How I Became a Million Dollar Copywriter in One Year (From Total Newbie)

68 replies
Hey fellow copy Warriors,

Allow me to introduce myself because I'm a newbie in these parts.

My name is Kenneth Yu. I'm a full-time online marketer who accidentally became a guru when I released Twitter Salvation System to fund my wedding (successfully, I may add). Now I make a solid income from affiliate marketing and running an SEO agency serving the online big boys in the South East Asian region.

Anyway, prior to that, my biggest crowning achievement was officially writing a seven figure sales letter and making 6 figures from one email. And all that from starting from scratch the year before.

As a way of saying hi and providing value, here's my 5 secrets for becoming a 7 figure copywriter in under a year, and how you can do the same.

1) Read a classic sales letter a day

Notice I said "classic". Far too many online sales letters are knock-offs of knock-offs of knock-offs. Invest in Caples, in Carlton, in Halbert, in Makepeace, in all the classic Boardroom swipes... And take one of them out by random and study it for the day. Keep your sales letter swipe files confined to the offline controls used by Agora, Rodale, Boardroom, etc.

Also notice I say one sales letter a day. Yes, it's hard work. But great sales letter do follow a formula for success that's sometimes not readily apparent. Keep acquainted with greatness and you can start to see the difference, which you now can translate to your writing.

2) Copy these sales letters by hand

This is insane, but who says this was easy?

I remembered copying John Carlton's infamous sex sales letter word-by-painful-word. The result? My sales letter were crushing it in terms of conversion -- even from the start. It's the exact same advice I took to heart from Sir Gary Halbert on how to be become a world-class copywriters.

This has played a big part in getting me where I am today.

3) Be a Persuasion Nerd

Read Robert Cialdini's influence. Read Joe Sugarman's Triggers. Read Mark Joyner's Mind Control Marketing. Read Dan Areily's Predictably Irrational. Read them all? Reread them again. And again. And again.

Internalize these principles and suddenly... You'll start writing copy that's irresistible in its charms.

4) Master the Form

There's a certain form to long form copywriting. It's the same fundamental structure that undergird all forms of persuasive writing, be it the long form to your PPV ads.

The ultimate sales letter template I'd seen is the one here from Perry Belcher. Google Perry Belcher salesletter and you'll find it. It's called the 21 point salesletter.

Just plug in the right details and you'll start seeing better sales letter from the start. Clever shortcuts are really part of the copy game.

5) Have a Laser Beam Focus on Market Research

The SINGLE MOST important part of copywriting is your research. Most so-called copywriters skip it, thinking they know the market. Listen to this insider secret real quick.

The difference between a 4 figure promotion and a 7 figure promotion is a Big Idea. The one thing that resonates so well with your target market that you'll get a breakthrough response. But how do you get it?

It doesn't materialize out of thin air, that's for sure. Big ideas sprout from the soil of intimate knowledge of the marketplace. So research, research and research away before writing even a single word.

Well, those are my 5 secrets. As you can see. the common thread connecting all 5 points is extreme input and extreme output. I hope you take these 5 steps to heart and reach new copywriting heights.

Hope to get to know each one of you much better from this time forward.

Comments? Criticism? What are your thoughts?
#copywriter #copywriter for hire #copywriting #dollar #million #newbie #persuasion #total #writing copy #year
  • Profile picture of the author Anish
    Hello KennethYu,
    It's great to see a successful copywriter here as you - Welcome! Thanks for sharing the tips - they do sound useful and I'll attempt to put them in practice. You're so right when you said most copywriters ignore how important market research is - If you don't know the flavour of your candy you're selling and the kids who'll love it, there's absolutely no chance of becoming an actually successful copywriter that way.

    Also, I was amazed when I read that you managed to hit 6 figures with just one e-mail. I'm curious- how experienced were you at that time, in the field of copywriting? And, what was the niche of the product you wrote a copy for?

    Regards.
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    • Profile picture of the author KennethYu
      Originally Posted by Anish View Post

      Hello KennethYu,
      It's great to see a successful copywriter here as you - Welcome! Thanks for sharing the tips - they do sound useful and I'll attempt to put them in practice. You're so right when you said most copywriters ignore how important market research is - If you don't know the flavour of your candy you're selling and the kids who'll love it, there's absolutely no chance of becoming an actually successful copywriter that way.

