically himself, and his authenticity was a key factor in his success. In email copywriting, authenticity is crucial. Be honest, transparent, and genuine in your messaging. Avoid using manipulative tactics or making unrealistic claims. Your audience will appreciate your sincerity and be more likely to engage with your content.

The Power of Surprise

Barnum was known for his ability to surprise and delight his audience. In email copywriting, surprise can be achieved by offering exclusive deals, sharing unexpected insights, or providing valuable resources. This keeps your audience engaged and eager for more.

Conclusion

P.T. Barnum’s showmanship, storytelling, emotional connection, misdirection, authenticity, and surprise can be applied to email copywriting to create compelling and engaging content. By incorporating these principles, you can craft emails that resonate with your audience, build a connection, and drive results. Remember to be creative, authentic, and engaging, and you’ll be well on your way to creating email copy that leaves a lasting impression.

Actionable Tips:

1. Use attention-grabbing headlines and subject lines that create curiosity and anticipation.
2. Share personal anecdotes or customer success stories to build emotional connections.
3. Highlight the benefits and solve problems to appeal to your audience’s desires and fears.
4. Use misdirection by surprising your audience with unexpected offers or insights.
5. Be authentic and transparent in your messaging to build trust and credibility.
6. Use surprise and delight tactics to keep your audience engaged and eager for more.

By applying these principles, you’ll be able to create email copy that is both entertaining and effective, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

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