Read the full post: “Are You Like Me?” by Bob Bly. Start with a powerful question supported by a list of what “you believe you have in common” is very effective with your readers “because people like, feel comfortable with, and respond to people who are like them.”

Do you already use questions, like the one above, in your consulting practices? When you’re consulting, you’re anticipating your potential client’s questions. Simply apply your Question and Answers (Q&A) or Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to your copywriting and continue the dialogue. Don’t forget to honestly empathize with your customers. It’s an effective way to bond with your readers.

So let’s brainstorm some examples using empathy in your copy with this simple exercise:

1. Write down the FAQs potential clients ask you.

2. Craft your answers carefully.

3. Now edit your answers to show empathy.

How Do You Show Empathy?

• How about telling a story?
Did you experience something similar to what your audience has experienced? Did you take action on something that your audience also would have experienced? Start with, “Has this ever happened to you?” Phrases like, “We’ve all been there.”

• Use facts, credible sources and statistics.
Show your similarities to strike a chord of familiarity (local news, for example).

• Use the “I’ve been in your shoes” approach
We live in s skeptical society, so be careful of saying “I know how you’re feeling” without truly having any idea of your client’s situation. Your audience is smart and can read your copy and feel patronizing tone.

• Start by quoting your previous clients’ problems

• Was there any research you did that helps empathize with your audience?

Above all, start to listen, listen, listen to your customers by giving them a way to respond and contact you.