If you had 30 days to learn copywriting...

by Nabru
23 replies
...what resources would you read?

I just stumbled across Gary Halbert challenge in which he answers my question with a list of articles to read, sales letters to study and assignments to write.

Are there any other, similar "challenges" that combine a list of resources and writing exercises in order to teach you copywriting?

If so, please list them and share your views on this.

Thank you!
#copywriting #days #learn
  • Profile picture of the author angiecolee
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    Aspiring copywriters: if you need 1:1 advice from an experienced copy chief, head over to my Phone a Friend page.

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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    I don't know if you have looked at the stickies above but
    you have a whole library here:

    http://www.warriorforum.com/copywrit...ooks-ever.html

    Gary does mention the 'critical' books but notice he tells you that you have
    to WRITE in order to make it in this business, not just study the books alone.
    Also notice in his list are some marketing books as well, not just copywriting
    books.

    So you can learn a lot in 30 days but it takes a lot longer than that to develop
    the skill and the confidence to write good copy.

    -Ray Edwards
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    • Profile picture of the author Will Compton
      What would you do if you had 30 days to learn the guitar? Probably... start picking at the guitar... and learn as you go with the resources available to you... right?
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      • Profile picture of the author OutOfThisWord
        Do you want to learn to write sales copy because you want to pursue it as a profession or are you looking for a cheap way to launch your IM biz and you think not hiring a professional will somehow save money?
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  • Profile picture of the author Kevin Williams
    Get popular swipes of well-performing ads and rewrite them word-for-word
    yourself. I learned more from doing this then I learned from every other
    resource. Something about actually writing it out embeds the ideas in your
    mind.
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  • Profile picture of the author sethczerepak
    That would also mean I had only 30 days to live.

    Learning is a lifelong process.

    Devour what you're working on now, and get ready to devour something else the moment you're done.

    Then, repeat.
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    • Profile picture of the author Nabru
      Those are all great resources, but I'm really looking for something that combines reading certain resources with writing exercises. Similar to what Gary Halbert challenge is, or even what Neil Patel's complete guide is.

      Originally Posted by OutOfThisWord View Post

      Do you want to learn to write sales copy because you want to pursue it as a profession or are you looking for a cheap way to launch your IM biz and you think not hiring a professional will somehow save money?
      Second option, except I don't see it that way. If I can learn it myself why pay somebody else to do it? It's not just sales letters (or at all) it's more of getting better at writing in general.

      Originally Posted by sethczerepak View Post

      That would also mean I had only 30 days to live.

      Learning is a lifelong process.

      Devour what you're working on now, and get ready to devour something else the moment you're done.

      Then, repeat.
      30 day thing wasn't meant literally, I'm simply looking for resources that combine studying and writing.
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      • Profile picture of the author OutOfThisWord
        Don't stop at saving money on copywriting by DIY. Get a pair of pliers and magnifying mirror and start saving money you'd spend at the dentist, in fact pull all your teeth out and you won't have to see the dentist at all.
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        • Profile picture of the author Nabru
          All I'm asking for are some resources that combine studying with writing exercises.

          I'm trying to learn something new, not because I don't want to pay somebody else to do it, but because it's something I'd like to get good at.

          I'd appreciate it if somebody could just let me know about these kind of resources, without handing out weird life lessons, please.
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          • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
            Originally Posted by Nabru View Post

            All I'm asking for are some resources that combine studying with writing exercises.

            I'm trying to learn something new, not because I don't want to pay somebody else to do it, but because it's something I'd like to get good at.

            I'd appreciate it if somebody could just let me know about these kind of resources, without handing out weird life lessons, please.
            Randy Gage's e-book (described as a 167-page manual), "How to Become a Copywriting Stud!" meets your requirement. It has practice exercises at the end of each chapter...

            http://www.cashcopywriting.com/ (not an affiliate link).

