Web Copy That Sells: The Revolutionary Formula for Creating Killer Copy Every Time

  Author:    Maria Veloso
  ISBN:    0814472494
  Sales Rank:    20038
  Published:    2004-06
  Publisher:    AMACOM
  # Pages:    288
  Binding:    Paperback
  Avg. Rating:    5.0 based on 63 reviews
  Used Offers:    16 from $10.97
  Amazon Price:    $14.93
  (Data above last updated:  2008-12-04 08:08:10 EST)
  
  
Sort customer reviews by:
  
Show All Reviews on Page      Hide All Reviews on Page
   
  
Web Copy That Sells: The Revolutionary Formula for Creating Killer Copy Every Time
  

"In order for a Web site to sell effectively, it must appeal to the unique culture, mindset, and psychology of the Web. Simply put, what works in the brick-and-mortar world does not necessarily grab Web shoppers. Companies selling products and services online need to promote their wares with engaging copy that grabs attention and compels Web site visitors to buy.

Web Copy That Sells presents copy strategies that have been proven time and again in the e-commerce arena. Maria Veloso, perhaps the most widely acclaimed Web copywriter in the world, reveals her revolutionary approach based on five simple questions, which, when answered, make the copy practically write itself. Veloso crams all the information from her 12-hour, $997 live seminars into a comprehensive book that will help any Web copywriter:

* write sizzling and irresistible Web copy, e-mails, and marketing communications

* quickly turn lackluster sites into ""perpetual money machines""

* use Neuro-Linguistic Programming and psychological tactics to compel Web surfers to buy

* avoid the top three blunders that can wipe out your sales

* convert up to 50% of online prospects into paying customers

* and more!"

                  Reader Reviews 1 - 50 of 66            Next
  
  
Review
Date
Review
Rating(5 High)
Review
Helpful
to:
Customer Review Reviewer
Info
Permanent
Link
Reader Reviews Below Sorted by Newest First
12-01-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Write communications materials that will capture the hearts and minds of prospective employers!
Reviewer Permalink
Copy writing is the art of selling by written word. "Web Copy That Sells' is Maria Veloso's fantastic approach to copy-writing. Veloso is an expert in selling difficult to sell, high-priced items over the Internet.

Veloso shares with us the psychological tricks behind selling online and how to write an email that makes it through spam filters and actually gets read!

Anyone looking for employment can draw from this book the very practical skill of knowing how to sell oneself in writing. Most of the time the first impression a prospective employer will get is written. If you want to know how to make your email stand out, this book indeed has some valuable insights.

Danny Iny
Author of the free eBook "Forget Everything You Know About Looking For a Job... And Actually Find One!"
[...]
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-12-04 08:11:35 EST)
10-09-08 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  Web Copy That Sells
Reviewer Permalink
Not all websites are created equally. The majority of websites are rather boring: a little text and perhaps a few graphics. Other sites try to grab the readers' attention with a lot of colorful graphics and a lot of fancy ad-speak.

When it comes to promoting business success, neither type of website will be very useful. The rather plain site will be virtually ignored. Most readers won't even bother to read your web copy.

On the other hand, the flashy site will scream out advertisement. It's like going into a store and having the salesman give us the hard sell. No one wants that.

Fortunately, Web Copy that Sells provides a third option. Step by step, this resource shows how to get readers to read your web copy and how to encourage them to purchase your product. This book really is a goldmine of ideas.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-12-04 08:11:35 EST)
10-08-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  a good introduction to an intimidating topic
Reviewer Permalink
This is a fine introduction on adapting print-copywriting
methods to the internet. Veloso's treatment is concise
in all areas and you might want more detail and examples -
you can get those elsewhere.

After reading this book once I blazed through it a second
time later. It's a very fast read, like a lot of current
business books. The lessons here are simple and profound.

I like the old-school copywriters too, and if you do any
email marketing you'll quickly outgrow the advice here
because times change and what worked in 2004 to get
emails opended may not work as well today. In general
you'll find that if you poke around there are useful email
marketing tips to be found all over the internet - finding
what works for you is mostly a matter of practice,
experimentation and respecting your subscribers.

I recommend this book highly to first-time copywriters.
If you plan to put any serious money on the line in terms
of buying advertising you cannot be to well read - there
are many other worthwhile books on direct response copy -
reading them is like money in the bank.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-12-04 08:11:35 EST)
10-06-08 1 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  How to write SPAM
Reviewer Permalink
After reading all the positive reviews for this book, I thought it was the perfect answer to helping me update my web copy skills -- turns out I should have been reading the negative reviews. This book teaches you how to sell like a truly slimy salesperson. Anyone who actually actively surfs the internet and is familiar with it will read her 'formulas' as just about as creepy as it gets, not to mention the kind of information one glazes over as blantant false advertising.

