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Guess this is my little rant.
One common practice I see in the marketing efforts of others is the use of the words don't or scam in their headlines. As example the headlines may say "Don't buy ABC Product" or "ABC Products are a Scam." When researching a product or service you will without fail come across those words in the headlines of an article, blog, or webpage and obviously want to check this out.
More often than not the article goes on telling the reader why "Product ABC" isn't a scam or "Don't buy Product ABC" or maybe "Don't Buy This" before you get my free offer. Does that tactic work. In a sense they do for getting some traffic, but I question how effective they really are in converting sales.
"Don't buy ABC product." It's only human nature to check out those types of headlines because most folks just don't like being told to not do something. People will check out those things out of defiance or perhaps just plan old curiosity. First thing that may come into their minds is "why not" or "why shouldn't I."
Sure it is a technique to generate interest and folks may want to learn more if there is some legitimate reason why they shouldn't do or purchase something. But I think it may backfire on the person using those tactics also. More on that in a moment.
Another marketing technique is using the word "Scam" in their headlines. So I'm researching a product or service and I come across something like, "ABC Product is a Scam."
Well of course I'm going to check that out. My first thoughts are maybe what I'm looking to promote may not be so good after all.
Sure I'm curious as to why this person thinks something is a scam so I visit this website. Once there the marketer goes on telling how "ABC Product" is not a scam. OK you got me here but what have you actually accomplished. I'm sure most reading this have done the same.
It's just our human nature when seeing those words in a search query to automatically check these things out to see "what's up." I'm believe sometimes we are programmed to see the negative even though we may be a positive thinking individual.
One reason I don't like the use of the words "don't" and "scam" is when I do visit a site like that and it turns out to be just a play on the word and my emotions I feel I've been tricked, and I don't like being tricked, at least in that manor. And when I feel I've been tricked into doing something then I'm gone. See ya!
Just my opinion, but if this tactic works for you that's fine. To me it has already given the potential customer a negative attitude when visiting a site with a headline like that.
In affiliate marketing I just believe that a positive approach to promoting a product or service is more beneficial to the potential customer or client. And if I can give a positive attitude about my product or service then just maybe that will relate to more sales for me.
I have written several reviews of products with the word "scam" in. That doesn't mean that I found the product to be a scam but in some cases they were. Normally the title with the word "scam" in is a question, then I write a lengthy review on all aspects of that product. This at the end gives a conclusion which may or may not recommend to purchase. I don't see anything wrong with using "scam", so long as it is used properly and not to just gain more traffic.
I have clicked on articles with these words in them when trying to research a product. Frankly, I was just mad when I learned this was just a hook to get me to read marketing for the product. It had the opposite effect on me than was intended. I was so incensed at this attack on my intelligence I wouldn't buy the product.
I feel the same Gina...Thanks for visiting..
I went through your links, and it seems that you are also new in affiliate marketing. In my opinion, one page niche site promotion is not working after penguin updates. Google have ruined all niche site gamers.
Fairly new to affiliate marketing Alex...still got some work to do...thanks for visiting
You are right that using those words seems to entice people to look, but as you say, is it ethical. I don't think so! Kenneth Shannon has a good point, use the words, but in a positive and meaningful way! Thanks for the article.
This works as a tactic because most of the time people will look for a review of a product. They will see the "scam" in the headline and want to read. Then you convince them to buy from there. A better and more moral way that works just as well is to make your headline more like this "Is productabc A Scam? Read Here Before Buying" or "ProductABC Scam or Not? Research Results Here"
Tell some one not to do a certain thing and the chances are they will, I like C.Hughes comment below.
I would agree with the use of the word in that context. No trickery involved there at all...Thanks Rob.
So use the word Scam but portray it in a positive way. Are you looking to avoid the Internet Marketing Scams? Honest and it does still come up in the SERPS. I agree, if I'm expecting a rant when I click on something and I find that it is a tricky marketing technique. Well there is a bad taste in my mouth. Guess what, I was scammed.
That's sure one way of looking at it C. Hughes...Thanks for the visit and comment
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