(1) Create a Direct Response Website, with the minimum number of pages possible (e.g. an Index Page, a Contact Page, and an Order Page).

(2) Make sure your sales copy is positive and inspiring - people buy things because they want to improve their lives.

(3) Identify a problem and show people how and why your product or service solves the problem.

(4) Keep your paragraphs short - no more than 2 sentences per paragraph.

(5) Use bold headings to break up your sales copy into short chunks of text.

(6) Use a bulleted list to itemize the benefits of your product or service. Start each benefit with an action word: "turn", "make", "triple", "grab", "create", "build", "convert", "start", "change", "drive", "organize", "promote", "develop", "learn", "compel", "fill", "attract", "get", "earn", "take", "discover", "produce", "find", "generate", "acquire". "inspire", "send", "blast".

(7) Give your visitors at least 3 order links (e.g. 1/3rd of the way down your page, 2/3rds the way down, and at the bottom). But don't stop there - turn some of your key phrases into hyperlinks that go to your order page. Here are some examples of phrases that you could link to your order page: "increase your sales", "take advantage of this offer", "try it risk-free for 30 days", "get the following 5 bonuses", "the competitive edge you need", "this risk-free offer".

(8) Use purple (#990099, R=153 G=0 B=153) text - the color purple (used sparingly) has been shown to increase sales.

(9) Give a time limit - most people are procrastinators.

(10) At the end of your sales copy make a call to action: "Act now - don't let this opportunity pass by"

(c) 2002 by Michael Southon