How To Write A Sales Letter
Copywriting Tutorial: My 10-Step Writing Process
In this video, Alex shares her 10-step writing process for creating sales copy. She explains that the process involves both the left and right sides of the brain and requires going back and forth between steps. The 10 steps are: Create an Outline, Research & Brainstorm the Hook, Write the Hook, Finalize the Offer, Write the First Draft, Copy Editing, Write the Second Draft, Proofread, Complete the Final Draft, Submit Your Work.
Creating an Outline
- An outline is a skeleton or list of bullet points outlining the flow and sections of your sales offer.
- It should start with a headline and end with a Call-To-Action.
- Sub-bullets should include key points you want to make under each section.
- The outline will be different depending on what type of sales message you're writing (ad, landing page, sales page, video script, webinar or social post).
Researching & Brainstorming the Hook
- This step involves finding stories or evidence that support your hook.
- You'll want to research your product or service to find unique selling propositions (USPs).
- Use customer feedback to identify pain points and desires that can be addressed in your copy.
- Brainstorm different angles for your hook until you find one that resonates with your audience.
Writing The Hook
- The hook is usually the lead-in to your sales message.
- It should grab attention and create curiosity about what's coming next.
- Use emotional triggers like fear or desire to engage readers.
- Keep it short and sweet - no more than a few sentences.
Finalizing The Offer
- The offer is the main benefit or solution you're providing to your audience.
- Make sure it's clear, specific and relevant to your target market.
- Use bullet points to highlight the features and benefits of your offer.
- Include a sense of urgency or scarcity to encourage action.
Writing The First Draft
- This step involves putting all your ideas down on paper without worrying about perfection.
- Write as if you're having a conversation with your ideal customer.
- Use short sentences and simple language to make it easy to read.
- Don't worry about word count - just focus on getting everything out.
Copy Editing
- This step involves reviewing your first draft for clarity, flow, and grammar errors.
- Cut out any unnecessary words or phrases that don't add value.
- Check for consistency in tone and voice throughout the copy.
- Make sure each sentence leads logically into the next one.
Writing The Second Draft
- This step involves taking feedback from others (if applicable) and making revisions based on their suggestions.
- Focus on improving weak areas identified in the first draft review process
- Ensure that there is a logical flow between sections
- Add more detail where necessary
Proofreading
- This step involves checking for spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors.
- Read through slowly and carefully looking for mistakes
- Use spell check tools but don't rely solely on them
- Print out a hard copy of the document if possible
Completing The Final Draft
- In this step, you'll make final tweaks to ensure that everything is perfect before submitting it.
- Review all changes made during previous steps
- Ensure that there are no grammatical errors or typos
- Confirm that the copy is consistent with your brand voice and tone
Submitting Your Work
- This step involves delivering the final product to your team or client.
- Ensure that all necessary files are included
- Provide clear instructions on how to use the copy
- Follow up with the client to ensure they are satisfied with the work
Writing a Sales Message That Sells
In this section, the speaker explains how to write a sales message that sells. The process involves six steps.
Step 1: Identify the Direction
- Determine the direction of your sales message by identifying your target audience and what you want them to do.
- Use empathy to understand your ideal customer's pain points and desires.
Step 2: Research
- Conduct research on news stories, case studies, facts, legends, myths, quotes or anything that supports your hook.
- Compile all the information in one document.
Step 3: Write the Hook
- Brainstorm ideas for hooks using the research from step two.
- Write down everything that comes to mind without editing or worrying about punctuation.
- Focus on tapping into the emotions of your reader.
Step 4: Finalize Details of the Offer
- Introduce your product or service and stack up its value.
- Outline bonuses and note regular price and discount.
- Play up scarcity and explain why it exists.
- Provide access and order details with a call-to-action.
Step 5: Write The First Draft
- Combine rough drafts of hook and offer into one cohesive sales message.
- Finesse flow and pull out key ideas or concepts that could become headlines or introductions to new copy sections if writing a sales page.
Step 6: Copy Editing
- Find any obvious gaps or disconnects in copy such as irrelevant information that doesn't lend itself well to overall message or important information missing altogether.
Writing a Sales Message: 10 Steps to Follow
In this video, the speaker shares their 10-step process for writing a sales message. They cover everything from research and outlining to proofreading and submitting the final work.
Step 1: Research Your Target Market
- Identify your target market and research their pain points, desires, and objections.
- Use tools like surveys, forums, and social media to gather information about your target market.
- Analyze your competitors' messaging to see what's working in your industry.
Step 2: Create an Outline
- Organize your ideas into a logical flow that leads the reader towards taking action.
- Use subheadings to break up the copy into digestible chunks.
- Write down all of your ideas without worrying about structure or grammar.
Step 3: Write The First Draft
- Start with a strong headline that grabs attention and communicates value.
- Use short sentences and simple language to make it easy for readers to understand.
- Focus on benefits rather than features.
Step 4 - Add Social Proof
- Include testimonials from satisfied customers
- Use statistics or data that support your claims
- Mention any awards or recognition you've received
Step 5 - Address Objections
- Identify common objections your target market might have
- Address these objections in your copy to build trust and credibility
- Use language that shows empathy and understanding of their concerns
Step 6 - Add Urgency
- Create a sense of urgency by using limited-time offers or scarcity tactics.
- Use action-oriented language to encourage readers to take immediate action.
- Highlight the consequences of not taking action.
Step 7 - Write The Second Draft
- Finesse your sales message by using more interesting or descriptive words throughout your copy.
- Finalize the headlines, making sure they work in context with the rest of the message.
- Make sure the copy works in context, addressing any specific situations like video scripts or opt-ins.
Step 8 - Proofreading!
- Send your copy to someone else for proofreading as our minds will effortlessly fill in gaps when we read our own writing.
- Ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors that could make you look unprofessional.
Step 9 - Completing The Final Draft
- Give your sales message one last run-through and ensure it includes all components of a hot offer, like testimonials and guarantees.
- Include comments about how you envision your copy being displayed on the page, including design elements or imagery.
Step 10 - Submitting Your Final Work
- Send the final copy over to your team or client to implement.
- Use Google Docs in a separate document than your original for easy collaboration and feedback.
Overall, this video provides a comprehensive guide to writing a sales message that is effective and persuasive. The speaker emphasizes the importance of research, outlining, and proofreading throughout the process. By following these 10 steps, you can create a sales message that resonates with your target market and drives conversions.