Today’s Ben Settle Show podcast puts a spotlight on the ugliest yet easily one of the most profitable websites on the Internet, and shows what makes it “tick.” This site is so ugly it looks like a 10-year old built it.… READ MORE The post The fugliest billion dollar website on the Internet appeared first on The Podcast Factory.…

A few podcasts ago I got tagged with the “contrarian” label. Mostly, because of my aversion to putting links to social media on my site, not treating my site as anything other than a way to build a list or make sales (which builds a list), and a host of other things too many to go into here.… READ MORE The post How “contrarians” rob themselves of s…

A couple months ago I was hanging out with my pal Dan Meredith at an event we were both speaking at and got into a conversation about something people are (apparently) paying big money to learn, yet boggles both our minds anyone has to be “taught” it.… READ MORE The post Sadly I have to teach people how to be authentic appeared first on The Podcast…

True story: Waaaaay back in 2008 I bought Gary Bencivenga’s Farewell Seminar DVD’s where he revealed all his secrets. I was, of course, blown away by it. In fact, it had such an impact on my copywriting and overall business & marketing philosophies, I just had to send him (and his wife, Pauline) an email telling them how much it meant having it.… R…

“The night of the fight, you may feel a slight sting. That's pride f—ing with you. f—k pride! Pride only hurts, it never helps.” — Marsellus Wallace “Pulp Fiction” Podcast listener Kyle Davidson (who’s been binging on the old school masters John Caples and and Claude Hopkins) recently sent me a thought-provoking email related to all these people (r…

A few months ago, I allowed my ex-copywriting apprentice to hang out with me at a local Irish pub here in my cozy coastal town. I say “allowed” because, she doesn’t live in this town. She only lives in The Burgle.… READ MORE The post Keep your girl close, but keep your Guinness closer appeared first on The Podcast Factory.…

Let me tell you a lil’ ditty about pounding out emails. Several years ago, one of my business partners at the time wanted to challenge elBenbo to a game of wits. He wanted to know if I was “for real” with this whole email shin-dig, and wanted to test me on it.… READ MORE The post How to turn garbage into profitable emails appeared first on The Podc…

Back when I got started in this crazy business of direct response marketing (circa 2002), I was broke as a joke. As in, it hurt the wallet just to buy Dan Kennedy’s $8 “Ultimate Sales Letter” book.… READ MORE The post The power of being broke appeared first on The Podcast Factory.Ben Settle

Just because I no longer have an apprentice, doesn’t mean I can’t still abuse other peoples’ apprentices. Case in point: Before my podcast announcer chick Misty sends emails to the podcast list, she always sends to me for my perusal. … READ MORE The post How to abuse an apprentice without leaving any marks appeared first on The Podcast Factory.…

Once upon a time, I was talking to my droogie Doberman Dan when he told me about how his merchant account was suddenly shut down out of the blue. No indication. No warning. And, no reason whatsoever. (His track record was “hounds tooth” clean.) Someone in ye olde bureaucracy decided he was high risk.… READ MORE The post The Paranoid Shut-in’s Guild…

The above subject line was written to me in a facebook message by my droogie Ryan Stewman. He had just seen my blog for the first time. And, was horrified by what he saw. Specifically by two things: 1.… READ MORE The post dammit ben nooooooo! appeared first on The Podcast Factory.Ben Settle

“Email Players” subscriber Martijn Koevoets recently wrote about how he pulled in some pretty good dough with the most brain-dead simple funnel you can think of: 1. Send traffic to an optin page.… READ MORE The post How to create a funnel without needing a brain appeared first on The Podcast Factory.…

Not a week goes by where someone doesn’t ask something like: “Ben! Who do you use to print your products and ship them?” Or… “Ben! What merchant account do you use?” Or… “Ben! Who does your web site stuff?” And so on, and so forth.… READ MORE The post Ben Settle Show Approved Peeps And Poops appeared first on The Podcast Factory.…

Would you take persuasion advice from a felon? As in, someone who was in 9 different prisons (state and fed)… was often the only white guy in the place in the south and much smaller than most of the other prisoners inside… with prison guards so ruthless they kicked a legless prisoner down some stairs just for shitz & giggles?… READ MORE The post Ha…

One of the things you see amateur copywriters do (including people who know better) is put the gay little “as seen on” logo at the top of their ads. “As seen on…” Then logos of major news sites, publications, shows, etc.… READ MORE The post Why so many “as seen on” claims are bull appeared first on The Podcast Factory.…

One of the things I taught the Ben Settle announcer chick while hacking away at your sales letter with reckless abandon was the “genie secret.” What’s the genie secret? Well, let’s put it this way: Back in the golden age of direct response (B.I.E.… READ MORE The post The “genie” secret for writing unbeatable ads appeared first on The Podcast Factor…

Last year I drove back into the golf market. And, since it isn’t information I’m selling (which I was selling before) but something completely different, that nobody else is (at least not using the format and mechanism we are), I had to re-examine the market a lot more closely.… READ MORE The post Headline writing secret of a famous “mad men” era a…

