Loading ...No matter what type of business you're in, you've probably faced the challenge of trying to sell your products and services online. Maybe you had a brief description and hoped the picture would sell itself. Or maybe you went a little further, listing a few paragraphs, the price, and a few testimonials.
If you're not getting the response you were expecting, it might be time try something new. And a VERY effective tool to sell online is to create a special sales page w/ a "slippery slope" sales letter.
Remember that game Chutes & Ladders? If you landed on a space that had a chute on it, you just went down. No turning back. That's how your sales letter should be -- a "slippery slope" that pulls in the reader because it's so compelling and interesting.
Here's a basic outline of the 13 elements you want to include in your sales letter.
1. Limit your navigation.
Your web visitors should not be distracted by links that take her to your bio, other products, etc. The idea is to keep her on this page, reading your copy, focused, and inviting her to order.
2. Give a powerful headline.
Your headline can make or break your sales. If it's not compelling, your visitor will click away. Here's an easy headline formula: "How to _________ so you can ____________." Make sure the second part gives a big benefit, for example, "double your business" or "gain peace of mind."
3. Discuss the problem the prospect has, or incorporate your own story.
Marketers call this "pushing the 'ouch' button." First discuss the problem or pain that the reader has, and then lead in to how your product will solve it. Or share your own failure-to-success story that the reader can empathize with.
4. Tell us who you are.
If I'm going to buy your stuff, I'd like to know why you're qualified to sell what you're selling. Give me the feeling that you've learned a lot about this topic and want to share it with me.
Add a picture, video, or audio message to help the reader instantly feel like she knows you better, increasing the "trust factor." And people buy from those they feel they know, like, and trust!
5. Use bullets like mini headlines.
Lay out everything I'll get from your product. Don't just list your table of contents verbatim! Turn each point into an exciting secret. For example, suppose your e-book features five tips on how to save money on groceries. That bullet could read, "Revealed: 5 ways you can save hundreds of dollars on your monthly grocery bill."
6. List plenty of testimonials.
Show your prospects they won't be the first to buy. It's more effective to weave-in testimonials throughout your sales letter than to have a separate section for them. Give each person's full name and Web address, and for extra power, post their photo, and an audio or video testimonial as well.
7. Tell us why your product is such a great value.
How does the price of your product compare if I hired you one-on-one? For example, your manual is a great value at $49 if an hour consultation with you would run me $250.
8. Throw in a few great bonuses.
Offer special bonuses (preferably created by you) that are so good you could sell them alone if you wanted to. It could be a list of resources, a collection of articles, a complimentary product, extra tips on a certain subject, or a free consultation.
9. Give a guarantee.
This puts your prospect at ease, giving her no reason to NOT buy. The amount of sales you GAIN from this strategy dramatically outweighs the risk. What, and how, and how long you guarantee can depend on many factors.
10. Request immediate action by having a limited time offer.
Some sales pages use trick scripts to make it seem like the offer always ends on that day at midnight, but I find these insulting. If you really will be raising your price soon (and you always should be), list the exact date and stick to it. Otherwise just say it's an introductory, limited-time offer.
11. Make it ABSURDLY CLEAR what to do next.
Nothing bothers me more than when I'm at a Web site, I have my credit card ready, and I can't find the order link! Make your order process idiot-proof. Example: "Click below to order now." Also, you may even sprinkle in order links throughout your page--some people will be ready to buy before they get to the bottom.
12. Make one last plea.
In your P.S., right after your signature, emphasize that I should act now. For example, "Don't miss out on this great opportunity. Remember, you can buy now and change your mind at anytime."
13. Don't forget your contact information!
Readers WILL have questions, so provide an e-mail address on your site that you or someone else will check at least daily. Also, don't you feel better buying from a Web site that lists a real address and phone number?
Your sales page is just one component of a successful, revenue-generating website. And if you'd like to learn how to transform EVERY page of your website into a fully functioning SALES machine, then don't miss my "24-7 Web Sales" program!
About the Author
Ali Brown is the voice for women's entrepreneurial success.
As founder and CEO of Ali International, she has created a dynamic multimillion-dollar enterprise that is devoted to empowering women entrepreneurs around the world and was ranked in 2009's Inc. 500 list of fastest growing private companies in the nation. Since launching her first venture in her tiny NYC studio apartment in 1999-and at one point with less than $20 in her bank account -- she has built a following of over 50,000 members in her online and offline programs.
Ali has been featured as an expert in the New York Post, Investor's Business Daily, and on TV including Fox Business Network, ABC News Now, E!, and morning shows around the country. She was named one of 2010's Enterprising Women of the Year, one of Ernst & Young's Winning Women for 2010, and a winner of the Step Up Women's Network Commitment to Philanthropy award.
Ali is also a regular contributor to Forbes.com and was recently named "The Entrepreneurial Guru for Women" by Business News Daily. Ali was also featured on the season finale of ABC's hit primetime show, Secret Millionaire.