VOLUME 3 ISSUE 5
March 19, 2003
In this issue...
How to write an article teaser
Pub Note: slim issue
Andrew Chak on the "why" of a Web page
Book Giveaway: "Submit Now: Designing Persuasive Web Sites"
 
 
Quick Links
>> Sign up for Debbie's E-newsletter Headache Workshop and save USD $50!
>> How to place a 2-line text ad for great results

>> How to write an article teaser

by Debbie Weil

Crafting those first words or sentences that entice readers to click through for the full story is both an art and a science. Successful teasers draw on the basic priniciples of direct response marketing as well as good journalism.

Here are a few examples to show you what works and why, along with a few tips. Hint: reveal a choice tidbit or two in those first 50 to 100 words...

Note: this article will be included in its entirety in the April 9 issue of the newsletter.

[MORE]


Reach your sales goals...

... by communicating effectively with your target audience. Arial's Campaign software tracks HTML opens, bounces, unsubscribes & clickthroughs for each email campaign you deliver. It's a cinch to install. Download a test version today.

 


 
>> PUBLISHER'S NOTE

Why this is a slim issue

Several reasons. The atmosphere is tense here in Washington DC where I live and work. The city is on high alert and the war with Iraq will almost surely have started by the time you read this.

Less is more
Second, I preach that less is more when it comes to content for your e-newsletter. I've been breaking this best practices rule. The past few issues of WordBiz Report have been crammed way too full. This one should give you a breather.

New WordBiz site & newsletter template
Third, we re-launched WordBiz.com this week with a new, cleaner look and clearer navigation. We've also unveiled a new newsletter template. Take a look and send me your feedback. I'm continuing to tweak and may use your suggestion.

Launching a new site is like giving birth. Launching a new HTML newsletter template at the same time is a bit like having twins. We also switched this week to a new email service provider. I guess that makes it triplets. Thanks for your understanding if you encounter any glitches in the next few days. And thanks to our extremely patient and capable friends at KISS Computing.

Check out 2-line text ads
Be sure to read the 2-line text ads in this issue (scroll down) and find out how to place one yourself. They're an easy, low-risk way to dip your toes into online marketing

I hate ^'s
Finally, spam filters be damned. I can't stand producing another issue cluttered with ^'s and *'s. Here's how one (loyal) reader responded after receiving the last issue.

Your anti-sp^m filter^ng is dr^ving me n^ts. But I real^ze you ha^e to do it be^ause it enabl^s y^ur read^rs to still get their em^il. On the oth^r h^nd, isn't there a b^tter w^y to circumv^nt the sp^m f^lters?

- Buck Sommerkamp, Butler Manufacturing Co.

Yours in the business of words online,


Publisher, WordBiz Report
+1 202.333.2022

 
>> ANDREW CHAK ON THE "WHY" OF A WEB PAGE 

If you had to come up with one word to measure the effectiveness of your site, it would be "why." As author and usability expert Andrew Chak puts it:

"Ask yourself why should I click on that link? Why should I do business with you? Why would I go further. Apply the why test to every page."

His book, Submit Now: Designing Persuasive Web Sites, is a step-by-step guide that will force you to reexamine your site whether you're launching or re-designing. You may wince, as I did. It's hard to get it right.

Chak focuses on the decision-making process that moves Web visitors through a site. In addition to the obvious principles of clear navigation, he stresses the importance of helping visitors make those decisions.

If you're asking for an email address, tell them why. If you're looking for a newsletter sign up, show a screenshot (yes, WordBiz does this).

If you're selling financial services (see Help Users Do the Math, page 103), display a comparison matrix for online checking accounts. He says, "You can highlight features of the gold account to make it look more appealing. Use a good, better, best type of approach."

Useful Link

Interview with Andrew Chak from User Interface West

 
Best practices in marketing with email newsletters

180-page report by MarketingSherpa includes step-by-step guidelines on how to produce email newsletters that get results. Find out how to:

- grow your opt in list
- get your e-newsletter delivered past filters
- get tips on format, content & design

Seven useful checklists plus 30 samples & screenshots. Get your copy today. Read online or order a printed copy.

 

 

 
>> Sponsored Links

Feature packed email marketing ASP priced for small business. Free Trial Account www.listrak.com/homepage.asp?t=11

You CAN afford to have a press release issued!
Big-time PR for small wallets http://www.ereleases.com

Give me three hours, and I'll open the government market for
you. Go to www.federaldirect.net & click on "Road Show"!

Start selling access to your valuable digital online content
efficiently and affordably! Learn more at www.javien.com

$$$-generating DM copy to boost your revenue!
FREE CD-ROM: http://www.directcopy.com/CD.html

Read a sample chapter

Read a sample chapter from Turning Clicks Into Customers on how to write a text ad. This 69-page special report is packed with tips and checklists. Get your copy today. Download instantly after purchase. USD $49

 
Tell a Friend
Forward this issue of WordBiz Report to a friend or colleague
Your
name:
Friend's
email:


We value your privacy, and the privacy of your friends.

 
PDF Report

Top Ten Tips to Launch an E-newsletter Plus 5 Tips to Get It Opened

by Debbie Weil
US $9.95

 
WordBiz Report is the winner of The Newsletter on Newsletters' 2002 Gold Award for Online Subscription Newsletter. The NL on NL's annual awards competition, now in its 30th year, is the most prestigious in the industry.
 
 
 
FREE Sign up
Get tips & case studies on marketing online with killer copy & content in WordBiz Report.
Enter your work email below:

HTML Text
We value your privacy
 
BOOK GIVEAWAY
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Enter the book giveaway to win one of 5 copies of Andrew Chak's Submit Now: Designing Persuasive Web Sites.

It's aimed at marketers as well as Web developers and covers sites in a half dozen verticals including retail, professional, financial, and online products and services.

I particularly liked his comments about the two fundamental motivators - the desire for reward and the fear of punishment.

These are what move Web visitors through the decision making process, he says. He cites a study showing that "loss language" (losing money vs. saving money, for example) is a much stronger motivator.

Chak isn't a copywriter but it just goes to show that words are everyone's business online.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

>> FINE PRINT
Advertise in WordBiz Report
Lots more info about demographics, sponsor positions & two-line text ads in our online media kit.

Contact Us
Feedback? +1 202.333.2022 land US, Eastern or hit Reply. Visit www.wordbiz.com

About WordBiz Report
WordBiz Report focuses on the business of words online - how to improve sales conversion on the Web or through email with killer copy & content. WBR is the winner of The Newsletter on Newsletter's 2002 Gold Award for Online Subscription Newsletter.

WordBiz Consulting
Publisher Debbie Weil does a limited amount of consulting for smart clients who need an e-newsletter audit, help in evaluating an email vendor, or tune-ups of the copy & content formula on their site or email program. Give me a call; I'd love to help you improve your sales and lead conversion. + 1 202.333.2022 Washington DC e: debbie.weil@gmail.com

Debbie Weil's ClickZ columns on E-newsletter Strategies & B2B Email M^rketing




This email was sent to: