How do I learn copywriting?

58 replies
I could just copy it from sites in non competing niches but how do I learn it without resorting to copycatting.

I want to learn to write copy that gets people to buy.
#copywriting #learn
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  • Profile picture of the author dannyadams
    Banned
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    • Profile picture of the author Oleg Cherkasky
      I am not very good at following advice that is ambiguous.

      I want to know what resources are there where I could learn from.
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      • Profile picture of the author Vicbowling
        I have to agree with you there. I see a lot of blandishments to do this or that but few specifics on what to practice on or what sort of resources to use. Specifics would be nice.

        Originally Posted by Oleg Cherkasky View Post

        I am not very good at following advice that is ambiguous.

        I want to know what resources are there where I could learn from.

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        • Profile picture of the author tallcoach
          Mostly by writing. Each time you write, you polish your skills. When I was asked to do a newsletter by a few of my clients back in the late 90's, I thought they wanted one every day of the work week. Turns out that's too much for them. For me it made me a much better writer. It also put over 600 newsletters in my computer to use whenever I need an article on almost anything. I cringe at some of the truly awful work I produced back then, but now I can rewrite it with new eyes and make it valuable again.

          Until you write and put it out in public, you cannot be a copywriter. By definition someone has to read what you are producing. The more value in your work the more you will get paid for it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Zentech
    Study sales and psychology. Look at winning sales pages and do your own, either for friends or fictional companies. Study sales and psychology some more. Develop confidence in your ability to sell ice to an Eskimo, even if you're new. Then, finally, start looking for clients.
    Signature
    * Stupid Offer: Killer Sales Letters ***$897*** Just For Warriors. Ethical Clients & Legit Products Only. *
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    • Profile picture of the author Oleg Cherkasky
      Thank you that makes more sense.
      got any good book ideas?
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      • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
        Originally Posted by Oleg Cherkasky View Post

        Thank you that makes more sense.
        got any good book ideas?
        Go to my site and download Scientific Advertising.

        Read that a few times and then move on from there. A few times may seem like a lot, but it's really a very short book.
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        • Profile picture of the author Oleg Cherkasky
          I went into your site and tried opting in with a fake name and email to your list but it said on the next page that I gotta confirm the email.

          So I googled the book and got a direct link to the pdf on your site at number 1. Heh heh
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          • Profile picture of the author Zentech
            Oleg, nice way to cheat someone who was trying to help you with a question you asked and then laugh about it.

            You know, one thing you also need to be a successful copywriter is a functioning ethical compass.
            Signature
            * Stupid Offer: Killer Sales Letters ***$897*** Just For Warriors. Ethical Clients & Legit Products Only. *
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          • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
            Originally Posted by Oleg Cherkasky View Post

            I went into your site and tried opting in with a fake name and email to your list but it said on the next page that I gotta confirm the email.

            So I googled the book and got a direct link to the pdf on your site at number 1. Heh heh
            Good for you.

            Next time I feel like helping you out, I'll think about it.

            I know it's a fact many people will opt in and opt out again after they've got what they want, and that's expected.

            And I wouldn't have minded you downloading the way you did.

            But you came on and mentioned you actually used fake details and you're rubbing it in.

            In my book, you're a chump as I could have been someone who helps you out in future when you really need it.

            Not any more.
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            • Profile picture of the author Oleg Cherkasky
              Originally Posted by Rezbi View Post

              Good for you.

              Next time I feel like helping you out, I'll think about it.

              I know it's a fact many people will opt in and opt out again after they've got what they want, and that's expected.

              And I wouldn't have minded you downloading the way you did.

              But you came on and mentioned you actually used fake details and you're rubbing it in.

              In my book, you're a chump as I could have been someone who helps you out in future when you really need it.

              Not any more.



              Are you seriously getting upset at me because of that?
              I understand if I would have done something illegal, but you are getting upset over a free ebook! I can still opt in.

              What do you have on your newsletter anyway?
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              • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
                Originally Posted by Oleg Cherkasky View Post

                Are you seriously getting upset at me because of that?
                I understand if I would have done something illegal, but you are getting upset over a free ebook! I can still opt in.

