How to be Persuasive: 5 Copywriting P’s for Writing Compelling Content That Influences and Captivates People
Want to write a persuasive email to your friend or spouse and convince her/him to do something? Let’s borrow the 5 P’s from copywriting techniques and follow up with an example.
The 5 P’s of Copywriting
Prospect: who is your friend (your target audience)? What does she like, want, or need? What does she not like? Think about all of these things about your friend.
Promise: write a compelling promise that will capture your friend’s attention.
Picture: paint a picture of what it would be like if your friend acts upon your desired action for her.
Proof: prove your point. Back it up with data, testimonials, peer reviews, etc
Push: finally, write a compelling CTA (call-to-action). Make it urgent and irresistible for your friend.
Email Example
Here is an example of an email I wrote to my friend, who loves exploring new restaurants. It follows the above structure to a T! I also:
- Added flare: by incorporating some French words/expressions
- Painted a vivid picture of what our dining experience at Le Petit Chef would be like
- Appealed to her five senses
Subject: Le Petit Chef: One-of-a-Kind Dining Experience for All Your Senses
Dear Ella,
I know how much you love exploring new restaurants and trying new food, so I have a little surprise for you! This restaurant I recently visited offers such a unique experience, it will quickly become one of your favourites.
Le Petit Chef is more than just about fine dining; it’s a sensory journey like no other!
Imagine sitting at the dinner table, watching a mischievous little French Chef projected onto your table like a 3D cartoon, crafting each of your 5-course meals right before your eyes. C’est magnifique!
With every course, the table transforms into scenes from the enchanting landscapes of southern France—lush country fields, serene valley rivers, or a lively barn full of animals. Parisian café music fills the air as the petite chef skillfully sources and cooks his fresh ingredients.
Each scene offers a tantalizing preview of what will be served next: a hearty soup du jour, a fresh caprese salad, savoury chicken supreme, a tender filet mignon (or yummy vegetarian alternative), and an irresistible dessert. Your taste buds will be pleased as each meal is perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection.
The ambiance is warm and uplifting, filled with sounds of delight and laughter as diners marvel at the hard-working petite chef or relish their food.
You are so immersed in this entertainment, that for a moment, you forget you are in a restaurant in Toronto! And don’t we all need a break from the city sometimes?
Online reviewers rave about this restaurant, praising its “memorable evening, top-notch presentation, captivating storytelling, and outstanding menu.”
So, let’s say “Oui” to Le Petit Chef and indulge in this délicieux dining adventure together! The downtown location has a few spots left next Friday at 6 pm. Should I go ahead and book a table for us before they are all réservés?
I can’t wait to go there with you!
Your BFF
And that is how, dear readers, you persuade your friend, partner, or anyone!