Two examples of unsettling information in this book are: 1. when she recommends that if you want to have a website that's as good as a competitors, to copy their 'sales sheet' for five hours until you practically become them. CREEPY. 2. When she suggests using hypnotism in your writing to get people to buy stuff they maybe don't actually need. It feels like Marketing 101 for the used car salesman from hell.

This book is for ruthless, dirty, greedy people who don't want to contribute their own voice to a shop/website but want to sell the useless to the naive using 'keywords' that mean nothing and gimmicks. This book was a waste of money and time, and I have little respect for anyone who feels otherwise.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-10-08 07:35:02 EST)
09-15-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Web copy that sells
Reviewer Permalink
I was looking for advice on writing copy for postcard marketing and after reading "Web Copy that Sells" I was very surprised that Maria Veloso covered that in Chapter 6, the opt-in offer, but in a very limited way. I think Chapter 4, Crafting Your Copy connected best with me because that's the craft in which I would like best to succeed. The book is geared toward onling marketing I think since Ms. Veloso is so well versed in off-line marketing that many of the principles could be applied toward a hybrid on-line/off-line marketing effort but with additional learning resources needed. This book will definitely stay on my shelf as a resource guide.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-10-07 07:47:42 EST)
09-07-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Fabulous info!
Reviewer Permalink
This book gets right to the point and gives really wonderful and complete information on how to write excellent web copy right off the bat. She really knows her stuff. There are a number of things here that I haven't found anywhere else, and even where the info was duplicated in another book, most likely they learned from her. I had good info before, she just ramped it up about three notches.

I highly recommend this book. I intend to use it to promote my book, Invited To The Light and all the articles that companion it on my website http://secretsfromthelight.com.

I consider this wonderful book a MUST have for anyone, like me, who is just getting into the business of internet marketing. It's VERY well put together and she gets right to the point. A LOT of direct information, not overwritten. Excellently edited.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-16 08:18:06 EST)
07-29-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Every Marketing Copywriter Needs to Have this!
Reviewer Permalink
Great book! Dives into the pyschology of marketing copywriting. Shows you how to set up the structure of a marketing piece. (creating a need, filling the need with your product, etc.) Very helpful tid-bits and nuggets of information. Also has great email copywriting tips too. The perfect writing companion for any marketing copywriter. I read this before I became a copywriter and am so glad I did. It helps explain the underlying factors of why people buy--and how to manipulate the mind with well crafted copy. Excellent, fairly fast read. Has examples of websites and emails in the text. I plan on high-lighting and dog-tagging mine in the years to come!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-09 03:56:44 EST)
07-21-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Bravo!
Reviewer Permalink
I love the way Maria not only lays everything out for you in a step-by-step method, but she also takes you on a journey of the psychology behind why people respond to direct marketing.

For people who want to use the itnernet to sell a product online, this book has it all. Furthermore...beyond just websales, it is a great and valuable book about direct marketing methods in general.

She knows her stuff. I found myself, taking notes on my kindle and highlighting numerous amounts of text.

In short...buy it...you'll be glad you did!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-30 08:09:51 EST)
06-24-08 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  Like Nothing I've Ever Read...
Reviewer Permalink
Although I've been selling online for years now, I honestly cannot understand how much I've been missing out on.

I picked up "Web Copy That Sells" thinking I might get 1 or 2 good ideas and make it worth the money.

Boy was I wrong!

I literally got over a dozen incredible ideas that I've now implemented into all my sales copy and have seen a great response already - just within a few days.

I now use it for all my e-mails, sales pages, signature files, and everything else that would be considered "copy".

I highly recommend this book to ANYBODY writing online - whether you're a full time copywriter or a beginner just starting out!

[...]
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-23 07:19:25 EST)
06-08-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  A must have!
Reviewer Permalink
This book is awesome. I use it as reference for all my web copy. Best book on "web copy" I've read so far. Excellent details.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-22 03:37:04 EST)
06-07-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  I was making a notes - literally on every page!
Reviewer Permalink
This book is simply astonishing, and the value of content is unmeasurable.
Mostly, if you are familiar with e-business, internet marketing and yada-yada books, what you usually get is a book, what reads fast, makes you laugh, but after you read it, it lefts zero value for the most purpose, why you bought the book - for growing your business skills.
This book is just opposite. It starts with a tips, hints, how-to-write examples and steps - in so incredible manner, that you READ IT SLOWLY, because you understand, that this is a value, that can not be just skipped fast.
More!
After i read about 50 % of it, I took a notebook, and literally, started from 1 page again, to make a hints on notepad.
And this is a first business book, in my solid over 100 business book collection, where I did so.
And again guess why?
Because Maria Veloso gives you so much hints and tactics that you can use now, that you simply can not read this book like fiction novel - you will forget something, and literally every page contains a gem - the only question for me is why author gives away so much tips and hints - I am afraid she is literally making herself less competitive.