                What do you have on your newsletter anyway?
                Don't be silly. Or can't you read?

                It's your attitude that p****d me off.

                At least learn to read if you want to write.

                And you don't even seem to realise the fact you obviously didn't know about the 'free' ebook till you were told about it.

                All you had to do was say thanks without all the other stuff about using a fake name and downloading it for free.

                Anyway, enough. I'm not replying to anymore comments on this.
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                • Profile picture of the author Oleg Cherkasky
                  Originally Posted by Rezbi View Post

                  Don't be silly. Or can't you read?

                  It's your attitude that p****d me off.

                  At least learn to read if you want to write.

                  And you don't even seem to realise the fact you obviously didn't know about the 'free' ebook till you were told about it.

                  All you had to do was say thanks without all the other stuff about using a fake name and downloading it for free.

                  Anyway, enough. I'm not replying to anymore comments on this.


                  You know most of what is communicated in forums tends to be misinterpreted in many different ways so you could not possibly know what my attitude is.

                  If think that I am not thankful for your ebook suggestion you are wrong!
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              • Profile picture of the author Raydal
                Originally Posted by Oleg Cherkasky View Post

                Are you seriously getting upset at me because of that?
                I understand if I would have done something illegal, but you are getting upset over a free ebook! I can still opt in.

                What do you have on your newsletter anyway?
                You really expect someone not to get upset at entering FAKE
                information in their optin form?

                You're very unthankful Oleg especially when Rezbi went out of his way
                to answer your question and help you out.

                Don't expect too many friends around here with that attitude.

                And you are WRONG. You can tell someone's attitude from the
                words that he writes.

                -Ray Edwards
                Signature
                The most powerful and concentrated copywriting training online today bar none! Autoresponder Writing Email SECRETS
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                • Profile picture of the author Oleg Cherkasky
                  Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

                  You really expect someone not to get upset at entering FAKE
                  information in their optin form?

                  You're very unthankful Oleg especially when Rezbi went out of his way
                  to answer your question and help you out.

                  Don't expect too many friends around here with that attitude.

                  And you are WRONG. You can tell someone attitude from the
                  words that they write.

                  -Ray Edwards

                  Okay I guess I need to man up and admit it.
                  I am wrong.

                  still I don't think that getting upset over something that I can correct is a good idea. either that or I am just taking this opt in stuff for granted.





                  Originally Posted by gjabiz View Post


                  Why not start writing for profits from day one?

                  gjabiz
                  sounds like a good idea.
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                  • Profile picture of the author Collette
                    Originally Posted by Oleg Cherkasky View Post

                    Okay I guess I need to man up and admit it.
                    I am wrong.

                    still I don't think that getting upset over something that I can correct is a good idea. either that or I am just taking this opt in stuff for granted.

                    sounds like a good idea.
                    Way to 'apologize' with a non-apology.

                    You're still not connecting the dots.

                    Here's a clue: When you ask for help, don't jerk around someone who tried to help you. And then brag about it.

                    P.S. You're an idiot for NOT at least checking out what Rezbi has to offer. A simple search of his posts on the WF would show that you, for sure, could learn something from him. If you discovered differently, just could have opted out with a twitch of a finger. Done and done.

                    Instead, by using a fake email you've screwed yourself in at least 2 ways.

                    Heh. Heh.
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              • Profile picture of the author AustinLadyTam
                Originally Posted by Oleg Cherkasky View Post

                Are you seriously getting upset at me because of that?
                I understand if I would have done something illegal, but you are getting upset over a free ebook! I can still opt in.

                What do you have on your newsletter anyway?
                Just because something is legal does not mean it is the right thing to do.

                For example, let's say you spent hours writing articles and then sold them to get money and publicity for your copywriting. Would you mind if someone copied your articles and then changed just enough words to get around the copyright laws? It would be legal. Would it be right?

