Using Words To Sell

Have you ever been browsing through a magazine or catalog when one advertisement just catches your eye and makes you keep reading simply because of how enticing it's written? Have you ever bought something you may have thought to be “silly” or “unnecessary” beforehand just because this same enticing ad changed your mind about the product?

This is the result of good copy. In other words - the words written to promote an idea, business, person or opinion. The main purpose of copywriting is to persuade the reader to take action. This could be anything from buying a product, subscribing to a newsletter, casting a vote, or simply just seeing things from the copywriter's viewpoint in general. Copywriters are hired to write copy for many things including television and radio commercials, magazine and newspaper ads, billboards, and even brochures and postcards. However, in the online world, there are a lot more things that copywriters have to keep in mind if their message is to be successful.

Writing that turns prospects into buyers is known as “successful ad copy”. However, in order to have “successful ad copy” online, the prospects must actually see the ad. Thus, copywriting online, also known as content writing, must use a slight bit of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). In order to perform SEO on your copy, and ultimately have your copy sell, you must know what your prospects are looking for (surprise, surprise!). The best way to do this is to put yourself in the customer's shoes and try to think of what words would first come to their mind if they wanted to view what your product, idea, newsletter, etc. is all about. It is these words you should make sure you use when writing your copy.

Along with knowing what your prospect wants, you must also know that your product will deliver this to them. The best copy comes from copywriters who are passionate about their product. When you truly believe in your product, it will definitely show through your writing (because why should the customer believe the product will help them if YOU don't, right?).

Once the reader feels that you believe in your product, you will establish trust with him/her. Establishing trust is a big thing on the internet, because your interaction with the client is pretty limited. However, if you use the correct tactics, prospects will start to warm up to your image. The best way to do this is to talk to the customer. Try to stay away from ranting off paragraph after paragraph on technical jargon that the customer won't understand. Imagine that you are sitting down with one of your closest friends and explaining your product to them face-to-face. This is the type of copy people like to read.

Copywriting takes a little bit of getting used to, but once you have it down you basically have to power to sell anything at will. Remember, good copy not only speaks directly to prospects, but also makes them want to take action. So make sure you write in a way that will gain trust, but also never stray too far from the fact that you are trying to make a sale. Using these basic tips, you will be well on your way to writing amazing copy that sells.