Which copywriting format works these days: long or short?

[secret33.com]

I am wondering which type of copy-writing format is more effective these days? The long or the short copy?

My idea is that the internet is already saturated with information from billions of websites and most buyers who have to check out a couple of websites from the top 10 of the search engine result may not have the time and patience to read long winded 100 paged website content.

I will like to hear from anyone and what is working for you.
Thanks

[JosephRatliff]

[Lynn Terry]

I agree - whatever it takes to give the information your potential buyer needs to make the buying decision. Nothing more, nothing less.

[James Schramko]

another tester here.

Test long versus short. The theory is that long copy will get a more qualified buyer.

You need enough of a message to get the facts out there and cover the concerns but not put them to sleep.

Video can assist a sales page too.

[Jim Guinn]

[devandjen]

[JosephRatliff]

Well...

There really isn't a "long copy" vs "short copy" to debate...

It's "what copy" is needed to sell and get the best results. Period.

What combination of video, audio, text, graphics, is tested to prove the best results for the particular project.

And a good resource on testing?

Paul Hancox has an ebook called "Small Changes, Big Profits" that covers what in my opinion is the best testing methods available.

[sherryhan]

Whatever it takes to tell your potential customer everything about your product, leaving no questions unanswered. If it's long, ok. If it's short, don't add unnecessary junk just to make it longer.

In my opinion there's nothing wrong with long copy. They've always worked for me. It takes a different amount of information to convince each person. When I read long copy and I'm convinced enough half way through, I buy the product without reading the rest. I do have problems if the copy leaves questions unanswered. This is why it's good to add Buy buttons in the middle and bottom of your sales page for "impatient" customers like myself. Then for those who are not so easily convinced, they can read more.

Sherry

[Dave Origano]

[irishyoung]

it doesn't matter how long or short it is as long as it is direct to the point and informative. users will stop reading your ad if at the start it didn't catches their attention and that they didn't see ahead what they need. So knowing what your customers want is a must. Keep in mind that your competitors is one click away.

[caren9008]

[Bensettle]

[RyanHealy]

I've done some tests in which shorter copy won. Other times, longer copy
has won. But I've had to test to find out.

One of my best promotions ever was around 300 words. And it sold more than
1,500 puzzles in a couple weeks.

[RayEdwards]

[Sheridan Randolph]

I second Ben's post. Schwartz is great for answering this, though I had to read it several times before I 'got it'.

www.sheridanrandolph.vox.com