Writing Great Website Sales Copy

Many small businesses fail because their owners don't pay enough attention to marketing and sales. Part of the effectiveness of a marketing effort is directly related to the sales copy you produce. This is especially true on websites. Sales copy is the words you use to convince prospective customers to buy from you.

If you want plenty of ongoing, loyal visitors, and consistent income, learn to write great marketing copy for your website. Think of your website. Ask yourself these questions:

-"What does my Web site say about me? Is it formal or informal? Is it friendly or fact-oriented? Is it professional or amateurish?"

-"Do my words take readers by the collar and convince them to read more? Do my words inspire my readers to take action?"

-"Will prospects learn what they need to know in order to arrive at an informed decision to buy on my website? Is my copy written about their concerns and the benefits of my product to them?"

-"Will they be eager to contact me? Is there a time-based incentive (like a limited time offer) to convince them to do something NOW?"

Here are things to consider when composing your sales copy for your website:

Use headlines. These headlines should be so powerful and convincing they force your client to read further. Don't start with "Welcome to my site. My bio is... or "click here" to subscribe to my ezine?" Blah, blah, blah. Boring!

Describe benefits your potential customer can see, hear, or feel if they use your product. Make certain they know you understand their issues and how your product addresses those issues. Write every bit of sales copy from the buyer's perspective. If you are providing a solution to a problem they have, you will make a sale.

Model your website after other successful sites. If you know something works for your competitor or other successful businessperson, why re-invent the wheel? Visit other websites and critically observe what they do well and what they do poorly. Then, compare these analyses to your own website and make changes.

Avoid looking like a company brochure. Your site shouldn't just be a virtual brochure of your products and qualifications. Ask a few questions from your reader's point of view that lead them to your product or service as the answer. The cold, hard truth is people don't care about you; they want solutions for their challenges. Write your sales copy that way.

Use testimonials. People don't know you from Adam or any scam site on the Internet. You must convince them you are who you say you are. Use happy customer's statements about your service or product. This will go a long way toward convincing prospects you can be trusted.

Provide quality content. Give people more than a sales pitch. Provide them with other resources, like articles, to inform and entertain them regarding your product. Provide links to relevant product reviews or survey results so they have all the facts to make an informed decision.

Make it easy for your website's visitors to buy. Many people like the luxury of using a credit card online. Make certain you offer that option. There are many credit card processing options, like Paypal, that do not require a merchant account. On the other hand, some people hate to buy online. They fear for the security of their credit card information. Give them several options, including an order form they can print and mail or fax to you.

Realize the power of the written word. If your website has been up more than a few months without sales, consider reconstructing it. Have a clear picture of your prospective customer in mind. Make certain your sales copy addresses their problems, concerns, and values.

Once you understand your audience, list at least ten benefits provided by your product or service. What are the best five benefits? Then, create a variety of headlines that have marketing and sales in mind. The headlines can be in the form of a question, a command, or a shocking statement, but they should all be full of specific benefits.

People buy for their reasons not yours. Make certain you give them compelling reasons to buy from you.

Michele Schermerhorn calls herself a "Corporate Freedom Fighter" dedicated to freeing cubicle prisoners to experience their own successful online business. She has over 30 years experience in the business world and over 12 years running her own successful online businesses. She is President of Online Business Institute Inc. (http://www.obinstitute.com), authors a sassy marketing blog (http://www.imarketblog.com), and regularly conducts free online seminars. Online Business Institute Inc. exists to "Create Successful Online Business Owners One Person At A Time".

---

Can You Become a Freelance Copywriter in Los Angeles?

Is it out there? The chance to be a freelance... Read More

Freelance Technical Writers - How Much Are You Worth?

Where can you find out about freelance technical writing pay?... Read More

Content is King

IntroductionA pencil. Yes, a pencil. In my opinion, every great... Read More

How You Can Find Freelance Children?s Writing Positions That Will Last

Freelance children's writing positions are always advertised. Rather, the schooling... Read More

10 Tips for Aspiring Freelance Copywriters

Every week I receive a couple of emails from people... Read More

Copywriting: Engage Prospects By Involving Their Senses

Imagine a bland, colorless existence. Where food had no taste,... Read More

Bullshit Avoid the use of the word Bullshit

It is important in this new paradigm of political correctness... Read More

Is Freelance Hiring Right For You?

Assume you were faced with the task of hiring a... Read More

Progressive Headlines Guide Customers To Buy

Headlines are, without a doubt, one of the most important... Read More

13 Steps to a Slippery Slope Online Sales Letter

Many of the solo professionals whom I coach are people... Read More

Some Copy Tips From An Old Hand

I have been in the ad game for a long,... Read More

Power Keys To Writing Power-Packed Marketing Copy

In order to maximize your sales efforts and fully seize... Read More

Should You Use Testimonials When You Create A Web Site?

You've probably seen web sites with testimonials - they can... Read More

Writing Online In Two Syllables or Less

About once a month I fly off somewhere to give... Read More

How to Negotiate Rates with a Freelance Copywriting Expert

Lots of people who seek out my copywriting services are... Read More

Killer Business Headline Templates - So How Do You Write Killer Headlines in Minutes? You Cheat!

According to Branding and Advertising legend, David Ogilvy: 5 times... Read More

Why Is FREE The Most Powerful Marketing Word You Can Use?

As the famous cowboy Will Rogers once said, "Even if... Read More

Freelance Writers: Double Your Income

Freelance writers are a strange group of people when it... Read More

Better Copy: The Interview is the Key

Most of us spend our days persuading others to buy... Read More

Give Me $1 And Ill Have A Powerful Marketing Weapon

One of my most powerful marketing weapons costs me less... Read More

How To Write Headlines That Get Attention

No doubt, the headline is the most important part of... Read More

Internet Marketing 102: Copy What Works

Internet Marketing- Forget the experts, latest software program or even... Read More

How To Write Direct Mail That Really, Really Works!

So, you have something you want to sell. It may... Read More

Six Reasons You Don?t Need a Technical Writer (and Why They?re Dead Wrong!)

I know, I know. Times are tough. You have to... Read More

Dissolving Buyer Scepticisim ... A Lesson In Copywriting

When making a purchasing decision, people have their "rip off... Read More

How to Get Instant Attention

Most of us have seen a heckler at a baseball... Read More

Making a Living as a Copywriter; Freelancing Versus Agency

So You Want To be A Copywriter?Wannabe copywriters often check... Read More

Copywriting Secrets Of Indias Mystics

Hi everyone,Been ruminating on this one for a little while... Read More

Engage Your Customer ? Write About Benefits

Think quick. In 10 seconds, can you list the 5... Read More

Copywriting Makeover: Making An Emotional Connection - Part 1 of 2

One statistic shows that over 80% of all buying decisions... Read More

Copywriting 101: Exclamation Point, Friend or Foe?

My name is Ann and I'm a grammar geek. There,... Read More

Copywriting Businesses - How You Can Get Started

Do you have the training and skills needed for copywriting?Are... Read More

11 Reasons Not to Hire a Freelance Copywriter (and Why Theyre All Poor Excuses)

Think you can take the Copywriting Challenge on your own?... Read More