Recently I put Misty the Ben Settle Show announcer chick on the hot seat. (And recorded it.) I took her main offer/sales letter and burned it. Then, helped her rewrite it from scratch… from the ground up.… READ MORE The post Why I set her silly little sales letter on fire appeared first on The Podcast Factory.…

It’s not talked about much. But, when it comes to informational products (books, newsletters, membership sites, courses, yada yada yada) there’s a huge difference between buying these things and paying for them.… READ MORE The post Why only chumps pay for informational products appeared first on The Podcast Factory.…

A story I tell sometimes when I speak at event is about how that guy is the reason I'm even in business. Back when I was just starting out I wanted to quit so many times I could taste it. Just one humiliating failure after another.… READ MORE The post The book that made a businessman out of elBenbo appeared first on The Podcast Factory.…

This gets me in trouble with the matriarchy. But, it’s the truth. If the West wanted to make marriage (1) far more interesting (for guys, at least) and (2) far more fun for the people who attend the ceremony one need only do the following: 1.… READ MORE The post BSA108: 3 reasons why the matriarchy despises elBenbo appeared first on The Podcast Fac…

Lend me your ears for a second. Recently I was having a conversation with my ex-copywriting apprentice about podcasts. Even though I’ve hosted a podcast for 2 years and 107 shows… I hardly ever listen to other podcasts.… READ MORE The post BSA107: Why so many podcast interviews suck appeared first on The Podcast Factory.…

In today’s podcast we wrap up the first 70 “Email Players” rules. We talk about: * How to wisely (and ethically) use “hype” to side-step lagging attention spans. * Why credibility is only the second most important thing in email marketing (hardly anyone talks about the #1 thing and it costs them lots of sales).… READ MORE The post BSA106: 7 busines…

This week’s “Ben Settle Show” is all about how to pick a coach to hire — regardless of the niche or industry (copywriting, marketing, business, fitness, life, fashion, sales, accountability, you name it, any kind of coach).… READ MORE The post BSA105: How to pick the perfect coach for dat azz appeared first on The Podcast Factory.…

This week’s “Ben Settle Show” episode is perhaps, minute-for-minute, the most profitable show we’ve ever recorded. Some of what we discuss includes: * An inside look at the brain of a goo-roo fanboy who buys and refunds $7 eBooks.… READ MORE The post Why selling $7 eBooks can shorten your lifespan appeared first on The Podcast Factory.…

Today’s “Ben Settle Show” is all about… List building. (It only took 103 podcast episodes, but we finally did it…) We also rap about: * How to get sales from paid ads people don’t even click on!… READ MORE The post BSA103: How to build a fat list for free using one email per day appeared first on The Podcast Factory.…

The late great Gary Halbert once said: (paraphrased) “If you want to add another ‘0’ on the end of your current profits… start using offline marketing in addition to your online efforts” Again, that’s completely paraphrased.… READ MORE The post BSA102 part 4: The dark farts of persuasion appeared first on The Podcast Factory.…

If you’re a copywriter (freelancer or otherwise) this 3rd part of the 4-part Brian Kurtz podcast interview will be like a wet dream for you. Why? Because Brian has worked with pretty much every world class copywriter in the game over the past 40 years.… READ MORE The post BSA102 part 3: A copywriting fanboy’s wet dream appeared first on The Podcast…

As LOATHE as I am to admit it, I was wrong about something. Yes, I’m as shocked as you are. But, facts are facts. And, even though the likelihood of me being wrong about anything is so statistically irrelevant it’s like it never happens at all… I must come clear.… READ MORE The post BSA102 part 2: elBenbo gets schooled by the King Of Direct Respons…

Here’s a true story that’ll warm the cockles of your liver: One of the single most business-changing lessons I ever done learned (that’s guided my business career and goals for the past 8+ years) is something I read from Dan Kennedy while writing articles for one of his business partners (Pete The Printer): “He (or she) who owns the media makes all…

In today’s podcast we wrap up the first 70 “Email Players” rules. We talk about: How to wisely (and ethically) use “hype” to side-step lagging attention spans. Why credibility is only the second most important thing in email marketing (hardly anyone talks about the #1 thing and it costs them lots of sales). … READ MORE The post BSA101: 7 Business-s…

Good night nurse, we finally done made it. Today marks the 100th “Ben Settle Show” podcast (nobody is as surprised we made it this far than me and Producer Jonathan) where we answered questions live, and on the spot (no safety net).… READ MORE The post BSA100: 19+ reasons to listen to the magic 100th Ben Settle Show episode today appeared first on …

Several months ago someone on Flakebook asked their friends what podcasts they listen to and why. I am not friends with this particular bloke. But, one of my podcast listeners tagged me in the comments. (A cool thing for him to do, I might add.) So I click over there to see what’s going on… and right under the comment recommending my show some chic…

