Back in 2020, I bought a very expensive course on email copywriting from legendary copywriter – Matt Furey.

One of the main lessons he taught was the power of storytelling in copy.

He explained that the best way to write money-making emails, extremely fast, is to start each email with a story.

I’ve taken this lesson to heart and expanded upon it…

Almost every piece of copy I write, for my clients and myself, has at least one persuasive story baked into it.

Especially my emails and blog posts (if you read my blog posts or are subscribed to my daily email tips, you know this already.)

Not only does storytelling make copy more enjoyable to write but it also makes your writing MUCH MORE PERSUASIVE.

You see, telling stories is one of the most effective ways to grab your reader’s attention, have them hooked on every word you write, and sell your products & services.

For some reason, storytelling is kind of a lost art amongst copywriters.

However, if you are able to tap into the persuasive power of storytelling, you will blow away competition and be able to charge as much mula as you’d like.

But…

First…

You must know HOW to tell the right kind of stories.

Stories that are designed to sell.

In this post…

I’m going to cover what storytelling is in copywriting, why storytelling is a MUST-HAVE SKILL for copywriters and the 5 most persuasive types of stories to sell more products (examples included).

 

What is Storytelling in Copywriting?

Storytelling in copywriting is a powerful persuasion weapon that goes far beyond features and benefits.

It involves weaving a narrative that engages and resonates with your target audience on a deeper level.

An emotional level that pulls your readers in and makes them feel a personal connection to you and your message.

Storytelling in copywriting is about creating a journey for your audience.

It could be a story about the creation of a product, how someone in your market overcame a BIG obstacle or the life-changing impact your product has had on a customer's life.

This narrative approach adds a human touch to your copy, making it more relatable and memorable.

Picture this…

You take on a copywriting project selling a new fitness app.

You could write about its features & benefits (most copywriters would).

But instead…

What if you told an inspirational story?

An inspirational story about someone who was severely overweight, had low self-esteem and faced a whole slew of life-threatening health problems…

BUT…

Then…

A miracle happened…

They lost 100 lbs and are now in the best shape of their life.

What happened?

They discovered your fitness app.

Think that would be a more effective way of selling your fitness app than stuffing features & benefits down your readers’ throats?

(Like every other company does)

When you take your readers on a relatable journey that taps into their emotions, psychology and personal experiences, you will transform your copywriting skills (and your customers’ lives).

 

Are Copywriters Storytellers?

They should be!

If you’re not already telling stories in your copy, you are leaking GIANT ponds of money.

Telling stories in your copy is one of the easiest, most enjoyable and most profitable ways to write copy that sells.

The best copywriters of all time are master storytellers.

If you study great direct response ads, you’ll find that almost all of the most successful ads told engaging and persuasive stories that their readers could relate to and identify with.

 

Why Storytelling in Copywriting is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT

Believe it or not…

A persuasive story, told to the right market, at the right time, can have a bigger impact on making the sale than ANY OTHER element of copywriting.

Why?

Because we are hardwired to be persuaded, entertained and educated by stories.

It’s in our DNA.

Stories are how humans have communicated with each other for THOUSANDS of years.

Even the top memory training courses and books tell you to put complex things, you want to remember, into story formats to remember them much more easily.

In a world inundated with information, stories stand out.

They slice through the noise like a machete and engage readers in a way that straightforward, facts, features and benefits simply cannot.

Stories create an emotional response that triggers a deeper connection and understanding.

When you tell a story in your copy, you're not just selling a product or service; you're selling an experience, a solution to a problem, or a vision of a better future.

This emotional resonance is what makes your message memorable and persuasive.

Also…

Storytelling helps you stand out in a fierce sea of “me-too” competition.

In an era where consumers are bombarded with ads, they will ALWAYS choose the brands that resonate with them on a personal level.

Stories cover all the bases over creating powerful copy - solves problems, paints vision, educates, entertains, taps into emotions, and so on.

 

How Telling Stories Can Improve Your Copywriting

Storytelling is a skill that, when mastered, can turn mediocre copy into irresistible copy that changes lives and makes its owners RICH.

Here's how incorporating storytelling can improve your copywriting and multiply your income:

• Capturing Attention: In a world where attention spans are shrinking like a sinkhole, storytelling serves as a hook that grabs and holds your audience's attention. A compelling story keeps readers engaged from the beginning to the end of your copy.
• Building Trust: Stories create authenticity. When you share real experiences or present your brand through a narrative lens, you build trust with your audience. Trust is a key factor in the decision-making process, and customers are more likely to choose a brand they trust.
• Eliciting Emotions: Emotion is a powerful motivator. By incorporating storytelling in your copywriting, you can evoke emotions that resonate with your audience, whether it's joy, empathy, or inspiration. Emotional connections lead to stronger brand loyalty and increased likelihood of conversion.
• Enhancing Memorability: People remember stories better than dry facts. When your message is embedded in a narrative, it becomes more memorable. This increased recall can lead to word-of-mouth recommendations and repeat business.

But, Jeremy, what kind of stories should I tell? And how do I tell them?

I gotchu, umbre…

 

The 5 Most Persuasive Types of Stories to Tell in Your Copywriting to Sell More Products (With Examples)

Each of these proven storytelling formats is fun to write and VERY persuasive. Test drive them TODAY!

#1) Inspirational Stories

Everyone’s looking to be inspired.

Don’t believe me?

Just look at the billion dollar self-help industry.

Most of the books, seminars, training, etc. are just fluffy feel-good INSPIRATION.

Why?

Because people love inspiration.

People are looking to be inspired.

People NEED inspiration to get them through the bum drum of life.

We are addicted to inspiring quotes, movies and books.

(Especially about people we can relate to, who have overcome similar challenges that we’re currently facing).

When you inspire your readers through the copy you write, they will look to you not only as an expert, but as a LEADER.

You want this because people follow LEADERS.

How to tell inspirational stories…

Tell a story about people (the market you’re writing to), like them, who have faced similar problems, frustrations, challenges and who have overcome them (related to whatever you’re selling)… And then… tie in how YOU can help them overcome these challenges.

Do NOT make this complicated.

You can draw inspiration from anything:

• Real-life stories about you or other people
• Historical figures
• Celebrities
• Characters from TV/movies/books
• Inspiring stories and people you see in the news

Here’s an example of telling an inspiring story to sell MILLIONS worth of products for a weight loss company:

https://swiped.co/file/weight-loss-ad-by-gary-halbert/

 

#2) Cautionary Tales

This classic storytelling example works wonders because it wrenches on people’s curiosity.

And, according to the Michael Jordan of copywriting himself, Gary Halbert, curiosity is the #1 reason why people buy from ads.

When you tell a RELATABLE cautionary story about mistakes to avoid, you naturally grab your audience’s undivided attention and pique their interest because they will want to know what the mistakes are so that they can avoid them at all costs. Nobody wants to suffer embarrassment or other potential negative consequences, of making mistakes.

How to tell cautionary tales...

The best way to tell cautionary tales in your copywriting is to find REAL LIFE stories from people in the market you’re writing to.

Find out mistakes they’ve made and the consequences they’ve suffered.

Where can you find common mistakes your market makes?

Online forums and social media groups.

Spend some time on these sites and I guarantee you’ll be able to find people in your market talking about common mistakes they’ve made (IMPORTANT: keep it relevant to what you’re writing about).

