How to Turn Words Into Sales (Without the Snoozefest)

By Basic Bananas – helping Australian small businesses master marketing with heart, smarts, and a whole lot of fun.

Why Copywriting Still Runs the Marketing Show

Here’s the truth bomb: copywriting isn’t about fancy words. It’s about connection. It’s the difference between “meh” and “where do I sign?”.

Great copy guides your reader from curiosity to clarity to “oh heck yes” using one golden principle:

The Yes Ladder

The Yes Ladder is your secret persuasion superpower. It’s simple:

• Ask small, natural questions your reader already agrees with.
• Stack tiny yeses.
• Make the final yes feel inevitable.

Because if your message doesn’t reach your people, even the best product will stay invisible.

6 Steps to Writing Copy That Makes People Say “YES”

1. Know the Purpose (Why Are You Writing This?)

Every piece of copy needs one mission and one action you want your reader to take. One. Not twelve.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want them to book, buy, or believe?
• Will they instantly know what to do next?

If you can’t say yes, they won’t either.

Micro-CTA Magic: Don’t wait until the end to ask for action. Drop little nudges like:

• “Ready to simplify this?”
• “Can you see how this would save you time?”

2. Know Your People (And Write Like You Get Them)

Talking to everyone is the fastest way to connect with no one.

Ask yourself:

• What keeps them up at night?
• What does a real win look like for them?
• Am I using their language, not marketing fluff?

Instead of: “We help small businesses grow.”
Try: “Tired of working late and still wondering where the next client will come from?”

3. Intensify Desire (Make Them Feel It)

Facts inform. Emotion transforms.

Start with empathy and give your reader a “Yep, that’s me” moment.

Example:
“Do you ever feel like you’re doing everything right, but your website still doesn’t convert?”

Then open the door to possibility:
“Imagine waking up to new enquiries while you focus on doing the work you love.”

4. Offer the Solution (That’s You and Your Product)

Once they have said yes to their problem and yes to wanting change, your solution becomes the natural next step.

Example:
“We’ve worked with hundreds of small business owners like you, so we created this guide to show you exactly what turns browsers into buyers.”

5. Show Social Proof (So They Don’t Second Guess Their Yes)

Right before making a decision, humans crave validation.

• Testimonials
• Before and after stories
• Case studies
• As seen in features

Example:
“After rewriting her website using these steps, a Sydney based health coach saw a 55 percent increase in bookings in two weeks.”

6. Keep Things Consistent (Emotion Is Your Advantage)

Brand consistency builds trust. Trust builds conversions.

Check your copy for emotional alignment:

• Are you speaking to their pain?
• Are you amplifying their desire?
• Are you consistently sounding like you?

Tiny yeses stack fast:

• “Are you tired of chasing clients?”
• “Wouldn’t it feel amazing to have people reaching out to you instead?”

Your Turn: Count Your Yeses

Open your homepage, service page, or latest email. Count how many tiny yeses your reader experiences before the main call to action.

If the answer is “not many”, you know where to start.

Ready to Write Copy That Converts?

Join our next Marketing Ecosystem Workshop where we help you align your message, mindset, and method so your audience says yes without hesitation.

FAQ: Your Copywriting Quick Wins

1. What is the Yes Ladder in copywriting?

It’s a persuasion technique where you guide readers through small, relatable yeses that naturally lead to your main offer.

2. How do I know if my copy is effective?

If people nod, click, reply, or reach out, your copy is connecting. If they scroll past, it’s time for a tune up.

3. What’s the ideal length for website copy?

Long enough to build trust, short enough to avoid boredom. Clarity always wins.

4. Can AI write copy that converts?

AI can help you sharpen your ideas, but your experience and personality make your copy human and trustworthy. Combine both for the best results.