I wonder if they used the teaser bullet format many copy-writers use, like these examples, if they would sell a lot more book?

*if you feed you dog this common food it could kill them
(see page 19)

*If you paint your house this color it could take 3 times longer to sell
(see page 25)

Etc.

I don't see much of this type of copy on amazon.

Dude, Amazon is a model on HOW to sell on the net. I'm not saying they can't be improved, but they are an innovator. There are a lot of other companies to choose from if we're going to improve sales copy.

Yes, amazon is a great marketing model. They are great, from the layout, listing top sellers, customer reviews, cross-sells, book previews, email recommendations, etc. I buy a ton of books from them every year.

I was only talking about the 'ad copy' for most books I look at. I think it could be a little better.

For me, by the time I've arrived at Amazon, I've already decided to buy the book. The reviews may sway me either way, just a little (increasingly very little), but I really don't care about the description of the book. Someone else (like you guys) has sold me on it beforehand.

Hey Phil.

Thanks for reminding me that I need to go look at the biggest seller on the net again. I think they do some of that with the recommended based on past purchases and you last viewed sections to be pretty compelling.

I find their "other buyers bought this" and "buy this with that and get a discount" to be the most compelling upsells. Add in reviews and the lowest prices and I don't really need to be sold much harder. I'm in.

Dude,

Check the prices. There is NOT a discount. You're just buying 2 books at their regular prices. It took me about 2 years to finally do the math and figure it out.

Thanks for the heads-up Neb. That makes it all that more brilliant.

I find the other user's reviews to be the most useful on making a decision on that website

Well...we teach it,we preach it...and then, some of us don't do it.

Amazon sells plenty of books. Without doing anything they could be selling boat loads more...HOW?

BACKENDS. Ever here of those?

My most recent Amazon purchase was for the New and Expanded MILLION DOLLAR MAILINGS by Denison Hatch. So I get the package, open it up...and there is an AD, a PROMOTION for a new Harry Potter thingy...

What the ________ ?

I just spent money on a book, a very specific niche, and they want me to buy Harry Potter stuff????? Now, they do OK with their online suggestions and the follow up emails, which are "close enough" to my buying habits that I may take a gander.

BUT...what is wrong with putting a promotion for something similar? In my case, why not a flyer for 2,239 Tested Secrets for Direct Marketing Success (which I've got an extra one, anyone want it?)...by Denny Hatch and Don Jackson.

SEE? This is OLD world marketing, as taught by some of YOU...and in the last year, I've rec'd packages from some of YOU, and I've chastized you for not sending along another OFFER.

You've got a guy opening up (with some excitement and anticipation) a package, like a kid at Christmas, I can't wait to get my hands on it...and at the most, along with the product, MAYBE, maybe, I get a little thank you, hand written by some, but often as not, just the order page and cancelled invoice.

What a lost opportunity.

I just bought your book on _________ A little flyer, offering a quick action discount for something else you have, along with a prepaid envelope, making it super easy and simple for me to order....and I absolutely guarantee a spike in sales.

For AMAZON too. They could simply print out their suggestion list, offer up some free shipping or something, and I'd keep sending in and sending in. But NOT for any Harry Potter stuff. I've got my own robes and magic wand I hold tightly in my hands.

Get AMAZON a simple program to print out SUGGESTIONS and insert into package, and get a piece of THAT action, and you may not have to write much more copy.

BACKENDS. Are YOU including another offer in YOUR fulfillment package?

Shame on you if you aren't.

gjabiz

I agree that backends are where the big money is and Amazon can maybe do better.

But, this is just a guess. Since Amazon doesn't know much about you, I'm betting their powerful marketing machine figures there's a chance you have kids, will be busy consuming the item you bought and are hoping you'll want to buy a Potter book and help clear out their warehouse.

Thing about that book is people don't just buy one they buy the whole set.

Cheers