As a copywriter, it shocks me sometimes how webcopy is often the LAST thing on many of my clients’ minds when they build their affiliate sites. I have even heard it said that “it’s not the copy that makes the sale but the product”. And to this… I reply… DUH!
This is not to say that a lousy product will do as well. No. A product that delivers what the copy promises is of course the best. A great product means you don’t get refunds and that you increase the chances of your customers coming back and trusting your opinion of what they should buy.
HOWEVER, for that crucial first sale, you must CONVINCE that site visitor. You must PERSUADE him/her that what you are offering is THE best he/she can get. It is mute to try other sites. This is it folks. The best deal is in front of your eyes. BUY NOW.
Think about it. Many of us go to the mall with a fairly good idea of what we want to buy; but do we just go to a store, point at something and pull out our credit cards? No. We search for the saleslady/man. We want information about the product… we want to be convinced that the purchase we are going to make is the right one.
This mindset is the same for all online buyers – with a twist - you only have about 5-8 seconds to make an impact on the site visitor.
So what IS the formula to writing killer copy? I wish there was ONE formula, but there isn’t. Webcopy that sells is webcopy that takes everything into account: the product, its price, the target market, target buyer location, buyer mindset when he/she reaches your affiliate site, search engine optimization, neurolinguistic programming (NLP), and yes, MORE.
You may have heard most of these factors already but neurolinguistic programming?
NLP is the process of tapping into your visitors’ way of thinking (neuro), how they communicate verbally and non-verbally (linguistic), and how these affect the way they communicate and behave (programming).
By understanding or ‘getting into the head’ of site visitors, a great copywriter can use just the right words or use exactly the right language (at the right places!) to connect to the reader. The effect – convincing copy that connects exactly to the needs of the site visitor. The results – more sales of course 
NLP is not something to play with. Use it incorrectly and you turn on all the WRONG responses. However, use it correctly and… CHA-CHING!
If you want to be a super affiliate, don’t just focus on the product/service you’re selling and your site design. Remember that your buyers are just like you – humans – and they need that ‘extra push’ to be convinced that what you’re selling is worth their hard-earned dollars. And in the realm of affiliate marketing, that extra push is often killer webcopy.
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Hi Melanie. Thanks for this post! I have never underestimated the value of webcopy but I never tseem to find a great copywriter. Believe me tried PLENTY alreayd. Can I have your contact info? I know Amit said you’re booked but would still like to talk and go over somethings. You can reach me at mikeman(underscore)321(at)yahoo.
Hi Mike – glad you liked the post. I am indeed fully booked but seeing this is your 2nd attempt
I’ll email you and see what I can do.
I don’t know much about NLP but now I’m motivated to learn something about it. I like your suggestion about getting in the head of the reader. Not easy to do I’m sure but well worth the effort when you connect with the reader. Thanks for the ideas.
Since first reading this article I’ve started to study copywriting. There is a book that I am now reading that I want to recommend. It is “Hypnotic Writing” by Joe Vitale.
Joe is one of the presenters on “The Secret” but he is better known in writing circles for his outstanding copy.
“Hypnotic Writing” reads like a hot knife slicing through soft margarine. Its full of stories and examples. In short, it is very well written.
I’m only part way through and have already seen an improvement in my writing.