Sales Copy Copywriting

By Randy Bellerns

I know that headline has probably got you shaking in your boots at the sheer thought of copywriting for your own online sales copy, but there’s absolutely no need to be afraid of a little writing. Granted writing sales copy isn’t easy but anyone can do it if they put their mind to it.

I myself hated writing anything at school in fact I hated school full stop and I learned very little while I was there and if you were to dig up some of my teachers they would tell you the same. It’s different story now though, I actually love writing sales letters, to me it’s the best part of this business.

It wasn’t always fun though, like I said I was no good at writing at school and it was the same when I first embarked on my entrepreneurial journey and started my home Internet business selling information products. I dreaded the thought of having to write sales copy because it made me think back to my school days.

But after a while my writing got a little better and I began to enjoy it, I imagine all the sales letters I have read in the past helped me with my own sales copy writing. Recently things have got even easier for me in my copywriting because I now have a formula that makes it much easier and quicker too.

The way my copy writing formula works is like this… I personally always start with my headline as most people would because it’s the most important part of your sales letter. If people aren’t captured by your headline then they won’t bother to read the rest of your sales page.

Now this is where thing get a little different to what most people will do or tell you to do, you’re probably thinking…" Ok he’s gonna move straight onto his sub heading" and yes that’s what I did in the past I would work down form my headline to the end of my sales copy, and this is the conventional way of writing a sales letter or any other letter, as you would imagine.

Only I’m not too conventional when it comes to copywriting, as I’m going to reveal right now. Instead of getting writers block and spending hours staring at my keyboard wondering what to type because I can’t think of a good sub heading, I will leave it and move onto another section of my sales copy.

For instance I may move onto my guarantee or even my PS’s right at the bottom, now your probably scratching your head right about now thinking " is he mad?" Well no is the answer to that, and the reason I’m able to do this is simply because of my copywriting formula.

I simply break the whole thing down into sections and use sub headers to transition into the following section like this after my attention grabbing headline and sub heading comes a section where I will talk about the problems the reader may be having and which my product will solve.

This then transitions into the section I like to call the imagines which is where I try to take the reader to a place where he or she would like to be, for instance if I was selling timeshare in the Bahamas I would write something like… "Imagine yourself this winter laying on a beach with the crystal clear blue ocean lapping at your feet while all your friends are stuck in the cold damp uk". after a paragraph or two of this I would use another sub heading to transition into "Why I’m the go to person" To buy there timeshare.

This is how I can move from one section to another until I finish my sales copy because every section has it’s own place and function. This is copywriting bliss and anyone can do it by following this simple formula.

If you look to the right of my blog you should see a link to my copywriting video training course which incidentally come with plr. Go take a look it’s well worth it and a damn sight cheaper than paying for you sales copy to be written for you.

Copywriting is a skill all Internet marketers should learn, and learning copywriting couldn’t be easier than with my copywriting video tutorials discover how here Sales Copy Video Training.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Bellerns

10 Tips for Writing Clearly and Concisely

By Matt Ambrose 

There are a lot of badly written websites out there. Copywriting is often the last box to be ticked when websites are designed, which means the copy can be rush or not given enough care.

But having clear, concise copy on your website can be a big advantage. It makes it easier for visitors to understand the benefits of your product and why buying it is the smart thing to do.

However, writing clearly can be difficult if it’s not something you do regularly. So here are 10 tips to help you improve the copywriting on your website:

1. Keep your sentences and paragraphs short. 15-20 words per sentence and 2-3 lines per paragraph is a sensible aim.

2. Focus on 1 idea or point per sentence. If you need to expand, you can use connecting words like ‘but’, ‘so’ and ‘because’ to link it to the next sentence.

3. Cut out unnecessary words. Brevity is the basis of clear writing

4. Avoid using long words when a shorter word will do. This makes your sentences quicker and easier to read, and avoids readers having to hunt for their dictionary.

5. Vary your sentences between long and short to give your writing a rhythmic flow that’s enjoyable to read

6. Write in the active voice where the subject comes before the verb e.g. ‘The boy threw the ball’ rather than ‘The ball was thrown by the boy’

7. Avoid using technical jargon and gobbledegook, unless you’re writing for a technical audience that will understand what you mean.

8. Use positive inspiring language with words such as ‘will’ and ‘can’ rather than ‘can’t’ or ‘won’t’

9. Split up long passages of copy with subheadings, bullet points and summaries to aid skim readers

10. After you’ve finished writing, read your copywriting out loud. It’s a great way of getting an impression of how it sounds in a reader’s head and whether it needs a bit more fine tuning.

