Thursday, November 22, 2007

13 Steps to a "slippery Slope" Online Sales Letter

But here's the problem: I see many of them trying to sell their e-book, tutorial, etc. on a regular Web page. They list a paragraph about the info-product and give the price, and they expect a slew of sales.


Wrong.


You need a special sales page that has a "slippery slope" sales letter.


Remember that game Chutes & Ladders? If you landed on a space that had a chute on it, you just went down, Baby. No turning back. That's how your sales letter should be - a "slippery slope" that pulls in the reader because it's so compelling and interesting.


Here's a basic outline of the 13 elements you want to include. To see an example of them all in action, visit MY own sales page at www.bloggergenerator.com.


1. Limit your navigation.


The visitor should not be distracted by links that take her to your bio, other products, etc. The idea is to keep her on this page, reading your copy and leading her to order. So on this page, only have navigation that relates to the product (e.g. FAQs, Order now).


2. Give a powerful headline.


Your headline can make or break your sales. If it's not compelling, your visitor will click away. Here's an easy headline formula: "How to _________ So You Can ____________." Make sure the 2nd part gives a big benefit, for example, "double your business" or "gain peace of mind."


3. Discuss the problem the prospect has, or incorporate your own story.


Marketers call this "pushing the 'ouch' button." First discuss the problem or pain that the reader has, and then lead in to how your product will solve it. Or share your own failure-to-success story that the reader can empathize with.


4. Tell us who you are.


If I'm going to buy your stuff, I'd like to know why you're qualified to write about this topic. Give me the feeling that you've learned a lot about this topic and want to share it with me.


Even add a picture of yourself and an audio greeting, like I did. These help the reader instantly feel like she knows you better, increasing the "trust factor." And people buy from those they feel they know, like, and trust!


5. Use bullets like mini headlines.


Lay out everything I'll get from your product. Don't just list your table of contents verbatim! Turn each point into an exciting secret. For example, suppose your e-book features 5 tips on how to save money on groceries. That bullet could read, "Revealed: 5 ways you can save hundreds of dollars on your monthly grocery bill."


6. List plenty of testimonials.


Show your prospects they won't be the first to buy. It's more effective to weave-in testimonials throughout your sales letter than to have a separate section for them. Give each person's full name and Web address, and for extra power, post their photo and an audio testimonial as well.


7. Tell us why your product is such a great value.


How does the price of your product compare if I hired you one-on-one? For example, your manual is a great value at $49 if an hour consultation with you would run me $250.


8. Throw in a few great bonuses.


Offer special bonuses (preferably created by you) that are so good you could sell them alone if you wanted to. It could be a list of resources, a collection of articles, extra tips on a certain subject, or a free consu1tation.


9. Give an unconditional guarantee.


This puts your prospect at ease, giving her no reason to NOT buy. A few turkeys will take advantage of your generosity, but the amount of sales you GAIN from this strategy dramatically outweighs the risk.


10. Request immediate action by having a limited time offer just click online newsletter service.


Some sales pages use trick scripts to make it seem like the offer always ends on that day at midnight, but I find these insulting. If you really will be raising your price soon (and you always should be), list the exact date and stick to it. Otherwise just say it's an introductory, limited-time offer.


11. Make it ABSURDLY CLEAR what to do next.


Nothing bothers me more than when I'm at a Web site, I have my credit card ready, and I can't find the $%#@& order link! Make your order process idiot-proof. Example: "Cl1ck below to 0rder n0w on our secure server." Also sprinkle in order links throughout your page -- some people will be ready to buy before they get to the bottom.


12. Make one last plea.


In your P.S., right after your signature, emphasize that I should act now. For example, "Don't miss out on this great 0pportunity. Remember, you can buy n0w and change your mind at anytime."


13. Don't forget your contact information!


Readers WILL have questions, so provide an e-mail address on your site that you or someone else will check at least daily. Also, don't you feel better buying from a Web site that lists a real address and phone number?


Want More Detailed Step-by-Step Help, With Examples You Can Model?


See my quick-start audio program, "The Secret, Simple Formula to Writing Web Copy That SELLS".

