FIRST IN BULLETED LIST

Just as with first sentence in each paragraph, people also almost always read first entry in a bulleted list. If it hits home, they might keep reading. But, knowing that you have their attention for at least one second, always make sure your first bullet point is extremely powerful and enticing.

PS's

Writing a direct mail or Web sales letter? The PS is another hot spot. Take advantage of this real estate. Repeat offers, remind readers of bonuses, reinforce guarantees or recap limited-time offers. This section is final pitch before your reader either acts or trashes your copy so make it count.

Have you noticed something about these five sections? Why do you think they are virtually guaranteed to get read in any piece of copy? They are unusual. They are limited. They stand out. They are eye-catching.

You only have a limited number of headlines and sub-heads in copy. They are almost always offset by bolding or underlining so they easily catch eye of reader. Captions only appear when there are images. They do not appear all throughout copy. First sentences are also rare. Only one sentence in each paragraph can be first one. This tells reader to keep going or jump to another section that might be of more interest. First entries in bulleted lists are unusually formatted and catch eye of reader. PS's? There's only one, and since it's last thing on page, most often, it stands out too.

These rare elements give you five guaranteed shots at building curiosity, promoting benefits, generating interest and closing sales. If you haven't done it before, now is time to review your copy to be sure you're making most out of these opportunities.

Karon Thackston is a veteran copywriting pro who specializes in SEO copy. Learn how to write SEO copy that impresses the engines and your visitors at http://www.copywritingcourse.com. Get more tips on incorporating keyphrases into your copy with Karon’s latest e-report “How To Increase Keyword Saturation (Without Destroying the Flow of Your Copy)” at http://www.copywritingcourse.com/keyword.

Winning Words

How do you make your web site dazzle, charm and seduce? For your site to be truly distinctive and compelling it will rely on successful semantics. Words and phrases carefully selected, then orchestrated to create feeling, then desire, and finally "action." In end, success of your site rests entirely on your visitor's decision to purchase and do it "now." Great graphics can't get that decision. Dazzling colors will not. Only moving and inspiring words can accomplish that mission.

You may have magical powers when you are there in person...Think you can charm a dog off a meat wagon in person...Then on other hand, perhaps not. In either case, your words and phrases must carry your message without benefit of your presence. You can't rely on your great smile or your winning body language. Only site's words will tell world who you are, what you do and what you stand for.

So, expand your inventory of words and phrases, and then choose them with precision. You will be amazed at difference it will make.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Oscar Bruce is considered ultimate personal communications guru. His dynamic books are considered field manuals for mastering conversation and confrontations. His website offers several verbal strategies that can add power to your conversations at no cost. HIS FREE NEWSLETTER and other products are available at http:///www.oscarbruce.com

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