13 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
13 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

How Do You Write?

by CopyAcolyte
11 replies
Hey all,

Just a quick question regarding the actual process of writing your copy:

Do you folks first write out your motivating sequences (i.e. interest/problem, agitate, solve, prove, call to action) in isolation of eachother in order to just get them down, or do you write one unbroken rough-draft of copy with these motivating sequences in mind, like you would write a college essay or article.

Thanks!
#write
  • Profile picture of the author DanielleLynnCopy
    I'd like to tell you I do something snazzy...

    But really I just start by writing it out as though I'm explaining what I'm selling to a friend. Interesting parts naturally start to pop up as I'm doing that, then I go back over what I wrote and start constructing from it.

    I find that if I try too hard to follow a format, "interest/problem, etc" It can end up sounding 'salesy'. Instead, I write a bit more organically, keeping those tension building principals in mind, but not necessarily strictly following them.

    Then I test, adjust, and rinse and repeat
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3449283].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Daave
      Well when I am into writing I completely get myself into it, and write my mind out. Then after I have completed I do make necessary changes.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3450079].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author CopyAcolyte
      Originally Posted by DanielleLynnCopy View Post

      I'd like to tell you I do something snazzy...

      But really I just start by writing it out as though I'm explaining what I'm selling to a friend. Interesting parts naturally start to pop up as I'm doing that, then I go back over what I wrote and start constructing from it.

      I find that if I try too hard to follow a format, "interest/problem, etc" It can end up sounding 'salesy'. Instead, I write a bit more organically, keeping those tension building principals in mind, but not necessarily strictly following them.

      Then I test, adjust, and rinse and repeat
      Hello,

      Thanks for responding.

      Would you mind taking a look at a few of my write-ups? I'd appreciate your input.
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3479378].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jushuaburnham
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3456289].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rbates
    I think that it depends on what you are writing. Short pieces can usually be
    worked on as a whole and then trimmed up. With longer pieces I tend to do things in blocks.
    Then I check for coherency from 1st to last, and finally go back and scrap the whole thing and re-write it again. If I did manage to like something the first time around,
    I will go back a tweak everything (usually several times).
    Signature
    >>> Perform and stay focused! - Make cents with your business. <<<
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3460592].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jushuaburnham
    Before I start writing I will first figure who is my audience are. That's the very basic.
    Signature
    Barcode Reader Software | Pacman Game Download | How to Solve Sudoku
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3462295].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author markpocock
      You can break writing a sales letter down to this:
      80% research. 20% actual writing.
      Signature

      Get a FREE 20 minute consultation on your sales letter. Contact me today
      And have the secrets A-List Copywriters - David Garfinkel & Parris Lampropoulos
      use in their multimillion dollar promotions
      www.markpocock.com

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3465875].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author sylviad
        I just start writing. Most of what I want to cover is in my head. If I ever do write down a plan of action, I don't follow it anyway.

        However...

        Sometimes on longer copy I will make a simple list of points to cover, mostly around such things as:

        - benefits of the offer
        - what it includes
        - why people need it (problems they face that it answers)
        - gaps it might fill that other similar products lack

        And that's pretty much it. Nothing fancy. Just point form. Like that.

        Then all I have to do is come up with an interesting opening that grabs the reader's attention and leads into the copy.

        When it's written, I leave it for a few days and edit which usually ends up making it longer.

        Sylvia
        Signature
        :: Got a dog? Visit my blog. Dog Talk Weekly
        :: Writing, Audio Transcription Services? - Award-winning Journalist is taking new projects. Warrior Discounts!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3465911].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Stephen Dean
    I outline the sales argument with subheads, then fill in the rest of the copy skipping around as I go.

    I get the most done when I just write without stopping, top to bottom, however.

    Cheers,
    Stephen
    Signature
    Free Coaching WSO: How to finish all your 2013 "Goals" in JANUARY with my proven productivity secrets - taken from 9 years working as a freelance copywriter. Click Here

    Occupation: Best Copywriter Ever.
    Clients:     Matt Bacak, Jim Edwards, Ryan Deiss and more.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3466540].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dean Jackson
    I find that like Stephen, I like to get the structure down... eliminating major objections with a rough headline, subheads, P.S., etc. Then I work to "fill in the gaps" until polishing/ editing time.

    "There's no such thing as great writing - only great rewriting".

    The best copywriting advice I've ever learned and used!

    Guess who said it?

    - Dean
    Signature
    NEW: CRAZIEST Copywriting offer ever offered on WF
    My top student WILL make your sales go BANANAS!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3480221].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author lometogo
      Originally Posted by Dean Jackson View Post

      "There's no such thing as great writing - only great rewriting".

      Guess who said it?

      - Dean
      Hemingway, right?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3480527].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Monta
    I think the most important thing is you need to relate/identify with your audience when writing copy and try and keep the motivating sequences in your mind but keep an eye on sounding to sales-man like.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3480545].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Eddieh
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3855679].message }}

Trending Topics