One thing about 2 negative comments there.

Note, that they talk about ethics, morale and bla bla bla. What does it hints you? It says, that book is dangerously powerful, and this is a weapon in your hands, a real weapon in business world to fight against the competitor. Ethics? Heh, your competitor will eat you, and ask waiter for a salt and pepper for better taste if they could, what ethics we can talk in 2008, especially in e-business?
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-22 03:37:04 EST)
05-26-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  A Must For Beginner Web Copywriters
Reviewer Permalink
...And even advanced copywriters will gain some valuable insights. The main point that Maria makes in "Web Copy That Sells" could be summed up in the phrase "Know your customer". Specifically, she impresses on the reader that most people surfing the web are in a very specific psychological state (information-seeking) that you have to understand so that you can structure your writing in a way that grabs their attention immediately and leads them through the sales process. The best parts of the book:

1. Maria shares her "blueprint" for writing effective copy on the web. 5 questions that you can use to essentially form the framework of your sales letter before you've even started writing.

2. Psychological devices taken from NLP and other branches of psychology that get your prospects more involved in your copy and increase conversion.

3. An easy formula for writing "mouthwatering bullets" that paint a picture of how your customers lives will improve when they purchase your product.

4. A checklist that you can use to find out if your copy has as many sales-inducing elements as possible, and how to troubleshoot if things go wrong.

All in all, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to pursue a lucrative career in online copywriting, or anyone who just wants their copy to have an "unfair advantage" over the competition (haha marketing cliche).
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-08 07:43:50 EST)
05-17-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Top Of Her Game
Reviewer Permalink
THis is THE BEST Web Copywriting Book On the market...Hands Down!!!!

You will walk away from reading this book learning just about everything you need on the subject of Web Copy.

I was so inspired that I ordered her CD course and I can't tell you how valuable her material is. She OVER Delivers. You feel that she wants you to succeed and not out to make a quick buck.

She shares all of her secrets and doesn't hold anything back. What you get is everything that all the top web copywriting and marketing guru's use and MORE.

I'm thinking of starting a copywriting business based on what I've learned from this book and her CD course.

Thanks Maria
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-26 07:47:16 EST)
05-17-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Top Of Her Game
Reviewer Permalink
THis is THE BEST Web Copywriting Book On the market...Hands Down!!!!

If you don't walk away from reading this book without learning just about everything you need on the subject, you need to get out of the business or just hire someone to do all your work for you.

I was so inspired that I ordered her CD course and I can't tell you how valuable her material is. She OVER Delivers. You feel that she wants you to succeed and not out to make a quick buck.

She shares all of her secrets and doesn't hold anything back. What you get is everything that all the top web copywriting and marketing guru's use and MORE.

I'm thinking of starting a copywriting business based on what I've learned from this book and her CD course.

Thanks Maria
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-17 07:48:59 EST)
04-06-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  How To Get Past Your Customers Advertising Filters
Reviewer Permalink
I've really enjoyed Maria Veloso's book. I've put many of her ideas to work in my own sales letters and writing.

I've realized the importance of making your sales letters have the look and feel of an article rather than a typical sales letter.

But beyond that you get a complete copywriting course for $15. I've read many books on copywriting but this one is unique because it deals specifically with copywriting for the web.

Although my experiences do not jive with all of her conclusions, nevertheless there are some really powerful techniques in this book.

I like the NLP stuff in there as well. I was looking at a course that was about $200 but I believe what she taught just in that one NLP section was likely better.

Why? Because these NLP copywriters aren't great writers. They use all sorts of NLP concepts, but the overall writing makes me click away from the page.

Why would I want to buy a course on copywriting from a sales letter that I'm not even interested in reading completely. So Maria shows you how to use the NLP power of influence in a way that really works.

Next I love her question process. It really simplifies copywriting. Overall this book is an excellent resource and a book that I refer to again and again.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 03:27:50 EST)
04-05-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Very useful
Reviewer Permalink
I get the negative criticism of this book. There's a fine line between persuasion and manipulation. I personally would not let my credit card near the examples of copy in this book and yet I realize that I'm likely not her target audience for those sites. Maria presents many techniques here and explains them simply and in an easy to understand way. It's up to the writer to choose the techniques that meet the writer's ethical standards and that will be effective with the target audience.

I appreciate the writing system that Maria presents, which helps me get clear about what I want to say in a persuasive manner that meets my own ethical standards. I even appreciate reading about techniques that I don't feel comfortable using, because I'll be able to identify them both on websites and in conversations with salespeople.

