A sales letter is one of the most common forms of direct marketing. Writing an effective marketing sales letter one isn’t easy, yet you know the results could mean increased sales, impassioned customers and higher visibility. Many companies hire direct-marketing professionals to create their mailings, but you can write your own by following these tips.
Headlines: Write for the Heart, Not the Head
Most recipients will scan your letter rather than read it word for word. Cater to this reading style by using bold headlines throughout the copy. These statements should have an emotional impact that addresses the prospects’ near-term goals, fears or questions. For more inspiration, borrow some of the time-tested tips revealed in “Steal These Headlines.”
Copywriting: Write to Combat ADHD
You have about 2.5 seconds to make your reader want to read your promotion. Capture their attention by addressing a problem, issue or trend they may be facing.
An effective sales letter often begins with a question or statement that addresses their needs directly. Once you have their attention, you can tell them how your company can solve their problems with your products or services.
Call to Action: Write to Get a Response
Once you have their attention, you need to prompt them to take action. A good direct-mail letter has multiple calls to action and ways to contact your company. Although you can wait until the end of your letter in a printed promotion, you should pepper an online promotion with calls to action early and often. Your goal is to qualify leads and generate interest.
One effective strategy is to implement the “law of reciprocity.” Give them something of value, such as discounts in the form of a price offer or knowledge in the form of a white paper, in return for their response. Learn to write white papers that sell by reading, “Make Marketing Content Count: Best Practices for Better White Papers & Case Studies.”