      Also, I was amazed when I read that you managed to hit 6 figures with just one e-mail. I'm curious- how experienced were you at that time, in the field of copywriting? And, what was the niche of the product you wrote a copy for?

      Regards.
      ANISH: Honestly... It was my 1st email. No hyperbole, I was that surprised as well. I studied Matt Furey's email course... Watched the 1st DVD, wrote an email in 20 minutes... Sent it out and bam... 6 figure payday...

      Of course... The list was a huge one as well... It was around 300k subscribers I guess.

      I give all credit to Matt Furey, of course.
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  • Profile picture of the author kan3
    Nice, maybe one day you'll become a trillonare.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Scott
    Kenneth, I think you totally nailed it with the whole "Big idea" thing.

    I used to just write sales letters about the products and stories. They were good - and some of them made a lot of money - but they weren't stellar.

    These days I know creating that big idea is something you MUST do for your project to succeed. It ties into your whole marketing angle and simply makes everything else so much easier.

    When I critique copy these days, the first thing I look for now is that big idea. If it's there, I know the letter's been done by someone who has some serious sales savvy... even if it's not the best-written letter in the world.

    -Daniel
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  • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
    Good post. Too many people underestimate the value of writing out great copy by hand.

    I've even written out Gary Halbert's Max money in min time. Now that's a lot of writing.

    I've also written out a collection of Robert Collier's letters. And too many others to mention.

    It made huge difference to my writing.
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    • Profile picture of the author sethczerepak
      Originally Posted by Rezbi View Post

      Good post. Too many people underestimate the value of writing out great copy by hand.

      I've even written out Gary Halbert's Max money in min time. Now that's a lot of writing.

      I've also written out a collection of Robert Collier's letters. And too many others to mention.

      It made huge difference to my writing.
      Absolutely. If you could only do one thing to become great this is it. It has a positive impact on your character too...
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  • Profile picture of the author Marvin Johnston
    Reading a classic sales letter per day is a new one on me ... I was wondering how else to use the swipe files, and you provided the answer!

    Originally Posted by KennethYu View Post

    The ultimate sales letter template I'd seen is the one here from Perry Belcher. Google Perry Belcher salesletter and you'll find it. It's called the 21 point salesletter.
    BTW, the Perry Belcher salesletter is actually called "The 21 Step Salesletter." I hadn't seen it before, so thanks for the heads-up.

    Marvin
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  • Profile picture of the author Elion Makkink
    Well, for only 3 posts so far your copywriting is pretty good since I clicked the interesting title ;-)

    BTW, I've read mark joyner's mind control marketing, robert cialdini's influence but would also love to read Dan Areily's Predictably Irrational and Joe Sugerman's Triggers! If they are as good as other two .
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    Cheers,
    Elion Makkink

    Become an SEO Hustler too at seohustlers.com

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    • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
      Originally Posted by Elion Makkink View Post

      Well, for only 3 posts so far your copywriting is pretty good since I clicked the interesting title ;-)

      BTW, I've read mark joyner's mind control marketing, robert cialdini's influence but would also love to read Dan Areily's Predictably Irrational and Joe Sugerman's Triggers! If they are as good as other two .
      Have you downloaded the triggers audio that's going for free right now?

      Joe goes more indepth than his book.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jay White
    Hey Ken--great to see you in here! And thanks for the superb posting...

    I've known Ken for a while. We're both email copy scribes, and this guy has some SERIOUS chops. Plus his Twitter Salvation course is a winner.

    He speaketh truth.
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    • Profile picture of the author MikeHumphreys
      Great post Kenneth!

      Every new copywriter should print it out and read it regularly.

      Mike

      P.S. Welcome to Warrior Forum Kenneth!
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      • Profile picture of the author KennethYu
        Originally Posted by MikeHumphreys View Post

        Great post Kenneth!

        Every new copywriter should print it out and read it regularly.