                Rezbi invited you to take a copy of his ebook, you just needed to leave your email...and you could've either opted out or chosen to stay on his list and get more valuable info. After all, if the ebook had value, what else might he send you? But with a fake name, you're cutting off the relationship. Can you see that?
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            • Profile picture of the author Danny Valentine
              Originally Posted by Rezbi View Post

              Good for you.

              Next time I feel like helping you out, I'll think about it.

              I know it's a fact many people will opt in and opt out again after they've got what they want, and that's expected.

              And I wouldn't have minded you downloading the way you did.

              But you came on and mentioned you actually used fake details and you're rubbing it in.

              In my book, you're a chump as I could have been someone who helps you out in future when you really need it.

              Not any more.
              no worries. i just opted into your list and downloaded the book. true...it wasn't with my main address, but still a legit one that i check a few times a month. thanks for the share

              a quick (general) note to those with mailing lists:

              most of you blast your list WAY too much. people used to be happy to sign-up to mailing lists - now they dread it. i've even had to opt-out of lists ran by personal friends of mine because they hit me with bull**** every other day. less is more.

              /rant

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              • Profile picture of the author SEOArbiter
                Direct Marketing copywriting is definitely a 'learned science'. You have to learn about your product, come up with a strategic offer, and learn how to put it into a format that will get people to respond and buy! My suggestion is read, learn and practice. There are many seminars and books out there to help you become a master of the craft.
                Signature
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          • Profile picture of the author Jag82
            Originally Posted by Oleg Cherkasky View Post

            I went into your site and tried opting in with a fake name and email to your list but it said on the next page that I gotta confirm the email.

            So I googled the book and got a direct link to the pdf on your site at number 1. Heh heh
            Man...what a way to repay someone's help!

            Next time...before you write something like that...think TWICE!

            - Jag
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        • Profile picture of the author shaggard
          Originally Posted by Rezbi View Post

          Go to my site and download Scientific Advertising.

          Read that a few times and then move on from there. A few times may seem like a lot, but it's really a very short book.
          Thanks, Rezbi. I have been trying to learn how to write a sales page.

          Trying to say this without sounding like a brown noser. But I am actually looking forward to receiving tips on how to better my copy writing
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          • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
            Originally Posted by shaggard View Post

            Thanks, Rezbi. I have been trying to learn how to write a sales page.

            Trying to say this without sounding like a brown noser. But I am actually looking forward to receiving tips on how to better my copy writing
            I never see someone willing to learn as a brown noser. I'm always learning myself and, as a former high school teacher, it's good to see others wanting to learn.
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          • Profile picture of the author DABK
            Dan Kennedy Ultimate Sales Letter's a favorite of mine.
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  • Profile picture of the author Iconik
    Hi Oleg,

    Here are a few books you should ead to get you started.

    The Copywriters Handbook -- by Robert W. Bly

    Breakthrough Advertising -- by Eugene Schwarts

    Influence:The Psychology of Persuasion -- by Robert Caldini

    these will serve as a strong foundation, but remember, these authord can only give you tools and techniques to use. You have to learn to master them through practice and testing.

    Mike
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  • Profile picture of the author Sammy McClane
    Originally Posted by Oleg Cherkasky View Post

    I could just copy it from sites in non competing niches
    Oleg, if there's one thing I've learned from bitter, bitter experience is that you should be very careful who you model online. The more I studied direct-mail-style copywriting, the more I realized just how much BS copy I was exposed to in the form of over-hyped online sales letter.

    It took me a long time to rectify the damage that did.

    Also to consider: with online sales letters there are many other factors in play, like whether or not it's what the guru-of-the-week happens to be promoting. Even if it's a Clickbank number 1, it doesn't necessarily mean the copy is great.

    If you're looking for sales letters to model I suggest you take a look at this issue of the Gary Halbert letter. He gives you a complete 30-day roadmap as well as a list of letters that are proven winners.

    thegaryhalbertletter (dot) com /newsletters/zfkj_hands_on_experience.htm

    [edit: it seems I can't post links since I am new here. OK, that's crude and ugly but you should be able to get to the page I'm talking about.]

