How to Write Your First Video Sales Letter (VSL) Script
Learn the proven 7-part VSL formula (Hook → Pain → Agitate → Solution → Proof → Offer → Push) that keeps viewers watching and buying. Includes real script examples, timing breakdowns, and pro tips for creating compelling video sales letters.
"Just wing it on camera" they say.
Then wonder why nobody watches past 3 seconds.
Let's write your first VSL that keeps people watching (and buying)!
The VSL Formula That Works
1: Hook → 2: Pain → 3: Agitate → 4: Solution → 5: Proof → 6: Offer → 7: Push
Step 1: The Hook (First 5 Seconds)
You have 5 seconds before they scroll. Make them count!
Pattern interrupts that work:
- "Want to know why [common belief] is wrong?"
- "Stop [doing common thing] right now"
- "Here's what [authority] won't tell you about..."
- "I discovered this by accident..."
Examples: ❌ "Hi, I'm John and today..." ✓ "Stop taking pre-workout supplements until you watch this..." ❌ "Welcome to my presentation..." ✓ "What I discovered about fat loss by accident changed everything..." ❌ "I'm going to show you..." ✓ "Your social media strategy is backwards (here's proof)..."
Step 2: The Story Structure (Keep Them Watching)
The Setup (0:00-0:30)
- State the problem
- Show you understand
- Hint at solution
- Build curiosity
The Story (0:30-2:00)
- Your journey
- The discovery
- The transformation
- The proof
The Solution (2:00-4:00)
- Reveal the answer
- Show how it works
- Prove it works
- Handle objections
The Offer (4:00-5:00)
- Present solution
- Stack value
- Add urgency
- Clear CTA
Full VSL Script Example:
HOOK - 5 seconds:
Stop taking pre-workout supplements right now.
What I discovered in my garage lab changed everything I thought I knew about energy and performance...
SETUP - 30 seconds:
If you're like I was, you're tired of:
- Jitters that ruin your workout
- Crashes that wreck your day
- Supplements that stop working
I get it. I was downing 3 scoops just to feel anything...
STORY - 90 seconds:
Then, by complete accident, I mixed the wrong ingredients.
Instead of my usual pre-workout, I created something that:
- Gave smooth, all-day energy
- No crash, no jitters
- Actually worked better over time
At first, I thought it was just me.
So I tested it with 100 gym members:
- 94% reported better workouts
- 89% had no crash
- 97% felt it working from day one
The crazy part? It works BETTER the longer you take it...
SOLUTION - 120 seconds:
Here's why this works when other pre-workouts fail:
Triple-Stage Release
Instead of one huge caffeine spike, you get sustained energy
Neural Optimization
Your body actually adapts to work better with it
Cellular Enhancement
Each dose makes the next one more effective
Think about it:
- No more mid-workout crashes
- No tolerance buildup
- Better results every time"
PROOF SECTION - 30 seconds:
Don't take my word for it:
[Show testimonials]
[Show before/afters]
[Show lab results]
OFFER - 60 seconds:
Here's what you get:
- 30-day supply of EnergyPlus
- Free shaker bottle
- Workout guide
- Energy tracking app
Total value: $297
But today only:
Just $47
Why so low?
Because once you try it, you'll be a customer for life.
First 100 orders also get:
- Extra month free
- Personal coaching call
- Custom meal plan
Timer starting now!
CLOSE - 15 seconds:
Click below now to:
- Get your EnergyPlus
- Claim your bonuses
- Transform your workouts
Warning: When timer hits zero, price doubles.
Key VSL Rules:
- Pacing
- Start strong
- Build curiosity
- Peak at offer
- Create urgency
- Language
- Short sentences
- Active voice
- Power words
- Clear benefits
- Structure
- Clear sections
- Natural flow
- Multiple hooks
- Strong close
Pro Tips:
- Keep Attention
- Add pattern interrupts
- Use curiosity gaps
- Build anticipation
- Stack benefits
- Handle Objections
- Price ("worth 10x")
- Time ("works instantly")
- Trust ("money-back guarantee")
- Risk ("nothing to lose")
- Create Urgency
- Limited time
- Limited quantity
- Special bonuses
- Price increases
Your Turn
- Write your hook
- Build your story
- Present solution
- Stack value
- Add urgency
- Clear CTA
Remember: People buy on emotion and justify with logic.