Also…

Another potential GOLDMINE for cautionary tales is the news.

For example…

If you’re writing for the self-defense niche, find brutal stories about people getting attacked.

Explain the mistakes they’ve made and how they could have avoided them IF they knew how to protect themselves.

When writing cautionary tales, you should dramatize the negative consequences and stress how easy it can be to avoid mistakes (by buying your product/service).

Here’s a classic example of “mistakes to avoid” written by Maxwell Sackheim…

https://swiped.co/file/do-you-make-these-mistakes-by-max-sackheim/

 

#3) Stories about Historical Figures

Another way to tell addicting stories that persuade your readers is to talk about historical figures.

It’s extremely easy…

Simply find a historical figure (something that happened in history) and tie it into what you’re selling.

This works like gangbusters because the story already exists. You simply have to dig it up. And then, make it interesting and relatable to your market and product.

The key is to find an interesting & unique story about a historical figure who is well-known by the masses.

Here’s an example:

https://swiped.co/file/colon-cleanse-salesletter-from-gary-halbert/

 

#4) The Star, Story, Solution Story

This is more of a common theme used in advertising than it is a story, however, it’s one of the most profitable ways to sell in your copy.

Here’s what you do…

The star is either you or your client.

The story is a “rags-to-riches” styled story where you talk about a common problem, challenge, woe, etc…. that is shared by your target audience.

Then offer the solution -  the product you’re selling.

This type of story works so well because everyone loves an underdog story.

Plus...

Your audience can identify with the main character because they experienced a BIG problem or challenge that your market is CURRENTLY experiencing.

And as they read your story, they are reliving, experiencing and FEELING everything that you went through (or your client), because they are going through it too (in some way, shape or form).

Then…

You give them hope by explaining how you overcame your challenges and how they can too (if they buy your product).

Here’s an example:

https://swiped.co/file/amazing-money-making-secrets-ad-by-gary-halbert/

#5) Hell to Heaven Stories

This is essentially the rags-to-riches story but on selling steroids.

It’s probably the MOST PERSAUSIVE story to tell.

The goal is to tell a story about someone in your market who your audience can relate.

Someone that has gone from “hell to heaven”.

Meaning…

They have faced incredible obstacles (in hell) but overcame their hellish experience and now are living much better (in heaven).

This works best for markets that solve big problems like Health & wellness.

However, it can work for any market, if you get creative.

For example…

If you are selling an online course to real estate agents that teaches them marketing…

You could tell a story about someone who was on the verge of bankruptcy. And get very detailed with the specifics of their financial struggles (wife leaving them, losing their house, having to live on the streets, etc.)

Then, tell how they not only escaped poverty but got extremely wealthy by using the information that you teach in this marketing course.

Here's a great example of this type of story in action:

https://swiped.co/file/amazing-diet-secrets-ad-from-gary-halbert/

 

Additional Storytelling Tips:

• When writing stories in ads - get to the climax right away!
• Dig into your market’s emotions - create tension and drama throughout, by highlighting all the emotions, pain points, frustrations… that your prospects are going through.
• Make it short - trim, trim trim. Only leave essentials that build tension and move the story along. Make it very quick n easy to understand and relate to.
• Make it DRAMATIC - the more dramatic and tension-filled stories you tell, the more of an impact they’ll have on your audience.

 

Conclusion

The more stories you tell, the more money you’ll make.

Use this post as a reference guide and practice telling persuasive stories by using the 5 storytelling formats mentioned above.

In no time flat, you’ll be a persuasive copywriter who changes lives and earns a king’s fortune simply by filling your copy with stories.

Want more copywriting tips? Enter your email below and I’ll send you the best I got:

 

 

 

Do you struggle with writer’s block?

Have a hard time turning “on” your creative side?

Trouble coming up with persuasive copy that sells?

If so…

Your struggles end TODAY.

Because you’re about to learn how to effortlessly come up with “million-dollar” ideas on command.

The best way to do so is to create a copywriting swipe file.

In this post…

I’m going to reveal what a copywriting swipe file is, how it can improve YOUR writing, the nitty-gritty details that go into creating a swipe file, and my top secret online swipe files that I use to crank out grand slam copy (they’re 100% free).

 

What is a Copywriting Swipe File?

A copywriting swipe file is a “virtual library” where you store proven sales, marketing and copywriting materials.

Like…

Direct mail ads, promotional emails, headlines, bullets, Facebook ads, etc.

You use copywriting swipe files to get inspiration when writing your own copy.

Which brings me to my next point…

 

What Does “Swiping Copy” Mean?

There’s a lot of confusion around what swiping copy is.

First…

Here’s what it’s NOT.

Swiping copy is NOT copying and pasting someone else’s work.

It’s not tweaking someone’s headline by moving a few words around and slapping your fat name on it.

Only broke losers do this.

This is wrong for two big reasons:

ONE

You are downright stealing from someone else’s hard work. You can be called out by the owner and their fanbase AND you can get sued BIG TIME.

TWO

This adds to the dumpster fire of generic, “me too” advertising and marketing online. The internet is filled with brainless posers. Don’t be one of them.

Now, here’s what swiping copy IS…

Swiping copy is used for getting IDEAS.

You want to swipe proven copy to get inspiration from what has worked for other copywriters and marketers.

Then, you want to IMPROVE upon what has worked and make it more relevant and persuasive for your client’s market and product. 

If you swipe copy by improving upon what has made advertisers a lot of green stuff, you can become a top-paid copywriter very quickly.

However, if you mindlessly steal other’s work, you will be labeled the village’s idiot and be chased out of town with flaming pitchforks.

 

How Can a Copywriting Swipe File Improve Your Writing?

You can quickly improve your copywriting by using a swipe file to study what has worked for other copywriters, and then, use this wisdom to improve your own writing

By “swiping” ideas from PROVEN copywriting pieces, you will quickly internalize what makes an ad successful and the ideas, psychology and sales principles baked into it.

When you use advertisements and marketing material that has worked in the past and improve upon it in your own copy (by making it relevant to your readers and your product), your copywriting will produce far better results.

 

How to Make Your Own Million-Dollar Swipe File

Copywriters make this WAAAY too complicated.

Creating a kickass swipe file is EASY.

Follow these simple steps to create your own copywriting swipe file TODAY:

Step 1: Set Up Your Digital Toolbox

The first thing you need is a digital toolbox. Create a dedicated folder on your computer where you'll store all your copywriting materials. This can be a simple folder on your desktop or a cloud-based storage solution like Google Drive or Dropbox. Having your swipe file accessible from anywhere (like your phone) is a big plus.

Step 2: Define Your Categories

Organize your swipe file into categories that make sense for you. Common categories include headlines, email subject lines, call-to-action phrases, persuasive storytelling, and even entire sales letters. The key is to have a structure that allows you to quickly locate the type of copy you need when inspiration strikes.

Step 3: Collect Copywriting Samples

Start adding proven copywriting pieces to your swipe file. You can add your own work that you find particularly effective, but the real magic happens when you curate content from various sources. Have your “marketing antenna” on HIGH alert as you read books, articles, websites, and marketing materials or when you listen to a podcast or watch your favorite TV show… be on the lookout for phrases, sentences and concepts that resonate with you and get your copywriting juices flowing.