Article provided by Matt Ambrose from the Copywriter Crucible – an award winning melting pot of copywriting tips and marketing ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Ambrose

Share the Spotlight – A Freelance Writers Guide to Networking Socially

By Joy Lynskey

One aspect of being a freelance writer can be that other freelance writers may come across your work, find it compelling and inspirational, and decide to create their own original article on the same topic. Although there is absolutely nothing wrong with this, considering a good part of content online is indeed fairly ‘recycled’, it is considered good etiquette, and even better, good networking, to give them credit for the idea. This can be done in a number of ways:

On the original authors blog there can be a short bio with links. If the author who inspired you has one of these, copy paste this to the bottom of your recreated article.
Give the original URL track backs in your blog dashboard.
Leave a message on the original authors blog giving them credit for a great article and let them know you are going to write a similar one.
Contact the original author and ask them for permission to recreate their article on your own site and them their preferred choice for proper crediting
Like, Tweet, Stumble and Digg their article
Link or anchor link their URL on related words within your new original article
All of the methods above will give you the secure knowledge of being a good ethical writer as well as creating helpful networking opportunities for your business or career.Indeed, your willingness to give proper credits may even earn you a link on the original authors page, or perhaps even the original article in question. Just as your linking someones site in properly crediting an article is helpful to the original author, it is also helpful to you even if you are not given a complimentary back link.

Additionally, some of the more advanced marketers use programs that will show them who is giving their work "Likes" and who has Tweeted their articles. This can also inspire them to give you a quick like of your own, or even reTweet your message which will contain your account info as well.

In fact, sharing the spotlight on an incredible article is likely to be far more beneficial in the long run by providing you with a few extra back links and other social networking options.

Joy R. Lynskey is the owner of JRL Solutions, a content creation company located at http://jrlsolutions.biz/. Joy regularly provides SEO, keyword rich and content creation information on JRL Solutions WordPress http://www.jrlsolutions-wp.com. Please visit the website and use the contact form if you have any questions!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joy_Lynskey

4 Copywriting Tips to Double Your Response Rate

There are TONS of copywriting tips online, and you can easily get so confused you end up quitting. However, it’s IMPERATIVE that you master this skill.

It’s been said that copywriting is the single most important skill you can have for making money, and this is true. So how do you do it? Here are 4 tips that will dramatically improve your response rate:

#1) Hand copy sales letters

I’ve personally done this technique, and have seen great results from it. This is where you just sit down with good old fashioned pen and paper, and copy the sales letter by hand. Make sure you pick a good sales letter to copy.

This actually transfers the language of that copywriter to you. When you copy something by hand, you are forced to slow down and notice things that you wouldn’t have otherwise.

This way, you will start asking yourself "why did they put that in there"? Every word in a good sales letter is there for a reason, so this can really improve your results.

#2) Use numbers

This is one of the most underutilized techniques out there for boosting response. People like SPECIFICS… and therefore giving them specifics is how to get results.

For instance, for a title, don’t say "learn how to jump higher now". Instead, a title like "how to jump 12 inches higher in the next 5 weeks" is much more compelling.

#3) Test

This is the most popular direct response tip, and it’s because it works. The reality is, failing is the only way to find out what works.

No matter how great you think your sales letter might be, you really don’t know if it will work until you try it out. For this reason, you have to put it out to the market, and let it decide.

#4) Get into their head

One very high level tip is to actually get inside the customer’s head (figuratively, of course) and think about how they spend their day. Just imagine how they spend every second from start to finish.

Putting yourself in their shoes will help you figure out what they want in life, and then how to write the sales letter to appeal to them. This might not seem like a big deal, but if you try it, you will see dramatic results.

Conclusion-don’t get confused with all the conflicting copywriting tips out there. Just implement these 4 things, and your results will SKYROCKET.

Are you looking to get into direct mail copywriting? To learn the 3 tips you MUST implement to succeed with direct mail, check out http://www.internethomebusinessadvice.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Randolph

Copywriting – How to Use Words to Sell

Copywriting is a skill you can develop with practice. Firstly thinking about your audience ask yourself who you are trying to reach. Imagine having a one to one conversation with them.
The following sentence can be adapted for many audiences.

"Have you ever visited London? It’s a fascinating place full of historical places to visit together with shopping, cafes and restaurants."

To a younger audience.

"Ever been to London, you can check out some really cool historic places. If you’ve some cash spare you can grab a coffee in the one of hang outs or hunt down your favourite designer gear in one of the malls."

To an older audience.

"If you’ve never visited the London you’ll be fascinated by the history and cultural aspects of the city. Shopping for every taste is catered for in the many arcades and centres while a visit to one of the cafe’s will come as a welcome treat."

Try writing the sentence for a male audience and then a female audience.

Although writing is a huge subject you can make a start on copywriting with a few simple rules.

Get your message across quickly. People are constantly bombarded with advertising daily so get to the point. Try an intriguing headline if you can or even a simple "Sale on now" can be effective.

