How to Write Great Sales Copy Articles | Writing

By: Matthew Hick

Not everyone can be a good salesman. This holds true for the sales writer. Being able to churn out great sales copy takes a special knack for persuasion that some people have – and some people don’t. If you’re one of the lucky ones that convince anyone anything, then this just might be the genre for you!

Writing fantastic sales copy that can turn a would-be consumer into a bona fide customer requires a few basic character traits:

The Ability to Persuade
You know the type; they can make anyone believe that the sky is bright purple! This character-type has a unique way of convincing people that they’re way is the only way without the other person even realizing it. This gent is personable; inventive and has excellent communication skills. It’s a special writer who can pull all of these character traits together to create fantastic sales copy that inspires everyone who reads it to head out and buy the product or service they are hawking.

The Ability Make Anything Sound Good
You can’t sell something (or someone) that you don’t believe in – or can you? Not every salesman uses (or even likes) the products and services they sell, but their customers would never know it. A great sales writer has the ability to make everything they are writing about sound like a must-have item that the reader can’t live without.

The Ability to Make People Feel Like They NEED What You’re Selling
Who needs a snowboard in the middle of a dessert? No one, but a great sales copywriter may find a way to convince the dessert nomads to buy one anyway. Well, that may be an exaggeration, but you get the point. Good sales writers need to find a way to make their reader feel like they have to have the service or product they are touting for a better life; more riches; or abundant popularity.

The Ability to Be Creative without Being Corny
Sales copy writing is unlike any other type of writing. It requires being creative – without appearing corny. You must be able to find unique and interesting ways to capture your audience’s attention without turning them off at the same time. It can be a fine line that many writer’s step over. Just check out a few Super Bowl commercials to see how.

The Ability to Work with A Team
While most writing jobs require the writer to work independently, sales copy writers often must work in closely knit sales or marketing teams to develop a strategy; and incorporate it into an entire campaign. They must also work with illustrators, actors and voice over specialists to make their writing come alive. This can’t be accomplished in a vacuum by a writer unwilling to “work well with others.”