Alright…

Let’s get more into the nitty-gritty of what to add to your copywriting swipe file…

 

What Should You Add to Your Copywriting Swipe File?

Now that you've set up your swipe file, it's time to decide what to add to it and how to keep it organized.

Here are some of the best elements of copy to add to your swiple file…

#1) Headlines and Subheads

The headline is one of the most important parts of your copy. Collect attention-grabbing headlines from million-dollar ads, sales pages, etc. that piqued your interest and worked its persuasive charm on you. Then, study them and figure out WHY they worked so well and how YOU can use its persuasive power to improve your copy.

#2) Email Subject Lines

Your inbox is a goldmine for persuasive subject lines. Save subject lines that grabbed your attention, stopped you from scrolling and “forced” you to open the email. Again, figure out WHY this subject line got you to open the email. Did it use contrast? Did it use a big, juicy benefit? Did it bring up a current event? Find out!

#3) Stories

Often, a good story can make a reader click “buy now” EVEN if the rest of the copy isn’t great. Humans are persuaded by stories. It’s in our DNA. One of the best advantages you can have over other copywriters and marketers is to tell persuasive stories. A great way to get better at telling stories is to study the most effective direct response ads. Most of them tell personal stories that trigger emotions and persuade readers to buy.

#4) Ad Copy

Today, we’re bombarded with ads. Use this to your advantage by being on the lookout for persuasive ads that stick out to you.

You can find successful ad copy in a number of media. Like: magazines, social media, Google, YouTube, Billboards, direct mail pieces, etc.

Save text, images, or links to entire ad campaigns that caught your eye and use the sales psychology embedded within them to make your copy more effective.

#5) Bullets

Bullets are my FAVORITE type of copy to write. Believe it or not, Gary Halbert said they are the MOST important element of copy (even more important than headlines).

So, whenever you stumble across an ad, look for the bullets.

If they have bullets that piqued your curiosity… add em to your swipe file.

Want to study a sales letter with over 50+ sizzling hot bullets? Go here.

#6) Call-to-Action Phrases

Your call to action is what makes or breaks your advertisement.

Keep your eyes peeled for CTA’s on websites, emails and ads.

You want to find CTA’s that use urgency, scarcity and give their readers clear instructions on what to do and how to do it.

Now that you know WHAT to add to your copywriting swipe file, here’s how to organize it…

 

How to Organize Your Copywriting Swipe File

As mentioned above…

You want to categorize your swipe file into folders or sections that match your needs and preferences.

For example…

You could have separate folders for each type of copy, such as headlines, subject lines, and ad copy.

Within these folders, you might further organize by industry or style.

The key is to make it easy to locate what you need.

Here’s some of my favorite software to use to create copywriting swipe files…

 

What Software Should You Use to Create Your Copywriting Swipe File?

Here are my 4 favorite places to store copy I’ve “swiped”:

1. Evernote: this note-taking app allows you to organize your swipe file with tags and notebooks. It’s super easy to use.
2. OneNote: Microsoft's digital note-taking app is muy bueno for organizing your copywriting materials.
3. Google Drive: Use Google Docs or Google Sheets to create a structured swipe file accessible across all your devices.
4. Trello: A visual project management tool that can be adapted to store and categorize your copywriting resources.

With your swipe file organized and filled to the panties with killer copy, you're ready to explode sales with your copywriting skillz.

In the next section, I’ll reveal ten places where you can find valuable pieces of copy to add to your swipe file.

 

10 Places to Get Copywriting Materials to Add to Your Swipe File

#1) Competitor Websites: Analyze your competitors' websites for effective headlines, product descriptions, and persuasive copy.

#2) Magazines and Newspapers: Print media often features attention-grabbing headlines and storytelling techniques that can inspire your own copy.

#3) Content Aggregator Sites: Platforms like Reddit, Quora, and BuzzSumo can provide insights into trending topics and insider language that resonates with your target audience.

#4) Email Marketing Campaigns: Sign up for newsletters from businesses in your industry and save the emails with compelling subject lines and persuasive copy.

#5) Social Media Advertisements: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram showcase various ad formats with engaging ad copy.

#6) Sales Letters: Look for long-form sales letters on websites, landing pages, or direct mail marketing.

#7) Reviews and Testimonials: Visit e-commerce websites to gather product reviews and customer testimonials. HINT: Look for the ones that tell stories.

#8) Blogs and Content Marketing: Quality blog posts often feature persuasive storytelling & attention-grabbing headlines that resonate with their readers.

#9) Books and Ebooks: Scan your bookshelf or e-library for excerpts that showcase the art of persuasive writing. I like to look at the titles of best-selling books.

#10) Advertising Archives: Explore advertising archives like AdWeek, Ad Age, or the Archive of Vintage Ads for historical and modern ad campaigns.

 

My 3 Favorite Online Copywriting Swipe Files (100% FREE)

There are 3 online swipe files that I spend a LOT of time on.

Over the last 4 years of writing copy, I’ve used these copywriting swipe files to study great copy, get ideas from legendary copywriters and improve my copywriting. Each swipe file is 100% FREE.

You can find them here:

1. Swiped.co

This is my favorite copywriting swipe file because it’s extremely easy to use and has tons of great direct response copywriting examples (new and old). Plus, the owner gives a nice background and helpful tips on most of the ads… breaking down why they worked so well.

2. Swipefile.com

This online copywriting swipe file is similar to swiped.co. It has a wide variety of ads (new and old-school) to study and get inspiration from.

3. Hardtofindads.com

I’ve used this one the least, but it has some absolute gems that aren’t found in the above 2 copywriting swipe files.

 

Conclusion

There ya go, mi amigo.

You now have everything you need to build an extremely valuable swipe file.

Now, get to swiping!

If you found this post valuable and would like more insider tips to help you become an UNSTOPPABLE copywriter, enter your email below:

 

There’s an online ocean filled with copywriting formulas, tactics and frameworks…

To be honest…

I’ve only used a handful throughout the last 4 years of writing copy.

However, there is one copywriting formula that I’ll always use.

Why?

Because it simply works MAGIC.

It’s probably the most effective way to help your clients generate more leads and convert more sales.

Because this copywriting formula makes it easy for you to grab your reader's attention, hook them from the very first word, and have them drooling with excitement, begging for a way to buy from you.

What is this method I speak of?

The PAS copywriting formula.

This copywriting formula is used by some of the best copywriters, salesmen and marketers on the planet.

It’s stupidly simple to use and will almost instantly turn dull, ignored copy into money printing machines.

In this post…

I’m going to reveal what the PAS copywriting formula is… How YOU can use this formula to improve your copywriting skills INSTANTLY… hand you 5 specific PAS copywriting examples and give you a handy dandy template to practice this money-making framework TODAY.

 

What is the PAS Copywriting Formula?

The PAS copywriting formula is a tried-n-true framework used by salesmen, copywriters and marketers to sell products.

By using this copywriting formula, you can effortlessly write interesting, engaging, and persuasive copy that hooks your readers and gets them to take immediate action.

The PAS copywriting formula stands for…

Problem

Agitate

Solution

Now that you know WHAT the problem agitate solution copywriting formula is…

Here’s HOW to use it to inject selling steroids into your writing…

 

How to Use The Problem Agitate Solution Framework to Improve Your Copywriting Almost Instantly

This formula is very simple and easy to use…

Here’s a quick breakdown of how to apply each element.

