3 Simple Steps to Get Your Reader to Say “YES”

Freelance copywriters everywhere have one goal – to get their reader to say “YES”.

After all, copywriting is all about selling.

So how do you get them to say that magic word?

Don’t assume anything – if you want something ask for it

After 16 years of marriage, I have learned that there is no point in being subtle. Leaving magazines open on strategic pages, casually mentioning you like the look of something when shopping simply doesn’t work.

Be direct – ask for what you want. Then there is no ambiguity and nothing is left to chance.

If you want someone to do something, tell them why

It is human nature to need to rationalise any decision we make.

Your sales copy may make your reader decide they want your product or service, but without rationalising a need for it, they won’t buy.

I always want shoes but I don’t always need them. However if I can convince myself that I need them because they will go with every outfit I have, or they’ll make me look substantially taller than my present 5ft 3 the want will turn into a ‘simply must have burning desire’.

If you want a “yes” decision now, use desire drivers

What on earth is a ‘desire driver’?

Simply put, it is a way to make your reader make a snap buying decision. Give people time and they will find enough reasons not to buy, you’ll never be able to change their mind. But limit your offer by time or number and they’ll be forced to buy there and then.

You see this all the time – ‘Sale ends 6pm tonight’, ‘for one day only…’,’offer only available to the first 15 customers’.

Simple but effective.

So there you go. To create effective copywriting all you have to do is ask for what you want, tell them why they need it, and finally limit the supply. QED.