    I hope that's useful to you.

    Best, etc,
    Sammy
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  • Profile picture of the author trevup
    Hi there Oleg.

    When I first started to learn about C-Writing, I did purchase a few reports about the subject and did some reading and research. For myself I found it pretty basic.

    I just went to some forums, Yahoo Answers and such, to discover what people were questioning. I used this technique for practice.

    Then I would use my knowledge-(it was sort of like a game to me), to write good and interesting copy to try to convey, and get my point across to the reader.

    I did receive replies. From the replies I further fine tuned my approached to copy writing.

    Oleg, depending on the topic, there are many different ways to become acquainted with writing copy. Oh so many.

    The biggest practice method I could suggest is practice. It's just like article writing.

    Do as I did. Post to forums and blogs to get a response to your replies. You can get an idea of how people understand what you are saying, by their replies to what you have said.

    A good tip to start off with, just to suck out your ideas and get your point across on paper, is to pretend that you are writing to your best friend.

    Try to speak from your heart. Put it on paper and then refine it to suit your needs.

    So instead of looking at a blank screen and wondering to yourself, what should I write about a particular topic, pretend it's a question from your best friend or family member.

    Go to Yahoo Answers and practice from the questions there.

    -Don't treat it as a project or a job
    -Don't think you have to write a bunch of facts
    -------------------------------------------------
    -Try to write from your heart
    -Write about what you know, what you think or what may help
    -Offer tips and advice
    -Explain benefits and features
    -Keep it interesting, maybe exciting, but not bland
    -Use bullet points and sub-headers to express your main points
    -Elaborate benefits and features

    This is a good start. I have been writing copy for a good, I'd say almost 7 years now, and the world is my oyster, sort a speak.

    It doesn't happen over night. There is no perfect copywriting. It all comes down to opinion and to make it as interesting as you want it.

    I will close off by offering you this.

    To me, there are some rules that must be followed in order to write good copy, but I also choose to look at it this way:

    To me, like great authors of our time, (lol), writing copy is like a painting artist who has at their disposal many colours and a vivid imagination to create, and get their point across on canvas, in as many ways as they want.

    Unlimited.

    I hope this does give you an insight into the fun world of writing copy and gets your creative juices flowing madly. It is wide open.

    In the near future, I will have compiled all of my experience with copywriting in the form of a downloadable ebook.

    Basically an ebook of information and tips to enable yourself to become a writer of copy or, a more advanced writer of interesting and intriguing copy.

    I will post this information when my offer is complete. Other than that, just keep practicing. Period.

    Email me if you want.

    Trevor





    .
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    • Profile picture of the author mstardom
      Originally Posted by trevup View Post

      Hi there Oleg.

      When I first started to learn about C-Writing, I did purchase a few reports about the subject and did some reading and research. For myself I found it pretty basic.

      I just went to some forums, Yahoo Answers and such, to discover what people were questioning. I used this technique for practice.

      Then I would use my knowledge-(it was sort of like a game to me), to write good and interesting copy to try to convey, and get my point across to the reader.

      I did receive replies. From the replies I further fine tuned my approached to copy writing.

      Oleg, depending on the topic, there are many different ways to become acquainted with writing copy. Oh so many.

      The biggest practice method I could suggest is practice. It's just like article writing.

      Do as I did. Post to forums and blogs to get a response to your replies. You can get an idea of how people understand what you are saying, by their replies to what you have said.

      A good tip to start off with, just to suck out your ideas and get your point across on paper, is to pretend that you are writing to your best friend.

      Try to speak from your heart. Put it on paper and then refine it to suit your needs.

      So instead of looking at a blank screen and wondering to yourself, what should I write about a particular topic, pretend it's a question from your best friend or family member.

      Go to Yahoo Answers and practice from the questions there.

