e-Business-Formula Internet Marketing Discussion Forum

[Chris (cat)]

Hi All,

To write your own sales copy or get it written?

Sure enough, if you money coming in, having it wriiten by an expert copy writter may be the go.

But how about if you are just starting out. Should you try your hand at it or save the money and get it done?

All IM experts have varying opinions on this. I personally think you can learn anything given the time and patience but how many may give up if their sales copy dosen't go well?

Experts such as Michael Green, Michael Campbell and others say write your own.

While others say to out source.

All thoughts welcome.


Cheers, Chris
Anam cara

[kellylowe]

There are two ways of looking at it, Chris.

First, as a writer, I've seen many cases where people accidentally fall in love with their own words - even if they aren't good words. For instance, I have one client who likes to write his own articles, then send them to me for editing. This is fine, but it is harder than just writing the article myself. You see, this client is in love with the phrase 'holy grail.' He uses the phrase repeatedly, and it has nothing to do with what he is selling...he just likes the phrase.

Other's simply try too hard. They don't write the way they talk - which is the best way, as long as you correct the grammar. The main problem here is that they try to use big words instead of simple - everyday - words. I guess they feel that this is necessary to make them look professional?? I don't know how often I've told client's to please throw the thesaurus in the trash and just write! The result of using those big words is that ordinary people don't have any idea what you are trying to say - by trying to sound important or professional, you only scare people away!

The third problem with writing your own sales copy is that you can't be objective enough. It's like doing surgery on a family member. You nit-pick where you shouldn't, and you waste alot of time. Furthermore, what you believe to be the benefits of the product or service - being it's creator - is not necessarily what other people will see.

On the other hand, nobody knows your product like you. So, you may indeed be the best person to write your sales copy.

My writer's opinion? Write your own sales copy, then work with a professional copywriter to touch it up and make it perfect...the best of both worlds! But you have to be willing to listen to what the copywriter is telling you, and compromise.

Just my two cents,

[Chris (cat)]

Hi Kelly,

Thanks for the good points and tips!

I think you're right at the end of the day. Write your own and then have a copy writer go over it.

The best of both worlds in a nut shell!


Cheers, Chris
Anam cara

[Kevin Robb]

There are many ways that you can look at this but my two cents goes like this...

If you are an experienced copywriter then by all means write your own sales copy but if you are not you should outsource.

But a note of interest is this, some very good copywriters can put together a very good sales pitch but couldn't write a general type article to save themselves.

Even the experts are not experienced in all forms of copywriting.

So by all means take whatever path you choose and indeed try to write copy even if you are not good at it, but if you are looking for results then pay the money and employ a professional.

Cheers

Kevin Robb

[magellon]

Hi guys,

I am reading with great interest the various opinions that seem to basically agree with the fact that it is best to write your own.

My Internet business requires a lot of sales letters. I have purchased a few programs, subscribed to several courses and asked my wife who is a writer for help, because I was not confident enough to write my own sales copies. I was never happy with the results because I was never able to get what I really wanted to say. Then I decided that I would have to "bite the bullet" and write myself. I did, and was pleasently surprised with the results, even my wife asked me if I really wrote them myself, or just "borrowed" them. That encouraged me and I wrote more and more of my adverts, which of course, became better and better.

But still, I would like to find someone who would go through my sales copies and suggest some corrections, if needed.

It would have to be someone with a good experience in writing for the Internet marketing profession.

Where to look? What to ask for as far as experience background is concerned? What's the going rate?

Thanks to anyone who could help me on that?

John

[Kevin Robb]

John,

[quote] John said:I would like to find someone who would go through my sales copies and suggest some corrections, if needed.
It would have to be someone with a good experience in writing for the Internet marketing profession. [/quote]

I suggest you PM Kelly from the forum...I am sure she will offer some positive advice.

Cheers

Kevin Robb

[edman]

I too support writing your own sales copy.

The way I look at it is that there was a reason we created our product or service, and most likely they aren’t competition free, but we still went ahead to create it for one main reason: Our products have a competitive edge that will make us stand out in the crowd.

In most cases just like just like Kelly said, we fall in love with our words, this same thing happens with our products, and if we fall in them for the right reason... I don’t see any one who can better express this than the creator.

The key is to keep it simple, say exactly what your guts tell you in simple to understand language and you will gather your crowd… But still allow a professional work with you on this to help you perfect it using sales letter tactics allowing you to push out what should stand out, highlight important points, structure paragraphs rephrase words etc

Cheers

Edward