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Being Hilarious...

by 2Legit2Quit
16 replies
I am a very funny person-in person. Mainly due to timing situations.

But...

How can I improve humor in sales copy?

I personally believe the funny rule the world...in advertising.
#hilarious
  • Profile picture of the author Tim R
    Originally Posted by 2Legit2Quit View Post

    I personally believe the funny rule the world...in advertising.
    Based on what?

    You just said in your other post you're brand new to copywriting.

    Your time would be better spent reading through the stickies than starting multiple threads.
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    • Profile picture of the author 2Legit2Quit
      Originally Posted by Tim R View Post

      Based on what?

      You just said in your other post you're brand new to copywriting.

      Your time would be better spent reading through the stickies than starting multiple threads.
      In an industry where getting attention is "very" important-humor would be at the top of the list in "grabbing attention."

      I am new to copy writing.

      I'm struggling with humor on paper.
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      • Profile picture of the author Chriswrighto
        Originally Posted by 2Legit2Quit View Post

        In an industry where getting attention is "very" important-humor would be at the top of the list in "grabbing attention."

        I am new to copy writing.

        I'm struggling with humor on paper.
        You grab attention with a relevant headline/lead.

        You can use Michael Masterson/Mark Ford and Bill Bonner's 4U test to craft a compelling headline:

        Does it feel urgent?
        Does it feel unique?
        Is it ultra-specific?
        Does it look useful?

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        Wealthcopywriter.com :)

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  • Profile picture of the author pewpewpewmonkeys
    humor would be at the top of the list in "grabbing attention."
    No.
    I am new to copy writing.
    What's it like? How similar is it to copywriting?

    I'm struggling with humor on paper.
    You're struggling with what's actually important.
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    Some cause-oriented hackers recently hacked one of my websites. So I researched what they're about and then donated a large sum of money to the entity they hate the most.

    The next time they hack one of my websites I'm going to donate DOUBLE.
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  • Profile picture of the author VegasJon
    Originally Posted by 2Legit2Quit View Post

    I am a very funny person-in person. Mainly due to timing situations.

    But...

    How can I improve humor in sales copy?

    I personally believe the funny rule the world...in advertising.
    People love to laugh. If you don't laugh, your life is probably miserable. But that doesn't mean getting someone to spit their coffee all over their computer is going to make them want to buy your products.

    Just my two cents.
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  • Profile picture of the author angiecolee
    Let's look at this logically.

    Some people like Carlin. Some can't stand him.

    Some people like Lisa Lampanelli. Some can't stand her.

    The list goes on.

    Humor is subjective. What you find hilarious may not be quite so hilarious to others you're trying to sell to. There may be a case for finding your tribe by using your own brand of humor, but that's drilling down after you've cast the net wide. If you gain a reputation as some sort of humorist that a lot of people in your market don't get, then you've already shot yourself in the foot.
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  • Profile picture of the author MatthewRHallEsq
    I can imagine how humor would be useful in creating a list of loyal subscribers who eagerly await your next message, but as far as copywriting for clients goes, everyone else has it nailed: humor is very subjective.

    I like to think I have fine taste in comedy, which is why I love shows like Comedy Bang! Bang! instead of the Big Bang Theory. However, millions of people (and their millions of advertising dollars) disagree with me.

    Maybe try reading Ben Settle and other marketers whose schtick deliberately alienates some readers to connect more strongly with their audience.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
    Ahhh, the funny bandwagon has pulled up once again.

    And this is what usually happens.

    Most shout and scream, proclaiming you must never ever use humor in ads.

    No you must not - very bad.

    I disagree.

    Humor does work.

    But not if you try and be a comedian - as angie said its waaay too subjective.

    Situational humor works best - because people usually "get" it.

    And if you can make them smile you exponentially increase the odds that they'll buy.


    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author pewpewpewmonkeys
    Most shout and scream, proclaiming you must never ever use humor in ads.
    Really? Who said you should never use humor?

    Humor does work.
    Of course it does. But not as the OP puts it: "humor would be at the top of the list in "grabbing attention."

    I'm imagining this headline:
    What Did The Green Grape Say To The Purple Grape That Was Hanging On The Vine?

    "Breathe, Dumba$s!"
    Discover The Ancient Aboriginal Secret To Defeating Asthma And Never Having A Purple Face Again!
    Signature
    Some cause-oriented hackers recently hacked one of my websites. So I researched what they're about and then donated a large sum of money to the entity they hate the most.

    The next time they hack one of my websites I'm going to donate DOUBLE.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
      [QUOTE=pewpewpewmonkeys;9683354]Really? Who said you should never use humor?


      If you do a search you'll find that "should we use or not use humor" has been discussed a few times.

      I remember being a lone voice suggesting that we should.


      Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author MatthewRHallEsq
      Originally Posted by pewpewpewmonkeys View Post

      "Breathe, Dumba$$!"
      Discover The Ancient Aboriginal Secret To Defeating Asthma And Never Having A Purple Face Again!
      Got my attention.
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  • Profile picture of the author pewpewpewmonkeys
    Gotcha.

    And if you can make them smile you exponentially increase the odds that they'll buy.
    Like dating a woman.
    Signature
    Some cause-oriented hackers recently hacked one of my websites. So I researched what they're about and then donated a large sum of money to the entity they hate the most.

    The next time they hack one of my websites I'm going to donate DOUBLE.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
    …and if you can lick your eyebrows with your tongue you dramatically increases the odds of a hot date with the woman of your dreams.


    Steve


    P.S. Note to Steve - what you were saying earlier "don't try and be a comedian" - same applies in making sexist jokes. Best not to do it.

    And no jokes about religion, politics and race.

    Apart from being insulting they just aren't funny.
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    • Profile picture of the author NickN
      To summarize the general consensus on humor in copywriting, I'll quote Walt from Breaking Bad: "Tread lightly."
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  • Profile picture of the author DarrenRM
    What the OP seems to hit on is the idea of an emotional response. I would not necessarily use "humour" for its own sake.

    There are times when this may be a useful tool but I would only think about humour as part of a personal style, once you've established your niche/voice/audience etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author WebOutGateway
    HUMOR can be a great brand to your copy writing style but...
    1. dont'b offending
    2. make it relatable. people can connect. Humor is based on knowledge.
    3. don't overjoy, people may laugh at those jokes but not engage in the product. Make sure you do it good and balance. LAUGH and ENGAGE.
    4. Don't over use it.
    5. Make a witty humor, not 'offensive'.
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