Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Naked Truth how to sell on ebay

The truth is how to sell on ebay, they're not going to see your ad unless you can immediately reach out and grab their attention; entice them to read all of what you have to say.

Your headline has to make it more difficult for your prospect to ignore or pass over, than to stop and read your ad. If you don't capture the attention of your reader with your headline, anything beyond is useless effort and wasted money.

Successful advertising headlines- are written as promises, either implied or direct.

The former promises to show you how to save money, make money, or attain a desired goal. The latter is a warning against something undesirable.

Example of a Promise: Are You Ready To Become A Millionaire -In Just 18 Months?

Example of a Warning: Do You Make These Mistakes In English?

In both of these examples, I've posed a question as the headline. Headlines that ask a question seem to attract the reader's attention almost as surely as a moth is drawn to a flame.

Once she's seen the question, she just can't seem to keep himself from reading into the rest of the ad to find out the answer.

Remember, however, that your first 250 words are going to make or break whether they read on- and usually a lot less than that!

The best headline questions are those that challenge the reader; that involve her self esteem, and do not allow her to dismiss your question with a simple yes or no.

You'll be the envy of your friends is another kind of "reader appeal" to incorporate into your headline whenever appropriate.

The appeal has to do with basic psychology: everyone wants to be well thought of, and consequently, will read into the body of your ad to find out how she can gain the respect and accolades of her friends.

Wherever and whenever possible, use colloquialisms or words that are not usually found in advertisements. The idea is to shock or shake the reader out of his reverie and cause him to take notice of your ad.

Most of the headlines you see day in and day out, have a certain sameness with just the words rearranged.

The reader may see these headlines with his eyes, but his brain fails to focus on any of them because there's nothing different or out of the ordinary to arrest his attention.

Example of Colloquialism: Do You Experience Severe Brain Farts?

Another attention-grabber kind of headline is the comparative priced magazine headline: Three For Only $3, Regularly $3 Each!

Still another of the tried and proven kind of headlines is the specific question: Do You Suffer From These Symptoms??? And of course, if you offer a strong guarantee, you should say so in your headline: Your Money Refunded, If You Don't Make $100,00 Your First Year.

How To headlines have a very strong basic appeal, but in some instances, they're better used as book titles than advertising headlines.

Who Else Wants In On The Finer Things -which your product or service presumably offers- is another approach with a very strong reader appeal. The psychology here is the need of everyone to belong to a group (read herd mentality)- complete with status and prestige motivations.

Whenever, and as often as you can naturally work it in, you should use the word "you" (and its derivatives) in your headline, and throughout your copy.

After all, your ad should be directed to "one" person, and the person reading your ad wants to feel that you're talking to her personally, not everyone who lives on her street.

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Saturday, April 3, 2010

Honing Your Copy Writing Skills-(How to sell on ebay)

To start learning how to write good ads and to understand how to sell on ebay, carefully study:

High-octane Copy Writers, like Marc Goldman and Alex Mandossian.

[Ed. Note: Neither of the above links are affiliate program links!]

Issues of The National Enquirer. These are some of the all-time highest paid copy writers, and with good reason- sales of products advertised.

No, I am not suggesting studying articles such as “Jennifer Williams Gets Impregnated By Alien!”. Only the ads.

Analyze each of these ads for the following:

How has the writer attracted your attention

What about the ads keeps your interest?

Are you stimulated to want to know more about the product being advertised?

What action must you take to sell on ebay?

How strongly are you "turned on" by each of these ads to sell on ebay?

Rate these ads on a scale of one to ten, with ten being the best. Now, just for practice- without clipping the ads- do the same thing with ten different ads from a Wards or Penney's catalog.

In fact, every ad you see form now on, quickly analyze it, and rate it somewhere on your scale.

If you'll practice this exercise on a regular basis, you'll soon be able to quickly recognize the "Power Points" of any ad you see, and know within your own mind whether an ad is good, bad or otherwise, and what makes it so.

This will give you the "feel" of the fundamentals and style necessary in writing successful ads; it takes dedicated and regular practice, but you can do it!

Simply recognize and understand the Master Formula [A.I.D.A.]:

Attention!

Interest!

Desire!

Action!

Practice.

Practice reading and writing the good ads -and rewriting the bad ones to make them better- and keep at it; until the Formula, the Idea, and the feel of this kind of ad writing becomes second nature to you.

This is the ONLY WAY to gain expertise in writing good classified ads.

Virtually all successful copywriters rate the headline and/or the lead sentence of an ad as the most important part of the ad, and in reality, you should do the same.

After all, when you ad is surrounded by hundreds of other auction ads; what makes you think anyone is going to see your particular ad?

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Thursday, April 1, 2010

Your Potential Readers (How to sell on ebay)

How to sell on ebay and target your potential readers on ebay auction.

Readers interested in your subject will scan the heading in much the same way they would scan the Yellow Pages of the phone directory. They are looking for something.

You potentially have what they are looking for, or what will help them achieve what they want; tell them!

No deception! What you want are quality prospective buyers not a large quantity of misery, stress and possible fraud charges.

