Problem-agitate-solve | BMD Marketing Library
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Seed

Seed Problem-agitate-solve

problem-agitate-solve

Define

Name the problem, make the cost of leaving it felt, then present the way out as relief.

Mechanism

Tension then release. The offer is not an interruption. It is the only door once the cost of staying is clear.

Verdict

The problem is known but not yet urgent.

Don't

The buyer already knows the problem cold, or the agitation reads as contempt.

Copy skeleton

[PROBLEM: concrete]

[AGITATE: cost, how often, social stakes]

[FALSE FIXES: what they already tried]

[SOLVE: offer as the mechanism]

[ASK]

Gulf note

Agitate the system, not the person. In Arabic, name the cost in the house: time, honor, a delayed decision. Contempt for the reader kills the close.

All 64 patterns

Rights-cleared examples

Phoebe Says and Phoebe Knows" - Phoebe Snow, Road of Anthracite (c. 1912)

Phoebe Says and Phoebe Knows" - Phoebe Snow, Road of Anthracite (c. 1912)

commons.wikimedia.org public-domain-us
Sanka decaffeinated coffee ad, Good Housekeeping 1932

Sanka decaffeinated coffee ad, Good Housekeeping 1932

commons.wikimedia.org public-domain-us
Was that someone at the window?" Sanka Coffee ad, Ladies' Home Journal 1948

Was that someone at the window?" Sanka Coffee ad, Ladies' Home Journal 1948

commons.wikimedia.org public-domain-us
A Natural Table Salt That Stands Between Children and Almost Certain Illness" - Morton's Iodized Salt, When It Rains It Pours (Child Life, Feb 1926)

A Natural Table Salt That Stands Between Children and Almost Certain Illness" - Morton's Iodized Salt, When It Rains It Pours (Child Life, Feb 1926)

archive.org public-domain-us
Burroughs Wellcome advertisement, Tabloid pr

Burroughs Wellcome advertisement, Tabloid pr

wellcomecollection.org archive-open-access
Don't Risk Spoiling Your Leave by Bottle Fatigue" poster

Don't Risk Spoiling Your Leave by Bottle Fatigue" poster

commons.wikimedia.org public-domain-us
Here's to first aid for colds" Alka-Seltzer ad, Radio-TV Mirror February 1953

Here's to first aid for colds" Alka-Seltzer ad, Radio-TV Mirror February 1953

commons.wikimedia.org public-domain-us
Hood's Sarsaparilla (3093613120)

Hood's Sarsaparilla (3093613120)

commons.wikimedia.org public-domain-us
JOHN IS NOT REALLY DULL HE MAY ONLY NEED HIS EYES EXAMINED" poster

JOHN IS NOT REALLY DULL HE MAY ONLY NEED HIS EYES EXAMINED" poster

commons.wikimedia.org public-domain-us
Plains farms need trees" poster

Plains farms need trees" poster

commons.wikimedia.org public-domain-us
Poster for the President's Birthday Ball, an official event associated with the birthday of President Franklin D" poster

Poster for the President's Birthday Ball, an official event associated with the birthday of President Franklin D" poster

commons.wikimedia.org public-domain-us
Save Rubber" poster

Save Rubber" poster

commons.wikimedia.org public-domain-us

See all 22 in the Ads gallery