Problem

 

Bring up the biggest problem your target audience is currently facing.

How do you find the biggest problem your audience is facing?

RESEARCH.

As a copywriter, research is THE MOST IMPORTANT part of the “writing” process.

If you can’t find the biggest problem from the market research info that your clients or company provides you… do this…

Go to reddit.com

Search for your market’s subreddit (just search the keyword in Reddit and click on the group – for example: “golf”)

Like this…

 

 

Now…

Browse your market’s subreddit.

Be on the lookout for common problems, pains, fears, frustrations, insecurities, etc. that keep popping up.

Click on the posts and read them & the comments.

After doing this for a few minutes you should be able to find your market’s BIGGEST problem they’re currently facing (related to whatever you’re writing about).

The best part is…

It will be in the market’s own words.

Meaning:

They’ll tell you exactly what their problem is – in a ton of unfiltered details.

Once you find the single biggest problem…

Place it front and center in your copy.

You can put it in your headline or bring it up right away in your body copy.

Make it crystal clear and direct.

Plus, you should call out your target audience…

Here’s an example:

For struggling golfers who are too embarrassed to play with their friends.

Then, after you’ve flagged down your readers by bringing up the BIGGEST problem they’re currently experiencing when stumbling across your copy…

 

Agitate

Agitate your target audience’s problem by tapping into their EMOTIONS.

Tap into their…

Anger, resentment, guilt, embarrassment, fear, insecurity, greed…

Any and every negative emotion.

The goal is to make their problem larger than life, worse than death.

Get them stomping around their house, with fists in the air, shouting - “This has got to stop! I’ve got to do something about this RIGHT NOW!”

To achieve this, you must paint a VIVID VISION (filled with emotions), inside their mind, of their PROBLEM.

The easiest way to paint this painful vision is to talk about their problems… using… specific details… and… word images.

Get as specific as possible when talking about their problems.

Cover all the details about their problem and their situation.

Here are a few examples to understand this better:

To make your copy more specific…

Don’t say – “Save lots of money.”

Do say – “Save $327 each month for the next 5 years.”

Don’t say – “ripe strawberries.”

Do say – “Fire red, mouth-watering strawberries hand-picked from Nana’s garden."

Don’t say – “I made a sandwich.”

Do say – “I grabbed ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and baby spinach out of my fridge and placed them in between 2 slices of toasted whole wheat bread.”

You get the point…

Now, here’s how to paint vision in your reader’s mind using word images…

Word images = vivid words that hit your reader’s 5-senses:

1. Touch
2. Taste
3. Smell
4. Hear
5. See

Use as many of these 5 senses throughout your copy as possible.

Doing so will paint a vivid picture in their mind’s eye of their problem and will agitate it, urging them to take action NOW to solve it.

Here’s a few examples:

Touch – I sliced my toe on a razor-sharp piece of glass.

Taste – the chocolate had hints of tart raspberry and sugar-sweet vanilla.

Smell – her perfume smelt like cotton candy from the carnival.

Hear – her deep, scratchy voice penetrated my ears.

See – his Jabba The Hut gut jiggled when he jumped up to catch the football.

Also…

Stories work like magic to paint vision and get inside your readers’ minds.

The easiest (and most effective) way to create stories that agitate their problems, is to tell a dramatic story of someone whom the reader can identify with and relate to (someone else in the market who has faced similar problems and found a solution).

 

Solution

Then…

After you’ve got them all hot & bothered…

Offer the solution to their problem!

Emphasis on what USING your client’s product (or service) will DO FOR THEM.

Tips:

Make the solution instant & effortless to obtain.

You want to convince them that they can solve their problem by using your client’s product or service.

Again, if you don’t already know the #1 solution that your client’s product or service solves then you have some digging to do, my friend…

You can use Reddit (similar to finding their problem on Reddit), Amazon reviews, your competition, Facebook groups, etc.

Find the BIGGEST solution that your client’s product or service solves and bring it up right after you’ve agitated your readers’ BIG problem.

 

5 PAS Copywriting Examples to Help You Write More Persuasive Copy

Here are 5 examples of the Problem Agitate Solution formula in action…

Use these PAS copywriting examples as inspiration when writing copy.

PAS Copywriting Example #1:

 

 

PAS Copywriting Example #2:

 

 

PAS Copywriting Example #3:

 

 

PAS Copywriting Example #4:

 

 

PAS Copywriting Example #5:

 

 

PAS Practice Exercise: How to Practice the PAS Copywriting Formula Today! (WITHOUT Clients)

Here’s a practice exercise you can use TODAY to practice the Problem Agitate Solution copywriting formula…

Go on Amazon.com.

Search for a product you’re interested in writing about.

Do some QUICK research…

Read the product’s description, some reviews, the benefits, etc.

Then…

Paste the product’s title into a Word Doc (or whatever online writing software you use).

And write…

Product:

 

Problem:

 

Agitate:

 

Solution:

 

Then simply add a couple sentences (or paragraphs, if you’re feeling frisky) for each section.

 

Conclusion

You now have one of the most powerful copywriting frameworks in your copywriting arsenal.

Practice the Problem Agitate Solution copywriting formula regularly to transform your copywriting skills and use it in your next copywriting project to explode sales and impress your clients.

Want more insider tips to help you grow your freelance copywriting business? Enter your email below:

 

Are you a freelance copywriter scratching your scruffy head over how much to charge for your copywriting services?

When I first started my freelance copywriting business in 2020, I struggled like a crab in a bucket to come up with my copywriting fees.

However…

After doing a LOT of cold hard research and tweaking my copywriting rates over the years, I’ve come up with a fool proof way to price your copywriting services.

This is THE ULTIMATE GUIDE to freelance copywriting rates in 2024.

This pricing guide will clear your fog of confusion and give you a clear path to follow so you can charge fair, top rates for your work.

In this comprehensive guide, I cover all the bases on how to price your copywriting services…

Including:

The new copywriting rates for 2023, all the specifics that influence copywriting fees, how to determine your own pricing strategy and how to increase your rates so you can earn 6 figures (or more) as quickly as possible.

This guide is perfect for beginners who are stuck… and also… for seasoned freelancers who want to check to see if they’re charging the right rates and gain insider tips to increase their current copywriting prices.

 

New Copywriting Rates for 2024

If you're a freelance copywriter, you're probably wondering how much you should charge for your services in 2023.

The truth is…

Copywriting prices can vary widely depending on a number of things, like…

Your niche…

Your experience level…

The type of copy you specialize in…

And so on.

According to the American Writers & Artists Inc. (AWAI) the average freelance copywriting rate for 2024 is around $0.70 per word.

However:

These rates can vary GREATLY depending on the type of copy you're writing for clients.

For example…

Email copywriters charge between $300 and $500 per email, while SEO copywriters charge between $0.20 and $0.50 per word.

To give you a better idea…

Here's a breakdown of the average copywriting rates per niche and types of copy in 2024:

Niche	Type of Copy	Average Rate
B2B	White papers	$3,000 - $6,000
B2B	Case studies	$1,500 - $3,000
B2B	Blog posts	$500 - $1,500
B2C	Product descriptions	$50 - $200 per product
B2C	Landing pages	$500 - $1,000 per page
B2C	Email campaigns	$250 - $500 per email
SEO	Blog posts	$0.15 - $0.50 per word
SEO	Website copy	$1.00 - $2.00 per word

 

IMPORTANT:

These rates are just averages.