The best way to write your ad is to disregard size at first, writing everything on paper that might attract readers.

Tell it all. Stress the need for what you have to offer, what it will do for readers, how they will benefit, benefit and benefit, what they can expect by using your product, how easy or more pleasant life will be for them...

When you have finished writing, you might have a long paragraph or a a dozen pages. Now is the time to think of clarity, not cost. Unlike a 'zine classified, you do not pay by the word.

So you won't have to be nearly as selective in your choice of words in the final ad.

To build sales, this advertising must be seen or heard by potential buyers, and cause them to react to the advertising in some way. The credit for the success, or the blame for the failure of almost all ads, reverts back to the ad itself.

The bottom line in any ad is quite simple: To make the reader buy the product or service.

Any ad that causes the reader to only pause in this thinking, to just admire the product, or to simply believe what's written about the product -is not doing its job completely.

The "ad writer" must know exactly what he wants his reader to do, and any that does not elicit the desired action is an absolute waste of time and money.

Never forget the basic rule of advertising copy writing:

If the ad is not read, it won't stimulate any sale; if it is not seen, it cannot be read; and if it does not command or grab the attention of the reader, it will not be seen!

Most successful advertising copywriters know these fundamentals backwards and forwards.

Whether you know them already or you're just now being exposed to them, your knowledge and practice of these fundamentals will determine the extent of your success as an advertising copywriter and fullfill your question how to sell on ebay.

eBay list ads are the ads from which all successful Web businesses can really blossom!

These ultimately inexpensive ads give the beginner an opportunity to advertise her product or service without losing her shorts if the ad doesn't pull or the people don't break her door down with demands for her product.

Classified ads are written according to all the same rules. What is said in a 'zine classified ad must have the same [if not more] impact that's delivered in a larger, more elaborate type of ad, in ultra-condensed form.

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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

The Art of Compelling Copy Writing-How to sell on ebay

Art How to sell on ebay

Yes, writing eBay listing ads is an art, one that can be learned, developed and perfected in a relatively short period of time.

Depending on the nature of your business, a well written classified ad can bring in business and subsequent sales of $10,000 to $25,000 annually, or more!

As with any business tool (and an eBay listing ad is most assuredly a powerful tool) you must first become aware of the effective use of these little business builders, then understand exactly what can be expected of them and what cannot be accomplished.

Instead of wondering, speculating and experimenting with your advertising budget, concentrate on offering free, genuinely valuable information to sign up as many interested prospects as possible for what you have to offer.

Realize from the beginning that your eBay listing ad should serve only one purpose: to target a specific audience consisting of people who need/really want what you have to offer.

You are after building a double opt-in of eager prospects.

When you start receiving them; quickly reply, via auto responder and/or “Thank You” page, with a sweet bundle of 100% unadvertised [the “unspoken bonus”], professional quality information products- as well as your actual sign-up offer.

This total surprise bundle must be products that you:

Have the legal Free Reprint/Giveaway Rights to;

Found to be of such high quality- that they could easily be sold for money;

Personally have checked out and have derived great benefit from!

This will make your prospects far more resilient to your story/sales pitch.

Unlike display advertising which must attract, reach out from the printed page and grab the reader, your eBay list ad is placed under a specific heading according to subject.

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Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Layout Considerations-how to sell on ebay

(how to sell on ebay) The ad must be interesting to look at and should have a feeling of movement and action. That movement is not necessarily in the photo, but the placement of photo and copy in the ad, so the eye goes from one to the next in easy, exciting movements.

You'll need to consider where the photo will be, and its relation to the headlines and body text.

Perhaps you are showing the product in use, or maybe the photo is just a simple picture of the product.

A rule of thumb in layoutto sell on ebay is to use contrast. The most obvious contrast is the black print on white paper. Use that white space. Although it's not apparent, the white space is as important in the visual appeal as the illustration and type.

Don't try for symmetry. The unusual or irregular catches the eye more readily. The photo works hand in hand with the headline to grab reader's attention.

Be simple and direct. Don't push too much copy into a small area, crowding the photo. If you don't have room, cut copy or reduce the photo.

You can use any size and style font you want for the ad. But don't get carried away. You shouldn't use a special font unless it helps sell the product. And, never use a headline type that's hard to read.

Using different sizes of fonts help point out the benefits of the product. Bold or italicized type also brings more visual appeal to the ad.

If you find that the photo is too big for the ad space you want to use, you can reduce it to a smaller size, or crop out portions not absolutely necessary.

A good way to do a rough layout is to use a pencil to sketch in the places for the copy, the photos, lines and bullets to indicate look, layout and feel. Try different pencil layouts until you're satisfied you have the product at its best appeal.

In Review How To Sell On Ebay-

Mastering the "art of selling and how to sell on ebay" is simply knowing how to present whatever it is that you're selling to the buyer in such a manner that she feels buying it from you will solve her problems or fulfill her dreams.

Anybody can sell anything to anybody and selling on the Web is really no different than selling by mail or in person; face to face with your prospect.

