Stop Chasing Away Customers! Bad Copy Is Your Worst Enemy
September 29, 2005
Every day, more and more of us begin new online business ventures, hoping to make a better living or just a little extra on the side. And every day, more and more of us fail.
This may seem like a negative attitude, but unfortunately, it’s the truth. The Internet is a great place to do business, but finding real success is like finding a needle in a virtual haystack. So what’s the problem?
To be honest, the more I surf the Web, the more bad writing I see. I can’t tell you how many sites I’ve visited that feature boring, disorganized, or almost incoherent copy. And let’s face it: if your website can’t communicate your marketing message in an exciting, informative, and professional way, you’re not going to sell much.
If you think the way your website or other marketing materials read just isn’t that important, think again. When you’re trying to sell online, through the mail, or with email, written words are all you’ve got.
If you walked into an electronics store to buy a computer and found their salespeople unhelpful, uninterested, and untrustworthy, would you buy? Of course not. The same goes for your website or sales copy. If someone is reading your homepage and finds your writing sloppy, boring, or skimpy, they’re not going to buy from you.
First, make sure you have ENOUGH copy to explain your product or service. If there just isn’t enough content, people won’t have the information they need to make a decision. Skimpy or sparse sales copy will drive people away faster than anything else.
Next, be careful! When writing your sales copy or website, don’t just rush through to get it over with. A lot of people hate to write, but we’re talking about your only interaction with customers here. Even minor spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, or awkward sentences can add up to a gaping hole in your credibility–and your profits.
Third, get excited about what you’re selling! You don’t have to hype it up to the rafters, but you do need some enthusiasm. Your writing can be exciting and motivational without loosing its credibility. If you don’t get excited about your product, why should anyone else?
These are just the basics, but remember: the way your sales copy or website is written can literally make or break your chances for success. If you have a hard time finding the right words, can’t spell worth beans, or need a little help in the exciting department, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a friend, associate, or professional. When words are all you’ve got, you need to make them count!
Author Meredith Pond has been writing successful marketing copy since 2000. Web pages, sales letters, articles, press releases, ads, you name it! Don’t let your writing scare away potential clients! Good writing can save your business, and it’s more affordable than you think! See http://www.CheapWriting.com.
Looking for more information?
Here are a few more selections you may enjoy:
Watch Out! Copy Mistakes Are Sinking Your Site: No matter how well you write, or even if you have a professional writer create your web site copy, you're. . . (click title link to read more)Enough With the Upsells Already!: by Karon Thackston © 2005 http://www.learn-copywriting.com It happened twice during the same week. All I wanted to do was. . . (click title link to read more)
Headline Failure Equals Profit Failure: Arguably, it is often claimed by professional copywriters that the headline contributes 80% or more of the success of any. . . (click title link to read more)
The Most Important Aspect of Writing Web Copy: Copyright 2005 Gary Glasscock There is an ongoing debate about web copy. Some say that it should be similar to. . . (click title link to read more)
Top 3 Rules for Writing Effective Copy: One thing all successful Internet marketers have in common is that they're good copywriters. If you want to have a. . . (click title link to read more)
Web Copy – What You Should Know First: Copyright 2005 Gary Glasscock Just what is web copy? Some people think that web copy is anything that is written on. . . (click title link to read more)
Is Your Business Making These Mistakes When Customers Contact You?: In this marketing article I would like to discuss the importance of presenting your business in a professional manner when. . . (click title link to read more)
Limited Time Only (Shh! It’s A Secret): by Karon Thackston © 2005 http://www.copywritingcourse.com Under normal circumstances, you'd shout it from the rooftops. After all, when you have something. . . (click title link to read more)