Top Copywriting Tips for Newbies

68 replies
HMMMMMMMM... Are you READY to KNOW and UNDERSTAND an EASY WAY
to SKY ROCKET your Copywriting SKILLS Quickly in NO TIME?
Read the posts below to find out the TOP Copywriting Tips
from Your Fellow Warriors starting with me...
#copy #copywriting #newbies #tips #top
  • Profile picture of the author Noel 100K
    Tip#1: Write a great headline with bold statement to catch the attention of your audience. Asking a question always works to hook the mind to find the answer -- like this example, doesn't it?
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  • Profile picture of the author Noel 100K
    Tip #3: "Use Red font type to capture the eyes of the readers more easily than any other color on your headline. Black type font works as well but red is better."
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    • Profile picture of the author copymarketing
      Originally Posted by Noel 100K View Post

      Tip #3: "Use Red font type to capture the eyes of the readers more easily than any other color on your headline. Black type font works as well but red is better."
      ''Blue'' can as well be considered.
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    • Profile picture of the author StratoCentric
      What about the 10% of men that are color blind?
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  • Profile picture of the author Samuel Mitaro
    Tip #4: Every little detail of your marketing mix should revolve around the prospect, NOT the product. Find as much information about your target audience as you can before doing anything else, and always keep your reader at the forefront of your mind.
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  • Profile picture of the author lemonarian
    Tip #5: Realize that the above tips are definitely not in order of importance... They are all technique-oriented.
    Focus on the principles that make the techniques work instead. Learn the fundamentals of human psychology and consumer behavior. Everything comes back to the consumer. The market comes first in all cases, 100% of the time. Copywriting is 80% market research and preparation, and 20% writing.
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  • Profile picture of the author kpaulmedia
    Tip #6: Use lists of tips and practical advice to draw readers in ... then deliver.

    Tip #7: Write for your audience ... Don't use big words when a diminutive one will suffice!
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomasOMalley
      Tip #8

      Write a powerful first paragraph that pulls your reader down the greased chute or slide to the end of your sales letter or ad.

      If you get your reader to read your headline, subhead and first paragraph, you have an excellent chance they will read the rest of your sales letter.
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    • Profile picture of the author lometogo
      Tip #7: Write for your audience ... Don't use big words when a diminutive one will suffice!


      You mean a 'dimunitive' one, or a 'little one'? Or were you taking the Mickey?
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  • Profile picture of the author max5ty
    Tip #9

    Never sell the roll of film - sell the memories it creates (old saying).

    - meaning - no one buys a roll of film because it's a roll of film, they buy it because they can take pictures of family, friends, etc., to create lasting memories...

    ...so focus on selling the benefits, not the product or service.
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    • Profile picture of the author lordkensal
      "sell the sizzle - not the bacon"
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      Just trying to wade through the Internet Marketing hype, find the good stuff and keep it simple - with the Internet Marketing Bootcamp

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  • Profile picture of the author peewhy
    Tip #8 - Don't forget the 'call to action' i.e "buy now"
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  • Profile picture of the author AnthonyKimmens
    Tip #10 - Realize there is no "short cut" to copywriting. You have to start writing. Everyday. Write. Write. Write.
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  • Profile picture of the author michaelhearne
    Tip #WTFE - Focus on one of your reader's problems 7 tell them how your $h1t will solve it...

    Tip #WTFE - Provide TONS of proof for every claim - proof of results, social proof, etc...
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomasOMalley
      Tip #14

      Anticipate your prospect's major objections and answer them clearly in your copy.
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  • Profile picture of the author lemonarian
    Tip #15:

    Don't be clever.
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    * Do You REALLY Need A Million Bucks?
    (Three-part crash-course in how to build a "minimalist" business online)

    * My "fix-all" solution to ANY marketing problem
    (whether you don't even have a website... or you're running a multi-million biz)

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  • Profile picture of the author superdevo
    Tip # 16:

    USE BOLDED RED LETTERING TO START OUT YOUR TIP LISTS....Sorry Noel, I couldn't help myself.............
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    • Profile picture of the author fatema82
      Hi Guys

      Your tips were just awesome and It has helped me big time to create a draft of my sales letter. Thanks

      Regards
      Fatema
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    • Profile picture of the author jenifer smith
      pay attention on the quality of your writing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Pusateri
    Prerequisite - Learn old fashioned salesmanship. The rest is mostly formatting.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tedel
      Originally Posted by Pusateri View Post

      Prerequisite - Learn old fashioned salesmanship. The rest is mostly formatting.
      OK, where or how do I learn that?
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  • Profile picture of the author Colin Theriot
    The most powerful selling happens face to face, usually one on one. Remember that your copy is meant to simulate that process in written form. From one person, TO one person (which is what a letter really is, after all).
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    • Profile picture of the author AnthonyKimmens
      Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

      The most powerful selling happens face to face, usually one on one. Remember that your copy is meant to simulate that process in written form. From one person, TO one person (which is what a letter really is, after all).
      You want to be a big time internet marketer and don't know where to start? Find one person on the internet and sell them your product. Then another. Then another. Then another. By the 7th person you'll be able to preempt all their questions, and you'll also have all the tools for a great sales copy.

