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Tim Ferris - 300 word rule

by ginnysclub1
4 replies
I read in Tim Ferris's book "The Four Hour Work Week", that it is important to create test adverts/copy thatare no longer 300 words long.

Do you agree with this rule?

Is it feasible to write such short copy and get a meaningful result? And if yes, in what circumstances?

After reading Tim Ferris's 300 word rule, I wrote short 433 word sales letter for my no money down business buying ebook. And I managed to sells a few copies for £27.

Personally, I find writing sales copy extremely difficult, so if this 300 word rule is correct that would suit me .
#300 #ferris #letter #rule #sales #tim #tim ferris #word
  • Profile picture of the author abugah
    When writing copy or ads, what you say depends on:
    1. the sophistication of the market,
    2. the product,
    3. the audience,
    4. the medium.

    It is therefore difficult to have a 300-word rule.

    If a product is totally new
    a little explanation is required and
    this may take more than 300 words.

    Test both long and short copy and see what generates more sales.

    Finally, seek help if you are facing difficulties writing copy.
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  • Profile picture of the author RickDuris
    Interesting re-articulation of the short copy vs. long copy question.

    The answer is yes. Do a test.

    The only thing I would say in addition is to to spend as much time on it as you would 3000 word sales letter.

    - Rick Duris
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  • Profile picture of the author MontelloMarketing
    Ginny,


    Don't assume shorter copy means less writing.

    As Mark Twain used to say after delivering a very long letter to family and friends... "Sorry this letter was so long. If I had more time I would have made it shorter."
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    • Profile picture of the author Omar Khafagy
      I love that quote Vin.

      Many people who are not comfortable with writing assume that the shorter salescopy will be easier. In truth, it's harder because it is far less forgiving. In a long salesletter, a useless sentence might go unnoticed. A pointless benefit might be overlooked.

      In short copy, each line must have a purpose and be stated with perfect clarity. It must cut to the point with precision -- no easy feat.

      On a related note, I'm reminded of something I was told back in high school by our musical's director during auditions: "It's easier to tone down an over-actor than it is to build up an under-actor."

      Likewise, it is easier to fix a bad haircut if the hair is long than if it's short.

      See the trend?
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      Omar Khafagy
      Administrator of www.CopywritingBoard.com

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