Today’s controversy-free Ben Settle Show podcast episode reveals: * The real reason why single chicks love to own cats. (And why investing in cat supply companies could be one of the best investments someone can make in the next 20 years.) * A fast and simple way to eliminate the anxiety of finding a new market to sell to.… READ MORE The post BSA98…

Today’s Ben Settle Show is about dealing with low class jackasses, including: * What to do when a low class jackass client starts adding extra work and duties you didn’t both agree to when he hired you, and even holds your second payment you’re still owed over your head.… READ MORE The post BSA97: Don’t give low class jackass people your power appe…

On today’s podcast, we rap about such lovely pretty things as: * How to turn haters into your biggest fans. (Including a real life example of a well-known Internet marketer who once hated me until I “flipped” him to my side.) * Why your relationship with your woman is almost certainly about to end if you see her furiously angry at another man.… REA…

Today Producer Jonathan and I pontificate on 7 more “fan favorite” Email Players rules, including: * How to profit more from having fewer customers than lots of customers. * Reasons why I don’t mail for affiliate launches anymore.… READ MORE The post BSA95: How to “stack the deck” to your favor in business and in life appeared first on The Podcast …

This week’s podcast is all about my favorite email resources (free and paid) that can put many more rupees in your hot little piggy bank, including: * The “grand puba” of alllllllll email marketing trainings.… READ MORE The post BSA94: The 8 best email marketing resources I ever done learned from appeared first on The Podcast Factory.…

We got lots of persuasion lovin’ on today’s Ben Settle Show podcast. Including: * The dirt simple persuasion formula used by one of the single best “A List” copywriters in the game today. (It’s so friggin’ simple, most people scoff.) * The only website designer and coder I’ve ever hired who (1) knows what he’s doing with direct response marketing a…

In this magic 92nd podcast episode Producer Jonathan and I get down ’n dirty about when and why you should (and when and why you shouldn’t) track email opens rates. Here’s a taste of what’s on this episode: * Why tracking email opens for most people is about as useful as tracking website “hits” (which is an acronym for “how idiots track success”).……

True story: I know a girl who always ends up with these guys that she always describes as “douche bags.” At the same time, I've seen her go through a parade of good, decent guys who want a good girl and want to treat a girl right and all that.… READ MORE The post BSA91: The age of knavery appeared first on The Podcast Factory.…

If you have the boring personality of an amoeba in your marketing, then today’s “Ben Settle Show” will change that lickety split. Producer Jonathan and I rap about: * The best free education on how to be entertaining you can find anywhere.… READ MORE The post BSA90: How to be entertaining even if you have the personality of an amoeba appeared first…

In this 89th “Ben Settle Show” episode, we rap about: * Exactly what to say when you call a cold lead so they (1) listen to every word you say (2) don’t dare interrupt you and (3) feel lucky to even be able to buy from you.… READ MORE The post BSA89: Persuasion techniques that get leads practically worshipping you appeared first on The Podcast Fact…

This week’s Ben Settle Show podcast demolishes the silly idea that people buy on price, and how to turn low price-shoppers into high price buyers. Specifically, Producer Jonathan and I rap about: * The best way to overcome price resistance when trying to get new clients.… READ MORE The post BSA88: Why elBenbo hereby grants ye permission to raise yo…

Back in June, I wrote an email that disturbed some people. It was about a guy who bought my product then immediately (after one issue) said he got enough info and do I have anything else to sell him. I then wrote an email talking about how it reminded me of something my Wing Chun Sifu told me.… READ MORE The post BSA87: How to cure drug addicted cu…

In this week’s enlightening “Ben Settle Show” podcast, we rap about: Why using testimonials in your ads can hurt your sales. A direct response design “no no” that can make you a ton more sales. … READ MORE The post BSA86: Church of bid’niz appeared first on The Podcast Factory.Ben Settle

In today’s “Ben Settle Show” podcast we pontificate about: The dangers of blindly following whatever your favorite goo-roo (or guru) says. Why putting an order phone number (not URL) can sometimes increase your sales depending on what you’re selling and who you’re selling to. … READ MORE The post BSA85: 7 rules for people who despise rules appeared…

In today’s depressing (not really) “Ben Settle Show” episode: Robert Downey Jr’s guide to creating a lifestyle where stress doesn’t bother you. How being out of “balance” (emotionally, psychologically, professionally, physically, etc) puts your company, health, and even your very life in danger. … READ MORE The post BSA84: How being out of balance …

In today’s “Ben Settle Show” Producer Jonathan and I yet again plunge our sparkling clean hands into the filth of what I call “dull unpolished objects”. Here’s what’s inside: Who my favorite all-time copywriter is (and why it matters). … READ MORE The post BSA83: Bludgeoning your competition with dull unpolished objects appeared first on The Podcas…

Today’s “Ben Settle Show” is round two of my political views. Like last time, there’s nary any actual business, marketing, selling, etc tips in sight. It’s just little ol’ elBenbo’s thoughts on such things as: Abortion (I broach this fun subject once again) Minimum wage Discrimination Hate crimes And, we even touch on feminism a bit — but not too m…