7 Steps To Writing A Successful Auction Ad
(And Make Your Customers Bid On Your Product)
By Gary Hendrickson
What do you sell with your auctions? Antiques? Software?
Clothing? Books? Electronic equipment?
It doesn't matter what you're selling, the following tips
will help you write successful ads that attract bidders and
bids.
1. Your Headline Has To Promise Something To Potential
Bidders
Yep, that's right, you've got to grab their attention right
from the start. You have a limited amount of space in which
to pull would be bidders into the body of your ad. It's
important that you use that space to your best advantage.
It's important to use words that bidders search for in your
headlines. But, it's even more important to grab their attention.
Which of the following headlines would you be most likely
to click through to the ad from?
"New Hair Growth Shampoo Now On The Market"
"50% Hair Growth In Just 7 Days"
The second is a much more effective headline than the
first, because it gives both a benefit and a concrete
result. Bald or semi-bald people are much more likely to
click on that headline and read your ad.
2. A Good Lead Follows A Good Headline
If you've written a good headline, you've pulled the
potential bidder into the body of your ad. Now you need
a good lead in that will get them to read your entire ad.
The key here is to support your headline with facts as
well as to elaborate on your headline.
Don't waste words telling your potential bidder what he
already knows. Get right to the point. Zero in on your item
and tell them how they will benefit from owning it.
Using the above shampoo example, don't waste time
explaining the causes of baldness. Get to the point and
give them specifics and facts right away as to how
effective your hair growth shampoo is.
3. Be Convincing By Providing An Ample Amount Of
Information About Your Item
Ask Yourself, "What can I say here to convince bidders to
actually buy this item?" Talk about things related to your
item and list them in a logical order.
Remember that grabbing a bidders attention with your
headline and your lead is winning half the battle. The next
step is for you to convince them to bid on your item once
you have their complete attention.
4. Treat Your Ad Copy Like A Novel Or A Story
If you want sales results, learn how to write and present
your information in a logical manner. Pretend you are
writing a short story or a novel. You have an introduction,
a conflict, a climax, and finally a solution.
Make your bidders feel like the ad is really for them.
Organize your sales points with the most important first
and then finish off with the least.
5. If You Want Sales, Never Write A Boring Ad
The only reason potential bidders are going to finish
reading your listing and possibly bid on your item, is if
your ad is interesting.
One effective way to accomplish this, is to speak directly
to your customers. Tell them a story, appeal to their
emotions, needs, and desires. If possible, and your item is
one that would merit it, add testimonials.
Keep your add content focused on your item. Your potential
bidders are reading your ad because they want to know more
about your item. Tell them what your item can do for them
or how it will make them feel.
6. Don't Exaggerate; Be Believable Instead
The only way to do this is to be stone cold honest in your
ad. It's important that you develop the image that bidders
can trust you based on the kinds of ads you show them.
If it's a choice between being cleaver and ingenious with
your ad and being honest and truthful, always go with
honest and truthful.
You bidders will be able to discern for themselves that you
are being honest with them. If you've gotten someone to buy
from you in the past by giving them false hopes or facts,
trust me, you will never again convince them to bid on
something again.
7. Get Them Moving!!
You've managed to hook their attention, get them to read
your entire ad, and convinced them to click their mouse one
more time and bid on your item.
Don't lose them at this stage. Give them as many ways as
possible to pay for their purchase. State right in your ad
that you accept checks and money orders. Give them at least
one avenue by which they can pay with a credit card. Point
out in plain language that you accept international bids.
Make it as painless as possible for your customer to
complete the sale.
Keep these 7 steps in mind and you will be able to write
ads that will sell attract bidders and sell your items.
...............................................................
Gary Hendrickson The Online Auction Biz
http://onlineauctionbiz.com
The online auction sellers information and resource center.
mailto:gary@onlineauctionbiz.com
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