If you are an entrepreneur, or you are in business (ie you sell something), then it’s vital that you know how to create copy that sells!
I have some NINJA TIPS for creating copy that sells – Content that engages your ideal client, connects on an emotional level and ultimately sells your products and services.
I am a Professional Copywriter and I write direct response copy for my clients on a regular basis, so what I am sharing today is based on my experience over the years of writing copy that sells.
Top Tips for Creating Copy That Sells
- Write a killer headline – The headline is the first thing that people see when they come to your page or receive your email. If it doesn’t GRAB them they simply won’t read what you have written. Think about when you are scanning your inbox – Which headlines get you to open emails?
- Use very short paragraphs – I mean really, REALLY short. A couple of sentences is ideal. When people are online their attention span is very short and big blocks of text will cause them to click away.
- Educate, inspire or entertain + Provide value – If you do any one of these things you can engage your tribe. If you manage to do ALL of them you will have loyal fans!
- Learn to make certain key words STAND OUT – Like I just did there by using ALL CAPS! You can also use bold and italics to make certain parts of your copy POP OUT to the reader. Just think carefully about which parts of the text to emphasise though – You want to highlight the bits that will be of most interest to your reader and cause them to read on. This way you can GRAB someone’s attention If they are scanning the page (which they will be)
- Write engaging copy – Each sentence must EARN it’s place on the page – I can’t remember where I first heard this and it’s a super valuable nugget. Once you have written and edited your text, give it another read through and remove any ‘fluff’ or superfluous content.
- Use story, and start at the most DRAMATIC part – Humans have been telling each other stories for years. It’s how we connect and relate. You can use stories from your own life, those of your clients or even stories you have heard. If you start your story at the most dramatic point (rather than the beginning), it will grab your reader’s attention. For example “She lay there on the floor crying” is better than ‘Many years ago I had a friend who went through a tough time”.
- Make it about them NOT you – Make the content focused all around your reader and what they want, rather than talking about your own life too much. Exceptions to this are when you are sharing a personal story that can be of value or cause your reader to learn something. Use the words ‘we‘ or ‘you‘ to create connection, but avoid the word ‘they‘.
- Optimise content for SEO – This is vital if you would like Google to send you new traffic (which can turn into new buyers). If you don’t know how to do this learn or get some help, otherwise you are leaving substantial money on the table. Content marketing is focused around optimising for SEO.
- BE YOU – Often when we first start out we copy other people’s voices or style of writing. Be YOU, that is how your tribe will connect with you.
Follow these simple guidelines when creating copy for your website, e-mails & sales pages and you will soon see opt ins increasing, people engaging and an increase in sales.
You’ll find yourself creating copy that sells!
Bonus Tips for Creating Copy That Sells
Read what you have written back to yourself afterwards, ALOUD – I can’t express enough what a difference this has made to my copywriting. It might seem silly but when you read your copy aloud you will see whether it flows and pick up any mistakes. Try it!
Don’t be perfect – Be friendly – People connect with people, not essays with perfect grammar!
When creating copy your ONLY goal is to get them to read the next sentence – Starting with the headline, and then for each and every single sentence on the page, getting them to read the next sentence is your ONLY goal.
I once heard someone say that “People are like cats – they need something to chase down the page“. This piece of wisdom has stuck with me and helps me to create copy that sells today.
Need more help? Sign up to my list and then shoot me an email to let me know you’re interested in this topic.
With Love
Julie.