| Anyone can write effective Internet copy. You | | | | in the headline. Words like "Act Now," "Limited |
| just have to know a few copywriting basics | | | | Time Offer," or "Limited Supply" will urge your |
| known to journalists and writers as the 5 W's. | | | | readers to contact you sooner rather than later. |
| Throw one "H" in there and all your copywriting | | | | 3. Keep it honest. Don't make wild claims just to |
| basics are covered. | | | | get business. Build a good reputation by being up |
| Who? Tell the reader who your product will help. | | | | front and honest with your potential customers. In |
| This should be your target market. | | | | addition to appreciating your honesty, they will |
| What? Tell your reader what your product or | | | | recommend you to others as a business owner |
| service will do to improve their lives. In other | | | | who is true to your word and claims. |
| words, tell them the benifits they will receive, | | | | 4. If you make an offer, make it one that is hard |
| what's in it for them. | | | | to pass up. Don't waste your readers' time with |
| When? When is the offer good for? If there is a | | | | small, worthless offers. Think about the coupons |
| special offer, when does it expire? When will the | | | | you see in magazines and newspapers. Do you |
| product or service help them, immediately or | | | | take time to clip them? If so, it's because the |
| over time? | | | | offer is of value to you. |
| Where? Where can you order the product or | | | | 5. How long should your copy be? As long as it |
| service? Where will it work? | | | | takes to adequately answer the above questions |
| Why? Tell your reader why he or she needs your | | | | for your product or service. |
| product or service. Why will it benefit them? Why | | | | An unanswered question is considered an |
| should they sign up or order today? Why is the | | | | objection in your potential customer's mind. So, be |
| quantity or offer limited? | | | | sure to answer all their objections. |
| How? How do they register or order? How much | | | | Keep these Internet copywriting basics in mind as |
| will it cost? How much return will they see for | | | | you prepare the articles or sales letters that will |
| their investment? How does it work? | | | | appear on your Web site. Don't be intimidated |
| Sounds pretty simple, doesn't it? There is no trick | | | | because you don't have any professional writing |
| - it really is as easy as that. Put yourself in the | | | | experience. Most people want to do business with |
| shoes of the reader and answer the questions | | | | an honest person who knows the product or |
| you would likely ask or want answered about | | | | service well that he or she is trying to sell. |
| your product or service. Answer those questions | | | | You don't have to be a professional writer to do |
| clearly and thoroughly and your Web copy is | | | | that. The only requirement is that you truely |
| complete. | | | | believe in the product or service which you are |
| These copywriting tips and copywriting techniques | | | | trying to sell. If you do, your enthusiasm will shine |
| will work not just for Web copywriting but also | | | | through your writing. If you do not believe in your |
| for direct market copywriting, other online | | | | product or service, your lack of enthusiasm will |
| copywriting, and offline copywriting as well. | | | | shine through also. |
| Below are a few other copywriting basics that will | | | | So, in summary, answer the above questions as |
| help you write your web site copy: | | | | clearly and simply as you can, be honest, avoid |
| 1. Keep it simple. No one wants to drudge through | | | | hype, make an irresistable offer, and be sure to |
| a long, drawn out confusing explanation. If you | | | | include a call to action. |
| can't say it simply, that's fine. But by all means, | | | | If you do all these things you will master the |
| simplify when you can. | | | | copywriting basics and should have no trouble |
| 2. Make sure your copy urges a call to action | | | | converting your Website visitors into customers. |
| either in the body copy, or text of the article, or | | | | |