Using Words To Sell

By Justin Bryce 25 April, 2007

Have you ever spent some time browsing a catalog or brochure when you come upon one ad that just gains your attention and propels you to continue reading just because of how greatly it's written? Have you ever purchased a product you might have thought silly or unneeded beforehand in result of the same enticing ad changing your opinion about the product?

This is what we call good copy. Defined as words that are written to advertise an opinion, business, idea, or even a person. The underlying purpose of copywriting is in persuading a prospect to make a move. This may be purchasing an item, requesting additional information, making a phone call, or simply changing your outlook on a topic. Copywriters are often contracted to create copy for a wide variety of venues ranging from classified ads in magazines, to full blow audio commercials on TV and radio. However, on the internet, there are many, many more things a good copywriter has to remember if his copy is to succeed.


Copy that will compel a customer into making a purchase is known as successful ad copy. However, in order to reach successful ad copy online, the ad has to be in easy access of the prospect. This means, copywriting on the web, known to some as content writing, has to include some Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Before you optimize your copy, you must have a clue as to what exactly your customers are searching for (surprise, surprise!). The greatest technique of accomplishing this is to imaging yourself as the customer and trying to brainstorm words you would think of first if you wanted to see what your product, idea, newsletter, etc. is all about. It is these same words you should use when you go to write your copy.

Along with knowing what your prospect wants, you must also know that your product will deliver this to them. The best copy comes from copywriters who are passionate about their product. When you truly believe in your product, it will definitely show through your writing (because why should the customer believe the product will help them if YOU don't, right?).

Once the reader feels as though you believe in what you are selling, you will establish trust with them. Establishing trust is a big deal on the web, because you are pretty limited in the ways you can interact with the customer. However, if you use the correct techniques, prospects will begin to feel friendly towards you. The most popular way to do this is talking directly to the customer. Try to stop writing sentence after sentence about technical jargon that the customer most likely won't comprehend. Imagine that you are meeting up with one of your friends and explaining the benefits of your product to them face-to-face. This will be the type of copy people are willing to read.

Copywriting takes a little time to get accustomed to, however, once you get the hang of it there is nothing stopping you selling anything you please. Keep in mind, good copy not only speaks to the customer, but will also persuade them to take action. So make sure you write your copy in a way that will build the customer's trust, but also never stay too far from the idea that you are trying to make a sale. Using the tips outlined, you should be on your way to writing amazing copy that will sell. Justin Bryce has been a contributing author for this website and is an acknowledged expert for how to write emails. He can be found on the internet at this website: www.emailsthatsell.com