So far, I haven't read many books on writing copy and I found this one very useful. I would have appreciated some examples that didn't feel so manipulative.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 03:27:50 EST)
03-24-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Not a bad book
Reviewer Permalink
I am glad I purchased this book. It did have a number of good techniques, and brought awareness to several ideas that will help to lead us in a new direction.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a system to help push online sales in their market
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-06 07:38:04 EST)
02-22-08 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  Excellent product
Reviewer Permalink
This book is well written and very straight forward. It's full of useful information that can be implemented easily for maximum return. I highly recommend it.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-27 07:46:32 EST)
01-31-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Excellent book, even for Web Copy in other languages
Reviewer Permalink
This book gives some good Web Copy hints that are applicable to most types of web sites.
Even though my main language is Portuguese and I only publish sites in this language, most of the tips from this book are also applicable to my language and I believe to other foreign languages either.
The price I paid for this book is very low, comparing to any seminar I would attend with this same subject and I`m sure a seminar wouldn`t be able to provide so much information.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-22 07:45:56 EST)
01-19-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  This is the Real Deal, a Must for every Internet Marketer
Reviewer Permalink
Amazing book, every page is full of great value content.
Maria really gives a lot of great to the point tips to create great web copy that sells!
Full with step by step guides, blueprints, simple THE BEST!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-02 07:56:13 EST)
01-03-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  The best book on writing copy for the web
Reviewer Permalink
When I read non-fiction books, I highlight and write in the margins of the book what points are interesting and applicable.
There is not a page in this book that does not have my handwritten notes - in fact if I was to find any criticism in this book ... it would be that there was not enough space in the margins to write notes!!
The wisdom contained in this book is very relevant and can be applied to any business.
I was a copywriter way before the web was a prominent tool in the marketing mix, and I have to say this book really makes it simple to understand and apply the art of copy crafting.
This book is also very easy to read which you would expect (or hope!) from a book on copywriting. I got through it on a 8 hour plane trip.
I was also more than a little amazed to find anyone who would give this book a 1 star (albeit there were only 2 when I wrote this review) ... Their gripe it seems is that they believe the advice given in this book is immoral. Not so. This book shows you how to turn your web presence into a medium which illicits a response, rather than being an online brochure. Let's face it - if you are in the copywriting industry your craft is to illicit a response. The billions of web pages aren't out there to be wallpaper. Your website should be designed to get a visitor to engage with your brand and company. Not to visit, say to to oneself "hmm that's interesting" and leave.
If you have a site that is not getting as much business as you would like, whether it be inquiry, subscriptions or purchases - you need to get this book. You will find countless and easy to apply tips through-out.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-02 07:56:13 EST)
12-07-07 3 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Good Begining
Reviewer Permalink
This one is good for beginners. If your new to copywriting or writing sales copy for the web, you'll learn from this one. Although it goes a little deeper, I found it to be to general over all.

The title says web copy and I wish it would have stayed focused on that topic only. It also goes into such topics as traffic and e-mail marketing, but only in a very general way and honestly I really didn't get much from those chapters. I've learned more from the internet.

The big disappointment and this could be just me, is it did not cover what I thought it would. She talks about working with Mark Joyner and being present for the detailed tracking he did in the early years, he even wrote a lengthy intro for the book. Sadly very little of that seemed to make it into the book.

Maybe I took the purpose of the book wrong, but after reading the introductions, I thought I was going to gleam some great copywriting details, those tested heavy on the internet, but no such luck.

It's not a bad book by any means. If your just learning copy or you have some extra reading time, it's worth getting. If your serious, spend your money on works by John Caples or David Ogilvy. Better yet get The Adweek Copywriting Handbook by Joe Sugarman.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-03 11:55:36 EST)
12-05-07 4 2\2
(Hide Review...)  Good text for novices or experienced writers
Reviewer Permalink
Like any book that purports to guide users to successful writing "for the web," Maria Veloso's "Web Copy That Sells" has to be read with an open mind, a grain of salt, and a willingness to adapt her techniques and advice to one's own particular situation.

That said, the fundamental tips she offers are sound and the reference value of this work is considerable. Her expertise allows for a fluid use of examples, particularly as they relate to the psychology of selling. I would recommend "Web Copy That Sells" to people starting out as copywriters or for those with experience who would like to approach their existing site with "a new pair of glasses."
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-08 08:13:12 EST)
11-26-07 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Learn what works on the web
Reviewer Permalink
Maria Veloso shows how amazingly simple it is to write unbeatable web copy. Web advertising is different from print, and this books takes you step by step through the process of creating that killer web page and joining it with effective email. This book also points to invaluable web sites that are effective tools. Dog-ear the pages with the keywords so you write good, strong, emotional copy. If you send a lot of E-Mail, then the chapter on E-Mail Marketing shows you proven techniques that, alone, make this book worth the price! Cash in on her real-world experience as a top performer with the best people.

