Internet Writing

How to write a catchy headline

2007-08-19T21:01:00.000-07:00

Knowing how to write a catchy headline is an essential skill of a copywriter. You are competing for the attention of your market and you must stand out, hopefully this article will enable you to do so.

The content of your headline depends on several factors which are:

Audience
Do you have a rapport with the audience? If so, it may be advantageous to personalise the email.
Product / Service you are promoting
A professional product should be represented professionally. If your product is inexpensive, be sure to play on that within your headline
Writing format
The length of your headline will be a function of your format. Formats included are blog posts, articles, sales pages, reports, emails etc.

I'm of the opinion that the headline should reflect the content, however that is because this is what works within my market. If you browse over your spam emails you notice that a lot of them try to personalise to headline by incorporating your name in it. This is obviously something that works for that market. A professional product or service should be represented by an honest headline. You will lose and upset many people if your headline is misleading or irrelevant to the content. I've made a quick list of what I consider to be good and bad headline themes with respect to a professional product or service.

GOOD
Benefit headlines (eg Amazing new course shows you how to skyrocket your loan pipeline by 300% in 30 days! ).
Summary headlines (eg Scientists grow human ear on back of a mouse )
Question headlines (eg Is the Zune any better than the iPod?' )
Mention Keywords (eg Al Jazeera International chooses Apple Technology )

BAD
False promises
Irrelevant headline

OTHER
Shocking headlines (These can be good and bad. Use them wisely.)

Words that are used commonly in good headlines

Instant
Free
Guarantee
Easy
Superlatives (i.e. 'Easiest way' instead of 'a way')

You should test your headlines and find out what works best within your market. If you stumble upon a great headline, write it down and figure out why it was so good and incorporate that into your next headline.

How to create a pen name

2007-08-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

A pen name is a pseudonym adopted by an author for various reasons. It may be to replace a boring or uninteresting name, to create a new persona, or for some other reason. Creating a pen name can be as easy as combining two of your friends names or can be as complex as choosing masculine (or feminine) names depending on the intended use of the pen name.

The first step in creating a pen name is to think of a name. It can be a first and last name, or it may even include a middle name. There is an online random name generator at http://www.behindthename.com/random/ which will create a random first middle and last name for you.

Once you have settled on a name it is very important to Google search the name for several reasons. Firstly, you do not want to use a name that is already well established or famous. It may cause legal problems in the future. You also don't want a name that is associated with a murderer or some other criminal activities. Make sure you search for your pen name in quote, for example “pen name”. If you find that there arent many hits for your pen name, then its probably a good choice.

Thats it, you now have a pen name that is unique.

Examples of successful sales pages

2007-08-15T23:47:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for some inspiration for your next sales page? The best resource is existing, successful sales pages. You need to realise that the best pages out there are a result of testing and fine tuning many different sales pages. What works in one niche may not be the best tactic for another niche, however looking over some great sales pages will give you plenty of ideas. Here is a list of what are considered to be successful sales pages:

Notice that the really long sales pages are for highly priced products. See my article on long copy vs short copy on why this is the case. Try and find common elements (persuasive language, colour, video, font sizes) to these pages and think about how you can incorporate similar techniques in your sales page.

How to create a simple Ebook cover

2007-08-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

Its fair to say that if you want a really professional looking Ebook cover, that you should hire a professional cover designer to do it for you. However, if are somewhat familiar with Adobe Photoshop than you can create an effective Ebook cover with the help of a free action script. Basically, this script turns your 2d cover into a 3d book as seen in the image below.

This script is very simple to use. All you need to do is design the flat cover then load the script and press a button. The script comes with an easy to follow tutorial, both of which are completely free.

To get this script, visit This site and enter your name and email address and then the script will be available to you for download.

How to create a signature graphic

2007-08-15T16:57:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed how on most professional sales pages, letters or emails the author uses his/her actual handwritten signature at the bottom? Well in most cases, its not their actual signature and is usually computer generated. A lot of names that you encounter on the internet are alias' or pen names. There really isn't any need to give the entire world your actual name plus your actual signature.

