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Where can I find the highest converting sales letters?

by jjbalagosa
34 replies
I want to keep sharpening my copywriting skills and, as many of you already know, the way to do that is to read, study, dissect, and hand copy top performing sales letters.

Warrior Plus and Clickbank are my staples to find what's currently converting. But I need more.

Anybody want to share their sources? I'm particularly looking for something that's consistently updated. That way I can stay current on what converts.
#converting #find #highest #letters #sales
  • Profile picture of the author TheSalesBooster
    Start by sharpening your "search button" skills. This question gets asked every week.
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    • Profile picture of the author jjbalagosa
      Originally Posted by TheSalesBooster View Post

      Start by sharpening your "search button" skills. This question gets asked every week.
      Did that for about 20 minutes... Found a lot of swipe file threads, but that's not what I'm looking for.

      Maybe I should be more specific.

      Looking for...

      Something more of like a marketplace. Where I can sort by popularity. At CB, you can sort by gravity and popularity. This way you can see what is currently converting the best.

      Same thing going on at WarriorPlus. Once you're an affiliate there, you can sort products by conversion rate or units sold. Again, you're able to see what is currently converting well.

      Most stuff I found through my searches were older stuff like Halbert Letters, or John Carlton's best performing headlines, or AWAI archives. Which is great, but not what I'm looking for.

      So I figured, couldn't hurt to ask.
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  • Profile picture of the author Amod Oke
    Something more of like a marketplace. Where I can sort by popularity. At CB, you can sort by gravity and popularity. This way you can see what is currently converting the best.

    Same thing going on at WarriorPlus. Once you're an affiliate there, you can sort products by conversion rate or units sold. Again, you're able to see what is currently converting well.
    Ummm.. so what else do you want now??
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    • Profile picture of the author jjbalagosa
      Originally Posted by Amod Oke View Post

      Ummm.. so what else do you want now??
      I want to find more resources.

      CB is great, but more and more top converting sites are converting to Video Sales Letters. Which is proven to be higher converting, but hard to really dissect and copy.

      WP is also a very good resource, but there isn't much variety. The only niche I can study there is the IM and it's related niches. If I wanted to study the weight loss niche there, for example, I'm outta luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author stefanuskusuma
    Originally Posted by jjbalagosa View Post

    I want to keep sharpening my copywriting skills and, as many of you already know, the way to do that is to read, study, dissect, and hand copy top performing sales letters.

    Warrior Plus and Clickbank are my staples to find what's currently converting. But I need more.

    Anybody want to share their sources? I'm particularly looking for something that's consistently updated. That way I can stay current on what converts.
    Have you read the book 'Hypnotic Writing' by Joe Vitale? He is one of the pioneer of copywriting using hypnotic language that subconsciously communicating to people. Basically words are perceived individually and differently for every person. For example: what does the word 'intense' mean for you? The answer for somebody else is most likely not the same.

    In the book, you will find not just copywriting, but he explains every single little thing you need to know about writing an effective and good sales letter. By the way, before internet came, people are used to sales letter received in their mail boxes. So it has been around for ages.
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    • Profile picture of the author jjbalagosa
      Originally Posted by stefanuskusuma View Post

      Have you read the book 'Hypnotic Writing' by Joe Vitale? He is one of the pioneer of copywriting using hypnotic language that subconsciously communicating to people. Basically words are perceived individually and differently for every person. For example: what does the word 'intense' mean for you? The answer for somebody else is most likely not the same.

      In the book, you will find not just copywriting, but he explains every single little thing you need to know about writing an effective and good sales letter. By the way, before internet came, people are used to sales letter received in their mail boxes. So it has been around for ages.
      I have both his hypnotic books, his swipe file, and his hypnotic writing software. They're among the very best of my resources!
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  • Profile picture of the author CharismaticMannequin
    Originally Posted by jjbalagosa View Post

    I want to keep sharpening my copywriting skills and, as many of you already know, the way to do that is to read, study, dissect, and hand copy top performing sales letters.

    While you're right, consider something for a second.

    How did the first copywriters learn? Did they have a swipe file of great ads to look at and learn from? Nu-uh. So what did they do?

    Well, how do we ALL learn? By making mistakes. By trial and error.

    Go write some stuff. If it sucks, rewrite it. If it's average, tweak it until it's incredible. Maybe I'm an idiot, but I've virtually never looked at previous ads - sure, there's something to learn there and I know I'm missing out on some things, but I'm learning for myself; I have no one looking over my shoulder.

    I'm finding my own voice, making my own mistakes. I've read plenty of books, but nothing has taught me more than DOING. Anyone who says differently either doesn't know what they're talking about, or is trying to sell you something.

    DOING is the ULTIMATE form of learning.


