19 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
19 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Catalog Copy: How To Start Out

by lchiles
15 replies
Guys, was going to try my hand at writing for catalogs. I've mostly done a lot of IM related stuff, as I'm sure you probably have too.

Got any tips on how to score clients from the actual marketing dept. themselves?

What's your take?

Thanks

Lawton
#catalog #catalog copywriting #copy #copywriting #start
  • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
    Here's an interview with Jay White on the topic ...

    An Interview with Expert Catalog Copywriter Jay White

    At the end of the interview, there's an editor's note pitching his course:
    "It goes into great detail on how to market your services, and even includes a list of potential clients every month."
    Alex
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2992533].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Jay White
      Originally Posted by Alex Cohen View Post

      Here's an interview with Jay White on the topic ...

      An Interview with Expert Catalog Copywriter Jay White

      At the end of the interview, there's an editor's note pitching his course:
      "It goes into great detail on how to market your services, and even includes a list of potential clients every month."
      Alex
      Hey Alex--thanks for the link, but I need to clarify something about that interview...

      That was for my product--Catalog Copywriting Secrets--that launched a couple of years ago. But I actually shelved the product to concentrate more on my autoresponder copy training course through AWAI. So any URLs you might see are probably not valid now.

      HOWEVER...we just "revived'' this product by teaming it up with AWAI's Secrets of the Catalog Market by Herschell Gordon Lewis (who is, BTW, the king of catalog copy). My focus is on moving from writing for the printed page to the web page. It's all fresh, updated, and was just released a few weeks ago.

      I won't post a link here, but if you Google AWAI and catalogs, it won't be hard to find.

      Good luck!

      JW
      Signature
      Copywriters! Want to Get More Clients and Make More Money? FREE Webinar: www.GetCopywritingClients.com
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2994778].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author lchiles
        Wow. Thanks for all the heartfelt replies everyone.

        The thing about catalog copy is that you get so many, it's hard to judge which ones
        are stellar and which ones suck. You can tell from some of the writing that man, some are in desperate need of help and others are very, very entrenched in their successful ways

        Thanks again.

        Lawton
        Signature

        Introducing Simple Subject Line Secrets...
        A simple 7 minute trick Bond Halbert reveals on video--Use this to write headlines and email subject lines that force people to open your emails. So simple anyone can do this. http://awesome.chilesadvertising.com...ctlinesecrets/

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2994882].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Vincenzo Oliva
    With the rise of digital and the net do they still make catalogs? or do you mean online catalogs? I wouldn't think it would be a good career move to write for hard copy catalogs.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2992884].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author David Babineau
    Hi Lawton,

    Don't quote me on this, but I believe Ryan Healy has experience in catalog copy, one of his products may even have to do with this.

    Cheers,
    Dave
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2993329].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author BrianMcLeod
    No catalog copy conversation would be complete without reference to J Peterman:

    Women's and Men's Clothing, Accessories and Luggage, and One-of-a-Kind Merchandise | The J. Peterman Company

    Now, where'd I put those hand-stitched Burmese chaps...

    B
    Signature
    Brian McLeod
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2994548].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
    Originally Posted by lchiles View Post

    Got any tips on how to score clients from the actual marketing dept. themselves?
    Herschell Gordon Lewis gives a method in this interview ...

    Diving Into Catalogs with Herschell Gordon Lewis

    Alex
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2998238].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author PracticalCopywriting
    When it comes to catalog copy, Clayton Makepeace is the absolute master.

    So I'd suggest you check out his programs.

    Or drop me a PM and we'll brainstorm for a few minutes on Skype.

    Thanks,
    Practical Copywriting
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2999563].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Suzanne Ward
    I curious to know how you fared, I'm just starting out in catalog copywriting myself. I took the AWAI course Jay mentioned and it's time to start cold calling...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9798487].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Len Bailey
    Hi Suzanne,

    Not sure how things worked out for Lawton, but I thought I'd chime in to wish you luck. There are still plenty of catalogs in the mail, plus untold websites who use catalog-style copy in their online stores. So don't worry -- the demand is definitely there.

    My advice: Get on the mailing lists of those catalogs you'd like to write for. Study the tones, styles, and companies. Many catalogs have their own distinct voice, so you'll give yourself a leg-up on the competition if you can show your copy will fit right in.

    And always remember: When writing for catalogs, EVERY word must pay for itself. Space equals money, so the more concise your [compelling] copy is, the better your chances of penning a winner.

    Again, good luck!
    Signature

    Len Bailey
    Copywriter/Consultant
    Feel free to connect on LinkedIn or Twitter

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9800122].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author FuNwiThChRiS
    Also, look into companies who market home healthcare products to baby boomers. They are highly responsive to catalogs and most of the catalogs are direct marketing gold!
    Signature

    Work hard, live a happy life, cherish your family and friends. Be thankful for every day.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9801641].message }}

Trending Topics