7 emotions every sales letter needs

Last time I went through the formula I always use to start on a sales letter.

The formula will give you the bare bones of a good letter, but it’s emotion that gets readers on your side.

You need to crowbar emotion in whenever, and wherever you can.

Denny Hatch lists these 7 key emotions, and I have found they work wonders:

  • Fear
  • Flattery
  • Greed
  • Guilt
  • Anger
  • Salvation
  • Exclusivity

Together, they really will give your sales letter punch.

I try and get them all in – but sometimes, only one or two are relavent.

So let’s see how we’d use them.

Let’s pretend I’m promoting a sales letter how-to video. Here are the lines I’d weave in to the letter /landing page:

Fear:

“There’s nothing worse than waiting for the results of a sales letter campaign. All that time. All that effort. And then it flops.”

Flattery:

“Simply because you are reading this, I’d bet you know more about selling than most. It’s those that study – and apply their knowledge – that get the best results.”

Greed:

“There is nothing more satisfying that landing a big meeting with an ideal prospect – ones that smash sales targets all on their own.”

Guilt:

“We all know the day we stop learning is the day we start going backwards. Sure, it’s nice to put your feet up and free wheel for a while – but while you aren’t pedalling, the competition pulls away. You have to stay on top of your game.”

Anger:

“It’s infuriating knowing that a particular prospect – who is tailor made for your service – doesn’t even know you exist.”

Salvation:

£The reality is it only takes one good client to transform your cash flow and profits. You know they are out there – almost within touching distance – but getting to them? Of course, I’m biased, but this is the answer.”

Exclusivity:

“Let’s be honest, there are very few people out there that can write a letter at ‘C’ level, and get the meeting. But I’m inviting you now to join that elite group.”

That’s all for this time.

Next we touch on Drayton’s secret weapon: charm.

And believe me, it transforms sales letters.

Best

Al