Bill McCormick, PAID Claims, LLC
Do You Want PAID Claims?
www.paidclaims.com
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-05 20:46:41 EST)
05-28-07 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Webcopy is interesting - not sure if I am comfortable with the style for b2b
Reviewer Permalink
I found the book interesting and enlightening. I think with all ideas you have to temper this to your audience. I would not use this to attract the CEO of AT&T in the form she presented. However the concepts and steps ring true as long as they are toned down to suit your market. We are just working on some sub pages tied to adwords campaigns to test the waters.

Very similar in style to [...]
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-27 11:11:35 EST)
05-09-07 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Outstanding Reference with contemporary approach
Reviewer Permalink
I read this book in days highlighting areas for future reference. I enjoyed the book's approach and it was very well written. Veloso didn't leave any stones uncovered. Above all, it was like a college refresher course but more practical and focused to the needs for those desiring to improve their web copy and content. Additionally, after reading the book, I ordered a second to share with my internet marketing people and staff at Gloves-Online.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-10 05:45:05 EST)
04-13-07 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  Solid Information that will increase your business
Reviewer Permalink
Web Copy That Sells is well written, easy to read and a great resource for improving your web copy.

There are a number of points that Maria makes regarding web copy that apply equally to all areas of business as well as life. For example, she points out that you cannot simply model some successful website and expect the same results. You must model the process. That is go through the same process that the creator of the successful website went through.

The book is not only a resource for web copy that sells, it is also a very good marketing course. She points out that potential customers must know you, like you and ultimately trust you before they will do business with you. She provides a step by step method to accomplish this.

Maria is right on when she talks about the importance of the first screen and why you must concentrate on what's in it for the viewer. The website should not be designed as an ego boosting medium. You must keep the viewer's point of view in mind.

She provides a good list of dos and don'ts for web copy. There are plenty of other tools such as a formula to evaluate any website.

Scattered throughout the book are excellent marketing lessons - words tell, emotion sells - fear of loss is a better motivator than desire for gain. You would do well to read and understand these very valuable marketing lessons.

This is a very good resource for anyone responsible for their own or their company's website.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-10 05:45:05 EST)
01-05-07 4 0\1
(Hide Review...)  Better than most but not the best I have read.
Reviewer Permalink
This book had some useful ideas, however given the amount of knowledge the author claims to have I feel she is keeping all the good stuff for her copy writing courses.

Rather light on useful content. Joe Sugarman is a much better choice.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-04-12 10:46:05 EST)
01-04-07 4 0\1
(Hide Review...)  Better than most but not the best I have read.
Reviewer Permalink
This book had some useful ideas, however given the amount of knowledge the author claims to have I feel she is keeping all the good stuff for her copy writing courses.

Rather light on useful content. Joe Sugarman is a much better choice.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-04-11 03:36:15 EST)
12-21-06 5 6\6
(Hide Review...)  Priceless
Reviewer Permalink
This book is absolutely priceless. I hear what some of the critical comments say. The fact is they are not grasping the brilliant lessons and enormous time savers Maria shares in this book that apply across the board to writing copy and marketing on line. First off, she makes it very clear her book is about what it says, writing web copy that sells, not writing web content. The whole point and value of this book are the formulas that will save INCREDIBLE amounts of time while ensuring you address every element that goes into capturing paying customers online. THAT'S the value. The actual words you use in writing your own specific copy are up to you. You don't have to sound like a snake oil salesman. I sell upscale b2b, business owners and senior executives and what I learned in the book is indeed killer. Practical lessons that I can immediately apply. Read this book and combine what you learn with Frank Rumbauskas Never Cold Call Again (and I haven't in the past 6 months), Metaphorically Selling by Anne Miller, and Richard Koch's The 80/20 Principle, The Secret of Achieving More With Less, and then work hard (sorry) and you'll be a lean mean money machine.

One thing I am very cautious about is all the copywriters that have made the change to copy writing over priced self generated programs on how to get rich copy writing (i.e. Bly, Masterson, Silver and others). Do a search on google to find good resources to seriously research the feasibility and process to make such a transition and your head will spin clicking on all the sites by these gurus with $500 to $2,000. This seems to be a whole niche that has become popular today to go side by side with network marketing. Get rich easy and quick with my magic formula to becoming a copywriter. (I do NOT put this book in that category, like I said this book is easily worth multiples of its price). I am also NOT saying that the money to be made in the industry is not accurate. Just like in network marketing where I did in fact make 6 figures a year in that industry for a while. The reality was it took HARK WORK, which terrifies most of the folks looking for the ever elusive easy buck. And as P.T. Barnum always knew, there are plenty of folks who want to believe it be so. When ever someone truly discovers the secret to becoming rich plugging into some formula system is the day everyone you know will be rich. The reality is if anything worked like that you couldn't stop it from sweeping the country. No one would be poor anymore...and I guess the new poor would be the least rich, right?