    Go out and make mistakes. Screw the people who berate you for making mistakes. Mistakes are the quickest, simplest and downright most awesome way of learning. Nothing teaches you quicker than "Oh damn! I done messed up!"

    Trust me
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  • Profile picture of the author simplewriting
    Just look at high converting clickbank products. Check out their affiliate pages. They usually tell you the conversion rate and the demographic they're targeting. You can also join their affiliate list and you'll get constant updates on their newest products.

    But nothing beats practice. You should read less and write more.

    Good luck
    Kunal
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  • Profile picture of the author shawnlebrun
    Something that I personally love doing is getting on the MAILING lists of all the top direct mail players like Rodale, Healthy Directions, Bottom Line, Agora, Phillips, etc... and get their direct mail sales packages sent to my house so i can study them.

    My wife hates it because our mailbox is usually looking like an overflowing dumpster, but i'm like a damn kid in a candy store when i go out to retrieve the mail because i know there's a good chance that there's a new winning control package in that mail.

    so, as much as we live in an "online world"... don't forget to get on some of the mailing lists of the multi-million dollar mailers so you can study what they send you for hard mail.
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    • Profile picture of the author jjbalagosa
      Originally Posted by shawnlebrun View Post

      Something that I personally love doing is getting on the MAILING lists of all the top direct mail players like Rodale, Healthy Directions, Bottom Line, Agora, Phillips, etc... and get their direct mail sales packages sent to my house so i can study them.

      My wife hates it because our mailbox is usually looking like an overflowing dumpster, but i'm like a damn kid in a candy store when i go out to retrieve the mail because i know there's a good chance that there's a new winning control package in that mail.

      so, as much as we live in an "online world"... don't forget to get on some of the mailing lists of the multi-million dollar mailers so you can study what they send you for hard mail.
      I'm doing this! Looking at my junk mail now, and the stuff in it is pure gold!

      I'll figure out how to deal with my wife making me sleep on the couch when I cross that bridge.

      Thanks Shawn!
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    • Profile picture of the author tdj
      Originally Posted by shawnlebrun View Post

      Something that I personally love doing is getting on the MAILING lists of all the top direct mail players like Rodale, Healthy Directions, Bottom Line, Agora, Phillips, etc... and get their direct mail sales packages sent to my house so i can study them.

      My wife hates it because our mailbox is usually looking like an overflowing dumpster, but i'm like a damn kid in a candy store when i go out to retrieve the mail because i know there's a good chance that there's a new winning control package in that mail.

      so, as much as we live in an "online world"... don't forget to get on some of the mailing lists of the multi-million dollar mailers so you can study what they send you for hard mail.
      It must be a good idea. I have heard of doing this on more than 1 occasion. My question is: How do you know if the copy is a winner or not?

      Todd
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      • Profile picture of the author Daniel Scott
        I'm in a wordy mood today, so wanted to make a lot of replies...

        Originally Posted by simplewriting View Post

        Just look at high converting clickbank products. Check out their affiliate pages. They usually tell you the conversion rate and the demographic they're targeting.

        Good luck
        Kunal
        Most affiliates lie straight out their asses. Even when the numbers are "true", they're almost always massaged. E.g. "Top affiliates generate 23% conversion rate!" Yeah... one guy did that once.

        So... probably not the best way to do it.

        Originally Posted by shawnlebrun View Post

        Something that I personally love doing is getting on the MAILING lists of all the top direct mail players like Rodale, Healthy Directions, Bottom Line, Agora, Phillips, etc... and get their direct mail sales packages sent to my house so i can study them.
        To add to this, watch what gets REPEATED. If an ad is running for a long time, it's a control. Study the hell out of it. Parris had one that ran for five freaking years for Men's Health... you don't keep a control like that without top guns constantly trying to beat it.

        Also... most of these companies are also ridiculously good at media buying and getting paid traffic to their online presentations. Yet another reason wo watch them.

        Originally Posted by jjbalagosa View Post

        I'll figure out how to deal with my wife making me sleep on the couch when I cross that bridge.
        I'd make some crack about telling her to get back in the kitchen, but my girlfriend is constantly monitoring my posts and would likely beat the crap otu of me if she found out.

        But, you know... read between the lines...

        Originally Posted by Enfusia View Post

        IMHO the very best way to find pages that are converting is to Google a KW that has tons of comp like MMO and look over at the adwords. Copy the URLs so they don't pay for you to click on it (no need to be a jerk). Go study their stuff.

        A company can't pay $5 a click for very long if it's not converting.

        Patrick
        A good plan, but a little false. There are tons of companies that will pay for PPC even if it's a negative ROI under the pretense of branding or name recognition.

        Also, if they're buying a lot of traffic in a competitive space, you can bet you're ass they're not paying $5/click like most people.