      Get to it.
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      • Profile picture of the author ThomasOMalley
        Use storytelling techniques to draw in your readers. You can make your selling points with a reader underneath his buying radar screen with stories.

        Check out the famous Wall Street Journal Two Men Letter for as an excellent example of storytelling as well as Joe Sugarman's first Blublockers ad.
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        • Profile picture of the author ThomasOMalley
          Next tip:

          Always write first and edit your copy one or two days later. You can always improve your copy with a little bit of time after you first write your copy.

          The key to good writing, including copywriting, is rewriting.
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  • Profile picture of the author gauravthegeek
    [DELETED]
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  • Profile picture of the author BrianMcLeod
    Seek and destroy the passive voice in your copy wherever possible...

    Passive Voice:

    "Your sales will skyrocket"

    Active Voice:

    "Skyrocket your sales"

    Note: the passive voice places the emphasis on "your sales",
    while the active voice emphasizes the ACTION.

    Another example...

    Passive Voice:

    "This thread will help you improve your copywriting."

    Active Voice:

    "Improve your copywriting with this thread."
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  • Profile picture of the author eddyjoy
    A sales copy is not the end. It is a Means. Remember to sell. That is the objective. A good well crafted call to action focuses on solving the client's problem.
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    • Profile picture of the author copymarketing
      Originally Posted by eddyjoy View Post

      A sales copy is not the end. It is a Means. Remember to sell. That is the objective. A good well crafted call to action focuses on solving the client's problem.
      How do you mean?
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      • Profile picture of the author ThomasOMalley
        Next Tip:

        Use subheadings in your copy so that people who scan copy can quickly understand the message in your copy...It creates what Dan Kennedy calls a double readership path.

        Subheadings also break up the copy so that it's easier to read.
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      • Profile picture of the author eddyjoy
        I mean you can have a feel well drafted copy but it's not complete till it fulfills its objective which is simply to sell.
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  • Profile picture of the author rockyonfire
    Thank you for the great tips.

    Regards
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  • Profile picture of the author SERPWizzard
    This is somewhat implied through a few other tips but not directly stated. Make sure your headline and points are precise. Good example: make $138 a day with only 75 minutes of work a week! Bad example/ not precise: make 100's a day with only a bit of work! Now that bad example is a very unpecise statement. Be as precise as you can as it grabs more attention and only attracts consumers that a more likely to buy.
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  • Profile picture of the author anhart23
    For all that you may know, begin with it and keep on doing it. Practice will polish you all the way and you will know what works for you to be great copywriter!
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    • Profile picture of the author Cam Connor
      Tip Tip:

      Make sure to have a clear objective, and keep that in mind while guiding your readers down one linear sales-path throughout the entirety of the page. From The moment they read the Headline, till the moment they read your compelling Call To Action.
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  • Profile picture of the author Domenic Carlson
    When writing copy for the web, brevity is key. Avoid the use of excessive exclamation points or distracting formatting and fonts, the words should communicate the power of your message without punctuation crutches. You must write in the language of your consumers to effectively reach them and connect with their needs and desires.
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    • Profile picture of the author Derob
      Originally Posted by Domenic Carlson View Post

      When writing copy for the web, brevity is key. Avoid the use of excessive exclamation points or distracting formatting and fonts, the words should communicate the power of your message without punctuation crutches. You must write in the language of your consumers to effectively reach them and connect with their needs and desires.
      This is a good one that most people have missed - so far.

      If you talk down to your prospects, your message will not get across to them. But talking to them at the same level as we would in a social conversation will. OK, slang and other similar terminology should not be used, but just try and write in a natural way.