      -Don't treat it as a project or a job
      -Don't think you have to write a bunch of facts
      -------------------------------------------------
      -Try to write from your heart
      -Write about what you know, what you think or what may help
      -Offer tips and advice
      -Explain benefits and features
      -Keep it interesting, maybe exciting, but not bland
      -Use bullet points and sub-headers to express your main points
      -Elaborate benefits and features

      This is a good start. I have been writing copy for a good, I'd say almost 7 years now, and the world is my oyster, sort a speak.

      It doesn't happen over night. There is no perfect copywriting. It all comes down to opinion and to make it as interesting as you want it.

      I will close off by offering you this.

      To me, there are some rules that must be followed in order to write good copy, but I also choose to look at it this way:

      To me, like great authors of our time, (lol), writing copy is like a painting artist who has at their disposal many colours and a vivid imagination to create, and get their point across on canvas, in as many ways as they want.

      Unlimited.

      I hope this does give you an insight into the fun world of writing copy and gets your creative juices flowing madly. It is wide open.

      In the near future, I will have compiled all of my experience with copywriting in the form of a downloadable ebook.

      Basically an ebook of information and tips to enable yourself to become a writer of copy or, a more advanced writer of interesting and intriguing copy.

      I will post this information when my offer is complete. Other than that, just keep practicing. Period.

      Email me if you want.

      Trevor





      .
      Trevor, you have said it all here. Yahoo answers indeed get the creative writing juice flowing and before you know it, you have two articles hot off the press. Digg is another place where article ideas can come about easily.

      Many people post news articles about a particular topic. You can approach that same topic from a different perspective and come up with another article of your own that is completely different from the one you got the idea from. First and foremost, as I have said before, you have got to have a love for writing and be very passionate about it too in order to be successful at it.

      Good luck on your content copywriting journey.
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  • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
    Originally Posted by Oleg Cherkasky View Post

    I could just copy it from sites in non competing niches but how do I learn it without resorting to copycatting.

    I want to learn to write copy that gets people to buy.
    Hi Oleg,

    An earlier poster recommended Breakthrough Advertising. That book is not for beginners, so hold off on that one for now.

    Here are three books that will give you a great start. After studying them, you should be able to write a decent sales letter for your own product or service.

    Each can be found at amazon.com ...

    1. The Ultimate Sales Letter, 3rd Edition (2006), by Dan Kennedy, $10.18

    2. Web Copy That Sells, 2nd Edition (2009), by Maria Veloso, $14.93

    3. Ca$hvertising, 1st Edition (2008), by Drew Eric Whitman, $10.19

    While you're waiting for your books to arrive, here's an excellent free resource on the web. In this ebook, Yanik Silver describes the 14 elements of a typical sales letter ...

    http://www.surefiremarketing.com/14-...ysis_ebook.pdf

    Alex
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  • Profile picture of the author Monera
    You could write more about on line gaming, like my...Not really just getting into the spirit of the other answers for a moment.
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  • Profile picture of the author Robert Plank
    Easy answer is find sales letters you like the best and write them out by hand... to get better even faster, dictate them aloud... that way you'll look close enough to figure out why they phrased the copy they way they did.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Scott
    Clearly the sticky titled "Top Copywriting Books... Ever" is too ambiguous for our friend Olar.

    -Dan
    Signature

    Always looking for badass direct-response copywriters. PM me if we don't know each other and you're looking for work.

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  • Profile picture of the author Amanda Craven
    Some excellent suggestions here but if you want to learn to write copy that will sell rather than become a copywriter you should take a look at Jason's Fladlien's 3 Hour Ad. Here's a (non-affiliate) link:

    Stopwatch Copywriting

    I love his stuff and he's a master at encapsulating just enough psychology to make your copy highly effective.
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  • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
    Originally Posted by Oleg Cherkasky View Post

    I could just copy it from sites in non competing niches but how do I learn it without resorting to copycatting.

    I want to learn to write copy that gets people to buy.
    OK. I'm v e r y OLD school, but, copy writing isn't rocket science as YOU state it. Being old school means I believe in a LIFELONG study of the sciences and arts of persuasion, especially "salesmanship in print".

    Being aware of what so many noobs want (instant success without putting in the time or effort to really learn) then I call your attention to the answer which is within your post...

