How to write online listings that encourage sales
When you’re scaling your marketing tactics, one of the key areas to focus on is conversions on online sales.
Over the past decade we’ve seen a huge boom in online shopping. And, with more customers and opportunities also comes more competition. So increasing your online presence and nailing down your presentation is crucial if you want to stand out from competitors and take your business to the next level.
To increase your sales you’ll need to write online listings that are powerful and use wording that engages consumers. Your sales copy should present your products in such a way that is concise and easy on the eyes, yet covers any concerns or questions your customers may have.
The best way to achieve effective listings is to use language that’s persuasive and convinces people to keep reading.
Here are the best tips for writing eye-catching copy in your sales listings.
It’s all about psychology and persuasion
Here’s how to use psychology to persuade people to buy your products or services:
- Use buyers’ emotions – Create sentimental ties with consumers whenever possible. You can do this by adding text that conveys certain emotions or using a bit of color in your listing that evokes a feeling. For example, by using yellow to evoke happiness. Of course, you’ll want to stay on brand, so text is the best way to go if you don’t have the option of a fitting color.
- Provide all the facts – Consumers make buying decisions based on emotions – then they justify their decision with facts and information about your product. Back up any claims with reviews and facts.
- Talk about benefits – Address the concerns and needs of your customers. And talk about the benefits of buying what you’re selling.
- Price it right – Even with great text and using all the right words, price matters. Don’t make price the feature of your listing but use a colored font or background to subtly highlight any good deals or promotional sales.
Listing techniques that work
Small businesses need to compete with other businesses that are all trying to grow to the next level just as you are. You’ll have a competitive advantage if you create listings that are unique and inspiring.
Here’s how to create listings that work:
- Schedule posts – Post when your audience is most active online. You’ll reach more consumers who can engage with your listing. For most people, this means posting in the evening after work or on weekends when they have more time.
- Write compelling headlines/titles – The headline is the first thing buyers see when they land on your listing. If the headline is dull and boring, or too long, people will move on to find a more appealing title.
- Describe what you’re selling – In the world of online sales, description matters. Describe your products or services in 160 or more characters, being creative by using adjectives that are powerful and flattering.
- Use images – High-quality images of your products go a long way in making a sale. In fact, 92.6% of consumers make buying decisions based on visuals.
- Add relevant video – Video is just as effective as images, making buyers feel more confident when buying.
Use attractive and appealing design
Make your sales copy and text image overlay readable with font and design that’s appealing. If your customers can’t easily read your listing, they’re not likely to stick around.
Create readable design by:
- Choosing modern, clean font such as Verdana and Arial.
- Use a larger font for headlines – 16 to 20 pt. is ideal.
- Make effective use of white space.
- Keep it professional.
Unengaging and run-of-the-mill text and tactics will keep people from being interested in your listings. As a small business or entrepreneur, you need people to fall in love with your business, not just what you’re selling. Without this online exposure and engagement, your competition can gain an edge.
Use the listing tips here and see some additional inspiration in the infographic below to come up with creative new ways to get your customer’s attention and boost your sales.
Photo by Christin Hume
