Archive for the ‘Meet The Readers’ Category

Sales letters are a very effective way to get your message out. Whether you are sending out a direct letter or using email as your distribution strategy, to make your sales letter fabulous, you need to get your creative juices flowing and write something powerful that people will want to read. You must be compelling, conversational, and creative. Here are five tried and true methods for writing fabulous sales letters. Give them a try and watch your results soar.

1. The Big Question
The big question sets the stage for an answer. In your headline or in your opening paragraph, you should open up with a big and (sometimes) provocative question that gets the reader thinking and searching for those same answers. This will compel the reader to continue on in search of the answer. For example, “Have you ever wondered if there was something more to life? If I told you I had a program guaranteed to show you how to reach your goals, would you be interested?” Basic psychology tells us that when you ask a question, people will immediately try to find the answer. This creates an immediate connection with your reader and leads them to your answer – your product or service.

2. Storytelling
One of the best sales secrets out there is storytelling. When writing your sales letters, try to lead with a story that your reader can relate to. For example, when I started my business, I had no idea how to attract new clients. I was not a marketing person and wanted nothing to do with it, but I knew it was a critical element to my business. Then I purchased “Marketing 101” and instantly, my fears disappeared. I gained instant peace of mind, attracted new clients and watched my profits soar. The goal is to write a story that the readers want to hear- one that relates to their situation and creates empathy.

3. Free Offer
People love certain words and free is one of them. Offer your readers something free right up front and they will feel compelled to continue reading out of obligation. Although your offer is free, it is understood that you are offering it in exchange for them reading your letter. For example, on my own website, “Would you like a free 5 part miniseries on entrepreneurism? Then just go to www.kelliedandrea.com.”

4. Personal Testimonial
Another good technique is to connect right away with a personal testimonial from somebody your reader knows. For example, your friend James recommended we contact you because he thought our product would be helpful to you to reach your goals. If you operate a referral program, this is extremely easy. Just be sure to capture the names and the connections and once the reader sees the name of someone they know, the letter makes a strong personal connection.

5. Problem Identifier
Fear is a powerful emotion and the advertising industry has been using this as a powerful marketing tool for years. By creating a sales message that produces a fear in your readers, they will be more compelled to continue reading in hopes of finding a solution to that fear. For example, “Did you know that home values have dropped by 72%? Where is your security?” If you are in the financial services business, this may be an effective way to create fear and motivate your reader to purchase your products.

The overall objective to a sales letter is to “hook” your reader to take action. You have less than 3 seconds to grab their attention and less than 30 seconds after that for them to decide whether they will read, skim or dispose of your letter. You must take every action possible in order to keep your readers interested and these 5 methods are excellent was to do so.

©Kellie D’Andrea & Associates

1. Tell me about yourself and your background?

My name is Terri Stanganelli. I grew up in upstate New York with my Mom and three younger sisters.  If you’ve lived in Florida for more than 20 years you’re considered a native. That would be me.  I enjoy Sundays at the beaches and sunshine all year long with my husband Tony and our 9 yr old son, Patrick.  My background is in the hotel industry.. I’ve held various hotel administrative positions in catering, food and beverage and  accounting. I currently provide services to a large independent hotel company where I’m involved in insurance and telecommunications management.

1. Tell me about your business?

Simply, with Send Out Cards we have a SYSTEM which stands for “Save Yourself Significant Time Energy and Money”.  Our system allows you to send a REAL card in a REAL envelope to someone you care about in less than 60 seconds.

You log on to your system, pick a card, create your message in your own handwriting, add a photo or gift if you like and click the SEND button. We print it, stuff it, stamp it and take it to the post office for you.  Send 1 or 500 cards.  With our birthday and anniversary reminder, you’ll never forget a special occasion again.  How about those holiday cards with photos of the family?  Tell your annual story and share it nationwide.

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