        Originally Posted by JL8 View Post

        Is there a way to get good DM sales material without buying anything?
        Aquisition promotions, yes. Back end ones, either buy and get on their list or make friends with a copywriter who is awesome at collecting and organizing these things. I'm so glad I have friends that do this.

        Originally Posted by Ryan Kuchel View Post

        I study current WSO's of the day when I want to look at current copy that is working.
        The WSO forum has some of the worst goddamn copy I've ever seen, and just because something hits WSO doesn't mean squat. I won't go into why right now, but the gist is it's like a flea market - you'll make a ton of sales even if your marketing sucks.

        -Daniel
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        • Profile picture of the author jjbalagosa
          Originally Posted by Daniel Scott View Post

          I'd make some crack about telling her to get back in the kitchen, but my girlfriend is constantly monitoring my posts and would likely beat the crap otu of me if she found out.

          But, you know... read between the lines...
          Haha! Brave man for even hinting at it.

          Add the words "barefoot" and "pregnant" in there and I'm sure you'll be in spending the night in the ER in no time!
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        • Profile picture of the author Enfusia
          Originally Posted by Daniel Scott View Post

          A good plan, but a little false. There are tons of companies that will pay for PPC even if it's a negative ROI under the pretense of branding or name recognition.

          Also, if they're buying a lot of traffic in a competitive space, you can bet you're ass they're not paying $5/click like most people.

          -Daniel
          1. Yes, but the companies with budgets large enough to do that usually can afford good copywriters. Yes, a few are doing that, but they typically still have good copy. But let's be realistic, it's not many companies in a given niche doing it.

          2. The $5 a click was just an example that was an easy number. But, it depends on the keyword. I know of one of the largest airfare providers for super luxury air travel who pay about $9 a click and they are #1 for that and all related keywords in every adwords campaign they do.

          I also know a few who pay more than that per click. So, sorry, but what I said is NOT a little false.

          Patrick
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason_V
    JVZoo is another one you're missing

    Mike Filsaime is coming out with his own Warriorplus, clickbank, JVZoo too, it's called Deal Guardian
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  • Profile picture of the author SeanIM
    Also consider checking out some of the offers in the bigger CPA networks. People willing to drop 5-10-15k on an insertion order are pretty clear about their sales process and funnel....most of the time.
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  • Profile picture of the author MaxReferrals
    @shawnlebrun has it right.

    Tip: Spend $150 and set up a SEPARATE P.O. Box. Get on everyone's lists and get their DM offerings.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dan Ferrari
      I took part in this:

      CopyHour.com

      It was awesome. Everyday you get emailed something to handwrite. Everything from Halbert classics to some current stuff.

      The best part about it IMO, is that he takes all the work out of it. You just open your email and start copying. There is also a forum to post that you've done the assignment, which keeps you accountable and consistent.

      Easily the most valuable copywriting purchase I've made.
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      • Profile picture of the author Enfusia
        IMHO the very best way to find pages that are converting is to Google a KW that has tons of comp like MMO and look over at the adwords. Copy the URLs so they don't pay for you to click on it (no need to be a jerk). Go study their stuff.

        A company can't pay $5 a click for very long if it's not converting.

        Patrick
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        The Secret To Success In Any Business
        Yes, Any Business!
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        • Profile picture of the author jjbalagosa
          Originally Posted by Enfusia View Post

          IMHO the very best way to find pages that are converting is to Google a KW that has tons of comp like MMO and look over at the adwords. Copy the URLs so they don't pay for you to click on it (no need to be a jerk). Go study their stuff.

          A company can't pay $5 a click for very long if it's not converting.

          Patrick
          Wow! This one's a no brainer and genius. Thanks a bunch!
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      • Profile picture of the author jjbalagosa
        Originally Posted by Dan Ferrari View Post

        I took part in this:

        CopyHour.com

        It was awesome. Everyday you get emailed something to handwrite. Everything from Halbert classics to some current stuff.

        The best part about it IMO, is that he takes all the work out of it. You just open your email and start copying. There is also a forum to post that you've done the assignment, which keeps you accountable and consistent.

        Easily the most valuable copywriting purchase I've made.
        Thanks Dan!

        I found these guys shortly after I posted this thread. I'm glad I purchased it (not affiliated with them in any way), because it's closed now and you have to be put on a waiting list.

        It's as close as I can get to what I was looking for. Because the forum is there to dissect the ads with other copy guys, I can really learn why certain ads work and others don't.

        They also give you access to a drop box file with hundreds of top producing ads. Which looks like it grows daily. This bonus is nowhere to be found on the main sales page!

        Thanks Warriors!

        A lot of you guys gave outstanding tips on how to find ads that produce and convert. And thanks to those of you who have personally messaged me with your resources. The copywriting forum is full of compassionate and helpful people... regardless of what other people say about it. :p
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        • Profile picture of the author BrianMcLeod
          Originally Posted by jjbalagosa View Post

          Thanks Warriors!

