Web Site Copy-writing Tips Part 2

26. Load the product descriptions with the relevant info on the
product.
27. Add a link to each product description that will take the reader to
other copy that goes into more detail. People who are really hooked
are likely to follow.
28. Always go for closure with your copy. Invite the client to
purchase now rather than later.
29. Set reasonable pricing. If what you charge is out of line with
similar products, you won’t get much in the way of sales.
30. Compare your prices with similar products. This will help keep
you competitive.
31. Consider installing a translator for your copy. It will open up new
markets for the product.
32. Never publish copy after your first draft. Set it aside and go back
the next day for a second look. Chances are you will see things that
were not obvious at first, and you can correct or improve them.
33. Ask a friend to read your copy. A different set of eyes may spot
things you don’t see.
34. Optimize your content. Use online tools to find relevant
keywords that people are using for Internet searches and work
them into your text. Avoid using the same phrase or keyword too
often, as that can actually hurt your ranking.
35. Once your content is live, find places to bookmark your site.
Include a small sample of the text to intrigue readers to click over
and take a better look.
36. Consider offering volume discounts on your product, if
appropriate. Everybody likes a bargain.
37. Make sure the copy flows from one page to the next. Ideally, the
reader should be able to see a logical progression as he or she
keeps reading the pages. Include hot links just below the text on
one page to take the reader to the next one.
38. Run your text through a plagiarism tool. This will help you
determine if there are phrases and other parts of the text that are
too much like the text on some other web page. Too much
duplication will result in lower ranking.
39. Add to your copy regularly. It will keep your site fresh and also
give search engines another reason to take a second look.
40. Allow visitors to leave comments or submit them privately. You
may get some inspiration for new copy, or get feedback that helps
you make some existing copy a little more user friendly.
41. Start every article with a thesis statement. Remember those? It
helps tell the reader up front what you are going to talk about. As a
way to motivate people to keep reading, this is a great tool.
42. Limit your paragraphs to three to five sentences. Longer
paragraphs are visually tiring and may discourage readers.
43. Focus on one benefit or relevant fact per paragraph. Cramming
too much in too little space will overwhelm readers and cause them
to move on before they finish.
44. Always write a summation. A good summation reinforces the
more important points in the mind of the reader.
45. Avoid awkward phrases. If it doesn’t look right, even if your
grammar tool passes it, change the wording a bit.
46. Read your text aloud. Articulating the text will often point out
little defects that would not come to light otherwise.
47. Write more than you need, then pare it down to a word count
that is right for your purposes. It is much easier to edit than it is to
create extra text on the back end.
48. Hang on to that extra copy that you edit out of the one article. It
may be the basis for another bit of copy you can use on the site or
in your advertising.
49. If you feel stumped, get away from the word processor for a few
moments. A break can give you fresh perspective and get the flow
of ideas started again.
50. Always check your facts. Nothing hurts good copy like poor
documentation.