What it takes to be a Copywriter

[eddyjoy]

Hi fellow Warriors,

I am new in article writing with a deep interest in doing copy writing for businesses.

I came to warrior so that I can learn from the experts.

Please help me to understand what it will take me to become a top copy writer in business.

[ThomasOMalley]

Become a serious student of copywriting and marketing.

Read many of the great books listed in the copywriting book thread above.

Best,

Thomas O'Malley

[Hiresh]

Originally Posted by eddyjoy

Hi fellow Warriors,

I am new in article writing with a deep interest in doing copy writing for businesses.

I came to warrior so that I can learn from the experts.

Please help me to understand what it will take me to become a top copy writer in business.

gUYS....I loved what Im doing And I enjoy a LOT..Im a newbees here and i would like to learn from the expert in writing...i Hope i will be a good Copywriter

[Jkhurramov]

Try to rewrite whatever you find interesting and inspiring to you (it maybe salespages of latest products or ...)

[Drez]

I would agree with Jkhurramov -

WRITE out (by hand is best) copy examples from the some of the noted "legends" like Gary Halbert, Joe Sugarman, Gary Bencivenga, John Caples and others.

And be an active STUDENT of copywriting.

Look at every ad you come across and figure out the hook and structure (how the copywriter leads you to the call to action).

There are also a number of great courses out there. One of my personal favorites is John Carlton's Simple Writing System. (But there are MANY other good courses available)

Search this forum for copywritng courses, and swipe file (copy examples) to model.

That will give you a start.

[eddyjoy]

Originally Posted by Jkhurramov

Try to rewrite whatever you find interesting and inspiring to you (it maybe salespages of latest products or ...)

That is a great idea. I like it. I have been a critic of some works and almost thought I could have done better but never did anything about it. Now its time to act.

[Mark Andrews]

Originally Posted by Hiresh

Hi Guys, To be a copywriter you must have passion for writing,excellent grasp over grammer,appetite for research and eye for detail....and most important a peaceful place to thinnk

Just like the example above. ^

Yeah right on.

[lemonarian]

Oh Lord. This thread is fantastic. For entertainment purposes.

What it takes is to get real, and willingness to sacrifice several years to get a grip on just the fundamentals of what makes good copy tick.

You need to immerse yourself in humanity... and make a transition from seeing things from the way they should be, to the way they are.

[Mark Andrews]

Originally Posted by eddyjoy

Hi fellow Warriors,

I am new in article writing with a deep interest in doing copy writing for businesses.

I came to warrior so that I can learn from the experts.

Please help me to understand what it will take me to become a top copy writer in business.

If you really are serious about this it's going to take a hell of a lot of research on your part.

You state that you want to become a top copywriter.

Do you even have the faintest idea what this entails? To be honest with you, I don't think you've got a clue where to start.

Or how to go about this.

Perhaps it's the lure of the big dollars which attracts you? You've come across a few sales letters, looked at them, admired their very powerful simplicity and thought to yourself, 'How difficult can this be? These guys make it look so easy'.

Wrong!

It looks easy because the top copywriters have literally spent thousands of hours learning their craft. It takes time, hard work and a huge amount of dedication to become a top copywriter. You ain't going to get there overnight. Just isn't going to happen.

Why do you think the top copywriters can charge many thousands of dollars per sales letter? If it really were so easy to do, don't you think the product creators would have written the sales copy themselves? They know their product inside out so why did they outsource the copywriting to a professional?

What is your knowledge of psychology? Buying behavior? Consumer habits?

How will you start to identify the target audience for a particular product?

How will you start to distinguish between benefits and features?

What is a slippery sales funnel?

What makes an eye popping irresistible main headline? What is the headlines main purpose?

How will you use bullet points, scarcity, the guarantee and the PS points?

How many bullet points?

When will you introduce the scarcity angle?

How do you word a guarantee and what period should the guarantee be?

How many PS points are you going to use and why and what is their main purpose?

Sentence structure, how will you compose your sentences to make your sales copy as slippery as possible?

What major emotions cause people to buy products both on and off line?

The list goes on and on and on and these points? They're just the basics.

When you have this little lot under your belt, what copy chops have you got in your arsenal?

How are you going to beat any current controls in a piece of sales copy?

Split testing, what do you know about it?

Marketing, advising others, do you know anything at all about this? What is your marketing experience to date?

You've got a hell of a long way to go if you want to become a top copywriter. An artist of persuasion through the written word doesn't come overnight. I don't think you realize the extraordinary amount of work it takes to become a top copywriter.