      I don't believe copywriting is all that difficult. We all know the words... it is just a matter of getting them in the right order.
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  • All really useful tips. But its funny how easily people do forget them. Common sense in sales says we sell the benefits. So yes, sell the memories!
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  • Profile picture of the author Chetr
    --Spend most of your time on the headline, sub heads and "above the fold" stuff. They must clearly convey an irresistible offer (you better have one!), speak to the 4 personality types, and overcome the 9 objections ASAP.
    --Know your reader--especially their pain points, and their dreams, and use both carrot and stick.
    --Then, write with passion and vigor, in your natural voice.
    --Benefits, benefits, benefits--except when selling technology; then features rule alongside benefits.
    --Learn how to get good testimonials (ask the customers: would you recommend this product, and if yes, why? for the short version, and the long version must give a sense of how the product changed that person's life.)
    --Write, re-write, read your work aloud, let the work cool, then edit mercilessly. (And murder all your darlings, and kick the flamingos off the lawn!)
    --Don't forget to thread in a story if you can, on longer pieces.
    --Ask for the sale--or, call to action.
    --Reverse risk and, with a great offer, try to make it a no-brainer.
    --And remember: nearly perfect copy today is better than perfect copy.....never.

    ChetR
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    • Profile picture of the author martinowilliam
      This is an awesome thread. I am a newbie in copywriting. Your tips are very helpful for beginners like me.
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    • Profile picture of the author Cam Connor
      Originally Posted by Chetr View Post

      --And remember: nearly perfect copy today is better than perfect copy.....never.
      +1, lol, this is something I struggled with as a newbie.
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      • Profile picture of the author hamburglar
        Hey Warriors,

        I am loving the tips so far. I just recently started to write articles myself and am enjoying. However, I feel my writing skills are very poor.

        Are there some example(s) I could look at? It would help me see some applications of the tips. This could be asking for a lot.

        Regards,
        H
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        • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
          Banned
          Originally Posted by hamburglar View Post

          Hey Warriors,

          I am loving the tips so far. I just recently started to write articles myself and am enjoying. However, I feel my writing skills are very poor.

          Are there some example(s) I could look at? It would help me see some applications of the tips. This could be asking for a lot.

          Regards,
          H
          You won't find any article writing tips in this section of the WF since this forum is about copywriting. Subtle difference.

          What is unusual about this thread is that every professional established copywriter on the Warrior Forum is avoiding this thread like the plague.

          Only newbie copywriters are giving one another advice.

          If you want copywriting tips, use the search function and look for threads and posts by the following list of very professional copywriters...

          In no particular order from memory...

          Scott Murdaugh

          Dean Dhuli

          Mr Subtle

          Vin Montello

          Brian Cassingena

          Mark Andrews

          Mark McClure

          Dorothy Pecson

          John S

          Rick Duris

          Brian McLeod

          Mark Pocock

          Ken Strong

          Bruce Wedding

          Loren Woirhaye

          Daniel Scott

          Kevin Rogers

          Alan Carr

          Malcolm Lambe

          Kyle Tully

          Matt O'Connor

          Ross Bowring

          Stephen Dean

          Kevin Lam

          Mike Humphreys

          Cherilyn Woodhouse

          Jack Bastide

          Paul Hancox

          Alex Cohen

          Ken Caudill

          Bill Jeffels

          Collette

          Ray Edwards

          David Raybould

          Andrew Cavanagh

          Paul Myers

          Hugh Thyer

          Chris Ramsey

          Lance K

          Danielle Lynn

          Colmodwyer

          Matt Jutras

          Omar Khafagy

          Robert Boduch

          Tim Castleman

          David Babineau


          My sincere apologies if I've missed anyone out, going from memory only I was wracking my brains to think of all of the top copywriters I know of.

          Check out the threads and posts by any of the above copywriters and you'll have all of the tips you need to be a copywriting success.

          Best,


          Mark Andrews
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          • Profile picture of the author Terry Coombes
            Originally Posted by Pete Walker View Post

            What is unusual about this thread is that every professional established copywriter on the Warrior Forum is avoiding this thread like the plague.

            Only newbie copywriters are giving one another advice.

            Pete Walker
            Pete, you're right. I'd vaguely noticed a lack of high post counts but when you pointed it out it got me thinking and I can't figure it out. You say it as if it's deliberate, but that goes against the usual ethos on WF. Experts usually wade in with great tips and info on a thread like this. Am I missing something? Have they suddenly got mean?

            My tip? I take issue with Dr. Johnson's, "Read over your compositions, and wherever you meet with a passage which you think is particularly fine, strike it out."

            I would say, for the copywriter, "Read over your compositions, and wherever you meet with a passage which you think is particularly fine, make it bold and red."

            Terry
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    • Profile picture of the author Zanti
      Chetr, just wanted you to know that I find your post to be spot on.

