Among the goals to which any good copywriter aspires is the ability to make his work convincing to the reader. Effective, authoritative copy is more easily trusted by readers due to it's tone - it just sounds more truthful while catering to their wants, needs, desires and interests. The result? Response rates have improved and so have the odds that sought after results will be attained. Incorporating a spirit of authority in one's copywriting is a studied method, though not altogether impossible. Here are seven of the most effective ways to improve your copy while making it more authoritative and credible:

Know your subject matter

Never compose copy regarding a topic on which you have little or no knowledge. If you desire to establish authority regarding a topic, you must be able to display to your readers a level of expertise that leaves little doubt that you are, indeed, an authority. But rest assured, your readers can ascertain whether or not you're bluffing or telling the truth.

Establish your experience

An additional means by which to claim authority regarding a topic is to prove your experience surrounding the subject. You can't write about playing baseball with any authority if the closest you've ever come to a baseball game is your television set.

Utilize your USP

Every single product, concept or idea carries with it a USP or unique sales proposition. The best time to ascertain your USP? Before you start writing copy for it. A USP should assist in defining your assertions and cause your work to stand out from mere write-ups with a similar idea. Use this to your advantage to create authority - to demand authority.

Construct a clear and concise statement so your readers understand at once the message you are driving across.

State Important Benefits and Advantages

Let there be no misconceptions on this point - every product, idea, or statement carries with it certain disadvantages and/or limitations. However, instead of detailing them to your readers, concentrate instead on the advantages and benefits. Differentiate clearly to your readers between what is possible and what is not possible.

Should you be promoting a bicycle, for instance, don't feel compelled to submit that it's not as sporty as an automobile. Sure, it can't gain elevation like a plane, but it will help its user reach his destination. It's inexpensive, will not contaminate the environment and is a proven instrument of fitness and conditioning.

Utilize the facts

Dramatizing your assertions might seem harmless but the effect on your readers may prove disadvantageous to you. Consumers, many of whom are readers, could very well take it as a personal affront should they determine that you've been dishonest. Nothing, except perhaps an outright lie, will destroy your credibility as fast as an overstatement of your accomplishments.

Again, if you want to be considered an authority, make certain you state only facts, easily verifiable statements, when writing copy on a topic about which you are a supposed expert.

Support Your Claims

Copy writing authority is the same as composing news features - you need to be able to verify that your statements are true. Support your affirmations with both details and figures that can be corroborated if necessary. Should there be a study, research paper or expert statement that can reinforce your assertions, put that to use as well. Just in case someone inquires, direct them to the reference that supports your claims.

Write Competently

Want to be known as a trusted, authoritative copywriter? Then make certain you display above average grammatical and spelling skills. Nothing destroys one's credibility faster than a host of misspelled words and bad grammar. It speaks to a certain carelessness and lack of knowledge that robs one of any authority to which they aspire. Do you really want to be seen and accepted as an expert? Then write what you know authoritatively and write well.