    If you want to learn to write copy that gets people to buy, like you say you do, then start writing copy that offers something someone CAN buy.

    Reading books isn't going to work...we can tell from your posts you look for shortcuts and "bypasses", you play a sort of "chutes and ladders" game to get information online and use the technology...BUT, although that will get you much content, it won't take you any closer to being a copywriter, one who actually SELLS stuff, that is, gets people to buy, UNTIL...

    you get people to buy.

    So how is this done? Simple and FREE. Use both craigslist and eBay and start WRITING copy which sells something.

    You can attempt to sell almost anything in both places, to test your skills as a copy writer, make whatever you sell much MORE expensive than everything else in the category. That and the number of bids or emails you get from people wanting to buy your offer, will tell you if your copy is working or not.

    So, as a copy writer, what sort of things are you planning to sell? You'll find whatever it is being sold at either craigslist or eBay, so jump right in and start writing.

    The only way to write copy that gets people to buy IS, "to write copy" "that gets people to buy". You don't have to worry about theory, copywriting technique, history or any of the boring mundane learning that comes with being a real student of the Art.

    So Oleg, Try to sell us something. You haven't done a very good job selling yourself as indicated by some of the feedback here...so, let's see what you can do in the real world where the feedback is either money in your pocket OR not.

    eBay and craigslist are excellent places to hone your copy chops...

    Why not start writing for profits from day one?

    gjabiz
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  • Profile picture of the author The Copy Nazi
    Banned
    I vote we send Comrade Cherkasky to the gulag for some attitude readjustment. Either that or stand him up against the wall.
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  • Profile picture of the author Big Al
    I'm trying to learn.

    Think the best way (and who'd listen to someone trying to learn is by reading sales copy, re-writting the sales copy (by hand) and then read some of the classics to start adding some logic to the mix.

    I think it's so easy to buy a ton of books and course but ultimately that can't won't replace doing.

    Al
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    • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
      Originally Posted by Big Al View Post

      I'm trying to learn.

      Think the best way (and who'd listen to someone trying to learn is by reading sales copy, re-writting the sales copy (by hand) and then read some of the classics to start adding some logic to the mix.

      I think it's so easy to buy a ton of books and course but ultimately that can't won't replace doing.

      Al
      During revision time I always told my students to take past exam papers, read the questions and then go find the answer.

      The reason is that if you know what you're looking for it's a heck of a lot easier to find it.

      While you may not need courses or instructor immediately, the minimum you need to do is to read some of the good books.

      It's one thing to read and write ads and try to make sense of what makes them work. However, if you know what it is you're looking for in an ad, you'll find it much easier to understand it.
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  • Profile picture of the author sarahberra
    Read the copywriters handbook and words that sell. People are also very visual so it's not just about the words. Screenshots of earnings and other proof that your product is worth it also help sell your products.
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  • Profile picture of the author cresad
    Let me share some tips


    A copywriter is a sales person behind a typewriter.

    This is the key when you are learning copywriting. You must learn to communicate with the audience in a way that persuades them to buy the product or service that you are writing about. There must be an initial connection that is made or else you'll find that you've lost the audience's attention.

    The first key is to pay attention to the headline. The headline is read more often than copy at an exponential rate. If you cannot catch someone's attention with the headline, you have wasted the rest of your sales copy.

    A sales letter essentially only has about five seconds in which you can grab a person's attention and the headline is one the most important factors in being able to pull that attention. This is just an example of copywriting and what you must look for.

    In learning copywriting, look into the works of Dan Kennedy. He is one of the foremost experts on the subject and he has said before that he became better by continual development of his skills.

    If you would like to learn more about any one of his books, look into the following title: The Ultimate Sales Letter. You will want to make yourself a lifelong student of the subject in learning copywriting because there is always something more to know.
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  • Profile picture of the author mstardom
    Originally Posted by Oleg Cherkasky View Post

    I could just copy it from sites in non competing niches but how do I learn it without resorting to copycatting.