        Mike

        P.S. Welcome to Warrior Forum Kenneth!
        Hey Mike,

        Thanks for the warm welcome.
        Signature
        Did you know that niche domination lies in billion dollar branding and positioning principles? Click here to discover the surprising secret to massive online marketing success.

        "I transformed Twitter into a 6 figure income stream." For profitable social media strategies, subscribe to my Twitter marketing newsletter here.
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      • Profile picture of the author KennethYu
        I honestly think Triggers is the bomb. You should listen to those audios. Joe Sugarman sold a BILLION dollar's worth of product in his heyday... And lot of it was due to his mastery of psychological triggers. He was the pre-internet Frank Kern.
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        Did you know that niche domination lies in billion dollar branding and positioning principles? Click here to discover the surprising secret to massive online marketing success.

        "I transformed Twitter into a 6 figure income stream." For profitable social media strategies, subscribe to my Twitter marketing newsletter here.
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        • Profile picture of the author DanteRomero
          This is a great post. Thanks for the sound advice.

          Posts like this are great motivators. A reminder that my work will pay off.


          All the Best,
          Dante
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          "Perfection isn't important. Improvement is."

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          • Profile picture of the author The Niche Man
            Great in -the -trenches, brass knuckle tips.

            Being former military I call them Navy Seal/Recon Marine "copy training" tips. They either make you or break you ... no in between.

            I have a question, you mentioned writing out classic sales letters. Do you get the same or similar affect by typing them?
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            • Profile picture of the author tdj
              These are worth a read.


              Halbert Newsletter Archives
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            • Profile picture of the author DanteRomero
              Originally Posted by The Niche Man View Post

              I have a question, you mentioned writing out classic sales letters. Do you get the same or similar affect by typing them?
              I've tried both and I got a much greater effect by writing it by hand. It also allows me to do something else. I then go back through it again with a red pen and take notes of what I see. Circle key points. Note the tactics used. And so on. Anything I see that I can understand why they did it. It really makes it sink in even further.
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    • Profile picture of the author KennethYu
      Originally Posted by Jay White View Post

      Hey Ken--great to see you in here! And thanks for the superb posting...

      I've known Ken for a while. We're both email copy scribes, and this guy has some SERIOUS chops. Plus his Twitter Salvation course is a winner.

      He speaketh truth.
      Hey Jay,

      Thanks for the mad props. We should catch up some time. It's been a long while.
      Signature
      Did you know that niche domination lies in billion dollar branding and positioning principles? Click here to discover the surprising secret to massive online marketing success.

      "I transformed Twitter into a 6 figure income stream." For profitable social media strategies, subscribe to my Twitter marketing newsletter here.
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  • Profile picture of the author Elion Makkink
    Are Joe Sugerman's triggers basically the same as all that is written by Cialdini and Joyner? Mark Joyner is currently spamming his list with Joe's audio tapes...

    Which makes me a bit curious though, since you're mentioning him as well..
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    Cheers,
    Elion Makkink

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    • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
      Originally Posted by Elion Makkink View Post

      Are Joe Sugerman's triggers basically the same as all that is written by Cialdini and Joyner? Mark Joyner is currently spamming his list with Joe's audio tapes...

      Which makes me a bit curious though, since you're mentioning him as well..
      Spamming his list???

      Joyner like many marketers assumes because you're on his list, you want to hear from him frequently. If you don't, unsubscribe.

      Regarding your question, Sugarman covers 30 Triggers in his book. In my opinion, Triggers is vastly superior to Mind Control Marketing.

      Alex
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  • Profile picture of the author Elion Makkink
    You can still get it here for free, for a few more hours though:
    http://www.warriorforum.com/copywrit...ers-audio.html
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    Cheers,
    Elion Makkink

