The Importance of Writing Good Web Site Sales Copy

Many small businesses fail because their owners don't pay enough attention to sales copy. Especially on their Web sites. If you want to be a member of the 5% Club that receives plenty of ongoing, consistent income, check out these points.

The biggest mistake? Sales copy that doesn't serve the needs and desires of your web site visitors.

Ask yourself these questions: "What does my Web site say about me? Do its messages take my readers by the collar and convince them to read more? Do my words inspire my readers? Will they learn what they need to know in order to arrive at an informed decision to buy? Will they be eager to contact me?

Here are 6 ways to make your web copy sell products and services:

1. Create a Web page with words that convince your potential clients to keep reading, to gain trust, and to take action. Think about the headlines you have placed on your home page. Are they so powerful and convincing they force your client to click to your sales letter? Do they describe benefits your potential client can see, hear and feel? Or are they wishy-washy saying something like: "Welcome to my site. My bio is at ..., or "click here" to subscribe to my fabulous ezine?

2. Make it easy for your Web site's visitors to buy.  Some people hate to buy Online because they fear for the security of their credit card information. Give them several options, including a coupon they can print and either send by regular mail or fax to your free 800 number.

3. Model your Web pages after a successful coach's pages. If something out there seems to be working, why re-invent the wheel?  Visit other Web sites and critically observe what they do well and what they do poorly.  Then, compare those analyses to your own site.

Your site shouldn't just be a virtual brochure with your qualifications and offerings. Your home page should have only "Passion Headlines" that pull sales, one outstanding testimonial, and a few questions from your reader's point of view that leads them via a link to your service information and bio. Put just a few words about you on the home page. People don't care about you; they want solutions for their challenges.

4. Realize the power of the written word.  If your Web site has been up more than a few months, and you haven't gotten any business, consider reconstructing it so it pulls sales. Write down your description of: your audience, its needs and desires. Address their problems, interests, values and how they like to receive a service.  Pre-plan your Web site, and state its purpose - is it to make money, gain credibility, and share a unique message?

5. List at least 10 benefits provided by your service.  What are the best five?  List 10 features of your service, too.  What are the best five?  Remember, features don't sell, benefits do.  Create a variety of headlines that have marketing pizzazz.  They can be in the form of a question, a command, or a shocking statement, but they should all be full of specific benefits. "Quadruple your Online Income" is not enough. You must show how much time that takes and what product or service will solve your dilemma.

6. Finally, create a picture of the outcomes your client will see, hear and feel. You must touch your potential client's soft spot - that nerve center that says, "Yes, I want that!"  Tap into your creative side, with a friend, associate, or coach who knows this uncharted territory - the language of sales.

Become a member of the 5% club -- Web site owners who make at least one-third their income from their Web site.

Judy Cullins, 20-year book and Internet Marketing Coach, Author of 10 eBooks including "Write your eBook Fast," and "How to Market your Business on the Internet," she offers free help through her 2 monthly ezines, The Book Coach Says...and Business Tip of the Month at http://www.bookcoaching.com/opt-in.shtml">http://www.bookcoaching.com/opt-in.shtml and over 140 free articles. Email her at mailto:Judy@bookcoaching.com

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