Bottom line, buy this book. If you use the principles, formulas and concepts Maria teaches you, you will indeed make a lot more money than you are now. If it sits on a shelf gathering dust waiting for the someday you are going to use some of the stuff it won't make you one single cent.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-04 11:12:29 EST)
12-20-06 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Priceless
Reviewer Permalink
This book is absolutely priceless. I hear what some of the critical comments say. The fact is they are not grasping the brilliant lessons and enormous time savers Maria shares in this book that apply across the board to writing copy and marketing on line. First off, she makes it very clear her book is about what it says, writing web copy that sells, not writing web content. The whole point and value of this book are the formulas that will save INCREDIBLE amounts of time while ensuring you address every element that goes into capturing paying customers online. THAT'S the value. The actual words you use in writing your own specific copy are up to you. You don't have to sound like a snake oil salesman. I sell upscale b2b, business owners and senior executives and what I learned in the book is indeed killer. Practical lessons that I can immediately apply. Read this book and combine what you learn with Frank Rumbauskas Never Cold Call Again (and I haven't in the past 6 months), Metaphorically Selling by Anne Miller, and Richard Koch's The 80/20 Principle, The Secret of Achieving More With Less, and then work hard (sorry) and you'll be a lean mean money machine.

One thing I am very cautious about is all the copywriters that have made the change to copy writing over priced self generated programs on how to get rich copy writing (i.e. Bly, Masterson, Silver and others). Do a search on google to find good resources to seriously research the feasibility and process to make such a transition and your head will spin clicking on all the sites by these gurus with $500 to $2,000. This seems to be a whole niche that has become popular today to go side by side with network marketing. Get rich easy and quick with my magic formula to becoming a copywriter. (I do NOT put this book in that category, like I said this book is easily worth multiples of its price). I am also NOT saying that the money to be made in the industry is not accurate. Just like in network marketing where I did in fact make 6 figures a year in that industry for a while. The reality was it took HARK WORK, which terrifies most of the folks looking for the ever elusive easy buck. And as P.T. Barnum always knew, there are plenty of folks who want to believe it be so. When ever someone truly discovers the secret to becoming rich plugging into some formula system is the day everyone you know will be rich. The reality is if anything worked like that you couldn't stop it from sweeping the country. No one would be poor anymore...and I guess the new poor would be the least rich, right?

Bottom line, buy this book. If you use the principles, formulas and concepts Maria teaches you, you will indeed make a lot more money than you are now. If it sits on a shelf gathering dust waiting for the someday you are going to use some of the stuff it won't make you one single cent.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-01-05 09:11:48 EST)
11-16-06 2 11\12
(Hide Review...)  It depends on what you want to sell...
Reviewer Permalink
As others have briefly mentioned here, what you get out of Web Copy That Sells will really depend on what you want to sell and how new you are to the field of advertising and the internet.

My biggest complaint about the book was that it comes off as a circle jerk. Meaning, the book concentrates on web copy for selling "revolutionary" courses on how to get rich and how to make mega bucks online. It could be said it's written for an audience that hopes to to sell to themselves.

For those wanting to sell products, rather than 'How To' guides, you might gain a little from this book, yet I suspect those of you who are working in an internet related field will cringe at some of the content. There are even parody websites of some of the advertising styles suggested throughout the book. It really is about writing web copy for a new-to-the-web customer.

It is unfortunate that Veloso spends most of her time discussing copy for actual web sites (even worse is that they are websites selling something aimed at those wanting to get rich), when the reality is that a lot of web copy needs to be written for actual online ads. Online ads for physical products or actual services. This is where many of Veloso's techniques fall flat.

Summary: If you want to learn how to sell an e-book, buy this book. Otherwise look elsewhere.