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  • Profile picture of the author The Copy Nazi
    Banned
    Here you go - 21 Step Salesletter Formula
    21 Step Salesletter Formula

    by Perry Belcher on March 8, 2011

    A few years ago I read an article by David Frey called the 12 step foolproof sales letter formula. This formula has literally made me millions of dollars over the last few years.
    Many thanks go to David, a brilliant marketer from San Antonio Texas.
    Over the past few years I’ve added a few points today this formula, and I like to share this with you now.
    I kind of feel like I’m painting a mustache on the Mona Lisa by doing this, everybody asked how you write sales letters, and video sales letter so well. This is the exact formula to follow.
    I’m working on a new book on the subject and would love all your feedback questions and comments. I’ll be answering all these personally to please fire away.
    Here goes.
    21 part sales letter formula
    1. Call out to your audience
    2. Get their attention
    3. Backup the big promise headline with an quick explanation (SUB)
    4. Identify the problem
    5. Provide the solution
    6. Show pain of and cost of development
    7. Explain ease-of-use
    8. Show speed to results
    9. Future cast
    10. Show your credentials
    11. Detail the benefits
    12. Get social proof
    13. Make your offer
    14. Add bonuses
    15. Build up your value
    16. Reveal your price (pop by button)
    17. Inject scarcity (if any)
    18. Give guarantee
    19. Call to action
    20. Give a warning
    21. Close with a reminder
    I also added my part copy test that I asked myself when I finished any new sales piece. You really should do this the day after you finish your sales letter or video sales letter, after you have had a chance to read or reread it out loud.
    By the way that one tip is really important. You should always read every completed sales piece you ever write including e-mails out loud preferably to another human being. It will probably improve your copy at least 100%
    Eight-part copy test
    1. Did you grab your readers by the throat your readers with your headline?
    2. Did you clearly explain that you understand the problem?
    3. Did you show them so much proof that they can’t possibly doubt what
    you had to say?
    4. Did you show features and benefits to your offer that included the word
    so in each line?
    5. Did you ensure your prospects that your product will be very very easy
    to use?
    6. Did you ensure to your prospects that your product would work very
    quickly to solve the problem?
    7. Did you clearly explain the pain of the experience by not accepting your
    offer?
    8. Did you demonstrate incredible value in your offer so much so that your
    prospect would feel stupid by not buying your product?


    And don't forget The Belcher Button
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    • Profile picture of the author Bruce NewMedia
      Originally Posted by The Copy Nazi View Post

      Here you go - 21 Step Salesletter Formula
      21 Step Salesletter Formula

      by Perry Belcher on March 8, 2011 ....
      What a handy list to have! Thanks.
      _____
      Bruce
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    • Profile picture of the author The Niche Man
      Originally Posted by The Copy Nazi View Post

      Here you go - 21 Step Salesletter Formula
      21 Step Salesletter Formula

      by Perry Belcher on March 8, 2011

      A few years ago I read an article by David Frey called the 12 step foolproof sales letter formula. This formula has literally made me millions of dollars over the last few years.
      Many thanks go to David, a brilliant marketer from San Antonio Texas.
      Over the past few years I've added a few points today this formula, and I like to share this with you now.
      I kind of feel like I'm painting a mustache on the Mona Lisa by doing this, everybody asked how you write sales letters, and video sales letter so well. This is the exact formula to follow.
      I'm working on a new book on the subject and would love all your feedback questions and comments. I'll be answering all these personally to please fire away.
      Here goes.
      21 part sales letter formula
      1. Call out to your audience
      2. Get their attention
      3. Backup the big promise headline with an quick explanation (SUB)
      4. Identify the problem
      5. Provide the solution
      6. Show pain of and cost of development
      7. Explain ease-of-use
      8. Show speed to results
      9. Future cast
      10. Show your credentials
      11. Detail the benefits
      12. Get social proof
      13. Make your offer
      14. Add bonuses
      15. Build up your value
      16. Reveal your price (pop by button)
      17. Inject scarcity (if any)
      18. Give guarantee
      19. Call to action
      20. Give a warning
      21. Close with a reminder
      I also added my part copy test that I asked myself when I finished any new sales piece. You really should do this the day after you finish your sales letter or video sales letter, after you have had a chance to read or reread it out loud.
      By the way that one tip is really important. You should always read every completed sales piece you ever write including e-mails out loud preferably to another human being. It will probably improve your copy at least 100%
      Eight-part copy test
      1. Did you grab your readers by the throat your readers with your headline?
      2. Did you clearly explain that you understand the problem?
      3. Did you show them so much proof that they can't possibly doubt what
      you had to say?
      4. Did you show features and benefits to your offer that included the word
      so in each line?
      5. Did you ensure your prospects that your product will be very very easy
      to use?
      6. Did you ensure to your prospects that your product would work very
      quickly to solve the problem?
      7. Did you clearly explain the pain of the experience by not accepting your
      offer?
      8. Did you demonstrate incredible value in your offer so much so that your
      prospect would feel stupid by not buying your product?


