Category Archives: Copywriting Thoughts

Empathy is the key when you are writing copy

In this Copyblogger post James has written how important it is to empathize with your readers. I think this is the most important aspect of your entire copywriting activity.  Empathizing with your readers means knowing exactly what they are feeling and what they are looking for. If you are busy blowing your own horn you are never going to understand what your readers really want from you.

Although he has pondered over many other points but this is the most important point because everybody wants to hear or read about himself or herself.  If I visit a website or a blog I’m not doing the website owner or the blog a favor; I go there because I want to go there, I need to derive something from there, and if I find something totally contrary and totally unwanted I leave immediately to seek the thing that I want from another source.

That is why whenever I am interacting with a client before starting work on his or her copy I make it clear that we have to talk to the reader in an interactive manner.  We have to understand why the reader is there in the first place. And then immediately attend to his or her requirement or necessity.

Setting my business goals regarding online copywriting

Of late I have been quickly getting rid of all the things that delay my working or make me work slow.  For instance I have changed lots of software tools recently, for example I have changed my word processor and I have also changed my spreadsheet application.  Oh yes, I use spreadsheets to keep track of my income and also the current projects I am handling.  Most of the bulkier Microsoft Office applications are out except for the windows live writer that I use to post blog posts. The moment I downloaded and installed Google Chrome it just took me a few minutes to decide that this was going to be my primary browser due to its minimalistic presentation.

I think undue distractions are one of the biggest hurdles in the way of achieving your business and personal goals so these days I have become extremely intolerant towards big and small distractions (but of course my daughter can distract me whenever she feels like).

Other than that I also changed my room because the previous room was quite noisy and full of activity (I was bang in front of the entrance so everybody was greeted by my cheerful or silly looking smile).  I shifted my working paraphernalia (just a plastic chair, a wooden table and my humble HP laptop) to my music room because it is the most isolated and peaceful place in the house.  I practice singing in the music room every morning before doing anything else.

This blog post at Zen Habits rightly says that too many goals are a sure shot way of achieving none.  There is no use going for bigger goals if the groundwork is not done.  The groundwork constitutes of smaller goals.  If I want to increase my business first of all I have to figure out what are the things that stop me from giving my best. Recognizing hurdles and obstructive habits is a smaller goal and is easily achievable.  Another goal could be taking quick decisions especially when those decisions are for the better.

You should also take smaller steps consistently without losing track of them.  Consistency is also something that I have been trying to achieve for a few months.  Consistency in performance, consistency in health related matters (because health eventually affects your performance and hence, business), and consistently in skills development.

There is an arena I have been ignoring so far: networking.  For a freelancer, the ability to network is of the same importance as the ability to successfully complete projects. Very few people know me and I too know very few people.  I am not implying that one should only network for the purpose of expanding business but greater business opportunities are just byproducts of a greater social circle.

Another small goal could be developing the habit of setting smaller goals and then achieving them.  I think this is the biggest challenge on the way of being successful no matter what you do.

Should I be charging by hour, by word or by page, for copywriting?

As the number of quarries increases many clients ask me how I charge.  Till now I have been charging by pages and those pages contain particular number of words.  Beyond that word limit I charge extra for every extra bracket of hundred words.  Recently I charged by hour  and grossly miscalculated the number of hours required to accomplish the task.  I told my client that I could finish the document in five hours whereas it took me more than 15 hours.  That sucked big-time.

I charge differently for different content requirements but I mostly charge per page (assuming a page contains between 300 and 400 words).  Many people on various freelancing blogs suggest that one should charge by hours because this way you can charge a fixed rate no matter what the client wants you to do.  For me it doesn’t work because I want to provide a flexible quote to my clients.  Besides sometimes I also outsource my work and I am never sure how much time the writer is going to take.  It is better to pay him or her a fixed amount for a document of a particular size.

Anyway I am still in the process of deciding how I should charge but for the time being I am charging by page.  I have been charging like this for more than 3 years now.  Just because I have been charging this way for such a long time doesn’t necessarily make it right but my clients seem to prefer this. The method of payment should be useful both for my clients and myself.  What I mean is I would like to charge in a manner that my clients don’t have to overpay me and I don’t end up undercharging.

Do you need tools for online copywriting?

Online copywriting tools

Online copywriting tools.

I’m updating/rewriting this post in 2023.

It was about the online copywriting tools that I was using while working on various copywriting projects for my clients.

When I wrote and published this post in 2008, I was using DarkRoom and Text Pad for writing. I couldn’t afford MS Word. I don’t know why I didn’t use Google Docs.

Every few years I’m bitten by this bug of using just text editors, and no word processors.

These days, having used Google Docs and MS Word (Windows 365) continuously for the past 5-6 years, I have concluded that working on long documents on text editors is a waste of time.

In the previous version of this post, I also mentioned that I was using the Atlantis word processor, though, I don’t remember how I felt using it.

