Comments on: How (good) SEO copywriting helps people like you online

By: Tom Bishop

Tom Bishop — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:57:35 +0000

This absolutely happens – it reminds me of the ‘proof of concept’ phenomenon, where one pioneer company creates an industry, but can’t get as much cred as the companies that come in second and third. Or when an enterprising ‘little guy’ creates a product that is later spoofed by the big companies, proving the concept. If he’s lucky, the little guy’s business takes off too.

In the case of the Vibrams, the barefoot or ‘minimal’ running craze has appeared, either driving the popularity of these VFFs or as a result of them. But every competitor from New Balance to Merrell now makes something meant for ‘minimal’ running (BTW I’ve switched style and now run in the NB Min Zeroes. The technique works).

By: Matthew Newnham

Matthew Newnham — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:52:35 +0000

Hi Heather,

Another great post – thanks!

I love how you continue to fly the flag for quality, especially with so many plug-ins and other SEO ninja tricks of one sort or another being touted as the ultimate answer.

As to how powerful these mirror neurons are, isn’t it great that we can also put this to use for inspiring companies and causes (like, say, Pike Place Fish or RoomToRead.org)?

Best wishes from sunny-now-grey Scotland,

Matthew

By: Heather

Heather — Fri, 14 May 2010 14:40:14 +0000

Amazing, isn’t it? The herd mentality around fashion is fascinating to watch. Now that I think about it, it really helps to explain the hair and fashion during the 80s. There must have been some powerful mirror neuron action to make big hair and painter pants fashionable…

By: Krista

Krista — Fri, 14 May 2010 04:27:43 +0000

Hi there! I do agree with you that Crocs are really ugly and bulky but besides these 2 issues, the thing is, Crocs are really expensive here in Penang, Malaysia. I don’t know how much a pair of rubber sandals cost in the USA but over here, we pay about RM90 per pair of Crocs while regular rubber sandals cost RM10 the most. So it’s about 9 times the price of a regular pair of rubber sandals. Of course this being Malaysia, other copycats start copying the idea and produce Croc-like sandals which sell for RM20 to RM30 (US$1 = RM3.2). And yes, people still wear them though they are ugly as hell. I am still trying to figure out what appeal Crocs (or Crocs lookalike sandals) hold for most people? But I agree that the herd appeal sometimes win (though I have yet to join the herd!).

By: Heather

Heather — Thu, 13 May 2010 21:15:19 +0000

Hello!

Well, that’s the thing – many people just “follow the herd.” And if the herd is wearing Crocs (or the properly-named Uggs,) well, those mirror neurons start firing.

That’s why companies will hire trendy teens to wear their new (shirt, tennis shoe style, etc) – the more people see attractive folks wearing (whatever,) it makes folks within that social circle want to buy, too. On a B2B level, that’s what a smart PR/ SEO copywriting firm does. The more you see a company name in the news, the more you pay attention – especially when the company puts out quality content.

Thanks for your comment!

By: Alconcalcia

Alconcalcia — Thu, 13 May 2010 14:50:33 +0000

Not convinced about the crocs argument. To me, you either like the look of something or you don’t. Either that or you follow the herd and buy some because everyone’s getting them, but that route is not for me.

They’re like ‘Uggs’ hyped to the max but look awful. Individuality and personal taste wins for me every time, no matter how anyone describes a fashion item like a shoe or boot.