The sales page is the hub of any online enterprise, be it a service business or an eBook reseller. No matter what you are selling, the power of persuasion can always keep your business going, and a great salesman (or saleswoman) is unlikely to ever find themselves short of business. However, the internet is full of poor sales pages, ridiculous copy and downright shameful marketing techniques. These five methods will help you boost your sales and avoid becoming the object or rolled eyes, clicked back buttons and online ridicule. Take out your pens, open your sales page documents, and get ready to optimize your sales page.
#1: Make your story personal.
For thousands of years, stories have been the most powerful persuasion principle. This is true not just in sales, but in history, politics and anthropology. Look at the most powerful maxims and stories of our time — each tells a life lesson, passes on a philosophy or markets a lifestyle. The reason they are so successful is the fact that they make their words personal. Design your copy to make your reader feel like they are part of the story and you will see your sales increase dramatically.
#2: Use the first person, but not always.
Everyone loves hearing about another person’s success, but few are content with seeing someone simply prattling off their achievements. You need to effectively balance first person information and ultra-objective factual information on your sales page to hook the most buyers. A good strategy is to build attention and interest with a first person story, then unload a list of benefits in a more pure, clear cut manner.
#3: Use bold fonts and new colors to guide the eyes.
Your sales page should be readable on two levels: its entirety, and just the bold sections. Sales pages are intuitively designed for skimming, and by strategically bolding content you can ensure that readers skim in the fashion that you dictate. Start by highlighting product benefits, then guide your readers through why they need your product. Finally, reinforce the success that is possible with your product and watch as your sales boom. Remember; bold for your highlights, and regular formatting for supporting text and explanation.
#4: Always incorporate pictures and video.
Pictures are a great credibility indicator, especially if they are backing up the story that you are telling. Whether you are advertising a home business kit or a cleaning guide, effective pictures will always increase your conversions and boost buyer confidence. Use content that is relevant to your product, incorporate them strategically into your design, and watch as people move down your sales page more enthusiastically, ready to buy.
#5: Always, ALWAYS, check your spelling.
It only takes one mistake to lose a customer, and spelling should never be that mistake. When you are hard selling online, your credibility is all you have got. Do not ever let it down by failing to proofread your page or edit your sales copy. ALWAYS run over your copy before you set your page up, and never let poor spelling or grammar compromise an otherwise great sales page.