I just have to get something off my chest!

I’m on several email lists, so I’m constantly receiving offers for this and offers for that. Unless it’s something that I’m certain I have absolutely no use for, I’ll often click on the link to read the details.

Many times I never get past the headline before I close the page. Why? Well, look at some of these examples:

  • For The Past 2 Years I Have Been Secretly ‘Milking’ The Largest And Most Profitable Online Honey Hole The Internet Has Ever Seen!
  • Would you like to Annihilate The Competition and Offer Products So Hot People Stay Awake All Night Waiting For You To Hit The Go Button?”
  • If You’re Not Using A “Sweet & Sexy” “Grab Your Customer By The Eyeballs” Type Of Squeeze Page On Your Website … Then There’s No Doubt You’re Leaving Thousands Of Dollars In Extra Profits On The Table Each Month

    • Now tell me honestly. Do these headlines motivate you to read the rest of the page? Or do you agree with me that some copywriters are getting a little too creative?

    The other thing that gets to me is when headline writers claim they are “breaking a code of silence” or “making other internet marketers mad” for telling me about this (so-called) amazing product.

    –Gag–

    Hype doesn’t sell anything — except perhaps to the very green, very gullible newbie.

    There are ways to write a web page headline that will appeal to your prospective customers, but it’s not by using words that are ‘over the top.’ As one writer said, ” … overstatement creates resistance.”

    It’s our natural instinct to discount superlatives. Moreoever, when there’s an overuse of adjectives, it stretches any credibility we may feel about a product or service.

    The best way to reach your target audience is by offering them a benefit in your web page headline — something that you know they’re looking for. (If you don’t know what they’re looking for, you need to do more research about your target market!)

    Make your web page headline simple and straightforward. Use words that appeal to the self-interest of your prospective customers. Mention a problem they may be experiencing … that YOUR product or service will fix. Or let them know you have helpful information for them, e.g., “Give me 30 days and I’ll show you how to lose 10 pounds without feeling hungry.”

    Headlines are an extremely important part of any marketing message, but if you don’t use them correctly, you can turn people off, thereby losing a lot of sales.

    If you’re not feeling real secure about the headline you’re using on your website, send me an email (see my Profile) and include your website address. I’ll either give you a thumbs up, or a thumbs down — along with the reason(s) why it needs improvement.