Writing Effective Sales Copy

Whether you run a home-based business or Microsoft, one thing is always true: products do not sell themselves. So what makes customers buy? Words.

Marketing gurus learned long ago that it's the words salespeople speak and ads present which are critical to the decision to buy or not to buy. So how can you be sure that they copy on your site, in your sales material, and in your promotions is effective?

You have two choices:

1) Hire a professional copywriter

2) Do It Yourself

In order to keep expenses low, most home-based businesses prefer the second option. If you do as well, you should follow these simple guidelines:

1) AIDA

AIDA is an acronym which stands for Attention, Internet, Desire, and Action. This is essentially an outline for how to effectively write your sales copy. First, you must grab your audience's attention by using exciting headlines, shocking statistics, or surprising facts, such as in the examples below:

"Learn the Secrets of Becoming a Millionaire"

"In less than 5 seconds, your audience has developed its first impression of you."

"Seventy-five percent of people would quit their jobs and work from home if the right opportunity arose."

Next, you need to make them interested in your product. Personal stories of success and lists of benefits can all help you do this. Near the end, you should begin working on building their desire for your product by stressing what specifically your product can do for them.

Finally, you should end all of your copy with a call to action. What this means is that you tell the reader what they need to to do next in order to get your product: click here to order, visit our web site today, call now, etc.

When you apply AIDA, you are carefully luring your audience in and guiding them towards the action you want.

2) Audience Appeals

All sales and marketing writing is meant to be persuasive and to change the minds of potential buyers. Most advertisers today understand this; therefore, they employ Aristotle's three audience appeals.

Aristotle, one of ancient Greece's greatest minds, identified these appeals which were being used by speakers of his time. These three appeals are ethos, logos, and pathos.

Ethos appeals are based on ethics and reputation. For example, using celebrity endorsements, building your credibility, or citing expert testimony.

Logos appeals are based on logic. These types of appeals use facts, statistics, and evidence to persuade audiences.

Pathos appeals are based on emotion. These type of appeals include the faces of starving children, the promise of success, or the lure of acceptance. Any part of your copy designed to make readers feel anger, pity, love, hope, etc. is an example of pathos.

Using one or all of these appeals in your content can boost its persuasive abilities considerably.

3) KISS

This acronym stands for Keep it Short and Simple. Basically, it means that your writing should be concise and to the point not a rambling bunch of metaphors and big words. You want your copy to appeal to as many people as possible so following this guideline is always a good idea.

Whether you decide to write your own copy or hire a professional, these tips will help you develop successful and effective copy every time you need it.

Vishal P. Rao is the owner of: http://www.work-at-home-forum.com/ An online community of people who work at home.

---

Copywriting Tricks: Nailing the Voice

Professional copywriters are well-familiar with what's commonly referred to as... Read More

How Not to Write a Press Release

Several years ago, when I was working for an agency,... Read More

How to Write for a Paper or Magazine

l. Introduce yourself to the editor of your local newspaper.... Read More

Copywriting Secrets Of Indias Mystics

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

How To Get Started With A Career In Copywriting

Careers in copywriting are booming. Could it be that the... Read More

16 Golden Rules of Master Copywriting

You could spend thousands of dollars on advertisement and have... Read More

Traffics Nice... But Whos Driving?

In the competitive marketplace of the new millennium, the demand... Read More

Prevent Procrastination With Positive Pressure

My wife and I recently bought a house.It's currently being... Read More

How To Become A Freelance Copywriter In New York

As a freelance copywriter in New York, your work is... Read More

How to Write Ad Copy that Sells

When I write copy for my advertising clients, I always... Read More

Killer Ad Copy

Not everyone is a writer. Good copy writing is a... Read More

How To Find Editing Services Online

Quality is what you need. What you don't have is... Read More

Ten Eye Popping, Jaw Dropping Ad Copy Secrets

In order to make more sales and get more profits... Read More

How to Get Instant Attention

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

Magic Words That Sell and What Words to Avoid

We all know words are powerful. Whether written or spoken,... Read More

Lapsed Donors: How to Write a Fundraising Letter That Wins Them Back

Your definition may differ, but I define a lapsed donor... Read More

How Ghost Writing Articles And Booklets Can Earn You Big Money!

Do you want to make $5000, $10,000 or more every... Read More

Top 3 Rules for Writing Effective Copy

One thing all successful Internet marketers have in common is... Read More

Welcome Informed Criticism of Your Work

When you come to 'know' something, there is a temptation... Read More

Tomorrow?s Clichés Today

I went to Google and entered a couple of different... Read More

Custom Writing Services: Market Overview

Market identification Custom writing services market is a sector of... Read More

Writing Tips for Your Website

Now that your website is up and running, it's time... Read More

How You Can Become A Freelance Business Plan Writer

As with any business, becoming a freelance business plan writer... Read More

Increase Freelance Sales With an Online Resume!

Freelancing is a competitive business, especially in today's fast-paced, e-focused... Read More

11 Ways to Get an Editors Attention

I worked as a business magazine editor for about 20... Read More

Business Writing: When Not To Be Professional

It's time to write your next ad or brochure. Maybe... Read More

How To Become Qualified As A Proofreader

The field of proofreading is not as easy to get... Read More

The Lead: Sinking The Hook Into Your Prospect

You only have an instant to capture your prospect's attention.... Read More

How To Test The Body Of Your Sales Copy For Weaknesses

Your sales copy is the life source of your business.... Read More

13 Steps to a Slippery Slope Online Sales Letter

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

How to Write a Direct Mail Fundraising Letter (Four Tips for Fund Raising Success)

1. Address your reader as a friend, not as "Friend."When... Read More

Sowing the Seeds of Opportunity: How to Multiply Your Freelance (Writing) Work

You can turn your $200 fee to write a press... Read More

Professional Copywriting Services - How to Provide Your Own

Just because you're running a small business doesn't mean you... Read More