There are several ways to create a signature graphic to use online. Just so we are clear by what I'm talking about, here is one that I created using a free online service:

Method 1 (see above signature graphic)
This is an online, automated process for creating a graphic. Its free too, however if you want an animated signature then you will have to pay. Here are the steps:

Go to MyLiveSignature ;
Click on "Dont want to register? Proceed" at the bottom of the page ;
Click on "Create new signature" ;
Click on "Use the signature creation wizard" ;
Enter your name ;
Choose a font then click "Next Step" ;
Select a size then click "Next Step" ;
Select a color then click "Next Step" ;
Set the slop then click "Next Step" ;
Click on "Want to use this signature" ;
Click on "Generate HTML Code" .

And thats it. Now you have the html code for a signature graphic.

Method 2:
This method you can do offline. Just open up Microsoft Word or whatever word processing program you use. Type in your name, choose a handwriting style font ( you can download handwriting fonts at Font Parade ) then choose a size and color. Take a screenshot (press print screen on your keyboard), then open up a graphics program and paste the screenshot into the program. Crop your signature from the screenshot, save it and there is your signature graphic.

Long sales copy v short copy

2007-08-14T16:46:00.000-07:00

Many people just starting to write sales pages or sales letters are unsure about what length to aim for. If they were to go out and read over several already written sales pages, the length between these pages would usually vary, making it hard for newcomers to set a limit or goal to reach for. I have developed the following tips to try to make it easier to decide on a general length.

Think like the customer that is going to be reading YOUR sales page. Consider their attention span and what information they want. Is your sales page boring and monotonous? Can you keep their attention for the whole page? If so, then write as much information as necessary while avoiding irrelevant ramblings.
Most customers will be parting with money, and feel like they need to perform some kind of research before they purchase. Having all the relevant information on the sales page enables this. Do not omit information just because you feel that the page is getting too long.
As there are both customers who like to read the entire copy and ones who will skim, making your main arguments or points early on will ensure that both types of customers are satisfied by your sales page.
Test the effectiveness of different lengths in YOUR market.

Remember, it doesn't need to be long or short. It needs to serve its purpose, which is to inform, gain the attention of the customer and convince them of your product.

20 great copywriting tips

2007-08-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

To help increase your sales, take a look at your copywriting and see if you can make improvements. Often small improvements can result in a much better conversion rate.

So go over these tips and see where you can use better language: revise, tweak, edit and otherwise improve your sales efforts.

1. Evaluate your copy. Evaluate repeatedly, over again, until you have it nicely polished, and ready to print. Ask a business contact to read it while in exchange, you read his or her copy.

2. Use shorter words for longer ones.

3. Insert facts, quotes and statistics where possible. These often have more impact than information.

4. Steer clear of witty or obscure phrasing. You want the reader to have clarity of understanding what you mean, rather than to keep them guessing. Say what you have to say in the simplest or most direct of terms. Be concise and to the point.

5. Use straightforward paragraphs and short sentences. Take care to state facts and real figures. Choose not to talk in percentages, but rather state real sums of money.

6. Focus on the advantages and benefits your client will receive from their purchase.

7. When copywriting, do not be overly concerned about the number of words you use while writing. Studies have shown that longer copy sells more products than short copy. Start with short copy, if you like, then add more pages, more depth to your communications.

8. When writing copy, make your words talk with the ease of presenting one-on-one; speak to the customer in their language. In other words, when you are sitting there trying to figure out what to say, just imagine you are sitting there talking to a trusted family member or friend about the product, this should put you right at ease.

9. Copy writing is much easier if you can visualize your audience and then just write to them.

10. Good copy has a sense of quality that is childlike because of its simplicity. Write so anyone can understand your copy and it will come across so much clearer.

11. Read and study the masterpieces of writing by famous advertising authors whose work has paved the path for you and other copywriters.

12. Test everything that comes to mind; write it out if it comes to in a flash or in a simple wave of clarity. Use the positive tested phrases in your copywriting.

13. Write and write, then re-write. Practice does make perfect.

14. Be open to refreshing concepts and ease them into your copywriting while not upsetting the flow of writing.

15. Employ the use of bullets or check lists while copywriting, do not be afraid to use plenty of bullets or check lists.

16. Remember use of FREE, NEW, SECRET, GUARANTEE, PROFIT and YOU are all eye catchers. Heat up your copy with words that reach and grab the reader's attention.

17. You have to place a call to action in your copy to motivate the customer to act, if the customer is not drawn to act on your call, sales may be lost.

