Want to learn how to write copy that sells? You’ve come to the right place! Buckle up and get ready to dive into the world of persuasive writing.
What is Copywriting?
Copywriting is the art of writing text for marketing and advertising. This text, or “copy,” is designed to persuade people to take action, whether it’s buying a product, signing up for a newsletter, or clicking a link. Good copywriting can make a huge difference in your sales and conversions.
Think of your favorite commercial or ad. Chances are, the words they used stuck with you. That’s the power of good copy! It grabs attention, stirs emotions, and makes people want to take action.
The Basics of Writing Copy That Sells
To write copy that sells, you need to follow some basic principles. Here are the key steps:
Know Your Audience
Before you start writing, you need to know who you’re writing for. What are their needs, desires, and pain points? Understanding your audience helps you craft a message that resonates with them.
Example:
If you’re selling running shoes, you need to know if your audience is professional athletes, casual joggers, or people who are just starting their fitness journey. Each group has different needs and motivations.
Write a Compelling Headline
Your headline is the first thing people see, and it determines whether they will keep reading. A good headline grabs attention and makes people curious.
Tips for Great Headlines:
- Use strong, action-oriented words.
- Be clear and to the point.
- Make a promise or offer a benefit.
Check out how to create a good headline.
Create a Strong Opening
After the headline, your opening sentence needs to hook the reader. Start with something interesting, surprising, or relatable to draw them in.
You can learn how to write strong opening hooks here.
Focus on Benefits, Not Features
People don’t just want to know what a product does; they want to know how it will make their lives better. Focus on the benefits of your product or service.
Example:
Instead of saying “This blender has a 1200-watt motor,” say “This blender can make smoothies in seconds, saving you time in the morning.”
Learn more about benefits and features here.
Use Emotional Triggers
Emotions drive decisions. Use emotional triggers like fear, excitement, and curiosity to persuade your audience.
Example:
“Imagine waking up every morning feeling energized and ready to take on the day. With our vitamin supplement, you can make this a reality.”
Learn more about emotional triggers.
Include a Clear Call to Action
Every piece of copy needs a clear call to action (CTA). Tell your readers exactly what you want them to do next.
Example:
“Sign up for our newsletter now and get 20% off your first purchase!”
Learn how to write strong calls to action that sell.
Advanced Tips for Writing Copy That Sells
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can move on to more advanced techniques.
Use Social Proof
People trust recommendations from others. Include testimonials, reviews, or case studies to build trust and credibility.
Create a Sense of Urgency
Encourage people to act quickly by creating a sense of urgency. Limited-time offers and scarcity can motivate people to take action now.
Example:
“Only 10 spots left! Sign up today before it’s too late.”
Make It Easy to Read
Your copy should be easy to read and understand. Use short sentences, simple words, and plenty of white space.
How to make your copy easy to read.
Tell a Story
People love stories. Use storytelling to make your copy more engaging and relatable.
Example:
“Meet Jane. Jane struggled with finding time to cook healthy meals. Then she discovered our meal prep service, and her life changed. Now she has more time for the things she loves.”
Test and Revise
The first draft of your copy won’t be perfect. Test different headlines, openings, and CTAs to see what works best. Revise your copy based on feedback and results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced copywriters can make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
Being Too Vague
Your copy needs to be clear and specific. Avoid vague statements and focus on concrete details.
Using Jargon
Don’t use industry jargon or complex language that your audience might not understand. Keep it simple and accessible.
Focusing on Yourself
Your copy should be about your audience, not you. Focus on their needs and how you can help them.
Ignoring SEO
If you want your copy to rank high on search engines, you need to pay attention to SEO. Use relevant keywords and optimize your copy for search engines.
Putting It All Together
Now that you know the key principles of writing copy that sells, it’s time to put them into practice. Here’s a quick recap of what you need to do:
- Know your audience.
- Write a compelling headline.
- Create a strong opening.
- Focus on benefits, not features.
- Use emotional triggers.
- Include a clear call to action.
- Use social proof.
- Create a sense of urgency.
- Make it easy to read.
- Tell a story.
- Test and revise.
By following these steps, you can write copy that sells and drives results for your business.
Need Help with Your Copywriting?
If you need help writing copy that sells, contact me today! I can help you create compelling, persuasive copy that drives results. Let me make your message stand out and turn readers into customers.
Hi, I’m Maku Seun. I am a direct-response marketer and copywriter. I help B2C brands generate more revenue through proven direct-response marketing and copywriting strategies. If you need any help growing your B2C brand, contact me!