      And don't forget The Belcher Button
      Thanks for these tips, but could you go a little deeper into what number 9 is and how to apply it ... Future Cast? Thanks.
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      • Profile picture of the author BrendaG
        Future casts can be done a few ways - Here's one example - say you have results for one niche website (earnings per month). What would your results (earnings) be if you had 2,3,4,5, etc niche sites? That's a type of future cast.

        You don't have the data now, but you can predict it (project into the future) based on your results so far...and in this type of sales presentation, plant that seed in the mind of your prospect.

        You want prospects to have a glimpse of what the future could be.

        Or say you have a system you're selling to make Facebook fan pages - 2 per day at $300 each. Do the math for your prospects - if they did this part time at 2-3 days per week or full time at 5 days. What is the income potential? What if they outsourced it, how could that impact sales? That's a type of future case....

        Does that make sense? Not sure I'm being as clear as I would like! But I think you get the idea....
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        • Profile picture of the author The Niche Man
          Originally Posted by BrendaG View Post

          Future casts can be done a few ways - Here's one example - say you have results for one niche website (earnings per month). What would your results (earnings) be if you had 2,3,4,5, etc niche sites? That's a type of future cast.

          You don't have the data now, but you can predict it (project into the future) based on your results so far...and in this type of sales presentation, plant that seed in the mind of your prospect.

          You want prospects to have a glimpse of what the future could be.

          Or say you have a system you're selling to make Facebook fan pages - 2 per day at $300 each. Do the math for your prospects - if they did this part time at 2-3 days per week or full time at 5 days. What is the income potential? What if they outsourced it, how could that impact sales? That's a type of future case....

          Does that make sense? Not sure I'm being as clear as I would like! But I think you get the idea....
          Good explanation, thanks!
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    • Profile picture of the author Jim Zboran
      Originally Posted by The Copy Nazi View Post


      And don't forget The Belcher Button
      Thanks for passing along that great info, Copy Nazi. Thanked you via the appropriate button but want to highlight the Belcher Button link you provided near the end of your post. Great stuff!

      I'd never seen the button broken down with each element explained in terms of effectiveness before. I highly recommend the short (9 minute) video to anyone that wonders why it is so commonly copied and used. The video explains why it works. Very informative.
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  • Profile picture of the author Elion Makkink
    Thanks for the list! Saved it in a word file for future copy writing ;-)
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    Cheers,
    Elion Makkink

    Become an SEO Hustler too at seohustlers.com

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  • Profile picture of the author mdinnen
    Thanks for that 21 step formula, that will make it so much easier by streamlining the copywriting process for me in the future! I've been doing sales over the phone for years, but using language to sell can be difficult. The one thing that these two have in common though is the concept of:

    FEATURE VS BENEFIT!!!!!

    Always push the benefits and you will close 10x more than those who don't. Thanks again!

    Mick
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    • Profile picture of the author KennethYu
      Originally Posted by mdinnen View Post

      Thanks for that 21 step formula, that will make it so much easier by streamlining the copywriting process for me in the future! I've been doing sales over the phone for years, but using language to sell can be difficult. The one thing that these two have in common though is the concept of:

      FEATURE VS BENEFIT!!!!!

      Always push the benefits and you will close 10x more than those who don't. Thanks again!

      Mick
      It depends, really. Benefit-driven copy works more for the B2C market. Anything related to B2B does better with features. And B2C segments like Cars and Gadgets.

      So there's no hard and fast rule with copy. It's the market first and then tailoring the marketing accordingly.
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      Did you know that niche domination lies in billion dollar branding and positioning principles? Click here to discover the surprising secret to massive online marketing success.

