Understanding the Five Stages of Customer Awareness
The concept of customer awareness was popularized by Eugene Schwartz in his book Breakthrough Advertising. Schwartz outlines five levels of awareness that customers go through on their journey before making a purchase. Understanding these stages is pivotal for tailoring your ad copy effectively. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Unaware: Your audience does not know they have a problem or need.
- Problem Aware: They realize they have a problem but don’t know there are solutions available.
- Solution Aware: They know that there are solutions out there but are unclear about which one is best.
- Product Aware: They know your product exists but may not be convinced to buy it yet.
- Most Aware: They know about your product and are ready to buy - they might just need a nudge.
Stage 1: Unaware
At the unaware stage, potential customers haven’t even identified their pain points. Your challenge here is to catch their attention and make them recognize a problem. You can do this through educational content that speaks directly to their experiences and concerns, such as
compelling ad copy that highlights common issues without being overly salesy.
Ad Copy Tip: Use engaging headlines and imagery, tapping into emotions that can trigger curiosity or concern. For instance, a fitness ad might ask, “Struggling to keep up with your daily energy?” This is designed to make the audience think about their energy levels, planting the seed that they may need a fitness solution.
Stage 2: Problem Aware
Once your audience realizes they have a problem, they start seeking information. At this point, your ad copy should be informative and helpful. Highlight the problem and reassure them that they’re not alone. Use questions and statements that validate their feelings.
Ad Copy Tip: Incorporate statistics or expertise to validate the problem's existence. For example, a skincare brand could say, “85% of people struggle with dry skin. Are you one of them?” This positions your understanding and builds trust.
Stage 3: Solution Aware
Now that your audience knows of possible solutions, this is the time to position your product at the forefront. Your copy should share how your product directly addresses the problem they face. Use compelling calls-to-action (CTAs) that emphasize the benefits of your offering.
Ad Copy Tip: Highlight the unique features of your product that differentiate it from competitors. Phrases like, “Our unique formula offers 24-hour moisture” resonate well here. Think value proposition! Mention why your solution is THE answer they’re looking for.
Stage 4: Product Aware
At this stage, customers know your product exists, but they may still need reassurance. Ad copy should focus on overcoming objections and nurturing trust. Testimonials and user reviews are incredibly effective tools in your arsenal here. People are more likely to convert if they know others have found success with your product.
Ad Copy Tip: Use testimonials such as, “99% of users reported softer skin within one week!” Incorporate trust symbols, like certified reviews or accolades, to strengthen credibility.
Stage 5: Most Aware
Ah, the sweet final stage! Here, the customers know your offering well enough but just need a push to take action. This is where
action-oriented CTAs come into play. Use urgency to generate a sense of need. Limited-time offers and exclusive deals work wonders in inciting action.
For example: “Get 20% off today only! Don’t miss this opportunity.” Emphasizing scarcity and time prompts quicker decisions, which can help close sales.
Aligning Ad Copy with Audience Awareness
The golden rule of creating high-converting ad copy is to meet your audience where they are in their awareness journey. This ensures the ad resonates well and compels the audience to take the next step toward purchasing.
However, it doesn’t stop there! To ensure that you seamlessly engage your customers throughout their journey, using tools like
Arsturn can make a significant difference. With Arsturn, you can
instantly create custom chatbots for your website that will personalize interactions with your audience based on their awareness stage. Imagine having a fully functional chatbot that provides tailored content and answers questions, promoting engagement while saving time!