20 Copywriting Tricks To Boost Online Sales

Are you struggling to convert website visitors into paying customers? Mastering these proven copywriting tricks could be the game-changer your business needs.

What Are These Copywriting Tricks?

These copywriting tricks are strategic writing techniques and psychological principles that professional copywriters use to create compelling content that persuades readers to take desired actions.

These methods combine creativity, psychology, and marketing expertise to craft messages that resonate with your target audience and drive conversions.

Why These Copywriting Tricks Matter for Your Business

Effective copywriting can make the difference between a thriving online business and one that struggles to survive. Your words are often the only bridge between your products and potential customers, making it crucial to master the art of persuasive writing.

The right copywriting approach can dramatically increase your conversion rates, boost customer engagement, and ultimately drive more sales. Studies show that businesses that invest in quality copywriting see up to 30% higher conversion rates compared to those that don’t.

Key benefits of mastering copywriting tricks include:

• Higher conversion rates
• Improved customer engagement
• Better brand recognition
• Increased trust and credibility
• Higher ROI on marketing efforts
• Enhanced customer loyalty

20 Essential Copywriting Tricks to Skyrocket Your Sales

Here are the top 20 copywriting secrets you can use in your sales copy to improve online sales.

1. Write Compelling Headlines

Your headline is the first thing readers see, making it the most crucial element of your copy. A powerful headline can mean the difference between a reader staying or leaving.

Headlines are so important that legendary copywriter David Ogilvy said that on average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy. This means your success largely depends on your headline’s effectiveness.

How to write attention-grabbing headlines:

• Use numbers and specific data
• Include power words that evoke emotion
• Ask questions that target pain points
• Make bold promises (that you can fulfill)
• Keep it clear and concise

Example: Instead of writing “How to Improve Your Sales,” try “7 Proven Ways to Double Your Sales in 30 Days or Less”

2. Master the Art of Opening Lines

The opening paragraph of your copy needs to hook readers immediately and compel them to keep reading. A strong opener sets the tone for the entire piece and builds momentum.

Research shows that you have approximately 8 seconds to capture a reader’s attention before they decide to stay or leave. Your opening lines are crucial in making those seconds count.

How to craft engaging opening lines:

• Start with a shocking statistic
• Tell a relevant story
• Present a compelling problem
• Use a thought-provoking question
• Make a controversial statement

Example: “What if I told you that 83% of your current website visitors are leaving money on the table – and it’s all because of one simple mistake in your copy?”

3. Leverage the Power of Social Proof

Social proof is one of the most powerful psychological triggers in copywriting. It shows potential customers that others have already benefited from your product or service.

People are naturally inclined to follow the actions of others, especially when making purchasing decisions. Nielsen research shows that 92% of consumers trust peer recommendations over advertising.

How to use social proof:

• Include customer testimonials
• Display trust badges and certifications
• Showcase media mentions
• Add user-generated content
• Highlight industry awards

Example: “Join over 50,000 satisfied customers who have transformed their businesses using our proven system. As featured in Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur Magazine.”

4. Use the AIDA Formula

The AIDA formula (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) is a fundamental copywriting trick that has stood the test of time. This structured approach ensures your copy guides readers through the natural buying process.

Understanding and implementing AIDA can increase your conversion rates by up to 40%. It’s particularly effective because it aligns with how humans naturally make purchasing decisions.

How to implement the AIDA formula:

• Attention: Grab readers with a compelling headline or opening
• Interest: Build curiosity with relevant information
• Desire: Create emotional connection with benefits
• Action: Include clear, compelling calls to action

Example: “Tired of staring at an empty inbox? (Attention) Our email marketing template has helped businesses increase open rates by 300% (Interest). Imagine never worrying about low engagement again (Desire). Start your free trial today to transform your email marketing (Action).”

5. Master Emotional Triggers

Emotional triggers in copywriting tap into the psychological aspects that drive purchasing decisions. Understanding and using these triggers effectively can significantly boost your conversion rates.

Research shows that emotions drive 95% of purchasing decisions, with logic only being used to justify the purchase afterward. This makes emotional triggers one of the most powerful copywriting tricks in your arsenal.

How to use emotional triggers:

• Fear of missing out (FOMO)
• Desire for belonging
• Need for security
• Aspiration for success
• Pain avoidance

Example: “Don’t let another opportunity slip away. Join the exclusive community of successful entrepreneurs who took control of their future. Limited spots available – secure yours now!”

6. Create Urgency and Scarcity

Urgency and scarcity are powerful copywriting tricks that motivate readers to take immediate action rather than postponing their decision.

Studies show that implementing urgency and scarcity elements can increase conversion rates by up to 332%. This works because people are more motivated by the fear of losing something than by the prospect of gaining something of equal value.

