How to Write Sales Letters That Sell Book Summary - How to Write Sales Letters That Sell Book explained in key points

How to Write Sales Letters That Sell summary

Brief summary

How to Write Sales Letters That Sell by Drayton Bird is a comprehensive guide that provides practical tips and techniques for crafting persuasive sales letters. Whether you're a novice or an experienced copywriter, this book will help you create compelling messages that drive results.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    How to Write Sales Letters That Sell
    Summary of key ideas

    Understanding the Power of Sales Letters

    In How to Write Sales Letters That Sell by Drayton Bird, we are introduced to the power of sales letters in the marketing world. Bird emphasizes that despite the rise of digital marketing, sales letters remain a vital tool for businesses. He explains that a well-crafted sales letter can effectively communicate a company's message, build trust, and ultimately drive sales.

    Bird starts by discussing the fundamental principles of successful sales letters. He highlights the importance of understanding your target audience, identifying their needs, and crafting a compelling message that resonates with them. He also stresses the significance of a strong headline, as it is the first thing readers see and can determine whether they continue reading or not.

    Elements of an Effective Sales Letter

    The book then delves into the anatomy of a successful sales letter. Bird discusses the crucial elements that make up an effective letter, such as the opening, the body, and the closing. He provides practical advice on how to structure each part to capture the reader's attention, present the product or service in an appealing way, and prompt action.

    Bird also emphasizes the importance of credibility and trust in a sales letter. He suggests using testimonials, case studies, and other forms of social proof to build credibility and reassure the reader that they are making the right decision by purchasing the product or service.

    Mastering Persuasion Techniques

    Next, How to Write Sales Letters That Sell focuses on the art of persuasion. Bird introduces various psychological triggers and persuasion techniques that can be used in sales letters to influence the reader's decision-making process. These include scarcity, social proof, authority, and the principle of liking, among others.

    He provides real-life examples and case studies to illustrate how these techniques have been successfully applied in sales letters. By understanding and leveraging these psychological triggers, Bird argues, marketers can significantly increase the effectiveness of their sales letters.

    Adapting to the Digital World

    As the book progresses, Bird addresses the impact of digital technology on sales letters. He acknowledges the shift from traditional direct mail to email and other digital marketing channels. Despite this change, he argues that the core principles of effective sales letter writing remain the same, and can be adapted to suit the digital landscape.

    Bird provides insights into writing effective email sales letters and discusses the differences between writing for print and digital media. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique characteristics of each medium and tailoring the sales letter accordingly.

    Continual Improvement and Testing

    In the final sections of the book, Bird stresses the importance of continual improvement and testing. He encourages marketers to constantly refine their sales letters based on feedback and results. Bird explains the concept of split testing and how it can be used to compare different versions of a sales letter and identify the most effective one.

    In conclusion, How to Write Sales Letters That Sell by Drayton Bird provides a comprehensive guide to crafting persuasive and effective sales letters. He emphasizes the timeless principles of direct response marketing, while also acknowledging the need to adapt to the evolving digital landscape. With practical advice and real-life examples, Bird equips readers with the knowledge and tools to write sales letters that truly sell.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is How to Write Sales Letters That Sell about?

    How to Write Sales Letters That Sell by Drayton Bird is a comprehensive guide on creating effective sales letters. It provides practical tips and proven techniques to grab the reader's attention, build interest, and ultimately drive sales. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced marketer, this book will help you craft compelling sales letters that deliver results.

    How to Write Sales Letters That Sell Review

    How to Write Sales Letters That Sell by Drayton Bird (1991) is an essential read for anyone looking to master the art of crafting persuasive sales letters. Here's why this book stands out:

    • Offers practical strategies and techniques to effectively communicate your message and drive sales.
    • Provides insightful case studies and examples that demonstrate the power of well-written sales letters in converting prospects.
    • Presents information in a straightforward and engaging manner, ensuring readers stay captivated and motivated to improve their sales writing skills.

    Who should read How to Write Sales Letters That Sell?

    • Marketers and copywriters looking to improve their direct mail campaigns

    • Business owners who want to increase the effectiveness of their sales letters

    • Individuals seeking practical tips and techniques for crafting persuasive written messages

    About the Author

    Drayton Bird is a renowned expert in the field of direct marketing. With over 40 years of experience, he has worked with some of the world's leading companies, including American Express and Microsoft. Bird is highly regarded for his ability to craft persuasive sales letters that generate results. In addition to his book, How to Write Sales Letters That Sell, he has also written numerous articles and spoken at industry events, sharing his wealth of knowledge and practical tips for effective marketing communication.

    Categories with How to Write Sales Letters That Sell

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    32 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    How to Write Sales Letters That Sell FAQs 

    What is the main message of How to Write Sales Letters That Sell?

    Craft compelling sales letters that drive results through proven techniques and strategies.

    How long does it take to read How to Write Sales Letters That Sell?

    Read time varies. Blinkist summary takes a fraction of the time.

    Is How to Write Sales Letters That Sell a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Worth reading for practical insights into writing persuasive sales letters.

    Who is the author of How to Write Sales Letters That Sell?

    Drayton Bird is the author of How to Write Sales Letters That Sell.

    What to read after How to Write Sales Letters That Sell?

    If you're wondering what to read next after How to Write Sales Letters That Sell, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
    • Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey A. Moore
    • The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
    • Selling the Invisible by Harry Beckwith
    • You Can Negotiate Anything by Herb Cohen
    • To Sell Is Human by Daniel H. Pink
    • Influence by Robert B. Cialdini
    • The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
    • Manufacturing Consent by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky
    • Switch by Chip Heath & Dan Heath