I hate sales pages

[Lisa Gergets]

Hate 'em. Despise 'em. LOATHE 'em.

So, I obviously don't want one as the landing page for my membership site. I want something better looking with some personality.

What are my options? (See, I thought a script was a "pretty" landing page...good thing I'm not doing the technical end of things, isn't it?)

[Scott Murdaugh]

You must hate money too.

Sales pages give the customer the info they need to buy... They don't have to be hyped up or make outrageous claims.

It doesn't matter what YOU like, it matters what converts. And those sales letters you hate so much convert.

-Scott

P.S. What's that in your sig? It wouldn't be *gasp* a sales letter would it? Not being offensive, just realistic.

[Steadyon]

Why don't you test all your options first and see which works best ($$$), before you make emotional decisions.

[Lisa Gergets]

Originally Posted by Scott Murdaugh

You must hate money too.

Sales pages give the customer the info they need to buy... They don't have to be hyped up or make outrageous claims.

It doesn't matter what YOU like, it matters what converts. And those sales letters you hate so much convert.

-Scott

P.S. What's that in your sig? It wouldn't be *gasp* a sales letter would it? Not being offensive, just realistic.

Blurgh. I see your point. And yup, I wasn't happy about THAT sales letter either. LOL

You're right...it doesn't matter what I like.

Good stuff, good stuff...

[Lisa Gergets]

Another question then...what's the difference between a sales page, a squeeze page, etc? Are they all the same thing?

[shermancox]

Hate a Sales Page...How bout a video squeeze page...you probably hate that as well...

Originally Posted by TinkerAndPo

Hate 'em. Despise 'em. LOATHE 'em.

So, I obviously don't want one as the landing page for my membership site. I want something better looking with some personality.

What are my options? (See, I thought a script was a "pretty" landing page...good thing I'm not doing the technical end of things, isn't it?)

[Lisa Gergets]

Originally Posted by shermancox

Hate a Sales Page...How bout a video squeeze page...you probably hate that as well...

Good lord, Sherman, no need to get testy about it!

I've just never seen a sales page that doesn't "sound" like I'm being shouted at by Billy Mays (rest his soul), so I figured they were all supposed to be that way. I don't want that. But simply presenting information, now that I can do.

[WritingMadwoman]

A sales page is selling something; a squeeze page is trying to "squeeze" an email address from a potential subscriber (and then you can send them to a sales page and sell something to them...LOL)

What do you hate about sales pages? You just hate writing them, or hate their very existence in general?

Wendy

[WritingMadwoman]

Never mind, I see you posted the answer to my question while I was typing my response to you.

You know, I resisted writing sales copy for a loooong time because I felt the same way as you. I HATE all the hypey, urgent language, it is so not me. Yes, I know it's effective and people do buy from those pages. Shoot I've bought from them myself. LOL

But for my products I just couldn't make myself do it. So I decided to try a different approach that was more to my liking, and I figured if it doesn't sell, fine.

It works extremely well! At least in MY niche - I can't speak for others.

My advice is to get to the heart of what your customers are looking for, the problems they're having that your product can help with, and tell them why. Explain the problem, what other problems it can cause, what it prevents them from doing that they really want to do. If you have personal experience with the same problem, share your story, your struggles, etc. Then introduce your product, explain why you felt compelled to create it, and what it's done for you. Include lists of benefits, describing why it will help them, and how. What will they learn and what will that knowledge do for them? Demonstrate to them that they will benefit somehow from what you have to share with them.

Then tweak the heck out of the page until it feels right to you.

I know, I know, this isn't how we're taught to write sales copy, but it works well for me.

Wendy

Originally Posted by TinkerAndPo

Good lord, Sherman, no need to get testy about it!

I've just never seen a sales page that doesn't "sound" like I'm being shouted at by Billy Mays (rest his soul), so I figured they were all supposed to be that way. I don't want that. But simply presenting information, now that I can do.

[Adam Bshero]

Hate to break it to you guys... but if you don't like "selling" then Internet marketing is not going to be for you. Sales copy is a must even if you want to stress your content.

[Scott Murdaugh]

I'm glad you didn't take offense to my original post, after re-reading it I figured you might, but I wasn't trying to be insulting or condescending.

I'm a full time copywriter, and with very few exceptions (generally other copywriters who's work I admire) I hate sales letters too.

I don't hate the format, I hate how most people go about doing them, especially for Clickbank MMO type of sites.

Here's a sales page that's definitely not in the MMO niche... I did write it. I won't disclose what kind of volume it did but it easily covered my fee... Notice the lack of hype, and turning features into benefits... Piano Sale

It's lacking a lot, like social proof, but it did the job.

Point being, those "ugly sales letters" can be used to sell almost ANYTHING.

Good luck with your project.

-Scott

[Crew Chief]

Originally Posted by Scott Murdaugh

Point being, those "ugly sales letters" can be used to sell almost ANYTHING.

Good luck with your project.

-Scott

Most people hate those sales letters but the average person can't resist buying a properly written copy. And this goes against the grain but the longer the sales letter the higher the conversion rate. I would suggest finding a good copy writer and let them do the heavy lifting for you!