How much you can charge for your copywriting services depend on your experience, your skills and most importantly – your niche (WHO you are selling your copywriting services to).

However, this guide should give you a good starting point for determining how much you should charge for your copywriting services in 2024 – so you can earn as much as possible without offending potential clients.

 

How to Determine Your Copywriting Rates Like a Pro

Determining your freelance copywriting rates can be a daunting task, especially if you're just starting out.

However…

It's important to charge a fair rate for your services that reflects your experience and the value you bring to the table.

One way to determine your rates is to consider industry standards and what other freelancers are charging.

Beginner copywriters can charge around $27 per hour, while experienced copywriters can earn around $100 per hour.

However, it's important to note that your copywriting fees can vary depending on your niche, and the type of project you're working on.

Another way to determine your rates is to consider your expenses.

Like…

Overhead costs such as rent, utilities, software subscriptions and so on.

You should also factor in the time it takes to complete each project. As well as any revisions or edits that may be required.

It's also important to consider the value you bring to the table.

If you have a unique skill set or specialized knowledge, you may be able to charge a higher rate than someone with less experience or expertise.

Additionally…

If you're able to deliver high-quality work, quickly, you can charge a premium for your services.

Ultimately, the key to determining your rates is to find a balance between what you need to earn to make a living and what your clients are willing to pay.

By doing your research, considering your expenses and value, and being confident in your copywriting abilities, you can set profitable rates that reflect your worth as a freelance copywriter.

4 Key Factors That Influence Your Copywriting Rates

When setting your freelance copywriting prices, there are 4 MAJOR factors to consider that can influence how much you charge for your services.

#1: Experience Level

Your experience level is one of the most important factors that can impact your copywriting rates. As a raw beginner, you can expect to charge lower rates than someone with more experience. According to Salary.com, novice copywriters can charge between $26 and $29 per hour, while experienced writers with five or more years of experience can charge between $75 and $125 per hour.

#2: Project Complexity

The complexity of a project can also impact your copywriting rates. Projects that require extensive research, multiple revisions, or specialized knowledge may require a higher rate than simpler projects. For example, a website copywriting project that requires extensive keyword research and optimization may take more time and effort than a simple product description.

#3: Market Demand

The demand for copywriting services can vary depending on the market and industry. If you're working in a highly competitive niche, you will be able to charge MUCH HIGHER RATES than if you're working in a less competitive industry. It's important to research the market demand for your services and adjust your rates accordingly.

Want to learn the top copywriting 10 niches in 2023? Go here:

The 10 Highest-Paying Copywriting Niches in 2023 (How to Pick the Best One for YOU)

This post will give you everything you need to choose a Lava-hot copywriting niche. Without a hot niche, you will not be able to charge top rates for your copywriting services, no matter how many years of experience you have or how skilled you are at writing copy.

I HIGHLY recommend all freelance copywriters to study this post BEFORE going all in with a copywriting niche.

#4: Client Budget

Finally, your client's budget can also impact your copywriting prices. Some clients may have a limited budget and will need to negotiate a lower rate, while others may have a more flexible budget and be willing to pay more for high-quality work. It's important to have a clear understanding of your client's budget and expectations before setting your rates.

This is another important reason to choose the right copywriting niche.

In summary…

When setting your copywriting rates, it's important to consider your experience level, project complexity, market demand, and client budget.

By taking these factors into account, you can set rates that are competitive, fair, and reflective of your skills and expertise.

 

How to Set Your Copywriting Prices

Here are some common ways to set your rates:

Hourly Rates

One common way to set your rates is to charge an hourly rate. This can be a good option if you're just starting out and don't have a lot of experience. According to Salary.com, novice copywriters can expect to earn around $27 per hour, while experienced copywriters can earn around $100 per hour.

Per Word Rates

Another way to set your rates is to charge per word. This can be a good option if you're experienced and can write quickly. According to Elna Cain, for a copywriter with over seven years of experience, the rate for 2023 is between $.50-$.80/word with a max of 2,000 words. However, keep in mind that this rate can change over time as you gain more experience and pick up more clients.

Project Based Rates

Another option is to charge a flat fee for a project. This can be a good option if you're working on a larger project that will take several weeks or months to complete. When setting your project-based rates, make sure to take into account the amount of time you'll spend on the project, as well as any additional expenses you may incur.

Copywriting Royalties

Finally, some copywriters may choose to charge royalties for their work. This means that you'll receive a percentage of the sales generated by your copy. This can be a good option if you're working on a project that has the potential to generate a lot of sales, such as a sales page or product launch.

When setting your rates, it's important to take into account your experience, the amount of time you'll spend on a project, and any additional expenses you may incur. By setting your rates in a way that is fair to both you and your clients, you'll be able to build a successful freelance copywriting business.

 

Negotiating Your Copywriting Rates

Once you've determined your copywriting rate, it's time to negotiate with potential clients.

Negotiating your rates can be intimidating, but it's important to remember that you are providing a valuable service and deserve to be paid fairly for your work.

To negotiate your rates effectively, consider the following tips:

• Evaluate your skills and experience: Before negotiating your rates, take some time to evaluate your skills and experience. Consider your education, training, and past work experience to determine your worth as a copywriter.
• Research the market rates: It's important to research the current market rates for copywriting services in your niche. This will give you an idea of what other copywriters are charging and help you determine a fair rate for your services.
• Decide on your rate structure: There are several ways to structure your copywriting prices, including hourly, per-word, per-project, or retainer. Consider which structure works best for you and your clients.
• Communicate your rates effectively: When communicating your rates to potential clients, be clear and confident. Explain the value of your services and why you charge what you do.
• Negotiation techniques: Use negotiation techniques such as anchoring, framing, and bundling to reach a mutually beneficial agreement with your clients.
• Handle client objections: Be prepared to handle client objections, such as budget constraints or skepticism about your rates. Address these objections with confidence and professionalism.
• Raise your rates with existing clients: As you gain more experience and expertise, it's important to periodically raise your rates with existing clients. Communicate the reasons for the increase and the value you provide.

Remember, negotiating your rates is a normal part of the freelance copywriting process. By following these tips and being confident in your skills and worth, you can successfully negotiate fair rates with your clients.

 

How to Charge More For Your Copywriting

Everything mentioned above is meant to cover the basics of pricing your copywriting services.

However…

There really is NO limit to how much you can charge for your copywriting services.

Here are the most important tips to make as much money as possible with your copywriting...

7 Tips for Charging More For Your Copywriting Services:

1. Improve your copywriting skills

The better your writing skills, the more you can charge for your services. Always strive to improve your marketing, sales, lead gen and copywriting skills. The best ways to improve your skills are to WRITE, PRACTICE and LEARN daily. The day you stop improving is the day you die. To be paid like a king or queen, you gotta outwork your competition.

