Steal everything.

Most marketers think of the swipe file as a copywriter's tool... a place to keep samples of good copy to browse when inspiration runs low.

Think bigger. Much bigger.

The concept of the swipe file is brilliant and can be applied to so much more than copywriting...

I've got swipe file folders for everything from good copy to compelling design ideas to smart conversion models and business processes.

I have a master folder called "Swipe Files", and inside that, I have sub-folders for all the categories of "stuff" I like to keep for reference.

Here's a sample list of "swipeable" content*:

- Buy Buttons
- Product Covers
- Email - Subject Lines
- Email - Copy
- Web Graphics
- Logo Designs
- Squeeze Pages
- Conversion Models - OTOs
- Conversion Models - Upsells
- Conversion Models - Downsells
- Conversion Models - Back End
- Quotes
- Sales Funnels
- WP Themes
- Product Names
- Please Confirm Pages
- Thank You / Download Pages
- Branded Sites
- Etc.

Then, when I come across an eye-grabbing email subject line, a smokin' product cover, or an upsell process I haven't seen before...

I just copy it to the relevant folder.

For images, I copy and paste in the image file. For most everything else, I either take a screenshot, or I paste the URL with notes into a text file.

I've been doing this for over a year now, and it makes a HUGE difference in the quality of my marketing.

[* PLEASE REMEMBER that swipe files are meant to kick-start your OWN creative work and are NOT an excuse to plagiarize or transgress copyrights and trademarks.]

Bottom line, if you don't already have this kind of swipe file, you should start one today. You'll thank me later!

-Bryan