            Alex
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  • Profile picture of the author IDoTheLegWork
    The AWAI copywriting course might be what you're looking for

    Acquire the Skills You Need to Make a Living as a Writer

    Out of curiosity, why not just do the Halbert challenge?
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  • Profile picture of the author JakeFromStateFarm
    I would read all the books Halbert recommended, and add Dan Kennedy's Ultimate Sales Letter 2nd Edition, John Caples "How to Make Your Advertising Make Money" and also Dan Kennedy's No BS Direct Marketing.

    Then I would handwrite the ads like Halbert said, also handwrite some of John Carlton's TRS Direct ads, but I would write them 10x. That's not something you can do within 30 days, but once you complete that I really think you'll have a good copywriting rhythm down pat.

    And truthfully, for all the talk about why you NEED to hire a copywriter, unless you're selling products in the markets of health and fitness, make money online and a select few others, you can probably follow what I just said and write reasonably decent copy that makes you money. As Dan Kennedy always says, "In the Land of the Blind, the one-eyed man is king."
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    • Profile picture of the author Nabru
      Originally Posted by JakeFromStateFarm View Post

      I would read all the books Halbert recommended, and add Dan Kennedy's Ultimate Sales Letter 2nd Edition, John Caples "How to Make Your Advertising Make Money" and also Dan Kennedy's No BS Direct Marketing.

      Then I would handwrite the ads like Halbert said, also handwrite some of John Carlton's TRS Direct ads, but I would write them 10x. That's not something you can do within 30 days, but once you complete that I really think you'll have a good copywriting rhythm down pat.

      And truthfully, for all the talk about why you NEED to hire a copywriter, unless you're selling products in the markets of health and fitness, make money online and a select few others, you can probably follow what I just said and write reasonably decent copy that makes you money. As Dan Kennedy always says, "In the Land of the Blind, the one-eyed man is king."
      Thank you, I will follow Halbert's letter and add the stuff you mention.
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  • Profile picture of the author OnTheGo
    I would read all of Gary Halberts work too. GKIC's too of course. Actually, I'm on Dans list so I save every single email I get from GKIC & study them! =)
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  • Profile picture of the author WebOutGateway
    I guess the above responses got you all the answer. To add, personally we've tried the copybloggers' copy writing 101 on how to do a compelling copy.

    My thought: indeed headline is the most vital part ever. that includes subheads. This is the first impression of the copy. When you get them at first sight, you'll get them forever.

    Also, keep reading copies. list them and judge them. and the end of the day. make your own and let other review it. It is a lifetime learning, and while learning, you're doing.

    Hope it'll help.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark 99
    I would read Breakthrough Advertising by Eugene Schwartz. Hands down the best copy book I have read.
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  • Profile picture of the author OnTheGo
    John Carlton too of course. Been studying him recently. He's kick ass!
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  • Profile picture of the author Abhinay Reddy
    Dan Kennedy's stuff, especially "The Ultimate Sales Letter", and I would also go through the book "Influence - the psychology of persuasion" by Robert Ciadini.
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  • Profile picture of the author nameless7
    I can recommend "On Writing Well" by W.Zinsser, "The Ultimate Sales Letter" by Dan S. Kennedy, "Magic Words That Bring You Riches" by T. Nicholas and of course "The Copywriter's Handbook" by Robert B. Bly. But the simple fact is that some people can easily find ideas for unique content and make a splash while the others spend hours writing one mediocre post. If you don't know how to write interesting posts find someone who can
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  • Profile picture of the author WarWizard
    Have a look at CopyHour.com — CopyHour.com as well.
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  • Profile picture of the author RogozRazvan
    Theoretically, you can learn any new skill (at a basic level) in 20 hours of consistent effort.

    However, if you want to get the most ROI on your time, it is simple:
    1. Get a mentor.
    2. Write copy.
    3. Get your copy reviewed by your mentor.
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  • Profile picture of the author Triplescan
    After reading all the articles and books mentioned above the best thing you could o for yourself is to practice what you've learnt. Don't focus only on theoretical knowledge but try to mix it up with practical one. See what improves, what is left behind, during those 30 days, and the most important of all, be patient. Don't rush to write something if you re not sure about the structure, idea, goal and so on. Good luck!
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