Small Business Marketing Tip - Focus on Benefits, Not Features

When you describe the products and services youAs much as I would like to sit down and logically
sell, do you vividly describe the benefit they willexplain to my cat why this food is far superior to
experience by using those products or services? Orwhat he has been eating, it won't change the fact
do you focus on the features you offer like thethat he doesn't like it and therefore won't eat it. All
technical specs of your product or the process orthose great features pale in comparison to the one
method you use to deliver your service?thing he cares about most: taste.
The secret to marketing lies in appealing to yourWhat's In It For Me?
prospects' emotions, not rationally trying to convinceYour customers may not be finicky cats, but they do
them that your product or service is the best choice.have an idealized vision of what the solution to their
The reason why customers buy from you is toproblems is: like feeling youthful, looking better, taking
experience the result they will get once your productpride in success, or being free from fear or worry.
has been used or your service has been delivered. InThey want to know - what's in it for me?
fact, your products and services are actually standingIf they see a product or service that promises to
in the way of your prospect and the results hedramatically reduce the pain they are experiencing
dreams about.and make them feel happy and worry-free, they are
What is the Primary Result or Benefit Your Prospectsmuch more likely to sit up and take notice. On the
Want?other hand, if they think someone is trying to sell
To give you an example, I have recently beenthem something, they become defensive and shut
researching natural cat food that doesn't have all theout any rational arguments the salesman tries to
meat by-products, wheat gluten, corn and othermake.
unhealthy ingredients that most cat foods have inHow do your products and services benefit your
them. Through my research, I found a handful ofcustomers? What is the real reason they buy from
brands that use only natural, wholesome ingredientsyou? Make a list of all the emotional benefits they
and bought them.receive because their problem is now solved. Then,
Unfortunately, my cat won't eat them! He doesn'tuse those benefits in your marketing and sales copy
care about all those wonderful ingredients or how- even if they seem obvious to you. Your prospects
much healthier this new food is. All he cares about ismight not make the connection unless you clearly
taste - and this new food doesn't appeal to him.state them.