Are you prepared for this kind of a commitment not only to yourself but what you can do for your clients?

Think very carefully before setting yourself up for major failure. It's only a very few who make it to the top in this industry.

You think easy money maybe? Think again.

Fair enough IF you've got the drive, the passion, the time, the commitment then go for it. But if you lack even one of these qualities, go choose another career.

Best,


Pete Walker

[lemonarian]

Well said Pete. And as you said... that's just the starter menu.

The 10,000 hour rule certainly applies.

[Mark Andrews]

Eddie I've just noticed you're in Kenya. Actually I recall a thread from you yesterday which I was going to reply to until something else popped up in my email which needed addressing.

I'm not trying to be as asshole to you with all of the above, it's just that lots of newbies pop in here by the looks of it, all thinking and asking the same thing.

They ask a few questions over a period of a few weeks or months and then fizzle out to move onto something else. To become a top copywriter, seriously, it's a daunting prospect. Unless you absolutely love selling via the printed word, forget it. There's much easier things you can do to make easier money than this believe you me.

Now I might be wrong on this, tell me if I am...

But I would have thought your time and effort would be better spent concentrating on just one small area of offline business marketing. Something of real benefit to business owners in your country looking for more exposure across the world wide web.

Is this something you could become interested in?

There are plenty of short courses available right here on this forum which can be picked up either for free or for peanuts. (Some of them better than others.) Try to find something which matches and suits your current level of experience and apply this knowledge to your local catchment area.

If it's the bigger money in the West which grabs you, try to match this same money with a very high value need where you live.

All high value businesses wherever they are in the world they all need and want help with their marketing.

In your case think of the tourism niche, eco tours that kind of thing perhaps. Hotels, lodges, safari tours, overland expeditions it's a large niche and being there right on your doorstep this could be an ideal area for you to specialize in, exploit to your financial advantage.

Try to locate on this forum a simple highly actionable plan of action which has the potential to work in kenya. Or, if you have good marketing knowledge, get this knowledge of yours out there with your own product.

Hit me up if you need any advice sometime, my email address is down below...

[DougHughes]

Top copywriter...hmmm. A tall glass of scotch and a penchant for fiction.

There are of course all the things everyone's already said, but I think you have to love buying, selling, and making deals.

Nothing makes me more excited than an ads success. I suppose it;s shallow and vain but by-golly, I want to win!

When sales start trickling in or I look at the test results it's always fascinating. How can we make it pull more?

Copywriting is role play. When I'm writing women's diet ads I transform myself into an overweight woman.

I walk in front of the mirror and push my stomach out and think about what it feels like. I think about what my kids might say or what my husband thinks when he crawls into bed with me each night.

I think about my employers and promotions I might be missing because I'm fat and passive.

I think about what it's like to show up at PTA meetings as the fat woman in the room.

I reminisce about my teenage years when all the boys used to try and get down my pants on the weekends and the phone was ringing off the hook.

I feel my prospects hopes, dreams, and fears.

Wow, heart attacks, judgement, shame, guilt, hope, confidence, a new lease on life, etc...

I think when you put yourself in your prospect's shoes the conversation comes naturally. It's as though your an empathetic/sympathetic friend. Someone who's been there and willing to help a fellow (fat, poor, greedy, needy, skinny, limp, etc...) human helping the prospect get what they need.

But yeah, writing out GOOD ads by hand will help you internalize the formulas and give you a rudimentary understanding of how people think when buying.

You're trying to sell, but you need to try and help people with whatever problem they have.

Personally, I think having a good range of life experience will help you greatly. If you've ever been bankrupt, fat, poor, hard up, in dire straights, skinny and weak, internalized negative judgments by peers, and can relate to your prospects on a human level and convey that with simply words in your writing you're on your way.

You don't have to be a great writer to sell. I have friends who are great writers and couldn't sell to save their lives.

That said, I think the other thing a copywriter needs to understand is that sales make the world go round. As a copywriter you have a very special power to influence people, help them, and make the world a better place by stimulating the economy and creating jobs for others.

Anyhow, that's my rant, and back to the scotch.

Good luck on your quest!

[max5ty]

Some are born with a natural talent, others study to be better, others never will be "good" even though they think they are.

Best way to be a copywriter is simply start doing it. It's been said a million times, "Copywriting is sales in print". If you're material is making money, you're doing good - test the work and see if you can do better - use the internet to study winning examples - be creative - it's quite simple, no need to listen to someone drone on for paragraphs about ways to get started.

