In case that's too hard to read, it says gorilla snot gel. Yep, it does. And in case you think this is a product typo, here's another one.
Yep, it got worse. That is a picture of a gorilla with snot coming out of its nose. Before you ask, yes, this is a real product, and yes, you can buy it in US.
Now, to be fair, there is a lot of truth in advertising here. If you open up the container of gorilla snot, that's exactly what it looks like. A big tub of snot.
Had this particular jar of hair product not been in the dollar bin and was I not such a penny pincher, I would never have picked it up. Why? Because there is nothing even remotely tempting about a product that openly compares itself to animal boogers.
I have to guess there is a reason this product (which works pretty well, actually) was in the dollar bin, while similar products are selling off the shelves at ten times the price. And that reason would be the words used to describe it.
Words matter.
How you talk about yourself.
How you talk about your books.
What you title your books.
For a prime example of this check out the twitter meme #badmoviedescriptions. Here's one of my favorites.
Woman scares 3 nerds so they kidnap all her friends. #badmoviedescriptions
— John Marino Gherbaz (@JohnGMarino) September 9, 2014
The point is that words matter. If you refer to your book in general terms or don't talk about it with gusto, then don't be surprised if readers aren't lining up to read it. Don't talk about yourself as a hack or a part-time writer or anything other than the professional that you are (or that you're aiming for). Give your book a title that draws readers in. Don't call your hair gel Gorilla Snot.
:) Gorilla Snot does get your attention, but you're right. It's not the best way to sell a product.
ReplyDeleteLOL. Great way to make your point!
ReplyDeleteGreat points about presentation. I can't imagine who'd name their product Gorilla Snot - or who'd buy it. Perhaps that's why it was in the dollar bin. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDelete