Marketing Information

Turning The Casual Scanner Into A Buyer


 

The world is full of scanners. Most people simply scan the page to see if anything piques their interest, rather than reading the ads, sales letters, or web copy. That's why you should ensure that your copy is scanner friendly. That means placing headlines, subheads, and other devices throughout your copy that's compelling enough to sell your customers on your business.

 

How can you turn the casual scanner into an active reader? More importantly, how can we turn a scanner into a buyer? First, ensure that your headlines can stand alone, without the support of other sentences. For most, that means getting rid of those one-word headlines. Headlines should include the benefit of your offering, evoke curiosity, or compel the scanner to read the main copy.

 

Don't forget the subheads. They also should be compelling, preferably complementing the headline, giving enough power to nudge your reader from scanning to reading mode. Keep in mind good subheads support the main promise of your copy. If your headline, for example, promises to help your customers lose weight, your subheads could briefly explain that your product is clinically proven or has a secret ingredient. Subheads are also a great place to introduce your offers.

 

Another way to be a scanner's friend is to use short paragraphs. Rule of thumb: Keep paragraphs between 3 to 5 sentences. If you must use a long sentence, place a short snappy paragraph after it.

 

The most popular way to generate interest: Use underlines, boldface, highlights, and italics throughout your copy, carefully. Too much can leave your customers overwhelmed and likely to stop scanning and move on. When using these tools remember, the purpose is to emphasize certain points.

 

Some ideas on what you should highlight in your copy:

* Call-to-actions phrases, like buy now, subscribe here, or receive your special offer today.

* Contact information, including toll-free numbers, emails, and web-sites.

* Major benefits supporting the promise of your copy

* Your rates and fees and how they compete

* Your business or product's name.

 

Adding a second color to your copy boosts retention and readability. Especially, when using a medium that's typically black and white like newspapers. What colors are best? Typically, the most used and most effective colors are red and blue. Try placing offers or premiums in different colors to emphasize and pull your customers in.

 

P.S. Don't forget the P.S. An important aspect, most readers read the end, first. It's a great spot to recap your offer and restate your benefits. This may also be a good spot to add a bonus, premium, or guarantee

Vanessa Selene Williams is an independent writer who writes for businesses. To learn more about her and her services visit her online at http://corp.vswilliams.com or email her at info@vswilliams.com.


MORE RESOURCES:

The ROI of Marketing Events: How to Get the Most from Your Marketing Budget
TechRepublic
If getting more high-quality leads from your marketing events spend is a top priority, then it pays to know the return on investment of your marketing ...

and more »


Reuters

Burger King's Marketing Plan Bad For Diversity?
The Atlanta Post
According to the New York Times, The King's plans are in response to new marketing trends suggesting that young consumers, one of BK's target markets, ...
Under New Owner, Burger King May Spend More on MarketingAdAge.com (subscription)
Business digest: Marketing firm earns four state awardsThe News-Press

all 1,679 news articles »


AutoWeek

Tim Allen to be voice of crucial GM ads
Detroit Free Press
Chevrolet has lacked marketing consistency for about a year. The brand's marketing turmoil started last summer, when the brand began publicly looking to ...
Tim Allen is new voice of ChevroletOne News Page
Chevy Cruze ads get BuzzDetroit Free Press
Movie Star, Car Buff Tim Allen New Voice for ChevyWard's Auto (subscription)
The Detroit News
all 281 news articles »


Martinton: Stirling elected chairman of corn marketing board
Kankakee Daily Journal
Scott Stirling, of rural Martinton, has a pretty unusual background for someone just elected chairman of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, ...
Business: CornBelters a hit for agKankakee Daily Journal

all 3 news articles »



Wicked Samsung Galaxy Tab advert gives Apple's marketing machine a run for its ...
Geek.com
The Galaxy Tab slate is finally a reality. A new advert Samsung created to push the device into mainstream gives Apple's iPad commercials a run for their ...

and more »


Web ads that follow you are the latest marketing technique
Denver Post
"It is a pretty clever marketing tool. But it's a little creepy, especially if you don't know what's going on." People have grown accustomed to being ...
Web advertisers track consumers from site to siteMemphis Commercial Appeal

all 2 news articles »


Kansas City Star

Symantec's “Hack Is Wack,” And Cybersecurity's Most Embarassing Marketing ...
Forbes (blog)
This is just sad,” ”#nortonantivirusstillsucks” and ”sounds like a clueless government marketing dept from 1982 made up that slogan.” Forgive Symantec. ...
Symantec Can Blame Apple For Snoop DogForbes (blog)

all 378 news articles »


San Francisco Chronicle (blog)

Sex tape snafu causes lost Reebok marketing deal for Patriots' Brandon Spikes
USA Today
Terry Watson, the agent for the rookie from Florida, confirmed to the Boston Globe that Reebok had yanked an offer for a marketing deal. ...
Reebok yanks offer to Brandon SpikesBoston Globe

all 169 news articles »


Washington Post (blog)

Drake University's D+ Ad Campaign Gets an F for Marketing
CMR
No word on who the marketing team was that dreamed up this loser campaign. They're staying very quiet right now.
Great moments in collegiate marketing: Drake University's 'D+' campaignThe Upshot (blog)
Drake's new 'D+' campaign earns failing gradeBoston Herald
Did Drake's Ad Campaign Give Itself a Near-Failing Grade?Chronicle of Higher Education (subscription) (blog)
The Awl
all 161 news articles »

Google News

home | site map
© 2006