Best wishes.

[Mark Andrews]

Originally Posted by max5ty

Some are born with a natural talent, others study to be better, others never will be "good" even though they think they are.

Best way to be a copywriter is simply start doing it. It's been said a million times, "Copywriting is sales in print". If you're material is making money, you're doing good - test the work and see if you can do better - use the internet to study winning examples - be creative - it's quite simple, no need to listen to someone drone on for paragraphs about ways to get started.

Best wishes.

I have nothing to sell, I've not only sold everything there is, but have sold more of it than anyone else in the world - now I just give free advice - If I'm in a good mood.

Okay assuming the position you've 'sold more than anyone else in the world', why don't you reveal who you are?

It's all very well and good criticizing other copywriters here but who are you, where is your proof and what is your credibility?

Shovel?

[max5ty]

Originally Posted by Pete Walker

Okay assuming the position you've 'sold more than anyone else in the world', why don't you reveal who you are?

It's all very well and good criticizing other copywriters here but who are you, where is your proof and what is your credibility?

Shovel?

Thank you for your response...I have no idea why you're asking for a shovel...but I suppose you have your reasons.

If I told you my name, you'd still not know who I was, as I'm sure you've never heard of me before, and I'm quite content with that - contrary to what some believe, most of the successful copywriters are unknown to most.

I've never used my name to market an online course on how to be a copywriter - or written a sales page on how to increase your sales from copywriting - I'm not selling anything in these forums. I have nothing against anyone who is.

I'm here to learn some different concepts since one can never learn too much, as well as share some of the ideas I've discovered. If you feel as though you can only learn from someone who drops their name in coversations, then that's your decision.

If I were to tout my client list, most would consider me as someone who was trying to brag in order to attract more clients - I'm booked up so far in advance now, that I'm not looking for any new clients.

I can be quite controversial at times, but that's always been one of my traits - it's nothing personal against anyone - it's just the way I've always conducted my business. I once had a client get up and storm out after I was bluntly honest with them - they came crawling back after what I had said sunk in.

I would also appreciate others being blunt with me. It frustrates me when people hold their thoughts back.

[Mark Andrews]

Originally Posted by max5ty

I have no idea why you're asking for a shovel...but I suppose you have your reasons.

I wasn't asking for a shovel, I was handing you one.

[max5ty]

Originally Posted by Pete Walker

I wasn't asking for a shovel, I was handing you one.

Thanks, but I wouldn't throw dirt on someone in a hole

[Jake Gray]

Write, Write, Write....

Read and write every single day.

Learn the tools of trade.

Learn from Dan Kennedy, Gary Halbert, other Warriors, etc.

Also, READ FICTION!

[cynthea]

Originally Posted by max5ty

Thanks, but I wouldn't throw dirt on someone in a hole

Wow, I've been reading and participating on the forum for more than a year now and can't think of a post I've ever read that was as rude as yours.

Looks like you've only been participating for two days. You may not have realized that we're a pretty kind bunch here. While I've participated in and seen some very spirited discussions, it's very rare that someone posts with your mean spirit and arrogance. It happens, but it's rare.

Good luck to you. I don't know as if you're going to find much support in the forum for your cockiness. That's an old style sales letter attitude too.

Just sayin'... you may be happier elsewhere. The majority of us are very interested in supporting each other, not throwing dirt.

Also - lack of transparency makes your posts suspect. May be why you got questioned right away. For the most part, we're a fairly transparent bunch who are interested in building each other up, not tearing each other down.

My dearest copywriters... my apologies for the mixed metaphors

[max5ty]

Thanks cynthea for your comment - but I believe if you look at the history of the posts, I was first asked if I needed a shovel - simply responding - I found that very rude and unwarranted.

[cynthea]

Originally Posted by max5ty

Thanks cynthea for your comment - but I believe if you look at the history of the posts, I was first asked if I needed a shovel - simply responding - I found that very rude and unwarranted.

Wow. You're insulting me too. Of course I read the threads. <<but I believe if you look at the history of the posts>> And I read the thread where Pete Walker offered you a shovel. I thought that was hysterically funny. I had exactly the same thought.

Why do you think I wrote this? "Also - lack of transparency makes your posts suspect. May be why you got questioned right away. For the most part, we're a fairly transparent bunch who are interested in building each other up, not tearing each other down."

