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Found an Excellent Copy - May I...?

by willyboy104
7 replies
Hello everyone.

Through some major research & some lovely, helpful people I have come across an excellent example of a well-written, high converting sales copy within the same niche as one of my websites is in.

Now, I don't want to copy the sales page, obviously since it's not exactly the same plus I would never want to copy someone's work. However I would like to use it as a sort of base point for creating my own copy.

However, I was wondering to what extent could I use someone else's copy without endangering myself of any infringements or lawsuits?

I think this is both an ethical and legal argument.

Thanks in advance.
#copy #excellent #found
  • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
    However, I was wondering to what extent could I use someone else's copy without endangering myself of any infringements or lawsuits?
    To what extent can you USE your competitor's wording? Not in any obvious fashion at all.

    You can, however, model the structure of his/her copy. No problem there.

    Marcia Yudkin
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    • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
      Originally Posted by marciayudkin View Post

      To what extent can you USE your competitor's wording? Not in any obvious fashion at all.

      You can, however, model the structure of his/her copy. No problem there.

      Marcia Yudkin
      Couldn't he use phrases?

      I'm pretty certain he can.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Scott
    Pet peeve...

    The word "copy" in this context does not exist as a singular.

    So you can't say "I found a copy".

    You say "I found some copy".

    Now... I'm not a lawyer... nor do I play one on TV...

    But I believe there's no cut and dry law on what you can "borrow" and what you can't... it sort of comes down to a judge/jury if you're ever taken to court over it.

    Having said that... there's a reason not to copy...

    Without knowing WHY you're taking a phrase/structure... it's easy to screw it up.

    Unfortunately there's only one shortcut to getting decent copy...

    ...hiring someone good to write it.

    Otherwise you've REALLY gotta bust your ass learning this stuff before you can even swipe correctly.

    Kind regards,

    -Dan
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    Always looking for badass direct-response copywriters. PM me if we don't know each other and you're looking for work.

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  • Profile picture of the author willyboy104
    Thanks everyone, and thanks Dan for the lesson

    I think some of you may of misread my thread starter due to my awful English ^-^

    I plan on using the sales copy I came across to create the foundations of my own sales copy however in no way do I intend on copying the sales copy word for word or taking chunks of text e.t.c

    I will be spending the next two weeks writing, re-writing, asking you experiences copywriters for advice, feedback, criticism until I feel it is ready to be tested

    Thanks for everyones help.
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    • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
      Originally Posted by willyboy104 View Post

      Thanks everyone, and thanks Dan for the lesson

      I think some of you may of misread my thread starter due to my awful English ^-^

      I plan on using the sales copy I came across to create the foundations of my own sales copy however in no way do I intend on copying the sales copy word for word or taking chunks of text e.t.c

      I will be spending the next two weeks writing, re-writing, asking you experiences copywriters for advice, feedback, criticism until I feel it is ready to be tested

      Thanks for everyones help.
      When studying your competitors, also look for their weak points so you can offer a clear and viable alternative. You don't want to be seen as a bad copycat.

      As far as structure goes, yes that can be good if you follow a tried and proven sequence.

      Allways remember to start with the ideal reader in mind though.

      All the best,
      Ewen
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  • Profile picture of the author nitesh
    What's the problem in writing own content? Give a day to your page and write a unique one.
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Scott
      Originally Posted by nitesh View Post

      What's the problem in writing own content? Give a day to your page and write a unique one.
      Dude... if you can write a sales page in a day that actually converts... get in touch.

      I'll give you more work than you know what to do with.

      -Dan
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      Always looking for badass direct-response copywriters. PM me if we don't know each other and you're looking for work.

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