how to (ethically) persuade your audience

As freelancers, we’re in the business of persuasion. Why? ⠀⁣
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We have products and services to sell. A message to get across.⠀⁣
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Even at a time like this.
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Let's explore how to use ethical persuasion, especially at a time like this.⠀⁣

How to use ethical persuasion

When you’re looking for work, you use a level of persuasion to get the project or job you want, maybe without even realizing it. When you’re speaking to your community, they care because what you’re saying is relevant to them.⠀⁣
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People need your services and to hear your message, so why not learn how to talk about everything in a way that doesn’t make you feel 😷?⠀⁣
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I come from a public relations background, so I can confidently say the root of persuasion is not manipulation like many think.⠀⁣
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... then what is it, Erin?⠀⁣
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I like to think about persuasion through the lens of strategy and influence. ⠀⁣

Persuasion through the lens of strategy

It means being strategic with the way you present information and your message so you have an effect on peoples’ behavior or beliefs.⠀⁣

When you do market research and dig deep into scholarly journals for demographic and psychographic information about the audience you're trying to persuade, it's important to understand one thing: Your audience.

Your strategy needs to be centered around them, their struggles, their goals, and their desires. Touch on factors relevant to them and tug at their emotions through your words.

How else can you persuade your audience?

Persuasion through the lens of influence

It’s not about convincing someone to do something.⠀⁣

You've heard the saying, "With power comes responsibility." This is a huge part of what makes persuasion different than manipulation. The important thing to remember when you're getting your message out that makes this all ethical?⠀⁣
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What you say is the TRUTH.⠀⁣
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❌It’s not clickbait.⠀⁣
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❌It’s not overpromising and underdelivering.⠀⁣
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It’s simply touching on points that your community cares about because you know them, their struggles, their goals, and their desires.⠀⁣
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So, to recap this blog, remember this simple sentence...⠀⁣
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PERSUASION is about telling your AUDIENCE the TRUTH in a strategic way.⠀⁣
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Need help telling your story? I write copy that speaks directly to your community (and sounds like YOU!). Let's work together!