buy It doesn’t really matter how many people see or read your website, if it doesn’t inspire or compel them to buy it’s no good.

I’m sure you’ve experienced landing on a sales page just to think “interesting…” and then moved on to something else.

‘Interesting’ doesn’t get you sales. Your website copy and your approach has to be proactive to encourage people to part with their hard earned cash.

7 tips to help you convince people to buy from you

1. Make your copy like a conversation

Don’t talk at your readers, talk to them. Imagine they are in front of you as you write and you’re having a conversation with them. Use words such as “you” and “your” to build a relationship with them.

2. Use online forums

Participating in online forums is a great way to promote yourself and increase your credibility as an expert in your field. Fill out your profile (gaining those all important back links) and try to visit the forums as often as possible. You can even contribute articles – giving free advice helps build trust.

3. Make your call to action clear

If your web page doesn’t have a clear call to action that tells your reader precisely what you want them to do, it’s not good. Tell them to “buy now”, “subscribe to your newsletter”, “call to make an appointment” etc.

4. Focus on your reader

Your reader is only interested in one thing – themselves. Therefore you must focus your website copy on what they want. If they can’t see what’s in it for them, they won’t be interested.

5. Keep it simple

The only thing on your website that will sell to your reader is your words. Graphics and pictures look pretty but they won’t sell a sausage.

6. Create your own copy

By all means study your competitors’ website copywriting but don’t be tempted to copy their style and content. Try something different – stand out from the crowd. Be an individual, show your own style.

7. Update regularly

Your readers will get bored if they are constantly faced with the same old website copy. Keeping your content fresh and up to date will keep it relevant.

So there you go – if you follow these 7 tips you’ll increase the number of sales you get through your website.

Sally Ormond – freelance copywriter