(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-10 05:45:05 EST)
11-04-06 5 0\1
(Hide Review...)  A great book on Internet marketing and web copywriting
Reviewer Permalink
I'm new to web copywriting so I found this book to be a fantastic guide. Maria Veloso lays out a great blue print to follow and web copywriting exercises to get you on the right path. It's a great resource that I keep nearby for reference. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in web copywriting.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 11:35:26 EST)
11-03-06 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  A great book on Internet marketing and web copywriting
Reviewer Permalink
I'm new to web copywriting so I found this book to be a fantastic guide. Maria Veloso lays out a great blue print to follow and web copywriting exercises to get you on the right path. It's a great resource that I keep nearby for reference. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in web copywriting.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-11-16 07:35:27 EST)
10-20-06 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  Hands on advice for web copy
Reviewer Permalink
Although the book was very focused on selling, I found the advice very interesting and hands on! What interested me the most was the part with the psychological motivators.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 11:35:26 EST)
08-12-06 5 3\4
(Hide Review...)  Yes. Yes. Yes.
Reviewer Permalink
Another excellent book that clearly illustrates how different copy written for the web and for emails needs to be. Maria shares a lot of secrets that any serious practicioner should adapt to the online medium. The magic word here is adapt, since her emphasis is on products. I also find that short copy, or long copy that feels like short copy, is important when writing for an online audience. Still, this book is well worth the money. I recommend it to my clients and Creative Marketing Workshop attendees.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 11:35:26 EST)
07-30-06 4 3\3
(Hide Review...)  I'm very happy I bought this book
Reviewer Permalink
I have a website and I realised that my sales pitch (copy) was poor. I decided to look on amazon for some inspiration. 'Web Copy That Sells' seemed the best option, so I purchased it. I don't read too many books, but I just couldn't put this one down. I have since embarked on transforming my web copy on my website.

The only downside to the book is that it is intended more for direct marketing websites (The ones with the really long pages). However, I have used many of the methods that Maria talks about in this book, even though my web copy is not for direct marketing. I really recommend this book to anyone who wants to create great web copy.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 11:35:26 EST)
07-20-06 4 3\3
(Hide Review...)  Get it
Reviewer Permalink
If the title caught your eye--get it. Concise, well-written, obviously backed up by experience, practicable. My business partner and I will be overhauling our web site based upon all of her great tips.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 11:35:27 EST)
07-07-06 5 1\3
(Hide Review...)  Web Copy That Sells by Maria Veloso
Reviewer Permalink


Maria's approach to wriitng this book made me feel like
I kenw here personally. It was easy to follow with great ideas for implementations.

Get a copy, if you only get on tidbit, it's worth the price.

René Remington
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 11:35:27 EST)
07-05-06 5 1\3
(Hide Review...)  great information
Reviewer Permalink
Information will help set up my website and make it more user friendly!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 11:35:27 EST)
05-01-06 3 2\6
(Hide Review...)  Mostly targeted to spammers
Reviewer Permalink
Most of the examples are about writing good copy for websites that promote miracle cures, etc. Same with the email marketing section where you get advice on bypassing spam filters. Otherwise has some good advice that would be useful if it was targeted to more mainstream marketers.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 11:35:27 EST)
04-30-06 3 1\2
(Hide Review...)  Mostly targeted to spammers
Reviewer Permalink
Most of the examples are about writing good copy for websites that promote miracle cures, etc. Same with the email marketing section where you get advice on bypassing spam filters. Otherwise has some good advice that would be useful if it was targeted to more mainstream marketers.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-07-06 08:48:16 EST)
03-24-06 5 3\3
(Hide Review...)  YES - a must have resource!
Reviewer Permalink
I loved the information provided in this book. I also liked that she provided helpful resource sites.

In marketing, perception is key. The one reviewer thought Veloso was describing how to deceive the reader and sell worthless products. What I took from that was how to make sure my worthy info/product did NOT get deleted or disregarded like the cialis, weight-loss pills, et al companies.

As always, you have to consider your audience when writing content. Many of these ideas are universal, but a few of them are geared toward retail type sites. For instance, you may not be able to apply them to a site that is selling large ticket services/products...like IT development($25,000+). But they still sparked thought - "how can i modify this idea to match my buyer's habits."