      I think it may help some here if you share what the 4 personality types and 9 objections are and how you deal with them with copy. Or anyone else for that matter can chime in with your thoughts.

      Thanks for your post and look forward to more of your own thoughts.

      Brian


      Originally Posted by Chetr View Post

      --Spend most of your time on the headline, sub heads and "above the fold" stuff. They must clearly convey an irresistible offer (you better have one!), speak to the 4 personality types, and overcome the 9 objections ASAP.
      --Know your reader--especially their pain points, and their dreams, and use both carrot and stick.
      --Then, write with passion and vigor, in your natural voice.
      --Benefits, benefits, benefits--except when selling technology; then features rule alongside benefits.
      --Learn how to get good testimonials (ask the customers: would you recommend this product, and if yes, why? for the short version, and the long version must give a sense of how the product changed that person's life.)
      --Write, re-write, read your work aloud, let the work cool, then edit mercilessly. (And murder all your darlings, and kick the flamingos off the lawn!)
      --Don't forget to thread in a story if you can, on longer pieces.
      --Ask for the sale--or, call to action.
      --Reverse risk and, with a great offer, try to make it a no-brainer.
      --And remember: nearly perfect copy today is better than perfect copy.....never.

      ChetR
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      Brian Alexzander ~ Irie To The Highest - Respect
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      A Candle Never Loses Any Of Its Own Light... By Lighting Another Candle

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  • Profile picture of the author Noel 100K
    Revise. Revise. Revise. After you have written your first copy. Take a break. Go for a walk outside. Breathe in the fresh air. Soak in the sunlight. Breathe some more. When your head is clear go back to your copy and read it like it is your first time seeing it.
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  • Profile picture of the author ladymd
    What about the use of words like "hot" "future" I find these terms so overused. "(your product) is the hottest thing to date!" or "(your product) is the future of doing business." Any way we can replace these terms in ad copy for good? Suggestions?
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  • Profile picture of the author sanjaypande
    Tip: Learn and master the fundamentals. Fundamentals include researching the market to understand the audience and matching the list to the product/offer.

    The copy is just one part of the equation.

    The offer and the list are considered even more important. A good offer to a good and well matched list will sell even with mediocre copy whereas great copy will not be able to sell to a poorly matched list or crappy product.

    According to most direct marketing legends the importance is split up as 20% copy and 40-40 between the list and the offer.

    Some of them split it 3 ways as equally important.

    To become a good copywriter you should understand all 3 aspects of the sales process - product, list and offer.
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  • Profile picture of the author farneville
    Hey guys I am a supernoob in blogging and the internet and I am puzzled what copywriting is about can someone shed some light what copywriting is? dont ask if I googled already because I did as well as dictionary etc. and it did not sink in lol

    Well I just re - read and it said it is used to promote a product, people etc. but what I want to know is how's the process done?
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    • Profile picture of the author Noel 100K
      Originally Posted by farneville View Post

      Hey guys I am a supernoob in blogging and the internet and I am puzzled what copywriting is about can someone shed some light what copywriting is? dont ask if I googled already because I did as well as dictionary etc. and it did not sink in lol

      Well I just re - read and it said it is used to promote a product, people etc. but what I want to know is how's the process done?


      Copywriting is the science of how to write an ad that would grab your audience's attention and move them to buy your product or idea today.

      I hope that helps
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  • Profile picture of the author agababryn
    know you audience exp. what, who and why they buy
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  • Profile picture of the author Noel 100K
    Focus on your target audience when writing your copy. Think with them in mind. To do this you have to know who your audience is.
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    • Profile picture of the author geili001
      Use bullet points to make your benefits stand out.
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  • Profile picture of the author nick1980
    Focus on the benefits of the product or service, and emphasize what it can do for the consumer... Every product offers a solution to a problem. Make sure that the reader knows that they've found the solution with yours.
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  • Profile picture of the author Enis
    The first one is to introduce yourself, don't assume that people will know about you and your product just by visiting your site. Other than that, the more you practice the better you become. Try to imagine yourself as the buyer and see if you'd click that purchase button.
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  • Profile picture of the author Augadha
    Hmm, never try to over sell your product as well, it can tick people off. People have many more options to move on to in the world.
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  • Profile picture of the author Izzy9
    Very helpful tips. I believe that focusing on your headline and your first paragraphs is key to getting your sales letter read as a whole. I spend a lot of time on establishing that important connection with the reader on the first few sentences. It's good that we get a lot of helpful advice from the forums. Thanks for sharing.
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