Have you ever tried to write something for your business – like an about page or sales post – and drawn a blank or just hate the way it sounds?
Or you wrote an awesome post telling how great your product is and no one took you up on your offer?
I get it. Writing for your business can be hard. And it’s that much harder to write in a way that connects with your audience.
While I am by no means an expert, I have learned a ton about how to write in a way that people will pay attention.
So, today I want to share tips, tricks, and resources to help you write like a professional, connect with your audience, and sell more.
1. Write to 1 person.
Right now, as you’re reading these words, is someone looking over your shoulder reading along with you?
Is this blog post printed out and copied, so a small group can read it all together?
Probably not. My guess is just reading this by yourself.
So, when you’re writing copy – that can mean a Facebook post, a webpage, an opt-in page, a blog post, any type of writing for your business – write as if you’re writing to just one person.
2. Write as if you’re speaking to your best friend.
This isn’t corporate – you don’t need to be stuffy. Of course, check your spelling and grammar, but let your personality shine through.
We buy from those we know, like, and trust, so let people get to know you through your writing.
So, when you’re writing, imagine that you’re writing to your best friend. It’s a great way to let people connect with you while getting to know you.
This can also mean to write like you talk, just without as many ‘likes’ and ‘ums.’ And if you need to say it out loud first, record it and then transcribe it.
3. Put benefits first.
This is huge. People need to know how something benefits them.
You can have an amazing product, with awesome features, but if someone doesn’t know how that translates into benefits for them, chances are they aren’t going to buy.
4. Learn from the experts.
Become a student of copy. This doesn’t mean you have to take classes, but you can always take courses, and there’s a ton of info out there for free from experts.
Here are 3 of my favorites…
Nikki Elledge Brown – She is adorable and super helpful by putting your copy in terms of recipes and was my go-to for giving a model to create my About Page on my website.
Check her out here: http://nikkielledgebrown.com/
And listen to Amy Porterfield’s podcast interview with Nikki here: http://www.amyporterfield.com/2015/09/74-write-better-copy-quick-tips-for-more-confident-communication/
Laura Belgray of Talking Shrimp – When I first read Laura’s writing, it made me want to be her best friend. How’s that for some compelling copy?
Check her out here: http://talkingshrimp.com/ (Be sure to check out her 5 Secrets to Non-Sucky Copy. It’s So Good!)
Also, she and Marie Forleo put together a free class over at: http://thecopycure.com/
Ray Edwards – I’m fairly sure Ray gets paid insane amounts of money for his writing. And Amy Porterfield has interviewed him not once, but twice on her show, which means you know he’s good. Both episodes are packed full of actionable copywriting tips.
Check them out here: http://www.amyporterfield.com/2015/05/60-copywriting-tips/
And here: http://www.amyporterfield.com/2014/06/how-to-write-copy-that-sells/
Action Steps
- Use these tips the next time you’re writing something for your business.
- Learn from the experts mentioned above.
- Let me know what you think in my Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jennpossick