Tell people what’s in it for them

"you get 15% off your first order", "money back guarantee", "feel great after just 2 weeks".

People do make buying decisions on emotion. Which coffee would you prefer?

Our coffee is from Brazil.
Our Brazilian coffee is complemented best with a splash of vanilla.

People like to be reassured. Who would you trust?

We make quality tables.
We have been making tables for 25 years, each one comes with a 10 year guarantee.

Often the best content is like a one to one conversation so the reader feels you are speaking to them only.

Next time you buy something ask yourself what prompted you. If you were prompted from the ad what did it say and how did it say it.

Finally there’s some great books out there so do you’re research, practice and have fun.

Images web design for the small business
http://www.imagesweb.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Senior

“Carry On” by Robert William Service

It’s easy to fight when everything’s right,
And you’re mad with the thrill and the glory;
It’s easy to cheer when victory’s near,
And wallow in fields that are gory.
It’s a different song when everything’s wrong,
When you’re feeling infernally mortal;
When it’s ten against one, and hope there is none,
Buck up, little soldier, and chortle:

Carry on! Carry on!
There isn’t much punch in your blow.
You’re glaring and staring and hitting out blind;
You’re muddy and bloody, but never you mind.
Carry on! Carry on!
You haven’t the ghost of a show.
It’s looking like death, but while you’ve a breath,
Carry on, my son! Carry on!

And so in the strife of the battle of life
It’s easy to fight when you’re winning;
It’s easy to slave, and starve and be brave,
When the dawn of success is beginning.
But the man who can meet despair and defeat
With a cheer, there’s the man of God’s choosing;
The man who can fight to Heaven’s own height
Is the man who can fight when he’s losing.

Carry on! Carry on!
Things never were looming so black.
But show that you haven’t a cowardly streak,
And though you’re unlucky you never are weak.
Carry on! Carry on!
Brace up for another attack.
It’s looking like hell, but — you never can tell:
Carry on, old man! Carry on!

There are some who drift out in the deserts of doubt,
And some who in brutishness wallow;
There are others, I know, who in piety go
Because of a Heaven to follow.
But to labour with zest, and to give of your best,
For the sweetness and joy of the giving;
To help folks along with a hand and a song;
Why, there’s the real sunshine of living.

Carry on! Carry on!
Fight the good fight and true;
Believe in your mission, greet life with a cheer;
There’s big work to do, and that’s why you are here.
Carry on! Carry on!
Let the world be the better for you;
And at last when you die, let this be your cry:
Carry on, my soul! Carry on!

~ Robert William Service

Selling Yourself Short (Part 2)

Yesterday, you discovered the difference between your level of expectations and level of acceptance. Today, let’s explore why people sell themselves short.

There are a thousand and ones colourful reasons why people sell themselves short. You and I have our own unique set of reasons. Here’s what they usually say:

• “But I’m not qualified”
• “I was never taught to do this!”
• “This thing is trivial.”
• “I’ll get to this later.”
• “Maybe next time”
• “Something’s better than nothing”
• “It’s okay, there are other days.”
• “The night is still young.”
• “It’s beyond my control”

But whatever it is, the outcome is the same: when you achieve your level of acceptance, you compromise. You just sold yourself short.

Here are some reasons why people sell themselves short:

The Number One, numero uno, reason is: fear. So deep is our fear that it paralyses us from taking any meaningful action. So deep is our fear that when the something triggers our fear, we freeze in terror.

What sort of fear?

Fear of rejection. Fear of failure. Fear of being wrong. Fear of not being accepted. Fear of the future. Fear of fear. Fear of uncontrollable circumstances. Fear of defeat. Fear of new technology.

From fear, we move on to the next reason: ignorance. Meriam-Webster defines ignorance as the state or fact of being ignorant : lack of knowledge, education, or awareness. When we’re clueless about something, our natural instinct is to reject something. Sometimes we’re even willing to reject it even if there are scientific evidence and research to support a contention! We play the role of the cynic to preserve and protect our internal values and beliefs! In the words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“Nothing is more frightful than ignorance in action”.

And as Elbert Hubbard puts it:

“The recipe for perpetual ignorance is: Be satisfied with your opinions and content with your knowledge.”

A third factor that leads us to selling ourselves short is our habit to justify or rationalise things. What do I mean by this? We turn what is socially unacceptable and present it in a way that it becomes logically acceptable.

Special Report – Nine Habits Guaranteeing Student Success

You can now read the Special Report on the Nine Habits Guaranteeing Student Success. Aimed to assist students heading to college, this special report identifies the causes of why students never reach their full potential.

Feel free to distribute, share, download and print the 16-page Special Report. Access it here:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/44887619/Special-Report-Nine-Habits-Guaranteeing-Student-Success.