by Alan Harris When it comes to making a decision, do you ever hesitate? Of course you do, everyone does! Even when it comes to makin...
by Alan Harris
When it comes to making a decision, do you ever hesitate? Of course you do, everyone does! Even when it comes to making decisions about things we enjoy, such as where to eat, what to buy, or what event to attend, we debate and delay the decision making process.
So how do you get people to take action quickly with your own business? You need to eliminate any potential procrastinating ways. How? By creating a sense of urgency in your writing.
Whether you’re writing an irresistible email subject line, drafting up a promo, creating an email invitation, or writing a social post, here are five ways to grab the attention of your audience, and ignite them into action.
1. Set a Deadline
Nothing conveys a sense of urgency quite like a deadline. Reinforce the deadline in your email subject line or headline, the body copy and in the call-to-action. Use words such as “ends tomorrow,” “good until 3/3/15,” or “offer expires Thursday.”
Nothing conveys a sense of urgency quite like a deadline. Reinforce the deadline in your email subject line or headline, the body copy and in the call-to-action. Use words such as “ends tomorrow,” “good until 3/3/15,” or “offer expires Thursday.”
2. Use Time-Sensitive Language
Use time-sensitive phrasing and wording such as, “time is running out,” “last chance,”or “only one day left,” especially in tandem with a deadline. Here’s an example: “Last chance! This offer expires tomorrow at noon PST. Don’t miss out.”
Use time-sensitive phrasing and wording such as, “time is running out,” “last chance,”or “only one day left,” especially in tandem with a deadline. Here’s an example: “Last chance! This offer expires tomorrow at noon PST. Don’t miss out.”
If you don’t want to use a hard deadline or expiration date, you can still use time-sensitive language in a general way, e.g. “limited-time offer.” You can also employ a countdown clock in your emails and across social media channels to reinforce the sense of urgency. Sending a last reminder in the final hours of an offer can also be effective.
3. Create Demand with Scarcity
An alternative way to communicate urgency to your readers without relying on deadlines is to emphasize or create a sense of scarcity, e.g. “Get it before it’s gone,” “only 5 spots left,” or “While supplies last.”
An alternative way to communicate urgency to your readers without relying on deadlines is to emphasize or create a sense of scarcity, e.g. “Get it before it’s gone,” “only 5 spots left,” or “While supplies last.”
Whether you’re selling tickets to a fundraiser, or new merchandise, reminding your audience that you only have a finite and rapidly dwindling supply of something can help push those fence-sitters over the edge. Also be honest about the limited supply of your product or service as well. If people rush to buy a “flying off the shelves” ticket only to see there are plenty more a week later, you’ll have angry customers on your hands.
4. Keep Your Writing Brief
Once you entice readers, don’t overwhelm them with a mountain of text, because the average reader doesn’t have the attention for it. Instead, keep the body of your message brief so readers focus on your headline, key points and call-to-action. Need some help in the brevity department? Check out the very cool and free Hemingway App.
Once you entice readers, don’t overwhelm them with a mountain of text, because the average reader doesn’t have the attention for it. Instead, keep the body of your message brief so readers focus on your headline, key points and call-to-action. Need some help in the brevity department? Check out the very cool and free Hemingway App.
5. Use a Clear, Direct Call-to-Action
It doesn’t matter how well written your email, blog or social post is if your readers don’t know what you want them to do. Make it obvious with a direct and easy to understand CTA, or call-to-action. Whether you want them to make a phone call or click-through to your website, make your CTA a highly visible link or button with action-oriented wording. You can use the VerticalResponse Button Builder to create your own call-to-action button for free.
It doesn’t matter how well written your email, blog or social post is if your readers don’t know what you want them to do. Make it obvious with a direct and easy to understand CTA, or call-to-action. Whether you want them to make a phone call or click-through to your website, make your CTA a highly visible link or button with action-oriented wording. You can use the VerticalResponse Button Builder to create your own call-to-action button for free.
Did we miss any tips? Share yours in the comments section below.
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