P.S. There is a huge difference between people who write genuine compelling copy versus someone who writes articles, reviews, etc.

A good copy writer will make you RICH!

Much success to you in your project!!!

[Lisa Gergets]

Originally Posted by Scott Murdaugh

I'm glad you didn't take offense to my original post, after re-reading it I figured you might, but I wasn't trying to be insulting or condescending.

I'm a full time copywriter, and with very few exceptions (generally other copywriters who's work I admire) I hate sales letters too.

I don't hate the format, I hate how most people go about doing them, especially for Clickbank MMO type of sites.

Here's a sales page that's definitely not in the MMO niche... I did write it. I won't disclose what kind of volume it did but it easily covered my fee... Notice the lack of hype, and turning features into benefits... Piano Sale

It's lacking a lot, like social proof, but it did the job.

Point being, those "ugly sales letters" can be used to sell almost ANYTHING.

Good luck with your project.

-Scott

Absolutely no offense taken, Scott. I come to the WF for truth even when I don't like what I'm told. Because I can easily admit that I'm not an expert at some things, and sales copy is one of those things!

Would it be alright if I PM'd you a copy of my sales page when I've completed it? I'd sure appreciate a professional opinion of it!

[Jason_V]

Originally Posted by TinkerAndPo

Good lord, Sherman, no need to get testy about it!

I've just never seen a sales page that doesn't "sound" like I'm being shouted at by Billy Mays (rest his soul), so I figured they were all supposed to be that way. I don't want that. But simply presenting information, now that I can do.

Billy Mays "shouting" resulted in millions of dollars worth of products being sold.

[Lisa Gergets]

Originally Posted by Jason_V

Billy Mays "shouting" resulted in millions of dollars worth of products being sold.

Yeah, yeah, I hear that! Point taken!

[Mukul Verma]

I still do not understand long sales page and the value, but all I gotta say is have you ever seen someone who is doing really well (making millions in IM) say I do not like sales page.

[Zeus66]

Maybe the best single line I've ever read about making sales is...

Don't sell a 'thing' - sell a 'feeling.'

Once I read that (can't remember which copywriting genius came up with it, but it was one of those smart dudes), the lightbulb finally clicked on in my thick skull. Anyway, I think this is why a lot of hyped up sales pages turn you off. They're designed to tap into and amplify a feeling (desire, worry, anxiety, etc.). If you aren't susceptible to that emotion at that moment, you'll just see the hype and be disgusted.

But if you are in the state of mind that makes you susceptible, look out! A good long sales page will work its magic on you and you'll almost feel forced into buying.

Hasn't this ever happened to you? Man, I know I'm a sucker for it when in the right mood. Sometimes I'll have horrible buyer's remorse and wonder what just happened. LOL

John

[Scott Murdaugh]

I still do not understand long sales page and the value, but all I gotta say is have you ever seen someone who is doing really well (making millions in IM) say I do not like sales page.

Most long sales pages aren't written for YOU.

And most long sales pages won't be read by 90% of people.

But if I'm a prospect, and a long sales letter is giving me information on a product I'm interested in, I'll read every word, even if it's 10k words long.

The point is, the 1% or 5% or whatever % of buyers you're targeting is all you care about, everyone else can take a glance and move on, that's how it works.

And yes, feel free to shoot me a PM anytime Tinker, I'm always happy to help out.

-Scott

[Lisa Gergets]

Originally Posted by Zeus66

But if you are in the state of mind that makes you susceptible, look out! A good long sales page will work its magic on you and you'll almost feel forced into buying.

Hasn't this ever happened to you? Man, I know I'm a sucker for it when in the right mood. Sometimes I'll have horrible buyer's remorse and wonder what just happened. LOL

John

Yeah, you're totally, completely right. Um, it just happened to me this morning. LOL

[Mukul Verma]

Interesting because when I goto a sales page, I always browse at a few things
1. List of material in the course or product (how basic or advance)
2. Reviews (what kinda people are backing this up)
3. Price button
4. I read the PS since I believe it often reiterates the most important points

Thats just me, everyone is different and long sales copy meet the needs of most.

[Kezz]

You know, a "sales" page per se is really just a layout - a thin single column website. That in itself is not much to hate, so there must be other things you respond poorly to. As folks have pointed out, it isn't the literal "sales" you don't like, as obviously you want to sell or you wouldn't be here.

What about if you sit down and write a specific list of what you don't like about sales pages, because chances are there are plenty of other people who don't like those same things. You might find that if you write the points down, it's not the single column layout, or the red text or anything else that bothers you, it might be something completely different.

Perhaps then, you'll be able to right down a second list, of opposites to your first list. This would then be the recipe for the kind sales page you personally would respond to. I would have to guess that you then wouldn't be the only person out there that would.

I know that the typical format is proven over and over again, and it is definitely a sure bet. But on the other hand, the first person to come up with that format way back when had no proof. They had a new idea and they had to test it. I think to keep progress rolling, we have to be willing to test new ideas as well as go with proven methods.