Do you use, or do you need tools for online copywriting? It depends on what you consider as tools.

Of course, you need a word processor, or a text editor to write. This goes without saying.

Your word processor can be advanced, like MS Word, or minimalistic but collaborative like Google Docs. Depends on how many features you need.

Over the years I have realized that one shouldn’t meddle with lots of word processors and text editors. Yes, there is novelty for a few days, and you are more focused, ultimately, you should settle for a single word processor because what matters is, the quality of your writing.

So, do I use special tools other than MS Word and Google Docs?

Proofreading and grammar are inbuilt these days so for those, you don’t need additional tools.

For researching and finding useful reference, I use Google search or sometimes Twitter.

I’m heavily using ChatGPT for online copywriting these days for creating rough drafts and outlines.

I’m not happy with the quality of its writing – very drab or clichéd.

But it’s good for getting a sense of what you’re going to write.

For example, if you create a prompt for ChatGPT to create an outline for a blog post titled “Key elements of writing a sales letter that converts” it quickly gives you 5-6 headlines or subsections to work on.

If you’re looking for a long form content piece, tell ChatGPT to mention at least 15 key elements.

For a landing page you can even tell ChatGPT to use some power words and action words. You can even suggest what action words to use.

For saving information for online copywriting (that can be used later) I use Microsoft OneNote. For quick note-saving I use Google Keep but most of the bulk saving goes into OneNote.

Other than these, I’m not using any other online copywriting tools.

Do you need different online copywriting tools?

Online copywriting tools

Online copywriting tools?

Not necessarily. Use a word processor. You can even write good copy on your mobile phone for that matter.

ChatGPT definitely helps you work faster but it is not a long-term solution because as a copywriter you need to own your own writing skills and too much dependence on ChatGPT breeds mediocrity and laziness.

 

How to write a compelling sales letter that converts

Writing a compelling sales letter that converts

Writing a compelling sales letter that converts.

Writing sales letters is a big part of being a copywriter.

You are always writing stuff to help your clients sell products and services.

Some sales letter are long and some are short; it all depends on what your client wants to say or rather what you want to say on behalf of your client.

Your sales letter, in order to be a successful sales letter, needs to accomplish the following:

  • Once people start reading your sales letter they should read it completely
  • Your sales letter should prompt the readers to take the action desired by your client or by you

Looking to write sales letters that actually get results? You’re in luck! This article has got you covered with some super actionable tips.

I’ll show you how to craft sales letters that truly captivate your readers and drive those all-important conversions.

Get ready to take your sales game to the next level!

Picture this: you have an amazing product or service, but if your sales letter falls flat, all that greatness goes unnoticed.

Writing a compelling sales letter is like grabbing your readers by the shoulder and saying, “Hey, check this out!”

It’s your chance to captivate, persuade, and ultimately convert your audience into paying customers.

It’s the secret sauce that turns prospects into loyal fans.

So, don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted sales letter. It’s your ticket to success!

Here are a few things to keep in mind to write compelling sales letters that convert.

Key elements of a compelling sales letter that converts

Key elements of a compelling sales letter that converts.

Understand your audience

Understand your audience inside out.

Get to know them like the back of your hand. Define your target audience and what they truly need.

Dig deep into market research and analyze your customers extensively.

These activities will help you create the perfect buyer persona.

These personas will be your trusty guides as you embark on the writing journey.

They’ll help you tailor your sales letter specifically to your audience’s desires and pain points. It’s like having a direct line to their hearts and minds.

Come up with a killer subject line

Your subject line is like the gatekeeper to your sales pitch.

It’s the first thing your audience sees in their crowded inbox.

You need to make it count!

Why?

Because a compelling subject line grabs attention, sparks curiosity, and entices people to open your email.

If your subject line does not make them open your email, everything goes waste.

It’s your chance to make a killer first impression.

A short and snappy sentence will do the trick.

So, take the time to craft a subject line that screams, “Hey, open me! I’ve got something amazing to share!”

Trust me, it’s the key to getting your sales letter noticed and ultimately generating those conversions you’re after.

Craft an attention-grabbing headline

Let’s talk about the magic of crafting an attention-grabbing headline for your sales letter.

The headline is your golden ticket to capturing your reader’s attention right from the get-go.

It’s like a magnetic force that pulls them in.

How do you create such a captivating headline?

  • Use hard-hitting numbers and statistics to add credibility and help your headline stand out.
  • Ask intriguing questions that make your readers stop and think.
  • Highlight a unique benefit or solution that your product or service offers.

These techniques will make your headline stand out in a sea of noise and make your readers go, “Hmm, tell me more!”

Establish credibility and trust

Establishing credibility and trust is absolutely crucial.

People want to know they can trust you and your product or service.

How do you do it?

Build credibility.

Show your readers that you’re the real deal.

One way to do this is by including social proof and testimonials.

Let others sing your praises and share their positive experiences.

It adds that extra layer of trust.