          A lot of you guys gave outstanding tips on how to find ads that produce and convert. And thanks to those of you who have personally messaged me with your resources. The copywriting forum is full of compassionate and helpful people... regardless of what other people say about it. :p
          It's all about the approach.

          When one comes here fired up and excited about learning the craft, the people who've spent decades honing our skills love to share.

          But when someone blasts in the door looking for a free critique or to argue some half-baked opinion based on nothing but air... look out!



          Best,

          Brian
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  • Profile picture of the author JL8
    Good tip on getting in direct mailing lists.

    I was checking out Rodale's website but I couldn't find out how to get their dm.

    What'd the general process of obtaining their sales material?
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    • Profile picture of the author BrianMcLeod
      Originally Posted by JL8 View Post

      Good tip on getting in direct mailing lists.

      I was checking out Rodale's website but I couldn't find out how to get their dm.

      What'd the general process of obtaining their sales material?
      Buy something.
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      Brian McLeod
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      • Profile picture of the author JL8
        Is there a way to get good DM sales material without buying anything?
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        • Profile picture of the author Jason_V
          Originally Posted by JL8 View Post

          Good tip on getting in direct mailing lists.

          I was checking out Rodale's website but I couldn't find out how to get their dm.

          What'd the general process of obtaining their sales material?
          Originally Posted by JL8 View Post

          Is there a way to get good DM sales material without buying anything?
          Customer Service | Rodale Inc

          I found this, you may just want to call them and ask to be put on their mailing list.
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          -Andy Warhol
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  • Profile picture of the author DanteRomero
    Buy a swipe file of winning ads from a credible source. Such as John Carlton. I'd suggest not studying copy you find online. Some of it can be good. But so much of it is a knock-off of a knock-off of a knock-off.

    Study direct marketing pieces, I'd say.
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    "Perfection isn't important. Improvement is."

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    • Profile picture of the author JL8
      Originally Posted by DanteRomero View Post

      Buy a swipe file of winning ads from a credible source. Such as John Carlton. I'd suggest not studying copy you find online. Some of it can be good. But so much of it is a knock-off of a knock-off of a knock-off.

      Study direct marketing pieces, I'd say.
      where can i get these?
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      • Profile picture of the author DanteRomero
        Originally Posted by JL8 View Post

        where can i get these?
        You can get direct mail pieces by getting on the list of businesses who hire top copywriters. Buy two things from each of the following: Boardroom, phillips, rodale, agora. You'll start getting a flood of ads you can learn from. Also, you can get a lot of classic ads @ infomarketingblog.com. That site is friggin' amazing. The guy who runs that site, lawrence bernstein, also has a service for $99 / month &quot;ultimate online swipe file&quot; which I highly recommend. He shows you where to find ads using newspaper archives that have been top sellers. Another option is to buy a swipe of ads. If you join john carlton's insider club, you get a bundle of his, which are great. Another option is to buy some gary halbert swipes, clayton makepace, bob bly, gary bencivenga. Do a search and you can find these. But make sure they are assembled by a credible source. There are some folks who just slap a bunch of ads together. And you only want the winners.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ryan Kuchel
    I study current WSO's of the day when I want to look at current copy that is working.
    Also thegaryhalbertletter.com is legit too.
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  • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
    Originally Posted by jjbalagosa View Post

    I want to keep sharpening my copywriting skills and, as many of you already know, the way to do that is to read, study, dissect, and hand copy top performing sales letters.

    Warrior Plus and Clickbank are my staples to find what's currently converting. But I need more.

    Anybody want to share their sources? I'm particularly looking for something that's consistently updated. That way I can stay current on what converts.
    I made a post where an A-lister direct mail copywriter updates
    his new promos here...http://www.warriorforum.com/copywrit...st-promos.html

    Here's one page of a long list of direct mail winners, some have been running 3 and 4 years.
    To see the whole mailer you are going to have to hit your credit card.
    http://www.carlinecole.com/kick%20bu...t_controls.htm
    http://www.carlinecole.com/shop/estore.htm

    Here's how to find those long running ads in newspapers.
    The large direct response corporation Suarez sells EdenPure heaters.

    They seem to have stopped running ads in magazines and run them in newspapers now.
    How I stumbled on this was seeing a little classified in a tiny obscure newspaper.
    This lead me to hunt for more of their newspaper ads.
    Enter http://newspaperarchive.com/
    Entered EdenPure into the search bar and
    this came up... https://secure2.newspaperarchive.com...aspx?plan=865#

    870 Results in 2000's
    426 Results in 2010's

    To view the ads you have to subscribe to the service.

    Best,
    Ewen
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