Dvd copy > Writing Copy for Online Auctions

Writing Copy for Online Auctions

by: Patricia Michaels

The phrase writing copy comes from the advertising world, and it means a type of writing used to sell anything, from ideas to goods or services.

Copy writing is both an art and a science. You are trying to persuade as many people as possible to bid on your items by using words and phrases. While the art of writing copy may take years to master, the science of writing copy is a bit easier.

In order to place bids on your items, potential customers need to be able to find your items. Generally speaking, they find your auction item in one of two ways. They can either browse through pages of items in a general category or they can do a search on a specific type or brand of item.

Far and away, search engines play the leading role in getting your auction items seen by potential customers. Therefore, writing copy for the search engines is the ideal approach to take for writing copy for online acutions.

Titles

Title tags serve as the initial item identification tool. Generally speaking, short, accurate descriptions are the keys to effective titles.

Keywords, the most common words or phrases used for a search, are the most important aspect of writing titles for search engines. Typically all items can be broken down into three types of keywords:

Item Brands

Items Types

Item Names

For example, if you have a Royal Daulton Mad Hatter Toby Jug for sale, your title would say exactly that, Royal Daulton Mad Hatter Toby Jug. By using the brand, type and name of the item, you maximize the number of times your item will show up in search results. Any customer searching on the specific phrase Royal Daulton Mad Hatter Toby Jug, or Royal Daulton or toby jug would be able to find your listing.

By comparison, an inaccurate, incomplete or mispelled title such as, Royal Daulton Man or Royal Dalton Man, would decrease the number of potential customers because search engines are machines that match search terms with titles rather than interpreting titles to match search terms.

There are a variety of strategies employed to attract the browser to click through a listing. Some of the more prevalent, but often frowned upon strategies, are those titles that use innocuous phrases such as 'look' or 'must see'. Those phrases add nothing descriptive to the title and are generally considered nonprofessional.

Since the space allotted to titles is limited, descriptions that add only a few extra characters are always useful. For example, using dates, such as 1956 to describe a Knickerbocker Doll, or acronyms, such as LE (Limited Edition) and NIB (New in Box), at the end of titles are also effective ways to draw potential bidders to click through to your listing.

Finally, there may be times where bending these rules of title writing might be to your advantage. There are items whose names might be less salable than a substitute description. For example, a Norman Rockwell collector's plate called, "The Understudy", where the understudy is a picture of a clown, might not be as inviting a title as Norman Rockwell Clown.

As the folks on Madison Avenue continue to remind us, certain things, such as sex, puppies, kittens and clowns always sell. After some practice, you can get a feel for when using a description sells better than using the actual name.

Item Descriptions

A quick check of the search function in most online auction sites shows that they have an option for customers to search by both title and description. Therefore, many of the same rules of thumb that apply to writing titles equally apply to writing descriptions. The big difference between writing titles and writing descriptions is the amount of space provided for the tasks.

While there is limited space allocated for , there is almost an unlimited amount of space available to describe the item. Generally speaking though, a short paragraph is sufficient to provide accurate descriptions for the majority of items you will sell. All the items you write copy for should contain three basic elements

Item Identification

Item Measurement

Item Description

Just as in the title tag, the first part of your description should identify the item, again using the same key words that appear in the title.

Since pictures do not always provide a complete or even accurate representation of an item, measurements should be provided for all items. For example, a picture of a woman's wrist watch can show the basics of the watch. However, they can not show the length of the bracelet or the size of the watch face.

The most important aspect of describing the item is accuracy. To start, auction items can either be new, in their original box, or they can be used. All things being equal, used items have a higher potential of having a flaw that needs to be accurately presented to potential bidders. So, for example, on all the types of ceramic, porcelain, clay, crystal and glass items, there could be chips, cracks, scratches or crazing on the item.

Additionally, there are times when the flaws are apparent on the pictures you have posted. Do not assume that the customer sees the flaws on the picture. When you describe the item, you can add a phrase such as "see picture #1".

Finally, it's almost as important to know that the purpose of writing copy is to sell the item. Writing copy, just like any other type of writing, is intended for a specific type of audience. It's always a good idea to keep a series of questions in the back of your mind about the potential audience, as you plan on writing the description. Who is likely to purchase this item? For whom are they purchasing it? Is it for a collector? Is it for a family? Is it for an office worker? A sentence or two describing the item in a way that appeals to your audience is always a good idea. It takes time and practice to effectively integrate these types of sentences into your descriptions.