18. Gather up some testimonials for use in copywriting. Studies have proven that testimonials grab more reader attention than any other factors combined. Testimonials set the stage for credibility.

19. Always remember in copywriting that you've got almost as much pull with the ending P.S. message for sales attraction as you do with coming up with a killer headline. Your P.S. copy should sum everything up nicely so readers are immediately drawn to answering your call for action.

20. Know your product.

So give your copy a good inspection and make improvements where you can. Then put your best sales copy foot forward and get back out there and sell!

For more information and help with your copywriting, contact Moving Ahead Communications. Sign up for their free newsletter, “Moving Ahead Weekly Ezine: Helping You Advance with Business Support Service Info," at: http://movingaheadcommunications.com & check out their online service center at: http://www.ohiohelpgroup.com 24/7.

Where to get paid for original content

2007-08-13T23:18:00.000-07:00

Simply put, original content is a how to, article, tip or book (or anything similar) that you have authored. There are websites out there that will pay you for this content. The following is a list of these sites with a link to their FAQ.

It is hard for me too list how much you can earn per site, as it is highly variable, so I wont go into how much you can make per piece.

Life Tips
Visit the FAQ of their site here for all payment and requirement information.

Constant Content
Visit the FAQ of their site here for all payment and requirement information.

Associated Content
Visit the FAQ of their site here for all payment and requirement information.

Shvoong
Visit the FAQ of their site here for all payment and requirement information.

Helium

Where to get paid for blogging

2007-08-13T02:15:00.000-07:00

Getting 'paid to blog' basically involves you, the blogger, posting a review of a website or product in return for payment.

The following list will be updated as required, so if you find or know of a 'get paid to blog' service to add to this list, mention it in a comment. Ive tried to add as much information on each of the different sites as I could.

LoudLaunch
Minimum Requirements: Blog must be in English, more than 2 months old, author must have paypal account and be over 18.
Payment Method: Paypal
Payment Schedule: within 5 days of the 1st of each month for all approved posts placed between the 1st and 20th of the prior month.

Bloggerwave
Minimum Requirements: None
Payment Method: Paypal
Payment Schedule: ?

Payu2blog
Minimum Requirements: Doesn't mention specific requirements, but there are requirements.
Payment Method: Paypal
Payment Schedule: Paid every 2 weeks

Smorty
Minimum Requirements: Blog must be indexed by Google and Yahoo, older than 3 months, no violent or adult material, must be active with minimum of 2 posts per week
Payment Method: Paypal
Payment Schedule: Weekly

ReviewMe
Minimum Requirements: Doesn't mention specific requirements, but there are requirements.
Payment Method: ?
Payment Schedule: Monthly

InBlogAds
Minimum Requirements: Doesn't mention specific requirements, but there are requirements.
Payment Method: Paypal
Payment Schedule: Monthly

Blogsvertise
Minimum Requirements: Lots. View specific list here
Payment Method: Paypal
Payment Schedule: 30 days after assigned task is approved

PayPerPost
Minimum Requirements: Doesn't mention specific requirements, but there are requirements.
Payment Method: Paypal
Payment Schedule: ?

Blogging Ads
Minimum Requirements: Your blog must be in cached in Google's database. Does not accept blogs with questionable content including, but not limited to adult or hate-filled content. Blog must be at least 3 months old and have a steady history of posts being made throughout.
Payment Method: Paypal
Payment Schedule: ?

Sponsered Reviews
Minimum Requirements: Doesn't mention specific requirements, but there are requirements.
Payment Method: Paypal
Payment Schedule: Every 2 weeks

Contextual Links @ V7N
Minimum Requirements: Doesn't mention specific requirements, but there are requirements.
Payment Method: Paypal
Payment Schedule: ?

LinkWorth
Minimum Requirements: Doesn't mention specific requirements, but there are requirements.
Payment Method: Direct Deposit (US Only), Bank Wire Transfer (International Only), Paypal transfer or a mailed business check
Payment Schedule: Monthly

Blog To Profit
Minimum Requirements: Doesn't mention specific requirements, but there are requirements.
Payment Method: Paypal
Payment Schedule: ?

Buy a Blogger
Minimum Requirements: ?
Payment Method: ?
Payment Schedule: ?