How to implement urgency and scarcity:

• Use time-limited offers
• Highlight limited availability
• Show real-time stock levels
• Create exclusive opportunities
• Add countdown timers

Example: “Only 3 spots remain for our June masterclass! Early bird pricing ends in 24 hours. Join now to save 50% and secure your place.”

7. Focus on Benefits, Not Features

One of the most crucial copywriting tricks is emphasizing benefits over features. While features tell, benefits sell by showing readers how your product or service will improve their lives.

Customers don’t buy products; they buy better versions of themselves. Understanding this principle can transform your copy from a list of specifications into a compelling narrative about value.

How to highlight benefits:

• Transform features into outcomes
• Address specific pain points
• Use “which means” statements
• Paint a picture of success
• Include tangible results

Example: “Our cloud storage solution offers 256-bit encryption (feature), which means your sensitive business data stays completely secure (benefit), giving you peace of mind to focus on growing your business (deeper benefit).”

8. Use Power Words

Power words are specific terms that trigger psychological or emotional responses in readers. These copywriting tricks can make your writing more compelling and persuasive.

Research indicates that using power words can increase click-through rates by up to 12.7%. They work by bypassing rational thought and appealing directly to the reader’s emotions.

How to incorporate power words:

• Add sensory words (stunning, smooth, crisp)
• Include emotional triggers (transform, unleash, empower)
• Use exclusivity terms (exclusive, limited, members-only)
• Add urgency words (now, today, instant)
• Incorporate safety words (guaranteed, proven, trusted)

Example: “Unlock your exclusive access to our proven system and instantly transform your business with our guaranteed results.”

9. Implement the Rule of Three

The Rule of Three is a powerful copywriting trick based on the principle that things presented in threes are more engaging, memorable, and effective than other numbers.

This principle works because three is the smallest number needed to create a pattern, and patterns are inherently memorable. Studies show that people can remember three pieces of information far better than four or more.

How to use the Rule of Three:

• Structure arguments in three points
• Create three-part slogans
• Use three adjectives
• Present three benefits
• Offer three options

Example: “Our solution is faster, smarter, and more affordable than anything else on the market.”

10. Write Conversationally

Writing in a conversational tone is one of the most effective copywriting tricks for building rapport with readers. It makes your copy more engaging and relatable.

Conversational writing can increase engagement by up to 47% compared to formal writing. It works because it creates a personal connection and makes complex information more digestible.

How to achieve a conversational tone:

• Use contractions
• Ask questions
• Include personal pronouns
• Keep sentences short
• Write like you talk

Example: Instead of “Optimal utilization of our solution will result in increased productivity,” write “You’ll get more done in less time when you use our tool.”

11. Optimize for Scanners

Most online readers scan content rather than read word-by-word. Understanding and implementing copywriting tricks that cater to scanners can significantly improve your conversion rates.

Eye-tracking studies show that 79% of users scan new pages they come across, while only 16% read word-by-word. Optimizing for scanners ensures your key messages reach even the most hurried readers.

How to optimize for scanners:

• Use clear headings and subheadings
• Include bullet points and numbered lists
• Highlight key phrases in bold
• Keep paragraphs short (2-3 sentences)
• Use descriptive subheadings

Example: Instead of dense paragraphs, break your content into easily digestible chunks like this, with clear headings like “Key Benefits:” followed by bulleted lists.

12. Master the Art of Storytelling

Storytelling is one of the most powerful copywriting tricks because it engages readers emotionally and makes your message more memorable.

Studies show that stories are 22 times more memorable than facts alone. When you incorporate storytelling into your copy, you create an emotional connection that can significantly boost conversion rates.

How to incorporate storytelling:

• Start with a hook
• Create relatable characters
• Build tension
• Provide resolution
• Link to your offer

Example: “Sarah was losing clients every month until she discovered our system. Within 90 days, she had doubled her client base and finally achieved the freedom she’d been dreaming of…”

13. Use the PAS Formula

The Problem-Agitation-Solution (PAS) formula is among the most effective copywriting tricks for creating compelling content that drives action.

This formula works because it first identifies a pain point, intensifies the emotional response to that pain, then presents your product or service as the perfect solution.

How to implement PAS:

• Identify a specific problem
• Amplify the consequences
• Present your solution
• Show proof it works
• Call to action

Example: “Tired of losing sales to competitors? (Problem) Every day you wait, more potential customers are choosing your competition, potentially costing you thousands in lost revenue (Agitation). Our proven system helps you capture and convert those leads before they slip away (Solution).”

14. Leverage Future Pacing

Future pacing is a powerful copywriting trick that helps readers visualize their success after using your product or service.

This technique is effective because it taps into the brain’s difficulty distinguishing between vividly imagined scenarios and reality, creating a stronger desire for your offering.