About The Author

Patricia A. Michaels has successfully sold over 2,000 items at auction and has been an internet publisher for about 10 years. She is the publisher of http://funwithcollectibles.com.

editor@funwithcollectibles.com

Are You Content With Your Content?

by: Dina Giolitto

Following are Five Immediate Changes You Can Make to Drive Traffic and Sales Through the Roof

1. Put More Oomph in Your Articles.

Don't tell the reader what he "could" do; tell him what he MUST do! Which of these sounds more dynamic to you: great copy, or brilliant copy? Speak in an authoritative tone, and you will be regarded as an authority. Go bookmark http://thesaurus.com in your favorites folder right now. You NEED power words to make your copy pop!

2. Tell the Reader Exactly What to Do.

Ever read someone else's web page and find yourself going into "the zone?" That happens to your reader, too. Snap him into action while he's caught in the trance. Click Here. Buy Now. Pop Your Email Address in the Subscriber Box Below. Seems almost silly, right? But call to actions are everywhere because they really WORK.

3. For the...

Are You Content With Your Content?

Dvd copy > Are You Content With Your Content?

How to Convert VHS to DVD with a DVD Recorder

How to Convert VHS to DVD with a DVD Recorder

by: Cole Figgins

When preserving your favorite movies or memories, the standard used to be VHS video tapes. But with the advancement of DVD technology, the advantages of DVDs proved to outweigh those of VCR tapes. Video tapes can wear out over time, becoming bent, damaged or dirty. The cassette casings are vulnerable to damage as well, rendering the tape inside useless. Storage is easier with DVDs since they take up less space than videos. Not to mention the quality of picture and sound is higher on DVDs.

So the question becomes, how do I convert my video tapes to DVDs in order to preserve them for my future enjoyment? There are several options. First, you could use a VHS to DVD conversion service that will do the transfer for you. However, if you have a great deal of videos to convert, over time you'll save money by doing the conversions yourself in the convenience of your home.

The computer...

How to Convert VHS to DVD with a DVD Recorder

Dvd copy > How to Convert VHS to DVD with a DVD Recorder

Tips For Turning CD Duplication Into A Profitable Side Business

Tips For Turning CD Duplication Into A Profitable Side Business

by: Mike Waters

CD duplication has arrived in a big way. Teenagers are using cd burners to rip mp3s from their favorite artists. Companies use cd duplication to make backups of their software and documents. Federal agencies are scrambling to define and interpret intellectual piracy and copyright laws as they relate to cd duplication and the music industry. The movie industry is seeking how they can profit from cd and DVD duplication. With so much attention focused on cd duplication, now is the perfect time to turn your home cd duplication hardware into a very profitable side business.

Believe it or not, you probably already have everything you need to get your cd duplication service business off the ground. All you need is a computer, a cd burner, cd duplication software, and a few blank cdrs to get started. It is really that easy.

If you don?t possess a computer or a cd burner,...

Tips For Turning CD Duplication Into A Profitable Side Business

Dvd copy > Tips For Turning CD Duplication Into A Profitable Side Business

How To Get A Free Radar Detector In 3 Easy Steps

How To Get A Free Radar Detector In 3 Easy Steps

by: Michael Kim

OK, so we?ve all seen them; banner ads, emails, messages on forums claiming to help you get free stuff.
Some offer free ipods, others offer a free playstation3, and some even offer free gas.
Most people think they are scams; spam designed to steal your information or get you to buy something.
But when you look at certain sites, they have pictures and testimonials of people who have actually received their free products.
You may even know someone who has.
Maybe it was a college friend or someone at work.
If people are actually receiving these products, then it isn?t a scam.
But how exactly does it work?
How can these companies give away these products for free?
It?s actually very simple.

It?s called CPA or Cost Per Acquisition.
The advertisers on these websites pay for the acquisition of new...

How To Get A Free Radar Detector In 3 Easy Steps

Dvd copy > How To Get A Free Radar Detector In 3 Easy Steps

Killer Content!

Killer Content!

by: Todd Levi

With the multi-millions of web sites that are competing for attention, attracting new visitors is a tough task. Once you get them the visitor there, the hard part is convincing them to stay or even buy. Web designers often turn to flash, fancy graphics, killer sound and other catchy features. While these devices might draw visitors into your site, it?s what and how you say it that makes the repeat visit or sale. Establishing credibility is huge. Customers expect the world and are suspicious of almost everything. The words on your site must be intelligent ad well thought out. This article will show you how to grab a visitor?s attention, intrigue their interest and motivate them to action.