I highly reccommend the book and refer back to it often when i am working on a project.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 11:35:27 EST)
03-21-06 5 3\3
(Hide Review...)  Solid. Step-by-Step Plan. Excellent. Must-have.
Reviewer Permalink
This is not the first book I've read on writing web copy, but it is the best. A step-by-step tutorial to help you understand and determine the changes necessary for your success. I found that I've already employed several of the suggestions in this book, but I was missing out on the others because of my own personal perception of the way things are. This book is backed up with tons of user testing to show that just because you perceive something to be true/false doesn't make it so. The book was easy to read, smooth, and very helpful.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 11:35:27 EST)
03-20-06 5 2\2
(Hide Review...)  Solid. Step-by-Step Plan. Excellent. Must-have.
Reviewer Permalink
This is not the first book I've read on writing web copy, but it is the best. A step-by-step tutorial to help you understand and determine the changes necessary for your success. I found that I've already employed several of the suggestions in this book, but I was missing out on the others because of my own personal perception of the way things are. This book is backed up with tons of user testing to show that just because you perceive something to be true/false doesn't make it so. The book was easy to read, smooth, and very helpful.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-07-06 08:48:16 EST)
02-16-06 1 10\26
(Hide Review...)  Writing Scams for the Web
Reviewer Permalink
I didn't find this book to be appropriate for serious web writers; in fact, I feel that this book gives copywriters a bad name. It goes against the moral code that writers who want to be taken serious should follow and are taught to follow in school. Veloso teaches immoral verbal tricks that can be used to brainwash people into buying into scams that promise to make you rich by doing nothing. I can't believe people actually fall for the tricks outlined in this book, but they do. So if you are looking for some psychological and tricky ways to scam people into buying a worthless product, then this book may be useful. At least I know now after reading this book what the red flags are when someone is selling a vacuous product.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 11:35:27 EST)
02-15-06 1 7\20
(Hide Review...)  Writing Scams for the Web
Reviewer Permalink
I didn't find this book to be appropriate for serious web writers; in fact, I feel that this book gives copywriters a bad name. It goes against the moral code that writers who want to be taken serious should follow and are taught to follow in school. Veloso teaches immoral verbal tricks that can be used to brainwash people into buying into scams that promise to make you rich by doing nothing. I can't believe people actually fall for the tricks outlined in this book, but they do. So if you are looking for some psychological and tricky ways to scam people into buying a worthless product, then this book may be useful. At least I know now after reading this book what the red flags are when someone is selling a vacuous product.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-07-06 08:48:16 EST)
11-29-05 5 2\2
(Hide Review...)  Excellent book for online copywriting
Reviewer Permalink
Maria's written a superb resource for online copywriting with her book, and I recommend it to anyone who writes copy for websites. She shares plenty of tips and strategies that are useful, and it does a wonderful job of explaining all of the "missing elements" that many sites need to add to improve their sales conversion.

It's a winner, grab this one.


-Ken Calhoun
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-07-06 08:48:16 EST)
10-21-05 5 7\7
(Hide Review...)  Web Copy and Much, Much More.
Reviewer Permalink
One of the best books for web marketers out there. Not only will you learn how to make your web copy sell but you'll learn about all the different kinds of web copy you must have. For example, Opt-In forms, Auto Responders, e-mails, etc. I had no idea that these things are responsible for the bulk of a web site's conversion rate. Very well written and organized. Step by step instructions. Get it! A great companion to this book is SEO for Dummies by Peter Kent. Talk about a one two punch!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 11:35:27 EST)
10-17-05 5 7\10
(Hide Review...)  Destined To Be A Classic
Reviewer Permalink
This book is easily the best how-to book I have ever read in my life. It is a must-read for anyone interested in web copywriting- or any copywriting for that matter. Maria takes hold of the reader on page one and guides us step-by-step through the challenge of creating great copy on the web. I've read Hopkins, Caples, Ogilvy, Sugarman and they're all rightfully revered, but I put this one right at the top. As for the coffee clown a few reviews up, I wonder if he gives customers their money back a full year after they buy his product (as Maria advocates) or if he feels good about the migrant workers that picked his coffee beans for 3 cents an hour. Don't throw stones, java boy, you live in a big glass house.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 11:35:27 EST)
  
                  Reader Reviews 1 - 50 of 66            Next
  
  
  
  
  
  

Because the data used to generate this site come from outside sources, VeryWellSaid.com cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the data.
Search VeryWellSaid™
Google
Web VeryWellSaid™
New subjects are added every week.
View Subjects Below by:
* Top Selling
 (click category name, left)
* Top-Rated Top Sellers
 (click 'Top Rated', right)
In the news...  
Dubai\UAE Top Rated
Influenza\Bird Flu Top Rated
Iraq Top Rated
Supreme Court Top Rated
All Books Top Rated
Arts Top Rated
Photography Top Rated
Digital Photography Top Rated
Digital Cameras Top Rated
Biography Top Rated
Business Top Rated
Management Top Rated
Marketing Top Rated
Sales Top Rated
Stocks Top Rated
Bonds Top Rated
Real Estate Top Rated
Trading Top Rated
Commodities Trading Top Rated
Time Management Top Rated
Starting A Business Top Rated
Children's Top Rated
Comics Top Rated
Computers Top Rated
PC Top Rated
Mac Top Rated
Programming Top Rated
Design Patterns Top Rated
.Net Top Rated
C# Top Rated
Vb.Net Top Rated
Asp.Net Top Rated
Java Top Rated
Python Top Rated
PHP Top Rated
Perl Top Rated
Javascript Top Rated
Ajax Top Rated
CSS Top Rated
Open Source Top Rated
SQL Top Rated
Databases Top Rated
Oracle Top Rated
MySql Top Rated
Sql Server Top Rated
IIS Top Rated
Apache Top Rated
Linux Top Rated
Windows Server Top Rated
Project Management Top Rated
HTML Top Rated
UML Top Rated
IT Certifications Top Rated
Cisco Certifications Top Rated
MCSE Top Rated
MCSD Top Rated
Cooking Top Rated