      "I transformed Twitter into a 6 figure income stream." For profitable social media strategies, subscribe to my Twitter marketing newsletter here.
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      • Profile picture of the author Elion Makkink
        Originally Posted by KennethYu View Post

        It depends, really. Benefit-driven copy works more for the B2C market. Anything related to B2B does better with features. And B2C segments like Cars and Gadgets.

        So there's no hard and fast rule with copy. It's the market first and then tailoring the marketing accordingly.
        Thanks. That's really helpful (features vs benefits)! I think B2B copy writing is actually harder than B2C.
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        Cheers,
        Elion Makkink

        Become an SEO Hustler too at seohustlers.com

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  • Profile picture of the author LaunchBrain.com
    Thank's so much for taking the time to write this, I think i speak for all of us when I say it's invaluable
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
    I don't agree with step 17. I think creating scarcity backfires more than works these days. Great list though Mr. Copy Nazi.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dexx
      Originally Posted by Reflection Marketing View Post

      I don't agree with step 17. I think creating scarcity backfires more than works these days. Great list though Mr. Copy Nazi.
      Then replace "scarcity" with "urgency" or a reason to take action now (and not put it off until later).

      This could also come in the form of a negative consequence for not taking action (increased pain, more work work required, etc.)

      ~Dexx
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    • Profile picture of the author KennethYu
      Originally Posted by Reflection Marketing View Post

      I don't agree with step 17. I think creating scarcity backfires more than works these days. Great list though Mr. Copy Nazi.
      Errr... What proof do you have that scarcity backfires or is that a private opinion? Studies shows the market is 10 times more motivated by fear of loss than promise of gain.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike McAleer
    woah thanks!

    seems interesting how lots of hard work and education can lead to success and money
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  • Profile picture of the author OliviaHoang
    Eugene Schwartz also said that knowing your market is the most important. How do you do market research? Do you pay for reports or does the client give them to you?
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
      Banned
      Originally Posted by OliviaHoang View Post

      How do you do market research? Do you pay for reports or does the client give them to you?
      You give each prospective client your own comprehensive copywriting questionnaire. This helps them to really focus in like a laser on the benefits of their product or service and helps the copywriter initially to identify with the target market specific emotional pain or frustration. (Amongst other things.)
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      • Profile picture of the author OliviaHoang
        Originally Posted by Pete Walker View Post

        You give each prospective client your own comprehensive copywriting questionnaire. This helps them to really focus in like a laser on the benefits of their product or service and helps the copywriter initially to identify with the target market specific emotional pain or frustration. (Amongst other things.)
        I want to thank you, but I don't see the thank button anywhere. Anyway, thank you =)
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      • Profile picture of the author Daniel Scott
        Originally Posted by Pete Walker View Post

        You give each prospective client your own comprehensive copywriting questionnaire. This helps them to really focus in like a laser on the benefits of their product or service and helps the copywriter initially to identify with the target market specific emotional pain or frustration. (Amongst other things.)
        And about half the time, you then need to forget everything your client has just told you and do your own research to ensure you know what REALLY motivates the market and how you're going to sell.

        I'm not saying client info can't be useful... because it can be...

        I'm just saying any copywriter worth his salt does his own research on top of that to confirm the info or pick up on the stuff the client's missed.

        -Daniel
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        • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
          Banned
          Originally Posted by Daniel Scott View Post

          And about half the time, you then need to forget everything your client has just told you and do your own research to ensure you know what REALLY motivates the market and how you're going to sell.

          I'm not saying client info can't be useful... because it can be...

          I'm just saying any copywriter worth his salt does his own research on top of that to confirm the info or pick up on the stuff the client's missed.

          -Daniel
          Of course. Goes without saying. 100% in agreement.

          Could expand on this but I'll leave it there for now.

          Thanks Daniel.


          Pete
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisKahler
    These are definitely great tips! I've read every book on persuasion you listed, and have a decent sized swipe file of great letters I constantly study...

    One thing I'd have to add to the list is learning how to test properly and constantly. This is just as important as researching because just as much as you THINK you know your prospect, a few simple tweaks could really set you off.

