Yes, that’s right. Does your copy make your reader truly uncomfortable? (And no, I’m not talking about spelling and grammatical errors, here!)

In order to sell a product, you have to prove that it meets a need. To prove that it meets a need, you need to show the reader how truly uncomfortable they are without it, and how much better their life would be if they owned it.

For example, let’s say you’re an affiliate for software that converts speech to text. You don’t just want to rave about all the great features of the program and how much easier it will make life for the client….first, you have to show them how much their life sucks without it - how truly miserable they are without this program to help them on a day to day basis.

So, let’s say you decide to target busy work at home mothers. Before  you go into all the great features of your product, take time to empathize with how painfully stressful their lives are - how hard it is to find uninterrupted time to sit down at the computer, how difficult it is to write with children running through the house and climbing on your lap, how much of a struggle it is to juggle various appointments and find time to work at home. Really play it up - show the reader how hard their life is- emphasize how much they struggle.

Then show how your product can make life easier, and you’ve just found another paying customer. People don’t like to be uncomfortable. Turning discomfort into comfort is a quick and easy way to make your copy sell!

Popularity: 46% [?]

When a reader (potential customer) comes to your website, they have certain questions in mind. These questions could range from “Are you a specialist in your field” to “What’s the catch?” Answering these questions is one of the keys to successful copywriting.

To answer the readers’ questions, you have to take time to get inside the mind of your customer base. Survey people who would be buying your product. Hang out on forums where people who are interested in your niche spend time. Take time to get to know the subject matter. What are they interested in? What makes them tick?

Brainstorm key questions and concerns that visitors to your site may have. Then answer them in your copy -completely, clearly, and concisely.  Make sure you take care of any questions, concerns, or worries that may be running through your readers’ minds. Answer their questions, before they have a chance to ask - This turns a potential customer into a paying customer, every time!

Popularity: 35% [?]

Customers are all about procrastination.  As a copywriter, your job is to break through the delayed decision making and convince the customer that he or she must buy your product NOW! An appealing offer effectively creates a sense of urgency that breaks the procrastination barrier!

Quality copy makes an offer that is irresistible. This offer can be a low price that is time sensitive, or a limited time offer. This type of offer provides a deadline. Acting by the deadline allows the customer a perceived advantage over other customers - gaining access to the product at a lower price.

Another type of enticing offer is a limited quantity offer. This limits the quantity sold to a certain number of products, creating scarcity. If there are only a certain number sold, the customer cannot procrastinate, or they might miss out on their chance!

A third way to break the procrastination barrier, if there is no actual deadline or limited quantity, is to clearly show the customer the benefits of acting now, or the consequences of choosing not too. This helps them to see what they are gaining by making a quick decision.

Most purchases are impulse buys, so use your copywriting skills to appeal to your customers emotions. Break through the procrastination barrier, and convince them to ACT!

Popularity: 33% [?]