Writing Copy That Sells

Many a time I've found myself on an interesting website, but I lose my patience when the page takes too long to load or there's the usual 'subscribe-to-my-newsletter box hovering larger than life in the middle of the page. I immediately exit, never to come back again. You have to show that you are an expert in your field, so this should reflect in your website. You want to find a way of keeping your customers, almost like them holding their gaze on your page, because your content is so interesting.

If you've been on the internet for a good while, show testimonials from customers who have used your products or services. Testimonials should show full names and pictures, because it means you have used real people and that they do exist. They can be in either video or text form, so it's a personal preference. I personally feel that they create the similar sort of impression. If you are new to the internet, then testimonials, may not be the best route, since you may not have actively started trading yet. The easiest way is to list your credentials. As you progress in your field, you can list your life experiences.

Since there are people who view the internet with caution, it is probably always best to offer some form of guarantee. Customers that take risks in buying the product or service, want to know that there is some form of safety net applied to the sale. For example, the customer may ask: 'if the product does not do as it says it should, will you refund me?' Not all websites can offer a guarantee on their products or services. In which case something else should be offered, such as a trial period.This is one aspect of writing copy that tends to be overlooked because some web owners assume that product/service equals sales, which equals the end of the transaction. Just remember, you will never be able to please everybody, in any shape or form. You will always find a disgruntled customer somewhere.

Make an offer to your customer, such as a free bonus or free subscription to your weekly newsletter. The word 'free'is a a very powerful selling technique, and can attract people to your website like bees to sweet pot of honey, because everybody likes free offers. A free e-book can also be offered, but it should be meaningful and not simply a 5 page e-book, that would serve no purpose at all to the customer. Whatever you choose to offer, it has to be something to keep the customer from going elsewhere.

Have your name and contact details on show, but no PO Boxes. This again relates to the risk factor, and also trust. A customer wants to know that you will be available if there are any queries, and you can be contacted, almost anytime. A PO Box address on a website depicts someone in hiding for whatever reason, even if there is a genuine reason for it, customers want to see a real address, because it gives them a sense of security. As a web owner, you should actually suggest that the customer contacts you if they have any queries or questions relating to the website.

To keep your customers from running to your competitors in quick time, hold them by showing what you have to offer. Show them that you are an expert in writing copy.

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