Why Publish a Network Marketing Newsletter?

Many times when people think of publishing a network marketing newsletter for their network marketing business, they get intimidated for several reasons. In this article we will look at why you should publish such a newsletter and help get rid of any fear you have about publishing one.


First of all publishing a newsletter of your own and centering it around the theme of network marketing is a great way to generate new leads. A network marketing lead is a precious commodity and you can never have too many of them. Using your newsletter is an excellent way to attract people who might be interested in your business and helping to learn about network marketing newsletter publications.


So now that we have established some reasons why you would want to create a newsletter, let's talk about how you do it. The best way is to use an automatic email responder system, or Autoresponder to help send out your information.


An Autoresponder allows you to store data that you wish to send along with contact information and email them “automatically” without having to manually get involved for every transmission (sometimes at the click of a single button). It is pretty much a hands off process however you may choose to do it. A person fills out a short form online and submits it to the Autoresponder itself. They are sent a confirmation email link in which to verify their registration. Once they are confirmed you have a double opt in lead that is saying they agree to hear from you. This alone makes your contact database much stronger and well received for future mails.


You can quickly see the benefit of having as many of these subscribers as possible. With a network marketing newsletter the fortune has always been in the follow-up and an Autoresponder makes it easy to contact thousands of people at one time and has an appeal of personal “high touch” affect for you.


The larger your list the more potential new distributors you may reach through this method. They may not be ready today but how about six months or one year from now. You will always be able to stay in front of them using your network marketing newsletter to provide valuable tips and keep yourself in the forefront of your prospects mind.


This form of soft selling is much better than cold calling and badgering family and friends. This is a very non-threatening way to recruit because you are never actually “recruiting” but rather “informing” your prospects and giving them the intelligent content in which to base their decision.


All you are doing is providing tips and training via an email newsletter. You can find all kinds of information that you can use for free all over the Internet. Plugging it into your Autoresponder is as easy as typing, copying and pasting. After you do it a few times it will become second nature to you.


You can expect to pay approximately $20 a month for most any reliable Autoresponder service. Using it for your network marketing newsletter is a great way to build your business today and in the future. Most are quite user friendly and you can begin distribution right away.

Get More Sales With These 5 Proven Headlines

It's important to realize that headlines work best when they appeal to your reader's interests (not yours). And not only can they *grab attention*, they can also make your message easy to read, convey your main selling points, and lead your customer to a sale.


Over the years copywriting pros have used several headline formulas that always work well. Here are my fab five:


1. The Question: "Are You Worried About Your Financial Future?"


A question headline automatically gets your readers involved in your message, because they answer it in their minds. Many people will read further into your letter, ad, or Web site copy just to find out what answer or solution you provide. Again, make sure the question focuses on the reader's interest, not yours. A bad example would be: "Do You Know What New Product We've Created This Year?" (No one cares but you!)


2. The How-to: "How to Get Thinner Thighs in 30 Days."


How-to headlines work very well, because people love information that shows them how to do something. (Thousands of book titles begin with "How to....") Think of the benefits your product/service offers and then try creating some "how to" headlines online magazine tips.


3. The Testimonial: "Jane Smith's Consulting Is Pure Magic -- Our Sales Have Increased by 30%!"


Why not let your clients do the selling for you? Their commendations can go a long way in convincing others to use your services. Tip: To appear credible, always include your clients' full names and the cities they live in.


4. The Command: "Boost Your Business Today!"


Turn your most important benefit into a commanding headline, such as "Make More Time for Your Family," "Look Younger Instantly!" and "Get 7 New Clients This Month." (By the way, throwing a number into your headline is another good tactic. And readers seem to like odd numbers as opposed to even.)


5. The News: "Introducing Our New 'Rest-Assured' Tax Service!"


Caution: This only works if you truly have something big to announce that is of interest to the reader. (Something that will make her life or business better.) Don't try to make news out of something that's not.


Once your readers know you have something they're interested in, they'll take the time to read your entire article, brochure, letter, ad, e-zine, or Web page. So put some TLC into creating headlines that entice!