The killer copy has, and always will rule. Just having the coolest look doesn?t SAY anything for you, literally.
Copy is time tested. Wether it be the newspaper, a T.V. news script or the article like you are reading now,...

Killer Content!

Dvd copy > Killer Content!

Relaying Convenience and Creativity

Relaying Convenience and Creativity

by: Terry Brown

Saturn is one of General Motors? brands. It was launched in 1990 largely due to the success of Japanese small-car imports in the United States, and this brand was the company?s response. It is popularly known for its ?no-haggle? sale policy. And it is very commonly known to have customer satisfaction with its dealer service that is among the highest of any car brand in the United States. It has also received praise for its environmentally-conscious manufacturing processes and for its innovations such as using flexible plastic side panels on its cars to avoid minor dents, as well.

One of the vehicles that are running under this brand is the Saturn Relay. It is a minivan that is the first in its brand not to have a polymer side paneling. The Saturn Relay uses a 3.5 liter High Value 3500 LX9 V6 that has the capability to generate 200 horsepower and 220 ft-lb. torque.

Interestingly, the...

Relaying Convenience and Creativity

Dvd copy > Relaying Convenience and Creativity

Guide to Choosing a Computer System For Your Child

Guide to Choosing a Computer System For Your Child

by: Eugen Lisov

Before going further into choosing computers for children, I believe that you would like to know the answer to the following question:

Why do children need computers?

The easiest answer for this one is: ?A child needs a computer so that he can play computer games?. Everybody agrees. Nevertheless, let?s not just limit on the short term use of the computer? Let?s analyze a little the world we live in and see what can acomputer do for children.

Computers are starting to have more and more importance in our daily life. Almost everywhere you go, you find computers. At office or at home, a computer is almost indispensable.

Not knowing to use a computer, you find many difficulties. Moreover, things will not get easier in the future, because the world is getting more and more computerized. That is why your child should get accustomed and work with computers from an...

Guide to Choosing a Computer System For Your Child

Dvd copy > Guide to Choosing a Computer System For Your Child

Five Ways to Improve Your Marketing Material with Fewer Words

Five Ways to Improve Your Marketing Material with Fewer Words

by: Jeremy Cohen

You can sell more by writing less.

If you are like many small business owners you may
unwittingly suffer from ?too many words? syndrome.
It
occurs when your marketing material features extra words
that don?t contribute to creating new business.

When your marketing material is too wordy you blur the
clarity of your marketing message.
The less clearly your
prospects understand how you can help them the less likely
they are to buy from you.
You want your marketing message
to come through without interference.

Too many words syndrome can rear its ugly head in just about
any copy.
It?s been known to lurk in web sites, brochures,
direct mail and newspaper ads, to name just a few places
it?s been found.
...

Five Ways to Improve Your Marketing Material with Fewer Words

Dvd copy > Five Ways to Improve Your Marketing Material with Fewer Words

Online Business Opportunity: Secret Of Success In Online Business Opportunity

by: Ikey Benney

Creating massive wealth from any online business opportunity is not easy.

Do you have an online business opportunity or program that you currently promote?

Are you doing any affiliate program?

Are you a shining success in the online business opportunity that you?re doing?

Are you making enough money and are you financially secured?

Read...

Writing Copy for Online Auctions Dvd copy Online Business Opportunity: Secret Of Success In Online Business Opportunity

Dvd copy > Online Business Opportunity: Secret Of Success In Online Business Opportunity

Writing Copy for Online Auctions Dvd copy

contact lenses

Mobile Reliant. Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Payphone!

by: Emily Sims

I?m waiting for a friend to pick me up. There are nine people coming for dinner and I?m cooking. Our whole evening depends on my hasty retrieval from the train station, and I?ve forgotten my mobile phone. I was standing on the platform, fumbling for it in my bag, when I realised my phone was absent. I had told my friend that I?d call her when I arrived at the station. Unsettled,...

Writing Copy for Online Auctions

Dvd copy > Mobile Reliant. Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Payphone!

Writing Copy for Online Auctions Dvd copy tires

Writing Copy for Online Auctions

Packing for Hawaii-How to Make the Most of What?s in Your Suitcase

by: Stephanie Coburn

Making vacation plans for Hawaii probably has you searching all your favorite stores for the best tropical inspired clothing of the season, however packing for a Hawaiian vacation requires more than simply picking out tropical themed clothing. In fact, to properly pack for Hawaii you need to consider not only the weather, but the activities you will be participating in while...

Writing Copy for Online Auctions

Dvd copy > Packing for Hawaii-How to Make the Most of What?s in Your Suitcase