I was just listening to an interview with Jeff Walker, where he said something along the lines of effective sales necessitating overcoming of objections. Perhaps you have the opportunity here to tweak the most common sales page format to a point where it would overcome your own objections, and perhaps it will do the same for others also.

If you then test your methods in a way that isn't too risky to your business, you can potentially find a better way. If it doesn't work, that standard format isn't going anywhere, you can always switch back to it later.

Just my thoughts

[Lisa Gergets]

Originally Posted by Kezz

You know, a "sales" page per se is really just a layout - a thin single column website. That in itself is not much to hate, so there must be other things you respond poorly to. As folks have pointed out, it isn't the literal "sales" you don't like, as obviously you want to sell or you wouldn't be here.

What about if you sit down and write a specific list of what you don't like about sales pages, because chances are there are plenty of other people who don't like those same things. You might find that if you write the points down, it's not the single column layout, or the red text or anything else that bothers you, it might be something completely different.

Perhaps then, you'll be able to right down a second list, of opposites to your first list. This would then be the recipe for the kind sales page you personally would respond to. I would have to guess that you then wouldn't be the only person out there that would.

I know that the typical format is proven over and over again, and it is definitely a sure bet. But on the other hand, the first person to come up with that format way back when had no proof. They had a new idea and they had to test it. I think to keep progress rolling, we have to be willing to test new ideas as well as go with proven methods.

I was just listening to an interview with Jeff Walker, where he said something along the lines of effective sales necessitating overcoming of objections. Perhaps you have the opportunity here to tweak the most common sales page format to a point where it would overcome your own objections, and perhaps it will do the same for others also.

If you then test your methods in a way that isn't too risky to your business, you can potentially find a better way. If it doesn't work, that standard format isn't going anywhere, you can always switch back to it later.

Just my thoughts

Excellent advice. Whatever I dislike about sales pages results from some kind of emotional dislike. Getting to the heart of that would be beneficial to me on many different levels!

I definitely plan on doing that! But right now, I gotta get ready for Saturday! LOL

[Kezz]

Make sure and report back and let us know if you 'build a better mouse trap'!

[LB]

Customers love sales pages.

[Amy Carczak]

Originally Posted by TinkerAndPo

Hate 'em. Despise 'em. LOATHE 'em.

So, I obviously don't want one as the landing page for my membership site. I want something better looking with some personality.

What are my options? (See, I thought a script was a "pretty" landing page...good thing I'm not doing the technical end of things, isn't it?)

It never matters what you like ... nobody cares. They only care about what they like so ya better give them what they like instead of what you like.

[Rhey]

I think customers love sales page as if they were interested in the product selling in that page and want to find out more details on the product. But if not, people like my self doesn't want to bother reading the entire page and may be the reason why they doesn't like it.

[warriortx]

I use video for the first thing they see and then a sales page.
Good Luck

[Michael Mayo]

Here ya go Tink,

This website template should make it simpler for you.



Have a Great Day!
Michael

[C A Perez]

Kezz,
I really like your advice. I too have an aversion to Sales pages that overwhelm me with red and yellow and 99point font. Yet, I know they do work their magic.

I will be trying a little different approach that more suits my less crass nature. If it works I'll report back.
Carlos

[edhan]

No matter what you think, the end result will be having sales.

If a sale page can bring in sales, you should not be bother even if you do not like it.

For me, I think a sale page should be telling the person what can he finds with the product and how it can solve his problems. Or a brief description of the service and how he can benefit with it.

When someone comes to your site, it means he is looking for something that your site is offering. So if you do it right for the sale page to deliver what he is looking for, then you can close a sale. It is the same when I am searching for a particular product, I will read whether it offers what I am looking for. If yes, I will proceed to make purchase. It is as simple as that.

So, I believe it is very important to highlight the key points of the product that can help the person in order to close the deal.

[Julian Lockhart]

Facts are facts. Squeeze pages, landing pages, Long sales copy, short sales copy, video squeeze, Short headlines, Long headlines, etc all work. Some work better than others. There are a lot of factors. Create your page then test, improve, test, improve, test . . .

But here's the deal. It's your business. Let your principles guide you. Just because a long sales page may convert better you don't have to use it if you don't like it.

Just watch out for your opinion or point of view getting in the way because sometimes we forget it's just OUR opinion or point of view. It ain't gospel.

Keep your eye on conversions but don't put it in front YOUR principles or ideals. Anybody who does otherwise pays a price.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

[CDarklock]

Michael, I am totally going to use that.

[cowy]

Originally Posted by Scott Murdaugh

Most long sales pages aren't written for YOU.

And most long sales pages won't be read by 90% of people.

But if I'm a prospect, and a long sales letter is giving me information on a product I'm interested in, I'll read every word, even if it's 10k words long.

The point is, the 1% or 5% or whatever % of buyers you're targeting is all you care about, everyone else can take a glance and move on, that's how it works.

And yes, feel free to shoot me a PM anytime Tinker, I'm always happy to help out.

-Scott

Whoa! Now I really FIGURED OUT how sales pages works! Thanks Scott, you are giving a really good insight for me