Here are some of the ways you could start your pitch:
- With a question: This addresses the customer directly, and may even be what they are doing there in the first place. Isn’t it time you…? Don’t you wish…? Why pay full price…? Are you paying too much for…?
- With a statement: This gets your message out there immediately, while engaging the reader. Let’s talk about why you need… We’ll change your mind about… It’s never too late to…
- With a challenge: You immediately call your customer to action and tell them just what you can do for them. Visit our showroom… Find out just what everyone is talking about…. Experience the world of….
Free or special?
Customers like to think they are receiving a special deal. Here are a few strong words that can perk up a reader’s attention, but make sure you’re honest. We all know just what we do with letters that have ‘valuable documents enclosed’. Don’t cry ‘special offer’ if you haven’t got one. Here are some words you could use, where applicable:
- Free
- Special offer
- Discount
- Limited-time offer
- Bargain
- Bonus
- Exclusive
- Sale
- Extra
- Sneak preview
Here are some pointers:
Engage: Focus on how your customer can benefit. Address their needs and desires. Let customers know how great your services or products are, and how they can relate to them.
Be persuasive: Encourage your customer to take the next step. Be polite, but not too subtle, in giving them a call to action. Don’t say ‘if you would like to find out more’ because that then gives them an out. Say ‘get in touch’ or ‘learn more’ to encourage them to make contact, or send them straight to ‘order’ or ‘buy’.
Be concise: Don’t use more words than necessary.
Tell them what you have to offer
OK, so you’ve got their attention. Now, what is the best or most appealing thing about the product or service you offer? Its quality? Its authenticity? Its durability?
Every sector will have its own buzzwords, and you have to use them to persuade the customer that what you have on offer will make their life better.
Take a look at these words below. If the word on the left sums up your product or service, then the words on the same line will be useful for you in helping to describe it to a customer.
| Descriptive word |
Suggested alternatives |
| Quality |
Significant |
Outstanding |
Foremost |
Esteemed |
Excellent |
| Durable |
Strong |
Resilient |
Sturdy |
Robust |
Well-built |
| Convenient |
Handy |
Versatile |
Practical |
Efficient |
Time-saving |
| Exciting |
Lively |
Vibrant |
Thrilling |
Startling |
Fascinating |
| Expertise |
Qualified |
Accomplished |
Knowledgeable |
Professional |
Exacting |
| Fast |
Instant |
Immediate |
Prompt |
Punctual |
Swift |
| Attractive |
Beautiful |
Striking |
Dazzling |
Sparkling |
Elegant |
| Healthy |
Natural |
Nutritious |
Refreshing |
Goodness |
Organic |
| Cheap |
Affordable |
Economical |
Thrifty |
Budget |
Value |
| Reliable |
Dependable |
Honest |
Trusted |
No-nonsense |
Sound |
| Stylish |
Glamourous |
Tasteful |
Sleek |
Edgy |
Graceful |
| Superior |
Fantastic |
Unrivalled |
Exceptional |
Supreme |
Distinguished |
Clinch the deal
Now is the time to finalise the transaction. The customer is interested and engaged. You now have to come up with the choice of words that will make them take action.
- Don’t wait any longer…
- Don’t miss this opportunity…
- You will receive all these benefits…
- Just reach for the phone…
- With your approval, I’d like to…
- Just hit reply and I’ll email you the details…
- You won’t be disappointed…
Don’t be afraid to ask can you take the customer’s order. That call to action may be just what they need to decide to buy.