2. Specialize in a niche

It’s no secret, specialists are paid more than generalists. If you want to make 6-figures or more you MUST choose a copywriting niche. But not just any niche, you must choose a niche that is filled with thousands of potential clients who are ACTIVELY hiring freelance copywriters and who can pay top dollar for their services. I cover everything you need to know about choosing a copywriting niche here: The 10 Highest-Paying Copywriting Niches in 2023 (How to Pick the Best One for YOU)

3. Write faster

The faster you can write high-quality, money-oozing copy, the more you can earn. Because the more projects you submit, the more money you make. Simple math. Here’s the BEST way to write faster… Write more words each day than you currently are now. Plus, write within STRICT DEADLINES. I like to use Euguene Shwartz’s 33.33 method which I cover in full detail here (see bonus #4 – How to 10x Your Productivity)

4. Offer more services

What else can you sell to clients? Here’s a hint: Take a look at what they’re ALREADY BUYING. Like… consulting, content strategy, done-for-them services like setting up and running Google ads, etc. The key to making more money is on the back-end (I.E. selling more services to existing customers).

5. Improve your copywriting portfolio

A strong portfolio can help you command higher rates like a king. I show you how to create a successful portfolio in this ultimate guide. TIP: make your copywriting portfolio SUPER RELEVANT to your clients’ needs (only add niche examples, make your copy call out your target audience, add specific samples they’re currently hiring for, etc.)

6. Upsells

Another bullet-proof way to earn more money from freelance copywriting is to add a ho’ bunch of upsells to your main offers. For example, say you offer to write 5 emails for $1,000. You could throw in an additional email for half the normal price ($100). Or… a whole stack of emails at a ridiculously generous price. Or… you could add on an hour of consulting on top of your main service. The possibilities are endless and so is your earning potential when you add upsells.

7. Sell money at a discount

Probably the biggest mistake freelance copywriters make is they frame their offer as the mere words they’re writing for clients. HUGE MISTAKE. Instead, frame your offer as the VALUE you’re providing to your clients. My favorite way? Offer money at a discount. Here’s what I mean… say you write emails for real estate investing companies. You can frame your service like this “I guarantee my emails will make you DOUBLE your investment back in 30 days or I’ll refund you every cent.” When you can confidently get your clients a positive return on investment (ROIcop) you can charge ANY price you desire – as long it’s less than what you make your clients via products sold.

 

Conclusion

Wowzers!

That was a lot of information.

Take some time to digest it and then APPLY it to your own freelance copywriting business.

You now have everything you need to confidently set your own copywriting rates.

Use this guide as a reference but remember – there really is NO LIMIT to how much you can charge AS LONG AS the value you provide your clients is greater than your fees.

Want more tips to become a 6-figure copywriter?

Enter your email below and I'll send you the best tips I've got:

 

Back in 2020, I went all in with freelance copywriting.

Believe it or not…

I did NOT become a freelance copywriter because I enjoyed writing.

Nope.

I became a freelance copywriter because I realized that this profitable and RARE skill would allow me to live the ultimate freelancer dream life.

I could have total freedom and control over my work while making as much money as I desired… writing from anywhere in the world.

However:

This is only possible when you can provide your clients SUPREME value.

Once you can provide real value, the possibilities are endless for your freelance copywriting career.

Over the last 3 years, I’ve secured hundreds of paying clients, worked in dozens of different niches and have written copy for the most popular mediums (emails, ad copy, websites, landing pages, SEO blogs, etc.).

I’ve learned a lot during this time.

And I’m going to share my best tips & secrets with you to help YOU become a successful freelance copywriter in 2024.

In this post…

I’m going to cover what freelance copywriting is, what a day in the life of a freelance copywriter looks like, how much you can realistically earn, and hand you a step-by-step gameplan on how to become a successful freelance copywriter in the fastest amount of time possible – EVEN if you have ZERO copywriting experience.

 

What is Freelance Copywriting?

First, before you learn how to become a freelance copywriter…

It’s important to understand what COPYWRITING is.

Forget all the mumbo jumbo you’ve heard online.

Copywriting is simply salesmanship in print (or on the web).

Its salesmanship multiplied.

Because…

Instead of selling face-to-face, to only one person at a time…

You are selling to hundreds, thousands, even MILLIONS of people, all at once, through the words you write.

The ONLY goal of writing copy is to get results (either more leads or more sales).

And FREELANCE copywriting is simply writing copy for your own clients vs writing for one company, as their employee.

The only real difference with freelance copywriting, as opposed to working as an in-house copywriter or at an agency (9-5 type roles), is that you are your own boss.

Yes, as a freelance copywriter, you are a business owner.

Your success as a freelance copywriter has just as much to do with how well you market yourself, as the words you write for clients.

Because in order to write for clients, you must get them first.

This requires marketing AND sales skills.

However, there are many benefits to being a freelance copywriter…

Top 4 Reasons Why You Should Become a Freelance Copywriter

NUMBER #1: You can work from anywhere

The beach, Starbucks, from your couch wearing SpongeBob PJs.

It doesn’t matter.

You can write from ANYWHERE your heart desires.

NUMBER #2: You have TOTAL freedom over your work

You are your own boss.

You set your own hours.

You choose how many hours you want to work, WHO you want to work with, what kind of copy you want to write, etc.

Only entrepreneurship allows you this much freedom.

NUMBER #3: You can earn 7 figures or more

Unlike working for a company, there really is no limit to your earning potential.

The only limit is how many clients you can get and how much you can write in a day.

NUMBER #4: YOU can become a freelance copywriter TODAY

You don’t need a degree…

You don’t need “5 years of experience” just to get your foot in the door…

You don’t need to climb the corporate ladder…

The truth is…

Anyone can become a successful freelance copywriter… if they put in the work and constantly improve their marketing, sales and copywriting skills.

 

What Does a Freelance Copywriter Do?

So, what does a freelance copywriter actually do?

As a freelance copywriter…

Your daily tasks will include finding clients and writing for them.

That’s it.

When starting out…

You will focus more time on finding clients, than writing.

Then, once you have a steady stream of clients, you can spend the majority of your time writing about topics you enjoy, for brands you love.

 

How Much Does a Freelance Copywriter Make?

According to Zip Recruiter…

As of today (Nov 6, 2023), freelance copywriters earn around $45 per hour (or… around $90,000 per year).

However, going by the average copywriting rates you see online is FOOLISH.

It is VERY misleading.

Because as a freelance copywriter, it’s 100% up to you on how much (or how little) you make.

You can make $2,000,000 in one year… or… you can make less than $1,000.

You are a business owner. There is virtually no limit to how much you can earn. The only limit is your own marketing, salesmanship and copywriting skills.

If you get good at marketing yourself, selling your services and getting results for your clients, you can earn a FORTUNE.

Freelance copywriters can make WAAAAY more money than in-house or agency copywriters (working as an employee).

So, you shouldn’t limit yourself to averages.

You CAN earn as much as you desire…. IF you put in the work and become a master at this life-changing skill.

 

How Much Should a Freelance Copywriter Charge?

How much you can charge as a freelance copywriter varies greatly depending on WHO you’re writing for.

For example…

If you choose a hot niche filled with companies looking to hire copywriters, you can charge $100 per hour (or more).

But, on the other toe, if you don’t have a niche or you choose a niche that doesn’t understand the value copywriters bring to the table, you won’t be able to charge much at all.

In the next section, I’ll cover how to find the perfect niche for you.

However:

When starting out with no clients, you should charge VERY LOW FEES.

When I started out, I did not choose a niche.

I went broad. And accepted any and every client I could get.

And I charged VERY LOW RATES per gig.

