Derrick Said:

Can you give suggestions on my sales letter?

We Answered:

When you say "I have experience as an investigator..." it highlights your omission of your homestudy experience (which of course is nil). Take out that line and you look stronger. I'd take out the line above it too ("I'm a local..."). You can tell them that AFTER they call you.

Your P.S. statement means nothing to me since I don't know what the base price is. 20% off of what? If I don't know, then I don't care.

Are you selling your speed, quality, or price? Decide and hit that point hard. Good Luck!

Alicia Said:

what are the guiding principles and mechanics in writing a sales letter?

We Answered:

I use this formula when writing sales letters.

A - Attention. Get the attention of the prospective customer with a USP (Unique Selling Proposition).

I - Interest. Develop your USP.

D - Desire. Follow through on the interest by citing advantages of your product or service.

A - Action. Ask for the order.

So, remember the acronym AIDA you won't get lost.

Peace and blessings!

Margaret Said:

I am writing a sales letter to sell a book on single property and multi family property investment- what are?

We Answered:

That depends a lot on the content of the book.

Here are some general tips:

1. KISS (Keep It Short and Sweet) - Don't run on with the letter; it's a turn-off.

2. Capture people's interest by asking a question or three. Pique their interest by giving the mental image (in your letter) that you want them to have. This can be by showing them possibility of what they can attaing by reading your book and following the suggestions therein.

3. Show the benefits of reading your book. Include testimonials from REAL people who have read the book and followed the information therein.

4. Keep up the marketing campaign for your book. Consistency and repetition gets results.

5. Enjoy the process and learn from it!

Tanya Said:

Write a 5paragraph sales letter for a product of your choice, either real or imaginary?

We Answered:

Pick a product you know well. Start with the emotional or cognitive benefits (not features). How does the product make you feel? To capture the reader's attention, start with something warm (so it feels personalized). Identify with them (so you're a peer not a vendor) and don't introduce the solution yet... maybe just explain problem you solve. Then begin to describe the solution focusing not on its utility but on the unmet need it satisfies. Use vivid words and adjectives... evoke emotion. Don't over promise, though. In fact, say something about what your product can't do (to establish credibility). Finally, add some testimonials on how your product/service has helped other people in their same situation. Close with a "what's the best way to reach you for 15 minutes on the phone?" or some direct call-to-action.

Earl Said:

does anyone know how to write a sales letter?

We Answered:

Nope. Sorry =]

Danny Said:

I need help writing a sales letter to promote off-site catering from my restaurant. Any help is appreciated.?

We Answered:

First thing you need to do before producing any marketing piece is to identify your unique selling point. You need ONE THING that sets you apart from your competition. Your potential customers need a reason to choose you over your competition. People buy feelings, not products. When they are looking at products, their buying decision will be based on what the product makes them feel. It it makes them feel nothing, they won't buy it. The easiest way to get someone to feel a certain way about your product is to tell them how to feel.

For a caterer, there are several USPs you can utilize. Choose one based on who your target market is. Your target market is NOT "who you want to buy your product", it IS "who is most likely to buy your product". Big difference. USPs that are effective for caterers include "convenience", "elegence", "creativity", "fun", "romance", "status". Which one will be the most effective depends on your target market. Busy wives may be more likely to buy if you make them feel your service will be "convenient" for them. Rich people want to be noticed and remembered. They want "status". Find out first who is most likely to buy your services in your area, then choose a unique selling point.

In your sales letter, reiterate your USP over and over. Create an easy to remember graphic to incorporate your USP into a logo. Use colors that bring across the feeling you're trying to instill in your potential customers.

Make your sales letter personable. Use regular stamps instead of presorted bulk stamps. It's worth the extra money. Print addresses directly on envelopes, don't use labels. Print the address and return address in a font that looks like handwriting. Use your name in the return address, not your business name. Use a common envelope.

Write your sales letter as a personal letter, from you, not from your business. Invite the potential customer to do business with you. Tell them how your product will make them feel, again and again.

Do something to create urgency in your letter. Mention a special offer if a party is booked within a certain amount of time, and your letter is mentioned. This also helps you track the effectiveness of your letter. For a catering company, throw in a free veggie tray or something similar for any party booked. Make sure the offer stands out of the letter, by putting spaces in the letter before and after the offer, then capitalizing and bold printing FREE.

Use a signature type font to put your name on the bottom, making the letter look like a personal letter from you. The more personal the letter appears, the more likely it will get read.

Don't forget the contact information at the end.

If you need additional help for anything, including tools to make your catering service run more efficiently, contact me through my website.

Brandon O'Dell
O'Dell Consulting
Restaurants/Retail/Bars
http://www.bodellconsulting.com