On Copywriting

Free Advertising Report

About two weeks ago, I wrote a free report called "The 7 Critical Elements of a Killer Direct Response Ad." I made it available on a new web site and sent people there from a press release.

So far, the business owners who've read the report have given me positive feedback. Some of them have contacted me about the possibility of writing copy for them.

Here's the thing. I'd like to get some feedback from you since I consider you my colleague. What do you like about the report? What do you dislike? What would you do to make it better? Leave a comment and let me know.

Click here to download the free advertising report.

Note: If you are already on my list, I sent you a direct link to the report via email so you do not have to opt-in to get it. If you are not on my list, you will need to click the link above and submit your information prior to receiving access to the report.

Learn to Earn

Over the last seven days, I've had the privilege of speaking with a number of business owners who are interested in hiring me to write copy. And I got to thinking about how blessed I am.

You see, as a full-time freelance copywriter, I get paid to learn.

Even when talking with potential clients, I learn about some truly amazing businesses. Many of these I never knew existed. I never even knew markets existed to support them!

Of course, getting a new client is even better. Because then I get to research and learn about his business, his market, his product, and how to sell it. And since I love learning, I'm getting paid to do one of my favorite activities.

Why do I tell you all of this?

To paint a picture of how you can live your life. Do you want to "learn to earn?" Do you want to get paid to do something you love? Then consider launching your freelance copywriting career sooner rather than later. Maybe, like me, it will be one of the best decisions you ever make.

An Hour In The Morning...

As my son ripped the cover off an old issue of Country Magazine, I stirred from my nap. The tearing sound had woken me. I like Country, and I hate to see one ruined, but he tore into it before my wife or I could do anything about it.

I bent over to pick up the newly amputated cover and noticed a "Rural Pearl" on the back that said: "An hour in the morning is worth two in the afternoon."

For me, that statement rings very true. My best hours are in the morning. And yet everybody has their own circadian rhythm. Maybe you're a "morning person." Maybe you're a "night owl."

Whatever you are, the important point is to recognize when your energy levels peak and honor that time as work time. You'll work faster and get more done than you ever believed possible by just listening and respecting your body's natural rhythms.

Are You Good Copywriter Material?

The best copywriters fit a certain profile. Joe Sugarman, in his book Advertising Secrets of the Written Word, says this about what makes for a great copywriter:

The best copywriters in the world are those who are curious about life, read a great deal, have many hobbies, like to travel, have a variety of interests, often master many skills, get bored and then look for other skills to master. They hunger for experience and knowledge and find other people interesting. They are very good listeners. [...] The thirst for knowledge, a tremendous curiosity about life, a wealth of experiences and not being afraid to work are the top credentials for being a good copywriter. (p. 11)

I was encouraged to read this because I fit the profile to a "T". Case in point: my study is a wreck... littered with about 300 or 400 books. (That's after I gave away 100+ books this past spring to ARC.)

I love to read. I love to travel. I love life.

Do you?

If so, your chances of succeeding as a copywriter are greatly improved. If not, don't worry... Sugarman says there's a solution for that. But to find out, you'll have to read Sugarman's excellent book. :-)

Are Fables In Copy Acceptable?

Are fables in copy acceptable?

The reason I ask is because I've recently written a sales letter that's a total departure from my normal style. It's all fiction.

In a way, it's similar to the Wall Street Journal letter about the two fictitious men who graduate from the same college, start families, and get jobs at the same company. One winds up as the president of the company; the other languishes as a mid-level manager.

That's the gist of it anyway.

Here's what got me thinking: John Carlton says he never fabricates anything in a sales letter because truth is always stranger (and more interesting) than fiction.

I guess I wonder two things:

1. Are fables an appropriate/acceptable way of selling a product or are they deceptive?
2. Is the truth always more interesting than a fabricated story?

Of course, I have my own mixed opinions, but I'd like to put this one out to you. How do you feel? What's your response? Post your comment below.