I did this because I wanted to get a shit ton of experience, in the shortest amount of time possible.

Why?

So I could build an impressive portfolio.

I knew that without a portfolio, with a bunch of copywriting samples & testimonials, I wouldn’t be able to get top-paying clients.

So…

If you’re just starting out and don’t have many clients (or zero), I’d recommend charging VERY LOW fees and going broad (not choosing a niche).

 

How to Become a Freelance Copywriter with NO Experience

Here are my 5 steps for becoming a successful freelance copywriter.

This is what I personally did and recommend you do too.

Use these 5 steps as a roadmap to breaking into freelance copywriting and growing a successful freelance copywriting business.

#1) Git Gud

The first step to becoming a kickass freelance copywriter is…

Learn how to write copy.

In order to make money as a copywriter, you need to provide your clients extreme value.

So…

Here’s how to learn copywriting extremely fast…

Read the top 5-10 books on direct response copywriting.

Strive to read 20-50 pages, each day.

As you read these books…

You also want to practice your copywriting skills.

I’ve written a very detailed blog post on how to practice copywriting – How to Practice Copywriting for Free (5 Exercises to Improve Your Skills TODAY)

However, here’s the gist of it…

Read, handwrite and study successful ads (I list which ads to study here.

Plus…

Turn features to benefits, by finding products on Amazon, pasting their features to an Excel document and adding your own benefits.

Plus…

Improve headlines you find online.

I like to improve headlines from online articles displayed on Firefox’s home page.

Like this:

Write 4 new headlines using the 4 U’s headline technique.

Write a headline that is:

Unique…

Ultra-specific…

Useful…

And Urgent.

Do this copy practice every day (along with reading 20ish pages per day)

This should all take you no longer than an hour.

If you do this each day, you will become a copywriting wizard in a few short months (this can be done in weeks if you don’t work full-time).

After a few months, you’ll be ready to provide REAL VALUE to potential clients via writing for them.

 

#2) Where to Find Copywriting Clients

I’ve created a detailed blog post covering my 10 favorite methods for getting freelance copywriting clients called... How to Get Copywriting Clients in 2023 With No Experience (Get New Clients TODAY)

You can read it here.

However, when starting out, the goal is to get rapid-fire experience.

You want to write for a wide variety of clients (in different industries) and, also, write for the most popular types of copy (emails, landing pages, blog posts, ads, etc).

Limiting yourself to a specific niche or a specific type of copy (when just starting out), will handicap you from getting clients fast and breaking into this field.

Beginners should strive to write a LOT of copy for paying clients, for a VARIETY of different industries & mediums.

The 2 fastest ways to get freelance copywriting clients (as quick as TODAY):

1. Post on Facebook

Simply create an offer and post it to your feed.

I got my first copywriting client doing this - within 24 hours.

It works extremely well and takes about 10 minutes to whip up.

Again, see my blog post for step-by-step instructions on how to do this.

2. Fiverr

Create a Fiverr account and post gigs.

This is another way to get clients within days.

I’ve gotten dozens of freelance clients from Fiverr within my first few months as a copywriter.

AFTER you’ve gotten a lot of experience writing for different industries and types of copy….

You should niche down.

Scratch that…

If you desire to earn “6-figures” or “10k per month” (or much more), then you MUST choose a freelance copywriting niche.

You will never earn much money by staying a generalist.

 

#3) Choose a Copywriting Niche

Once you’ve gotten experience and can demonstrate your expertise to potential clients, you’ll be ready to choose a copywriting niche.

I’ve written over 3,000 words on how to choose a copywriting niche, with step-by-step instructions, in this ultimate guide – The 10 Highest-Paying Copywriting Niches in 2023 (How to Pick the Best One for YOU).

I STRONGLY RECOMMEND reading this ENTIRE post BEFORE choosing a niche (or even if you already have a niche)…

Because I reveal the must-haves and secrets for maximizing your success as a freelance copywriter via the niche you choose.

Essentially…

You want to find a WEALTHY niche that you are passionate about writing for (filled with thousands of potential clients who understand the importance of copywriting, are actively hiring freelance copywriters and have unlimited money to spend).

Here are the top 10 freelance copywriting niches in 2023:

1. Health and Fitness
2. Finance
3. Tech
4. Ecommerce
5. Real Estate
6. Travel
7. Pet
8. Self Improvement
9. Academic Education
10. Fashion and beauty

And…

Here are the top 5 copywriting services to specialize in:

1. Email copywriter
2. Website copywriter
3. SEO copywriter
4. Direct response advertising copywriter
5. Landing page copywriter

After you choose your niche, you MUST do something FIRST before getting clients within your new niche.

You must…

 

#4) Create a Copywriting Portfolio

After you gotten a bunch of samples and testimonials, you’ll want to create a copywriting portfolio.

Believe it or not…

There’s a way to create a copywriting portfolio that impresses clients – 100% FREE – in 10 minutes or less.

This is the same way that I created my portfolio (I still use this exact same portfolio - 4 years later).

This method is perfect for beginner copywriters because you don’t need to pay a dime, it takes 10 minutes to create and you don’t have to have any tech or design skills.

Once you’re ready to create a freelance copywriting portfolio, follow this step-by-step crash course here.

 

#5) How to Get Freelance Copywriting Clients

After you’ve picked a copywriting niche and have created your copywriting portfolio, now the real fun begins…

I recommend freelance copywriters to start with prospecting.

There’s really no way around this.

Especially when starting out.

The best ways to prospect are through networking, cold email outreach and LinkedIn outreach.

I cover these 3 ways to get freelance clients in great detail here.

Prospecting will get you clients ASAP – in as quick as 24 hours.

However…

Prospecting is tough work.

And there’s a limit to how many clients you can get because it requires time and energy.

If you aren’t reaching out to new clients frequently, you won’t be earning too much money.

However, there is a way to grow your freelance business WITHOUT prospecting.

There is a way to get new clients WHILE YOU SLEEP.

Which brings me to the last tip in this freelance copywriting crash course:

Content marketing

In the beginning…

You’ll need to pitch, apply and network to get copywriting clients.

It requires a lot of time and energy.

And you need to keep doing this until you get steady repeat business and referrals (which can take a while).

However, while you do this work to get immediate clients, you should also invest some time and energy into content marketing.

This can include:

• Blog posts
• YouTube channel
• Podcast
• Social media: Facebook, Insta, Twitter, TikTok

However, it takes a lot of time and effort and a long time to notice any results.

It is much more of a long-term strategy to gain clients.

But once you do build momentum, it builds and builds and builds upon itself

You can get so many clients over time that you’ll never need to cold outreach again and you’ll even need to reject a lot of requests because you’ve got so much work.

 

Conclusion

You now have everything you need to start your freelance copywriting business.

For more tips on how to create a successful freelance copywriting business, enter your email here:

 

 

 

Over the last 4 years, I’ve picked up a lot of valuable tips on copywriting.

I’m about to reveal 25 of my favorite copywriting secrets.

These are not your ordinary copywriting tips and tricks

You won’t find them in a generic blog post, YouTube video or from asking ChatGPT.

These tips on copywriting pack BIG “ah-ha!” moments that’ve made me chunks of money from my own in-the-trenches copywriting experience.

Each tip is designed to be read in under a minute & APPLIED to your writing & marketing RIGHT AWAY.

