How to Write a Business Introductory Letter - Part One
September 13th 2006 05:54
Depending on the type of small business you are operating, it may be an effective marketing approach to design and distribute a ‘Business Introductory Letter’.
This letter is basically an overview of your business that is designed to seize your target consumers’ attention and hopefully have them walking through your shop door or dialing your number.
Easy!, you might say, with a shrug of the shoulders and an uninterested snort.
Think about it though, how many letters do you get addressed to ‘The Householder’ that you simply throw in the bin? How many letters do you see at work discarded after reading the first few lines?
An introductory letter is like a job application letter – it needs to grab the reader by their neck within the first few sentences or it will end up at the bottom of the junk pile.
There are a number of major factors involved in developing a successful introductory letter. The first one is layout.
Why is Layout Important?
Sometimes words are simply not enough.
You may have heard of the saying ‘actions speak louder than words’, well in marketing layout/design speaks louder than words. It’s unlikely that someone is going to read a letter that is poorly formatted with words jumping all over the place, margin changes and text sizes increasing like a cat on a daily diet of lasagna (think Garfield).
Example A
Not only is it very unappealing to the eye, it also looks unprofessional and tacky.
Using coloured fonts, text placement, text size changes and spacing are all acceptable in moderation and when used appropriately.
Example B
Try reading this.
Do you think it is more appealing?
It’s a lot more streamlined and less straining on the eyes.
Which would you rate? Example A or Example B?
Check out tomorrow’s post for How to Write an Introductory Letter – Part Two
This letter is basically an overview of your business that is designed to seize your target consumers’ attention and hopefully have them walking through your shop door or dialing your number.
Easy!, you might say, with a shrug of the shoulders and an uninterested snort.
Think about it though, how many letters do you get addressed to ‘The Householder’ that you simply throw in the bin? How many letters do you see at work discarded after reading the first few lines?
An introductory letter is like a job application letter – it needs to grab the reader by their neck within the first few sentences or it will end up at the bottom of the junk pile.
There are a number of major factors involved in developing a successful introductory letter. The first one is layout.
Why is Layout Important?
Sometimes words are simply not enough.
You may have heard of the saying ‘actions speak louder than words’, well in marketing layout/design speaks louder than words. It’s unlikely that someone is going to read a letter that is poorly formatted with words jumping all over the place, margin changes and text sizes increasing like a cat on a daily diet of lasagna (think Garfield).
Example A
Try reading this.
Not having much fun? It’s extremely frustrating and looks unprofessional.
Style, layout and formatting are aspects of letter writing that you should give appropriate consideration too.
Not only is it very unappealing to the eye, it also looks unprofessional and tacky.
Using coloured fonts, text placement, text size changes and spacing are all acceptable in moderation and when used appropriately.
Example B
Try reading this.
Do you think it is more appealing?
It’s a lot more streamlined and less straining on the eyes.
Stye Layout Formatting
Aspects of letter writing that you should give appropriate consideration to.
Which would you rate? Example A or Example B?
Check out tomorrow’s post for How to Write an Introductory Letter – Part Two
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Comment by Johanna
PCOS Mum
Comment by Cinico
Small Business Scope
Sometimes it's taking the first step that's the hardest isn't it? Are you looking at doing copywriting work? That pays really well and I've read your posts and you definately have the talent!
I'll have other tips coming up on promotional ideas, so please keep popping in...and if you have any suggestions let me know!
Comment by Johanna
PCOS Mum
I do some real estate copywriting already and bits and pieces of freelance work. I think I've done pretty well so far without actually marketing myself but I would like to build up more clients.
I will keep checking your posts for ideas.
Comment by Cinico
Small Business Scope
Comment by Johanna
PCOS Mum
Comment by Phil
Be sure to advertise it on Kantabiz.com for free.
and if you need any fish and tackle in Sydney, then look me up >> Really Long Link
hahahah
bye