    Everything is theory and guessing at first until you test your control against variable copy and continue ditching the low performing one for what's working best.
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  • Profile picture of the author Izzy9
    Thank you for sharing these tips. I have tried coming up with salesletters of my own and found out later on that formulas or patterns of very successful people are the way to go. I am sure to start copying salesletters by hand from now on so that I can master the form.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Antoni
    This is the kind of thread that makes the Warrior Forum a valuable place to drop by. Thanks Ken for the valuable post. As a copywriter myself, I can tell you practice what you preach.
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    Check out my Affiliate Internet Marketing Blog, lots of cool free stuff. And make sure you take a peek at Trilateral Profits. Internet Marketing Management

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  • Profile picture of the author David Maschke
    So, where is your statistics supporting your claim most "so-called" copywriters skip the research step?

    have you done any research on that claim?
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    I

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  • Profile picture of the author AmandaT
    Where are some good places to look for sales letters to write out by hand?
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  • Profile picture of the author aandersen
    Originally Posted by AmandaT View Post

    Where are some good places to look for sales letters to write out by hand?

    Tons of great ads can be found here
    http://www.hardtofindads.com/

    And some more here
    Info Marketing Blog | Direct Response Marketing | Copywriting

    Even more here, courtesy of Drez
    advertisingcopyswipes.com


    You can find a lot of ads by running the headline through Google Images. Sometimes you've got to add the author name, the word "ad" (or advertisement), or something similar to it, but you can usually find what you're looking for easily.

    For example

    "why men crack" ad - Google Search

    at 60 miles an hour ogilvy - Google Search

    do you make these mistakes in english - Google Search

    You get the idea...


    EDIT: In the process of demonstrating I stumbled across this little gem
    http://theryanmcgrath.com/for-copywriters/
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    signature goes here

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  • Profile picture of the author Hardy Chou
    Originally Posted by KennethYu View Post

    5) Have a Laser Beam Focus on Market Research

    The SINGLE MOST important part of copywriting is your research. Most so-called copywriters skip it, thinking they know the market. Listen to this insider secret real quick.

    The difference between a 4 figure promotion and a 7 figure promotion is a Big Idea. The one thing that resonates so well with your target market that you'll get a breakthrough response. But how do you get it?

    It doesn't materialize out of thin air, that's for sure. Big ideas sprout from the soil of intimate knowledge of the marketplace. So research, research and research away before writing even a single word.
    Also known as finding the hook. Congratulations!
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  • Profile picture of the author Will Roarke
    Kenneth,

    Great advice.
    These are really great ways to improve copywriting. The slow grind of daily practice is something that tends to get overlooked these days as everyone searches for the magic formula or secret tip that will fix their problems.

    Thanks for posting this.
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    You can take advantage of this high converting sales funnel that is designed and tested to maximize and protect your profits. Click here for more information ...

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  • Profile picture of the author yecall
    This is one of the best posts I have seen here. Congrats on your great start! We should all study more, it is true. I found this post helpful.
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    • Profile picture of the author abundantlife
      Kenneth, I was most impressed in your sharing your "secret" so openly with people who may possibly become your competitors. Kudos for your graciousness. I'm not a copy writer but do creative writing for the internet in my blogs and press releases. So appreciate you sharing. Thank you.
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      David Tampien
      Top Ten Reasons to Use Aloe Vera Every Day

      Prov. 22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
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    • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
      Two things I found enormously helpful once I'd already studied
      many great ads and done the writing out ads exercise...

      1. I started writing out different components of ads...headlines,
      opening lines, calls to action etc etc.

      Putting dozens of these together and studying them fine tunes
      your ability to write each element in a sales letter.


      2. I made my own online sales letter template.

      It had areas for a pre head, headline, opening line, bullets etc etc
      all in text type and format proven to increase response.

      When you create your own template with your own tips you're taking
      ownership of each tip which is another huge part of good copywriting.

      When you take ownership of a principle you internalize it.

      Kindest regards,
      Andrew Cavanagh
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    • Profile picture of the author goodtimesathome
      Very very good! I love the way this was split into several sections.

      But most of all, how much this will help me in the future, and my partners.

