What to say to sell more on social media

June 1, 2021

If you’ve got a case of writer’s block and need a bit of a kick start to put together some social posts for your business, we have you covered. Below we share some simple tips that will help you to sell more on social media.

Do you sometimes find it challenging to talk about what you sell in your social media posts? Or maybe you just struggle for somewhere to start? If so, you will love this copywriting formula.

How to sell more on social media

Social media is a great way to connect with customers, and maintaining a social media presence for your business is crucial to both increase brand awareness and drive sales. In fact, research shows 76% of consumers have purchased a product they saw in a brand’s social media post (Source: Retail TouchPoints).

But talking to your customer about what you sell in a way that resonates and is not too ‘pushy’ can be tricky.

Here is an easy 3 step formula to help you sell more to your ideal customer. This will get your customer interested in what you have to offer and encourage them to follow through.

It’s called the 'Problem, Agitate, Solution' formula. It's been around for ages - so we know it's effective!

Formula to sell more on social media

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How to sell more on social media

And here’s how it works:

Just answer these 3 questions and then combine them into one social media post.

  1. Problem: Ask a question or make a statement that connects with your customer’s problem. This is essentially the headline of your caption. You might find these examples helpful for headlines that work.
  2. Agitate: Tell a story or connect deeper with their problem. Show them that you really understand their situation and that you have the perfect product or service to help them.
  3. Solution: What is your customer meant to do to take the next step with you? For instance, 'sign up', 'click here', 'call now', 'email us', 'read more', etc.

When using these 3 steps, it’s also important to use simple language and avoid using too much jargon. Posts that are easy to read and understand come across as more approachable, therefore making them a more successful marketing tool.

The copywriting formula in action:

Let's look at an example of what a business selling chocolate gifts might do:

Are you trying to find a unique gift for your girlfriend? (The Problem - clearly outlined to spark intrigue)

We know how hard it can be to find the perfect thing! That’s why we have put together our “love box” which not only has our top selling chocolates, but also has a custom love note that you can include. Imagine how special she will feel, when you turn up with our beautifully gift wrapped box! (Agitate - tell the story and connect with what your customer wants)

Just click the link below to buy online. (The Solution - contains your call to action, or CTA)

Copywriting formula example

Pretty simple, right?

So the next time you want to talk about what you sell on social media, give the PAS formula a try. Plus, it works really well with ads too! You can try boosting your social posts to expand your audience reach.

And if you’re looking for ways to get your social posts seen by more of your followers for longer, check out our tips for how to get more engagement on social media.