Sales Letters

[Gaz]

Hi Guys & Girls

I would appreciate it if any of you could help me on how too write a really good sales letter to companies and retailers. I want it to stand out and too get the attention of the reader.

I am going to go into business with a a guy who sells luxury preserves, jams, chilli sauces, honey etc and want to sell it too shops, supermarkets etc.

If you have any that you could email me even, please do email me on my email address below everyday_essentials@hotmail.com

I would appreciate any help you could give

Thanks a lot

Gary

[coxadmin]

Hi Gary

When I was (briefly) with EE they provided some samples and my upline was very helpful in this area - have you asked him / her?

[10 Yetis]

Hi Gary

I always suggest that having good copy is just one element. You can find out about writing good letters just by going on Google and typing a search in there.

The other areas you need to consider are just as important such as putting in something quirky or a small cost-effective gift with the mailing and really making sure the reader has no reason NOT to reply or get in touch with you.

Another area is making sure you target the right people.

There are some pretty good rules about writing good copy, and the reason the industry refers to them as 'rules' is cos they work, such as:

1. Open with a question or a problem the reader can identify with and then go on to quickly (but remembering to get your contact details and product info in) get over how your product/service solves the problem.

2. Use a coupon that people can fill out and send back (include a mailing mechanism to make it easier for recipients). For some unknown reason, the great British public love a good coupon. Every good (and some bad) copywriter/marketing monkey will tell you how successfull coupons are. Every graphic designer will tell you how rubbish they make their lovely artwork/layout look (on this one occasion, ignore the designer).

Hope this helps. I might make my next free newsletter (on the 10yetis site- yes a sneaky plug!) about writing sales letters.

If you need any further information, or even think, "I might as well outsource it to an expert". Give me a shout/yodel.

[Webstuff]

Have you ever noticed how all those pesky pips in ordinary Jams get stuck in your teeth? Well, with our delicious new range of...


I'm sorry, caught in the moment. A leaflet / brochure, thats both colourful and easy on the eyes listing your available products is also a nescessity. Show them what you're capable of providing.

[Sally Bacchetta]

Gary,
As a freelance writer I write a lot of sales letters and other promotional materials. The most effective promotional communications are clear, engaging and visually appealing. Be brave enough to take risks in your writing. Reveal your personality and the personality of your company to the reader. Surprise them! Make them laugh! Your sales letter is an opportunity for you to be a refreshing change from the ordinary snore-mail that we're inundated with.

If you are interested in outsourcing any of your communications I would be happy to discuss this with you. You can see examples of my work on my website.

Best of luck to you! This sounds like an interesting endeavor.

Sally

[STRAYGOAT]

Hello,

I'm a copywriter and I agree with the earier post - good communication is clear, attracts the reader's attention, educates them and answers their questions. It is important not to overkill the sales aspect - try not to overdo it on the hard sales pitch.

If you feel that you would like a professional writer to take the project on board, let me know - I can provide a full copywriting, design and printing service. You can find out more at www.straygoat.com

Craig

[Amber]

I would have to agree with 10 Yetis, especially on the value of having some kind of call to action, such as a coupon, or a special offer of some kind - basically you need something to persuade the reader to contact you NOW, rather than just to file it away and forget it.

Three more tips:

1. Use a p.s. It's often the first thing (and sometimes the only thing :) ) people read when they open your letter.

2. Try to personalise your letter. Not always easy if you're sending out a huge mailing, but it does help.

3. Be prepared to follow up, either by phone, or by sending another letter, leaflet, postcard, whatever. Sometimes it will take a couple of letters, or a letter followed by a phonecall, to get a response.

Also: sometimes the hardest thing about sales letters is actually getting people to read them, so think about how you present the letter. Simple things, like handwritting the address on the envelope for example, can mean the difference between someone actually opening the letter and rreading it, or throwing it straight in the bin.

Good luck :-)

[Amy]

Great advice- thank you!

Is there a particular font we should use to get the best response?

[Abdul]

HI have you tried www.instantsalesletters.com
Abdul

[www.sitepal.co.uk]

HI have you tried www.instantsalesletters.com
Abdul

the above site is full of pop ups

i really dont like the pop ups

[daveashton]

Gary

3 basic added bits if you follow Andy's advice who we rate as being one of the best on here and consistent.

1: Targeting is so key to your success for any letter, email, phone call etc. You can send 10k letters but if the wrong person does not get it you have wasted a very good sales letter!

2: Make it personal if you can. The more personal the better.

A nice trick we have seen this year is the worlds biggest mentor's send a chocolate with every letter if they don’t have enough information to personalise the letter


3: You must prove you can deliver, i.e. send a sample, give a list of reference sites etc. but you MUST do something in this area. Andy's smack them in the face, get their attention is how you open the door, providing credibility is how you close the deal or at least move it to the next stage.

PS Tony you can download pop up blockers for free. If you need help just let me know.