Let’s learn some vocabulary.
I've been hearing a copywriting terminology mixup in the online business space lately. There seems to be some confusion around the difference between landing pages and sales pages. They are NOT the same thing and do NOT serve the same purpose.
Today I want to teach you some copywriting terminology so we’re all on the same page.
Service Summary Page
This is a page where your full service suite is listed and each package's details are given. Each package block may have a separate CTA button leading to a call, payment form, application, extended service page, or sales page where readers can get more information.
For example: A graphic designer may sell a logo-only package, a web design package, a logo + web design package, and a DIY website template and their respective CTA buttons may lead to different pages.
Logo-Only Design Package > BUTTON > Discovery Call Calendar
Web Design Package > BUTTON > Extended Service Page
Logo + Web Design Premium Package > BUTTON > Sales Page
DIY Website Template > BUTTON > Product Page with payment portal
Extended Service Page
This page specifically addresses ONE package and gives a bit more context to it, like a demonstration of your methodology or process. You could even include a list of FAQs.
An extended service page is a little longer than an average web page but it isn't as extensive or as emotionally persuasive as a sales page because overall, the service featured on a page like this is still pretty straightforward and the inclusions are easy to share.
For example: A wedding photographer may choose to write an extended service page for an elopement package that outlines her methodology, shares a bit about her experience, and answers some common questions. A course creator, on the other hand, would choose a sales page to explain the course in deep detail with additional persuasive techniques.
Landing Page
A landing page's goal is leading your site visitors to take ONE SPECIFIC action. Usually, this goal is helping visitors sign up for a FREE or low-priced offer that requires a low commitment.
This page might be short and sweet or it may be a little longer (similar to the length of an extended service page) depending on how much persuasion needs to occur, but it's still less emotional than a sales page because the customer's investment is smaller.
For example: You might create a landing page for a particular opt-in gift. Once they give you their email address, you send them a freebie and add them to your email list, where they will continue to be nurtured and warmed up over time. Think of a landing page as the beginning of your sales funnel!
Sales Page
A sales page is an in-depth page focused on selling ONE premium offering that is expensive or high in value to a hesitant or cautious buyer who needs more hand-holding and emotional support.
This kind of page is especially useful if your offer is complicated and includes a lot of bells and whistles because it gives enough SPACE to clearly break down those details and communicate their benefits.
A sales page involves more emotional persuasion than the other pages I've mentioned, but contrary to what a lot of experts will tell you, it doesn't have to rely on manipulative tactics in order to do its job.
For example: A sales page is great for a digital product bundle, a premium service, an online course, a group coaching program, a mastermind, or a monthly membership. Not all of those things are super high in price, but they're all high in value or have the ability to bring in a larger amount of profit (i.e., a membership's profitability relies on member retention - a sales page can help attract more best fit members so retention rates go up over time).
Check out these posts for more sales page education!
Planning to write a sales page for your course or coaching program, but want to do so more ethically?
I can help you with that! 🤓