    I want to learn to write copy that gets people to buy.
    I believe the best way to learn content copywriting is by practice. You will need to have the passion and desire to write articles. Make sure that you are a creative person first before deciding to be a copywriter. Second, you should love writing in order to be a successful copywriter. If you have these two traits, you will become an excellent copywriter.
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  • Profile picture of the author ph1470
    Talk like the "shamwow" guy then write down everything you say!!

    I'm not kidding!!
    Signature

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  • Profile picture of the author Oleg Cherkasky
    Originally Posted by Marc Rodill View Post

    Haha...


    P.S. Oleg it is not the fact that you
    tried to get the book for free that
    has upset people.

    It is the WAY you said it.

    You laughed about it.

    You made him feel very unimportant.

    And he offered you his advice, and his time.

    That is an insult, straight up.


    That is a good point!
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  • Profile picture of the author WeavingThoughts
    What I feel is that copy writing is more of an art than a science and a lot of it happens on its own by birth, environment (the two together form aptitude) and experience. However, you can certainly learn some tricks of the trade and get going to survive in the industry.

    First of all you must make sure that you master the rules of whichever language you plan to copy write in. Your grammar must be rock solid.

    You must think openly and if required practice to be able to comfortable play with words and make sentences which are structured stylishly. Even simple words must appeal to the masses.

    For this you can perhaps read good books, ebooks, sales copies, articles, web content etc.

    If you want to go a bit further then you can perhaps enroll yourself in a course in Mass Communication or Internet Marketing or Journalism or perhaps plain copy writing.

    Finally, your aptitude will play a major role no matter what you do. However, a lot can be acquired and improved upon with continuous time and effort and most of all, will power.

    Regards

    Aakshey
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  • Profile picture of the author Oleg Cherkasky
    I wrote an article, English is not my native language but I intend to be affiliated with English products so I write in English.

    I posted a link to my site but realized that I might get spammed.
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  • Profile picture of the author tun80
    And get a thesaurus as thick as Kirstie Alley's left thigh.

    Then instead of describing someone as Gluttonous (and confusing people), you could just call them a Fat Pig!
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    • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
      Originally Posted by tun80 View Post

      And get a thesaurus as thick as Kirstie Alley's left thigh.

      Then instead of describing someone as Gluttonous (and confusing people), you could just call them a Fat Pig!
      Do they make them that big?
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  • Profile picture of the author Artisor
    Copywriting bridges the gap between the art of writing and the science of selling. Your audience is smart, savvy and knows what he /she is looking for. Your job is merely to influence his/ her final choice.

    I hope inspiration for copywriting topics is not what's bothering you. If it is, then you could start off by:
    - making a mind map of various areas that interest you, picking one and getting started
    - writing about interesting everyday things that happen in your life. These could be observations / analyses / or a simple anecdote, as long as you remember to keep it INTERESTING.
    -reading up latest news articles and writing comment pieces / your take on them
    - browsing through forums that interest you and trying to figure out answers to questions posed there
    - digging into your school / college books, picking out a random topic from your favourite subject and hitting the 'write' track

    Once you're done choosing what to write about, HOW to write effectively becomes the logical next step. Keep in mind the two basics of any written piece - style and content.

    Content
    - Ensure a catchy, yet informative headline. The reader needs to atleast have a vague idea about what's coming at him from the headline itself. Else he'll not bother reading further.
    - Keep each paragraph small, with a maximum of 3 sentences. Give appropriate titles to paragraphs if required.
    - Ensure the article is well researched and is factually accurate
    - Include actual examples to drive home important points. Slice-of-life examples work as well as anecdotes of famous people.
    - For complex explanations; add easy diagrams, flowcharts and bullet points that break the concept down into easily digestible parts.
    - Accurate grammar, spellings and syntax are a given for a professional writer.


    Style

    - Don't talk down to him. Be his friend. Speak to him his language and watch him lap it all up. It's as simple as minding your 'french' while speaking to a priest and ensuring your lingo is 'with it' while chatting up kids from the 'hood.
    - Keep your language as clear and easy to understand as possible.
    - All copy needs to be customer centric. Tell the reader what is in it for him, instead of telling him how fantastic your product is. Lost? Think of the Axe deodorant commercial and get going!