      I wish you good luck in your future successes!
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    • Profile picture of the author DIG006
      I totally agree with finding the big idea and going back to the classics. Many beginner copywriters I see jump into things thinking it is easy to write copy. In a way it is, but to write great copy takes practice and patients. You really need to know the market and not just take a generic ad and change bits to apply to your product/service. Anyway great post Kenneth and congratulations on your success.
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  • Profile picture of the author gearys57
    Banned
    Very informative posts, I am going to try to apply all of these to my first product and see what I can do..
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  • The part about copying the letters by hand is worth its weight in gold. (Well they all are, actually). The great painters understood this concept well.
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Sanchez
      Originally Posted by TheGetStartedExpert View Post

      The part about copying the letters by hand is worth its weight in gold. (Well they all are, actually). The great painters understood this concept well.

      I didn't know great painters copied sales letters by hand?

      (I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist )
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  • Profile picture of the author parsons130
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    • Profile picture of the author Alan Ashwood
      Thanks Kenneth for a very well thought out and well written post. I must compliment you on your command of the English language too.

      Although some of the terms and references you use are unknown to me, there is a lot of extremely helpful guidance in your pots, which I shall use in future.

      Unfortunately, writing copy is probsbly my weakest area, and you inciteful information may help me to improve that.

      Cheers
      Alan
      Signature
      Now where did I put that pencil?

      Time for a cuppa.
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  • Profile picture of the author ExquisiteMedia
    Excellent post. I've been focused on writing content for the past 3 years and I know that's been limiting my potential. I just recently started thinking about long form sales letters and this post is exactly what I needed to get the ball rolling. If only I can find the time to juggle the education with my work!
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  • Profile picture of the author NathanBai
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  • Profile picture of the author Ryan Kuchel
    Commenting for future reference.

    Thanks man, great info!
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  • Profile picture of the author laptopmumpreneur
    This is such a useful post, i have been learning the art of copywriting for the past 3 months.
    I have been writing out ads and therefore can say that it truly is a great exercise.

    I have picked up a lot of techniques from doing so.
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  • Profile picture of the author wfletch24
    Thanks for this post. Writing sales letters is something I have improved tremendously on over the past year but there is still so much to learn. I am always digging into other people sales letters to learn. I am definitely going to dig into some of the resources you mentioned.
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  • Profile picture of the author elmo033057
    The SINGLE MOST important part of copywriting is your research. Most so-called copywriters skip it, thinking they know the market. Listen to this insider secret real quick.

    The difference between a 4 figure promotion and a 7 figure promotion is a Big Idea. The one thing that resonates so well with your target market that you'll get a breakthrough response. But how do you get it?

    It doesn't materialize out of thin air, that's for sure. Big ideas sprout from the soil of intimate knowledge of the marketplace. So research, research and research away before writing even a single word.


    How would do you conduct in depth research like this?

    Thanks in advance!

    ELMO
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    • Profile picture of the author joe golfer
      Originally Posted by elmo033057 View Post

      The SINGLE MOST important part of copywriting is your research. Most so-called copywriters skip it, thinking they know the market. Listen to this insider secret real quick.

      The difference between a 4 figure promotion and a 7 figure promotion is a Big Idea. The one thing that resonates so well with your target market that you'll get a breakthrough response. But how do you get it?

      It doesn't materialize out of thin air, that's for sure. Big ideas sprout from the soil of intimate knowledge of the marketplace. So research, research and research away before writing even a single word.


      How would do you conduct in depth research like this?

      Thanks in advance!

      ELMO
      Good stuff here:
      My Seven-Step Copywriting Process - Michel Fortin
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      Marketing is not a battle of products. It is a battle of perceptions.
      - Jack Trout
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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    I hope that most people realize that is post is over 3 years old and judging
    from the number of post by the OP, I doubt he frequents this forum much,
    so don't expect much response there. Just a thought. Valuable post anyway.

    -Ray Edwards
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    The most powerful and concentrated copywriting training online today bar none! Autoresponder Writing Email SECRETS
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    • Profile picture of the author OutOfThisWord
      [DELETED]
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  • Profile picture of the author elmo033057
    Joe ---> Thanks for the excellent link. Very helpful.

    Raydal ---> Ugggh! I'm not too bright. I didn't realize the post was that old. Thanks for enlightening me!

    God Bless,

    ELMO
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