Additionally, don’t forget to showcase any relevant credentials or achievements you have.

Building credibility and trust is the key to winning over skeptical readers and turning them into loyal customers.

Focus on benefits and solutions

Instead of just listing the features of your product or service, you need to shift gears and highlight the benefits.

Show your readers how your offering can make their lives better, easier, or more enjoyable.

Address their pain points and challenges head-on.

Let them know you understand their struggles and have the perfect solution in your back pocket.

Paint a vivid picture of how your product or service can solve their problems and make their dreams come true.

Trust me, when you present your offering as the ultimate solution, you’ll have your audience saying, “Where do I sign up?”

Use persuasive language and emotional appeal

Leverage persuasive language techniques to evoke those powerful emotions.

Stir up desire, address fears, and ignite aspirations.

Speak directly to what your audience craves and what keeps them up at night.

Next, appeal to their deepest desires, fears, or aspirations.

Paint a compelling picture of how your product or service can fulfill their wildest dreams or alleviate their greatest concerns.

Incorporate storytelling.

Share real-life experiences, testimonials, or anecdotes that engage and connect with your readers on a deeper level.

When you combine persuasive language, emotional appeals, and storytelling, you’ll have your audience hooked and ready to take action.

Structure your sales letter effectively

The art of organization comes into play when you structure your sales letter effectively.

You want to create a compelling introduction that grabs your reader’s attention right off the bat.

You want to hook them from the get-go and make them eager to read on.

When it comes to organizing the content, keep it logical and easy to follow.

Take your readers on a journey, step by step, to showcase the value of your product or service.

Break up the text with subheadings, bullet points, and white space.

This makes it easier on the eyes and helps your readers navigate through the information smoothly.

Remember, readability is key.

Include a clear and compelling call-to-action (CTA)

Your CTA is like a neon sign pointing your readers towards the next step.

It’s crucial to make it clear, compelling, and impossible to resist.

So, strategically place your CTA within the sales letter, preferably towards the end.

Make it concise, actionable, and easy to follow.

Tell your readers exactly what you want them to do, whether it’s clicking a button, filling out a form, or making a purchase.

Remember, the CTA is your chance to seal the deal, so make it impossible for your readers to say no.

Edit and polish your sales letter

First of all, read your sales letter thoroughly: check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

You want your sales letter to be flawless and professional.

Next, ensure clarity, coherence, and concise messaging.

Cut out any unnecessary fluff and make sure your message is crystal clear.

If it’s confusing, your readers will bounce.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to seek feedback.

Share your sales letter with colleagues or trusted individuals who can provide valuable insights.

Fresh eyes can spot things you might have missed.

Test and optimize for better conversion of your sales letter

This is the stage where you fine-tune your masterpiece.

Embrace the power of A/B testing.

Experiment with different elements of your sales letter, like headlines, CTAs, or visuals, to see what resonates best with your audience.

Analyze metrics and data like a detective.

Dive into the numbers and identify areas for improvement.

Pay attention to bounce rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates.

It’s all about refining your approach.

Iterate and refine your sales letter based on feedback and results.

Learn from what works and what doesn’t.

Test, analyze, tweak, and repeat until you’ve optimized your sales letter to perfection.

Recap for writing an effective sales letter

Recap Writing a compelling newsletter that converts

Recap Writing a compelling newsletter that converts

Let’s recap the key points we’ve covered in this blog post on how to write a compelling sales letter that converts.

Understand your audience. Conduct market research and create a buyer persona. Then tailor your sales letter to their specific needs and preferences.

A captivating headline can instantly hook your readers and make them curious to learn more. Techniques such as using numbers, asking intriguing questions, or highlighting unique benefits can work wonders.

Build credibility and trust. Incorporate social proof, testimonials, and relevant credentials. These can establish you as a trustworthy authority and instill confidence in your readers.

Focus on benefits and solutions rather than just features. Address your audience’s pain points and then present your product or service as the ultimate solution.

Use possessive language and emotional appeal. By using language that evokes emotions and connects with your readers’ desires, fears, or aspirations, you can create a compelling and engaging sales letter.

Structuring your sales letter effectively is key to maintaining reader interest. Organize your content logically, using subheadings, bullet points, and white space for readability. Let your readers go through your message smoothly.

Including a clear and strong call-to-action (CTA) is crucial for driving conversions. Placing the CTA strategically within your sales letter and making it concise, actionable, and easy to follow can prompt your readers to take the desired action.

Editing and polishing your sales letter is vital for a professional finish. Proofreading errors, ensuring clarity and coherence, and seeking feedback from others can help you refine and improve your sales letter.

By conducting A/B tests, analyzing metrics, and iterating based on feedback and results, you can continuously enhance your sales letter’s effectiveness and conversion rates.

Now armed with these valuable tips and techniques, you’re well on your way to writing compelling sales letters that not only captivate your audience but also drive conversions. Happy writing!