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Would This Be WEIRD?

by Robert Brauer
8 replies
I've been looking for a copywriter lately and I had a weird thought...

Has anyone ever tried a "copywriting contest?" I want to hire 2-3 copywriters, and have each of them write me a piece of copy.

I would pay them each upfront, but the person with the highest percentage conversions (using split testing on Google) would get a percentage of every sale I made for a year or two after launch.

Good or bad idea? Any takers??
#weird
  • Profile picture of the author Robert Brauer
    Has anyone ever tried anything like this before. I'm thinking that the competition would be fun and profitable
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  • Profile picture of the author Tony Tikos
    Its a perfectly valid idea, go for it
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  • Profile picture of the author jtunkelo
    Well, if you don't mind paying three separate fees to find the one that converts the best.. go for it.
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  • Profile picture of the author ARSuarez
    Originally Posted by prophetmktg View Post

    I've been looking for a copywriter lately and I had a weird thought...

    Has anyone ever tried a "copywriting contest?" I want to hire 2-3 copywriters, and have each of them write me a piece of copy.

    I would pay them each upfront, but the person with the highest percentage conversions (using split testing on Google) would get a percentage of every sale I made for a year or two after launch.

    Good or bad idea? Any takers??
    This is actually a good idea if you have the budget.

    Places like Boardroom, Rodale, and other major mailers do this pretty often.

    Gene Schwartz called it the "Superbowl" for copywriters.

    Good stuff. You're pretty much having them compete to create a control.

    If you hire some good copywriters, this would be a very productive use of money.

    Best,

    Angel

    PS. BTW, if you actually do this... don't just toss those other two pieces if they do convert almost as well. For example, if the top letter converts at 4% (which is wow) and the 2nd converts at 3.5% and the 3rd converts at 2.9%... Those are very good conversion rates and good to have on hand when the control dries out.
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    • Profile picture of the author MontelloMarketing
      A contest like this started my entire career.

      And... I wasn't paid. Neither was anyone else.

      I beat out 7 others, with copy that outsold all of them combined.

      The rest is history.
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      • Profile picture of the author Robert Brauer
        [DELETED]
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        • Profile picture of the author ARSuarez
          Understandable.

          But most "big copywriters" or people with a lot of proven experience don't have the time to take a project on performance basis only. Too many factors outside of their control.

          Now, you can try some young copywriters out. You might strike gold.

          Some lucky dog got Vin Montello (as Vin said).

          Dan Kennedy's first gig was writing a beat-the-control for Gary Halbert for just $500 if he beat it.

          Truthfully, most young copywriters don't want the huge monetary reward (though they do want some). What they really want is to kick-start their career - testimonials, referrals, repeated future work, etc.

          If you can work that in, you might have good results.

          There are a hundred ways to skin this cat.

          Best,

          Angel
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      • Profile picture of the author Robert Brauer
        Originally Posted by MontelloMarketing View Post

        A contest like this started my entire career.

        And... I wasn't paid. Neither was anyone else.

        I beat out 7 others, with copy that outsold all of them combined.

        The rest is history.
        That really sucks. I don't have any intention of screwing people over, I just love the idea of paying people based on performance!
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  • Profile picture of the author WillDL
    Not at all. I've been thinking of adding a bounty for beating my controls to my signature. Standing $X prize for out performing my control.
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    Occasionally Relevant.

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