How to use future pacing:

• Paint a detailed picture of success
• Use sensory language
• Include specific timeframes
• Address current pain points
• Show contrast between before/after

Example: “Imagine walking into your office three months from now, seeing your sales dashboard showing double the revenue, and feeling the confidence that comes with predictable, growing income…”

15. Implement the Bucket Brigade Technique

Bucket Brigade is a copywriting trick that keeps readers engaged by creating a smooth flow from one sentence to the next, reducing bounce rates and increasing time on page.

This technique has been shown to increase average time on page by up to 30%, giving you more opportunity to convey your message and convert readers.

How to use Bucket Brigade:

• Add transitional phrases
• Use curiosity-building statements
• Insert rhetorical questions
• Create anticipation
• Bridge paragraphs smoothly

Example: “But wait – there’s more… You see, this technique doesn’t just improve engagement… Here’s the thing: it also boosts conversions…”

16. Create a Sense of Exclusivity

Exclusivity is a powerful copywriting trick that taps into people’s desire to be part of something special and unique.

Research shows that exclusive offers can increase conversion rates by up to 200% compared to standard offers. This works because people value things that are not readily available to everyone.

How to create exclusivity:

• Use words like “exclusive,” “limited,” “members-only”
• Create VIP offerings
• Highlight unique features
• Implement waiting lists
• Offer early access

Example: “Join our exclusive mastermind group – limited to just 50 serious entrepreneurs ready to scale their business to seven figures.”

17. Employ Risk Reversal

Risk reversal is a copywriting trick that removes barriers to purchase by addressing and eliminating potential concerns about buying.

Statistics show that strong guarantees can increase conversion rates by up to 300%. By removing risk, you make it easier for potential customers to say yes.

How to implement risk reversal:

• Offer strong guarantees
• Provide free trials
• Include money-back promises
• Add social proof
• Address common objections

Example: “Try our premium plan risk-free for 30 days. If you’re not completely satisfied, we’ll refund every penny – no questions asked.”

18. Use the Zeigarnik Effect

The Zeigarnik Effect is a psychological copywriting trick that leverages our natural tendency to remember uncompleted tasks better than completed ones.

This principle can increase engagement by up to 90% by creating open loops in your copy that readers feel compelled to close.

How to implement the Zeigarnik Effect:

• Create curiosity gaps
• Use cliffhangers
• Promise valuable information
• Break content into series
• Build anticipation

Example: “What I’m about to share completely transformed my business… but before I reveal this game-changing strategy, you need to understand one crucial principle…”

19. Implement Pattern Interrupts

Pattern interrupts are copywriting tricks that break expected patterns to maintain attention and increase engagement.

Studies show that unexpected elements in copy can increase reader retention by up to 27%. This works by preventing reader fatigue and maintaining interest throughout longer pieces.

How to use pattern interrupts:

• Insert unexpected statements
• Use varied sentence lengths
• Add relevant images
• Include surprising statistics
• Break formatting patterns

Example: “You might want to sit down for this next part… Because what I’m about to share isn’t what you’d expect…”

20. Master Mini-Closes

Mini-closes are subtle copywriting tricks that secure small commitments throughout your copy, leading to the final conversion.

Research indicates that getting small “yes” responses throughout your copy can increase final conversion rates by up to 32%. This works through the principle of consistency and commitment.

How to implement mini-closes:

• Ask obvious yes questions
• Include rhetorical questions
• Use transitional phrases
• Build agreement
• Create momentum

Example: “You want more sales, right? And you’d like those sales to come easier? What if I told you there’s a proven system that delivers both?”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference between copywriting and content writing?

A: Copywriting focuses specifically on persuading readers to take action, while content writing aims to educate, inform, or entertain. Copywriting is more sales-oriented and typically shorter.

Q: How long should my copy be?

A: The length depends on your purpose and platform. Landing pages might need 500-1000 words, while sales letters could require 2000+ words. The key is to include enough information to overcome objections and drive action.

Q: Do I need to hire a professional copywriter?

A: While you can learn and apply copywriting tricks yourself, professional copywriters bring expertise and experience that can significantly impact your results. Consider your budget, time constraints, and project importance.

Q: How can I measure the effectiveness of my copy?

A: Track metrics like conversion rates, bounce rates, time on page, and A/B testing results. These indicators will help you understand what’s working and what needs improvement.

Conclusion

You now have a powerful arsenal of copywriting tricks to transform your online sales. Remember that effective copywriting is both an art and a science – it requires creativity, testing, and continuous refinement.

Ready to take your copywriting to the next level? Need personalized guidance on implementing these strategies? I’m here to help you craft compelling copy that converts.

Contact me today for a consultation, and let’s work together to boost your online sales through the power of words.