    Hope this helps!
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  • Profile picture of the author 48dayscoach
    Here are two great resouces to learn copywriting:

    1 - I just completed the intensive Simple Writing System Homestudy Course by John S. Carlton. It's a great course for the beginner. I also got the coaching... which is not available right now. It was a sizable investment, but worth EVERY penny.

    2 - Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting. I have purchased two programs from them. This is a first-class company producing EXCELLENT resources.

    3 - Dan Kennedy's book on the Ultimate Sales Letter is a great resource as well.

    4 - Ryan Healy offers a very affordable monthly membership. I picked up his $35 ebook and getting clients. I would recommend his coaching based on the value I've received in his report and ezine.

    Best,
    Ramon
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  • Profile picture of the author ericthered
    Re-read post # 24 by gjabiz- I'm gonna start doing that myself - anybody wanna buy a nice white refrigerator ? - cheap ?

    "Kick Ass Copywriting Secrets of a Marketing Rebel" , by John Carlton, not cheap but worth every penny ,
    Eric
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  • Profile picture of the author andrew_writes
    Originally Posted by Oleg Cherkasky View Post

    I could just copy it from sites in non competing niches but how do I learn it without resorting to copycatting.

    I want to learn to write copy that gets people to buy.
    I recommend reading the following e-book.

    MastersOfCopywriting.zip
    Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author 24kWing
    Just write about your product or service (your Keyword/Keyphrase) in a conversational manner. Imagine you are sitting at the table having coffee talking to a friend. Then, tell him about your website. You might be amazed at what comes out on your page.

    Don't make it harder than it has to be. Good Luck!

    24kWing
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  • Profile picture of the author MillionDollarCopy
    Oleg-

    Copywriting takes a lot of time and practice, and it's not something that you can cut corners on (not saying that you are, I'm just saying).

    Get a stash of proven sales letters and start writing them out by hand. Do it. You'll learn how it "feels" to write amazing copy.

    Get yourself a GOOD mentor, make sure they're ethical and that they'll stick by you and actually teach you things that you need to know. LISTEN TO THEM. There are a bunch of them available on here. Make the investment, it'll cut your learning curve exponentially.

    Write copy for hypothetical products. Or find a real product and write copy for it. Anything to get your creative juices flowing and so that you actually have something to show a potential client who wants a sample. Start building a portfolio NOW.

    All the great letters you can get your hands on go into a swipe file, and that swipe file is the first non-living thing you would grab if your house was burning down...

    Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author bizfox
      Always keep testing to see what works. One persons copy may not necessarily work for your market.
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  • Profile picture of the author ZoeMarketing
    Hi Oleg

    You can learn from one of the best Copywriters here: MagicWordsSell.com

    In his book Trevor 'ToeCracker' Crook teaches you:

    How To Write Kick Butt, Cash Generating Headlines . . . . . . Pages 4-5

    12 Easy Rules To Writing Sizzling Headlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 6-9

    8 Different Types Of Headlines . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 10-14

    Trevor’s 9 Point Critical Checklist For Evaluating Headlines . . .Page 15

    Proven Money Making Headlines For Your To
    Model From . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 16-22
    including:

    Templates to get your copy started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    How to use grabbers to get immediate attention (Plus samples) . . . . . . . . . . . .

    Your first sentence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    2 killer opening paragraphs guaranteed to get your copy read . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    How To Edit For Profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 23-26

    How To Craft Winning Bullets Every Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 27

    To Guarantee OR Not To Guarantee? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 28-31

    4 Simple Rules To Writing A Compelling PS . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 32-33

    Telephone Script To Adapt To Your Business . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 34-36

    Marketing And Copywriting Questionnaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ages 37-42


    His book is pure content filled with valuable information to help you become a successful at Copywriting and creating Sales Pages that sell like crazy!

    MagicWordsSell.com

    All the best
    Zoe
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