Do your words mean business? Follow these simple tips and see your sales soar…

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Every word that comes from your company -- whether it is on a piece of paper, on a computer screen or written across the sky, for that matter -- carries with it your reputation and your customers’ (or potential customers’) perception of who you are and what you can do for them.

These words need to be as compelling as they are convincing, and as clear as they are error-free. Follow these quick tips to tune up your message and increase sales:

Sell “the sizzle, not the steak.” Customers buy benefits, not features. Look at your message from the customer’s point of view. Test it by asking, “so what…who cares?” Your audience needs a compelling reason to do business with you.
Know your audience and feel their pain. If you don’t truly understand the needs and challenges specific to those you are trying to reach, you will never be able to show them why you and why now. If they aren’t convinced, they will never become your customers.
Nix the abbreviations and trade terms. Stick to the language that your potential customers use. Confusing them is not good for business.
Stick to the basics. On that same note, keep it simple. Don’t assume people know what you mean – tell them clearly, succinctly, memorably and respectfully.
Show, don’t tell. Your goal is to paint a picture so clear and so compelling that potential buyers will see exactly how your product/service/expertise can benefit them. It’s not enough to explain…you need to have them picturing themselves becoming your customers by the time they’re done reading or hearing the message.
One bite at a time. Break paragraphs into easy-to-read pieces with bulleted or numbered lists, subheads and bold type to let readers sink their teeth into smaller bits of information.
Call them to action. Tell your prospects specifically what to do next and how.
Kill the clichés! Read what you’ve written aloud. Find overused words and delete self-serving claims that may turn-off your audience.
Make them an offer they can’t refuse. Give customers a reason to go with you NOW.

Allison Nazarian is president and chief copywriter of Get It In Writing, Inc., a Florida-based company that helps businesses throughout the world harness the power of words to sell, inform and publicize. Reach Allison by phone: 561-989-8555 or Contact Us.