6 Proven Methods of Writing an Enticing First Sentence for Your Ad or Sales Letter

By Mike Jezek Copyright 2007 Mike Jezek. All rights reserved.

You'd be surprised how many people are unwittingly sabotaging their sales conversions because they overlook the importance of the first sentence in their sales letter. Sure, some people manage to get a decent headline up but they don't put as much time into that first sentence. And that could spell trouble for a marketing campaign.

Your first sentence in your sales letters or ads, must be an enticing one. It's job is to lure your prospects into the rest of the body of your sales presentation. If it's boring, or unbelievable, you just won't see the results you're looking for. The following is a quick primer on methods of writing an enticing first sentence.

*Interrupting Idea.*
This method of writing a magnetic first sentence is to simply make a startling statement or something off-key that's sure to get people's attention.
Example: "As you're reading this letter, your stomach may be exploding with activity."

*The Shocker.*
A shocking first sentence is one that's similar to the interrupting idea but more provocative. It's almost risqué.
Example: "Did you know that senior citizens will be responsible for a whopping 35% of the pollution caused in the state of Florida?"

*News.*
This type of first sentence is exactly what it sounds like. News.
Example: "Cancer has increased by 7% here in Ohio."

*Preview.*
This is a great way to start a direct mail/website sales letter in article format. Simply put, you reveal what people are about to discover as they read your piece.
Example: "We used to think Vitamin C was the ultimate cold fighter but the statistics and clinical research Dr. Hile is about to reveal here may surprise you."

*Quotation.*
This opening sentence method is nothing more than a quotation from a respected source.
Example: General Patton: "Americans love a good fight."

*Story.*
This method is to simply start your first sentence off as a story.
Example: "Last night, I looked in the mirror and I couldn't believe what I saw..."

Go ahead and start practicing these 6 proven methods for writing that all important first sentence. Having an enticing first sentence may be all that's standing between you and a higher sales conversion.