Pete Walker has at least been on the forum for a month or so. He's made 112 posts, been thanked 16 times, which show that he provides some value and you come onto the WF over a two-day period with your arrogance. Pete had every right to ask you who the he|| you are. If you were the real deal like our beloved Paul Meyers or someone, you'd be interested in building relationships. You're style is so Old School. And the 1st thing you do is insult people. I don't think it's funny. I just think it's boorish.

I love the WF. I've learned so much here and have developed some nice biz friendships. Then I see the like of you and all I can think of is how folks like you spoil the experience of the support, friendship and camaraderie here.

My 1st thought when I read your posts was... wow - this guy is throwing his weight around because he's getting ready to sell some s*@t.

Rather than abuse folks, why don't you spend some time getting to know people and offer them something of value. All you're offering right now is a crappy attitude.

[max5ty]

It's quite shameful you are determined to hurl personal attacks.

Wasn't aware we were required to post our real names in this forum - or even would come under attack for not doing so.

I have no plans to sell you anything cynthea.

[BrianMcLeod]

This thread got silly fast...

Perhaps some slightly thicker skin
and a few attempts at civility would
make for a better "user experience".

Being offended is a choice.

Brian

[Ken Strong]

Hmm... so THAT'S what it takes to be a copywriter.

[Stephen Lessey]

From what I gather, the "Top Copywriter" is all titles that we give them because of thier results and conversions. They are legends to our eyes because of their staying power.

I just want to learn from them to make better sales pages and be better with ideas being translated into paper. I dont see why anyone would want to be a top copy writer

[Mark Andrews]

Originally Posted by Stephen Lessey

I just want to learn from them to make better sales pages and be better with ideas being translated into paper. I dont see why anyone would want to be a top copy writer

Slap a few thousand dollars down on the table and you can receive the one on one copywriting training you desire.

Point 2. You don't see why anyone would want to be a top copywriter?

What a very strange remark.

Who doesn't want to be the best they can be?

[eddyjoy]

I have read through the posts and I have got mixed feelings. It is not funny when people throw hard words at each other in a post you started to get help on where to start on the journey to being a copywriter. But its also interesting to hear people talk their hearts out!
I learn from you nonetheless because your conversations provoke emotions and I guess that is what a sales copy supposed to do; provoke a customers to take out their wallets and buy.
Where I come from, all these concepts are fairly new and the opportunity I see is immense and so I press on.

[amo992]

Originally Posted by Pete Walker

Who doesn't want to be the best they can be?

I would say a lot of people--myself included. I don't think it's necessary to be the best or to be regarded as the best to find the fulfillment that many seek to achieve.

[alcymart]

I would suggest you come to the copywriting thread as often as time permits. Read, Read, and Read some more. In fact, there are thousands of past threads here. You will eventually develop your own unique style over time. Every bits and pieces about copywriting have a worth. Let me start you off in the right direction

The power of words within your Ad copy starts with basics. Here is a list of the good words to use in an Ad copy , and also the not so good.

The good words for your Ad copy,e-mail or sales letter:

vital, understand, right, you, results, proven, health, truth, safety, security, easy, comfort, advantage, guarantee, fun, proud, positive, money, profit, benefits, deserve, save, happy, new, trust, love, value, discovery

And the Not so good (Avoid):

failure, obligation, cost, try, pay, deal, contract, sign, worry, loss, lose, hurt, buy, sold, death, bad, sell, price, decision, waste, hard, difficult, liable, fail, liability.

Bernard St-Pierre

[Mark Andrews]

Originally Posted by amo992

I would say a lot of people--myself included. I don't think it's necessary to be the best or to be regarded as the best to find the fulfillment that many seek to achieve.

Fair enough but we're talking about copywriting here.

You've got to aim to be the best, half measures don't cut it. If you argue the point otherwise it just demonstrates a lame ass and lazy approach to this business.

If you can't be bothered to aim and be the best in this industry, working to the highest standards you can possibly reach towards, you're letting your clients down.

And in this business, clients mean everything and I mean... everything.

If you don't want to do your best, if you don't want to be a top dog in this business, it's time for you to reconsider your career choice.

No argument about it. Those are the facts.

[Michael Newman]

Hello Eddy,

I'd suggest you join the war room. You'll find a lot of FREE resources that'll help you with your dream. You can start with those... before you start spending money on courses...

I'm a student of copywriting, and it's a lot of work. But that's life, right? Nothing good comes easy. But it's worthwhile, even if you decide to outsource it eventually.

I wish you the best.

Michael Newman