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