Golden Rules of Copywriting

Let's face it. By the end of the day, your copywriting skill is judged by how much "return" it has generated. Whoever hires you does so because he/she wants to achieve something through your skill. Many a time, especially if you are more artistically inclined, you won't like what you've written, but if it works for your client without harming anybody else, that's called a good copy. Only a well-written copy can turn a partially interested reader into an enamored customer or an endorser.

==> Keep It Simple <==

Good copy uses simple words to make a great impact. The greatest things ever spoken were all made of simple words. Whatever you write, keep it simple. The last thing one expects of a sales promotion message is confusion. If you let your hair lose, unleash your wild stallions of creativity, and write something that can only be understood amidst the upper echelons of the intellectuals, you may create a literary masterpiece, but not a sales copy for which your client plans to pay you.

Always speak the language of your listener (unless you can induce them to learn your language).

==> Cut To The Chase <==

It is somewhat similar to keeping simple, but what I mean here is, don't prevaricate when you want to say something specific. Come to the point in the first sentence itself so that the reader can make out as soon as possible what lies ahead and decide accordingly whether he/she wants to read.

Always keep in mind your audience constitutes of people who don't have much time to read. If you have something to tell them, something that is useful to them, just say so and be done with it.

==> Indulge In Conversation <==

"Cutting to the chase," is not tantamount to being so drab and straightforward that your message looks more of a command and less of a request. Strike a conversational tone. Use words, tone, and phrases as if you are talking to the reader, and he/she is the only person you are talking to at that time.

A conversational message puts your reader at ease and prompts him/her to read further.

==> Study Your Market <==

You can write much better if you know for whom you are writing. It is like doing a research on the company before going to an interview for a job there. If you know there nuances and habits, you can tailor your message for maximum impact.

==> Make Your Message Customer-Centric <==

As I mentioned above, "talk to the customer." Use as many "I's, me's and you's" instead of "we and us." Avoid going on your own trip and talk on-and-on about the company or the service. Tell the reader how he/she benefits instead of what a great offer is being made to him/her.

A good copywriting will identify the features of a product or service and write about the benefits.

==> Be Perceptive <==

To be able to write well for a product or service, you need to know it; may be not inside out, but you should have a fair idea about it. The more you know about what you are trying to promote, the better you can convey your message.

You should always be open to learning new concepts and changing the older ones. Sometimes, you need to understand your client's business more than your client does.

==> Sincerity Gives You Strength <==

Sincerity gives you an inexplicable high. You confidence level increases. Your creativity begins to flow like a feral stream of water. Always take up assignments that are in no way detrimental to the well-being of your audience. Never promote shams and rackets no matter how talented you are when it comes to fabricating grand messages.

==> Avoid Superlatives <==

You must have come across claims like, "Be a millionaire in a few weeks by using our marketing formula!" or "The greatest phenomenal product ever to hit the market!" and so on. These claims, as they are rampant on the Net, can easily put-off your readers even if you are telling the truth. Always make realistic claims because they sound closer to the real world.

About the Author

Amrit Hallan
Bytesworth Internet Marketing Solutions

info@bytesworth.com
http://www.bytesworth.com