Really, it's just a more efficient and economical way of making contact. Thus, you've got to have your sales presentation on “paper”, and present it to your prospect just as if you were standing at her front door:

You've got to captivate her attention;

You've got to appeal to her interests;

You've got to reveal to her how her purchase of your product will benefit her;

You've got to close the sale by causing her to reach into her purse for her credit card or to write out a check for whatever it is you're selling.

The first few seconds of the opening encounter with your prospect ultimately affects the success of the presentation and inevitably-whether or not a sale is made.

Therefor, it's absolutely critical that your sales presentation radiates enthusiasm and success!

Once she's on your Site and is looking at your presentation, you've got to make her feel comfortable; be friendly and believable.

Stimulate her interest in whatever you're selling by appealing to one of her primordial wants, needs or problems with a solution. Don't waste her time with a long and/or complicated dissertation:

Make your sales presentation flow;

Anticipate her objections;

Logically answer them within your presentation.

Explain all of the irresistible benefits gained from ownership of your product or service;

Whenever possible, let her see or read of proof or testimonials from people who have already bought from you.

The most important thing you want to do is to create- within your presentation- the fulfillment she'll have as a result of buying from you. Stimulate her imagination, and explain to her how she can use whatever you're selling to solve her problems or achieve her dreams.

Invite her to attend the theater of her own mind; cast a word movie that allows her to see herself ultimately gratified and satisfied with your product.

Then give her a payment button to click on or a simple coupon to print, fill out and send in along with her cash, check or money order.

Make it as simple and as easy as possible for your prospect to buy from you, extend a generous guarantee and – most importantly- STAND BEHIND IT.

The payment button, order agreement or simple coupon should close the sale for you - that is, if your presentation is well-written and highly compelling; she sees what you're selling as an answer to one of her immediate wants, needs or problems!

Too many sales presentations begin with some sort of blah-blah story about the seller:

“Hello there, I'm writing to you from the beautiful beaches of Waikiki” or...I'm writing new ebook about how to sell on ebay etc.

“After a hundred years of research I've found the fountain of youth”; even some such tripe as “dear friend, you may not know me but I'm now a millionaire...”

Just ask them if they'd like to know how to make their tires on their car last 10 years or more- if so, let me explain; if not, then you can surf elsewhere now because I don't want to waste your time...

Above all else, treat your prospects as though their time is more precious than your own!

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Monday, March 29, 2010

How Getting Your Reader's Attention To Sell On Ebay

How Getting Your Reader's Attention To Sell On Ebay

Endorsements and testimonials are effective ways to dramatize facts and back up the benefits of your product, but don't use ones that seem transparent. They'll ring falsely.

There are eBay policies and federal laws against misleading advertising, and they do check up on and prosecute against fraud.

If you use an endorsement from a famous or popular person, that person should use the product. Any testimonials you use must be true. Always aim for satisfaction. Self-respect, accomplishment and security are human aspects everyone strives for.

Never talk down to the readers as though you know something they don't or you're better than they are. To you, the potential customer is POTENTIAL GOLD.

You've caught the reader's attention with a catchy headline.

You've followed through with good copy that demonstrates benefits and appeals to the reader.

Now- before you lose that interest -ask for an order.

You can to close the gap between reading your sales copy and acting upon impulse. The purpose of your eBay ad is to make people buy. You have to tighten the desire to buy.

An iron-clad money-back guarantee is the most useful tool in pressing action; the more generous, the better! It goes for the bottom line:

What do I have to lose?

And it affirms the quality of the product. If you are willing to back the claims you make with a full refund, you can get a hook into those borderline buyers.

Absolutely STAND BEHIND your word. Be cheerful and expedient in returning a refund. Let them know that you sincerely appreciate their business and not to hesitate in contacting you, if there is any way you can be of further assistance.

If you give a time limit the product will be offered for sale, or mention a limited supply, or have a reduced price for a certain time, you'll increase the impulse to act.

Again, STAND BEHIND your word; do not make a “time sensitive” or limited quantity offer that- in fact- is not; illegal and unethical- better to be a flaming spammer!

What you're after:

Appeal to the reader's urgency;

Make the product totally irresistible to have- now;

Extend a generous guarantee;

Whole-heartedly stand behind the above!

What is your competition doing? When testing new ads; start with the tried and true. Don't try to be different. It is the sound and worthwhile that brings in the customers- time and time again.

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Delivery Is Everything and Very2 Important to sell on Ebay..How?

How To Sell On Ebay :

It doesn’t matter whether your product is information or a flyswatter. If you understand marketing, you can make serious income.

Robert G. Allan, Author

Multiple Streams of Internet Income

How will your offerings make me look better, feel better? What will my family and friends say? Will this help me enjoy my leisure? Money is forever the great desire.

Now more than ever, people seek financial security, and look for ways to save money- especially over the long run. Saving money and buying at a lower price are sound copy points. But they must be followed through with benefits, reasons, more benefits and sound facts.

When designing each of your listings, stick to the facts and BENEFITS [“What's in it for ME!?!”]! A potential customer may be sold, but will that person buy?


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