![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
Have you ever wondered why your perfectly fine classified ad fails to attract the attention you desire? There should be dozens-no, hundreds-of perspective buyers swamping your e-mail inbox with offers. After all, you are offering a mint baseball card, a vintage coat, pristine used car, those wholesale-priced sporting goods, and whatever other attractive items are in your inventory. Instead, you only have a slow trickle of questions, a handful of sales. What gives? More than likely, your sales are slow because you have not mastered the three techniques of writing a classic classified ad.
Of course, give yourself credit for recognizing one important facet of today's selling world. You decided to sell your stuff at an online classified site. As anybody in the business knows, online classified ads get you more privacy, a broader selection of buyers, and a wealth of tools to help you keep tabs on your transactions. When compared to a newspaper, cyberspace is also a wee bit more spacious. There are billions of pages on the Web, and only a few dozen in your typical neighborhood rag. For you, that means a lot more space for your ad to say the least.
With that space, however, comes great responsibility-and great potential. The extra room gives you the freedom to include as much product description and sale copy as you want. You can't just slap together a whole bunch of information, though. You need to use the three special ad writing techniques that will attract buyers and seal the deal: attention, interest, and action.
Attention. Make sure the buyer stops at your ad instead of the thousands upon thousands of others out there in cyberspace. Your ad's title is the first lure to grab his or her attention, and the first component of a catchy title is the item's best feature, whether it's the price, the item's rarity, or its popularity. Next, be sure the title includes keywords or other synonyms for your item that a buyer might use in a search. For instance, a buyer could search for "automobile" instead of "car," "pullover" instead of "sweater."
Interest. Once you have the buyer's attention, hook them with details. There is a direct relationship between the amount of information you provide and the number of sales you'll make. So describe the item as completely as possible-size, color, material, designer, model-and provide a clear, digital photo to finish the job where your words leave off. Even offer your prospective customer the item's history if possible.
Also, try to list as many possible benefits that your sales item could offer the buyer. Come up with some that the buyer probably wouldn't think of on his or her own. And zone in on specific benefits. Use what you already know about your target. For instance, if you were selling a car, you know that whoever is looking at your ad is in need of a vehicle. If your car is compact, perhaps the buyer is in search of great gas mileage. Or perhaps it's power he or she wants if your car is a sports model.
Action. Finish your ad strongly. Don't just suggest to the buyer that you offer a great deal. Tell them it's a fantastic offer that they can't pass up. Use phrases like "Call me now before someone else does" or "Buy now, this opportunity won't last long." Be cordial while you're pressing the issue, of course. Thank them for reading your ad and make sure they know you appreciate their business.
Most importantly, your customers will also value your honesty throughout the whole ad. So whether it's the attention, interest, or action you're shooting for, never lie or exaggerate. Go so far to include any defects if your product is not in mint shape. Your honesty will build trust, and trust above all else makes an ad work. What's more, it makes for repeat customers.
Remember, if you use all three of these elements-or four if you include honesty. When you're finished with it, it should read something like the two examples below.
Example 1:
Discover the beauty of a Forest Hill Home
2500 sq. ft. home, 4 bedroom, 3 baths, double garage, upgraded kitchen, 12 ft. ceilings
This open concept house is situated in a historical landmark district of Rhode Island. It's a wonderful neighborhood to raise your family, with nearby schools and amenities.
(Insert your image or photo here.)
Call for an on-site appointment. Thanks for looking!
Example 2:
Looking for an inexpensive used car that drives well? only $4,950.
2003 Honda Civic, Limited Edition, 65,000 miles, manual transmission, CD, AM/FM radio, power steering, low maintenance. Great on gas - this car will save you $$$ on high gasoline prices.
(Insert your image or photo here.)
Send me a message now. Thanks for looking!
Donald Lee is the public relations manager for Buysellcommunity.com. Buysellcommunity provides free classified listing services for individuals and businesses to market their products and services online. For global and localized classifieds, please visit http://www.buysellcommunity.com - Free Buy and Sell Classifieds -
Unless you have become extremely popular in your personal or... Read More
If you own a small business you should consider ways... Read More
We already know this from our history books. If you... Read More
I caught myself wracking my brain over what kind of... Read More
In order to sell more products and service, you need... Read More
Reach and frequency are terms generally used when planning advertising... Read More
I get the L.A. Times delivered to my door every... Read More
Have you ever seen an ad on television that was... Read More
Advertising is a powerful and somewhat frustrating marketing tool. It... Read More
Advertising, when done well is a very effective way to... Read More
Use This Quick 3-Question Evaluation Process, So You Can Be... Read More
Organized your pencils and pens lately? Sorted your clothes into... Read More
So, you own a small business, sales are down and... Read More
Doesn't that just grab you by the eyeballs and make... Read More
I am always amazed when I hear about companies who... Read More
Moving Message Signs are a unique, attention-grabbing way to communicate... Read More
Stand Out in Ways that Matter to Directory Users A... Read More
The single easiest way to increase sales is to look... Read More
You've decided to try advertising your business with post cards.... Read More
Sorry, I Don't Seem to Have a Business Card With... Read More
I'm sure while you have seen many tips on advertising,... Read More
This information is based on the principles of Laws of... Read More
Many people online are not using one of the best... Read More
Here is my personal list of things to do at... Read More
Product publicity is the "secret pathway" to business success... Read More
The president of a manufacturing company recently asked me, "Why... Read More
The logo and graphic elements that you include on your... Read More
Cinema advertising has always been an effective marketing tool for... Read More
Ensure everyone in your company sings from the same sheet... Read More
To many ad agencies, radio is considered advertising's ugly stepchild.... Read More
Probably the most interesting thing about brochures and leaflets is... Read More
When people discover my background in advertising, the questions flow.... Read More
Today's online marketplace is extremely competitive. People want to market... Read More
John Wanamaker, a 19th century entrepreneur, once famously made the... Read More
In the business of marketing and advertising, it used to... Read More
The decision on whether or not someone will read your... Read More
The single easiest way to increase sales is to look... Read More
If you haven't made many sales or perhaps none at... Read More
The most important aspect of any business is selling the... Read More
Different Types of Station ContactReaching radio hosts (for the purpose... Read More
Product publicity is the "secret pathway" to business success... Read More
Many business organizations that needs to disseminate late-breaking information to... Read More
Are you confused by all the information you receive from... Read More
Your business is listed in the Yellow Pages whether you... Read More
Electronic reader boards are the most efficient way to convey... Read More
There should only be one, over-riding reason why you're doing... Read More
Bob is excited about his new business. He secured funding.... Read More
Have you ever spent a small fortune on advertising that... Read More
The ability to lead, persuade and influence are integral skills... Read More
Do you remember how proud you were the first time... Read More
Advertising Advertising |