Will Web 2.0 Replace Online Sales Copy?

Will Web 2.0 Replace Online Sales Copy?

The term Web 2.0 basically refers to the rise of new and more social technologies on the Internet.  Blogs, video sharing and forums are some examples of Web 2.0 applications.

Traditional online sales letters go far back to the early, beginning days of the Internet.   Back then most browsers were text-based therefore most web content was text-only.  Eventually images and graphics were supported and websites quickly began reflecting that.  Not much else changed.  The slow Internet connections that were commonplace up until just a few years ago prohibited quick viewing of anything beyond that, so most sites stuck to text and small pictures.

Once the Internet became commonplace in homes, things began to change. Broadband connections became less expensive and more people got connected at higher speeds.  This brought forth the incentive to explore audio, video and advanced social applications…thus, Web 2.0 was born.

Online sales letters still had not changed much at this point.  For the most part, they were still comprised of long, scrolling copy broken up with the occasional picture or graphic.  Even then, it still worked, but as Web 2.0 became more prevalent people began to want more interactivity rather than just text.

Does Online Sales Copy Still Serve a Purpose?

Online copy still continues to be an important part of the Internet experience.  It informs the consumer, appeals to his emotions and tells him how to go about purchasing the product.  It can and should live in harmony with Web 2.0.  (Click Here to Grab my FREE Report on Writing Web Copy – pdf) *No email address needed!

A change is occurring…

The change lies in how much copy is acceptable.  The long-winded salesletter that worked a year or two ago is becoming increasingly ineffective.  That doesn’t mean that people don’t want or need as much information, it just means that it is becoming better accepted a variety of forms.

Online Copy is still absolutely essential to sales.  Written word can stir emotions in a way that audio and video cannot.  Text is also more searchable than other mediums, making it the best choice for explaining product benefits and pricing.  Mixing it up with videos displaying the product in action and audio of customer of testimonials, for instance, better utilizes the current capabilities of the Internet and better engages the consumer’s senses.

Two Easy Ways to Benefit from Web 2.0

Blogs: Blogs are a part of Web 2.0 that can be of great benefit to your business.  Blogging about subjects relevant to the products and services you sell is a great way to keep in touch with current customers.  Your blog entries can also serve to build interest for your website visitors, perhaps intriguing more interest, eventually turning them into customers.

Podcasting: Podcasting is another Web 2.0 activity that is good for business.  Making short audio or video clips on subjects related to your expertise is becoming a popular way to establish yourself as an expert in your field.  Being seen as an expert can lead to more sales.

Web 2.0 is here to stay, but so is online copy.  Internet users appreciate the familiarity of the traditional salesletter but also crave the interactivity of audio, video and community features.  These things can compliment one another to take your online sales presentation to a new level.
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