These tips cover a wide range of copywriting & marketing topics – research, writing, specific elements of copy (like headlines), lead gen, sales psychology and so on.

 

How Can a Beginner Learn Copywriting?

Understand this…

No copywriting tips and tricks you find in a book, blog or course will help you become a great copywriter… IF…. you don’t already know the basics.

The most important thing for beginner copywriters is to build a solid foundation for writing successful copy.

You need to know what makes good copywriting.

You do this by studying the best copywriters who’ve ever lived (most of them are dead or retired.)

Because you need to have a solid grasp on the ever-green, never-changing direct response fundamentals, principles, strategies, sales psychology, etc.

This is what sets you up for success.

Without this rock-solid foundation, you will always struggle to write effective sales copy.

And even if some decent copy slips out of your brain, you won’t know why, what caused it or how to do it again.

 

How to Become a Better Copywriter – Very Fast

I recommend every raw beginner to read the top 5-10 books on direct-response copywriting.

Plus…

Practice every day. (I wrote an entire post on how to quickly improve your copywriting skills via practicing daily – you can read it here - How to Practice Copywriting for Free (5 Exercises to Improve Your Skills TODAY).

And…

Of course…

WRITE.

Every day.

As you learn, practice and write copy, apply these 25 copywriting insider secrets that have made me a small fortune…

 

25 Copywriting Tips for Beginners

TIP 1: Research, Research, Research

The real secret to writing money-making copy has NOTHING to do with writing.

It all has to do with what you do BEFORE you ever sit down to write.

I’m talkin’ about…

RESEARCH.

As a good rule of thumb, spend 80% of your time researching and only 20% writing.

Top 3 things to research:

1. Your market
2. Your product
3. Your competition

 

TIP 2: Talk As You Write

Matt Furey, the Emperor of Email, revealed the secret to writing killer sales copy EXTREMELY FAST.

His secret?

Talk out loud whenever you write.

I’ve been doing this for years and write 5x faster as a result.

 

TIP 3: Put Your Copy Under The “So what?” Microscope

Readers only care about one thing…

What’s in it for them.

So…

To keep them reading your copy, from headline to close, put your copy under the “So what?” microscope.

As you read your claims, benefits, features, etc.… ask yourself - “so what?"

Do this for every sentence you write.

If you do, you will whip up extremely persuasive copy that opens wallets faster than a cheetah.

 

TIP 4: The Market Research Goldmine

This tip is worth Blackbeard’s treasure chest.

Because it holds the single best place to find ALL your copywriting hooks, angles, headlines, benefits, etc.

The hidden location?

Reddit.com

Here’s what you do…

Simply search for your market’s subreddit (very good chance there’ll be thousands if not millions of members.)

Then…

Study their unfiltered conversations like a geeked-out college student during finals week.

Then…

Add the golden nuggets you find to your copy.

You’ll be SHOCKED at the shiny gold just lying there in the open waiting to be snatched up by a wise copywriter.

 

TIP 5: The 10x Rule

Want to know the BEST way to edit your copy?

I learned this handy tip from Ben Settle (email legend).

He explained his process for revising copy.

It’s very simple and very effective.

But it requires some HARD work.

Here’s what you do…

Read your copy, out loud, 10 times.

After the 10^th merry-go-round, your copy will read clearer than a crystal and be ready to make you and your clients a whole heap of money.

 

TIP 6: The One Thing

Gary Keller (author of The Millionaire Real Estate Agent) wrote a book called The One Thing.

It’s all about finding the one thing that is most important to your success.

Then…

Spending the majority of your time working on this ONE thing… before you work on anything else.

Copywriting is your ONE thing.

(I write copy for the first hour of each day, first thing in the morning.)

This reigns priority.

You can do all the other less important tasks AFTER writing copy.

The beauty of this is, even if you get nothing else done for the rest of your day, you will still have a successful day because you are doing what matters most – bringing in the DOUGH through the copy you write.

 

TIP 7: Consistency is King

There’s a mountain-wide, very successful section of self-help best-sellers teaching the power of habits.

Why?

Because consistency (power of creating habits) is one of the most important skills a business owner can have in their arsenal (yes, as a freelance copywriter you ARE a business owner?

So many copywriters fail miserably simply because they do not stick with it, for long enough.

Plus…

Writing consistently, every day, is the BEST way to improve your writing skills.

 

TIP 8: Money is Attracted to Speed

One of the greatest marketers of all time, Dan Kennedy, taught and lived by this simple yet powerful concept.

Money is attracted to SPEED.

Kennedy pounded out hundreds of products, newsletters, books, seminars…  and made far more money than more talented copywriters and marketers… simply because he realized that money is attracted to speed NOT perfectionism.

Indecision is the death of sales.

So, with all your copywriting projects, set strict deadlines and stick to them.

When you give yourself strict deadlines, you will write better copy, in less time, without getting stuck.

Oh, one last thing…

Ingrain this golden nugget deep inside your noggin - work expands the time given.

The solution…

DEADLINES.

Set strict deadlines to get more done, in less time.

 

TIP 9: Win on Superior Service

You’ve probably heard of the term – USP.

If not, it stands for… unique selling proposition.

This is what separates YOU from your competition and why clients should choose you over the vast sea of options.

The best way to grow a ridiculously profitable, LONG-TERM copywriting business (or career) is to provide superior service to your clients.

Always put your clients first.

Always look for ways to go above and beyond for THEM.

Being the best at superior service is the easiest and most effective way for you to stand out amongst other freelancers.

Plus, it helps you get repeat work & referrals sent to you on a silver platter - year after year.

 

TIP 10: Build a Prospect-to-Product Bridge

One of the greatest living copywriters, Doug D’anna, said:

“You always start with your prospects and build the bridge to your product. Not the other way around.”

Meaning:

Talk about your prospect BEFORE ever mentioning a product and it s features & benefits.

You start with your prospect by getting inside their world.

Understanding their pains, problems, desires, wants… then… you simply build the bridge to your product.

I.E. Tie in how your client’s product will help your readers solve their problems & achieve their goals.

 

TIP 11: Find Your Starving Crowd

There’s an infamous story about Gary Halbert (one of the most successful copywriters & marketers who ever lived) who held a seminar for aspiring writers and asked them.

“Imagine you’re opening a hamburger stand —what advantages would you need most to succeed?’”

The students shouted:

“Secret sauce”

“The best location”

“The highest quality meat”

And so on.

Gary’s reply?

“I’ll grant you all these things, and in return, I only want one thing - A STARVING CROWD.”

This is, by far, the most important lesson that any freelance copywriter can ingrain in their brain and live by.

Listen up:

Your market is EVERYTHING.

When you’re able to pick a market (niche) you’re passionate about, that is filled with high-quality and high-income clients who are STARVING for what you have to offer, you simply can’t lose.

Your job is to find this “starving crowd” and know them better than they know themselves.

This post will show you how to find your own “starving crowd” – LINK TO BLOG POST

WARNING:

If you don’t find a starving crowd to sell your copywriting services to, you will never make any real money… EVEN IF… you have elite copywriting skills.

 

TIP 12: Relentless as a Lion Follow Up

This one’s for my freelance copywriters looking to gain more clients…

Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks, was rejected by over 200 investors before his business took off.

Point is:

It’s rare as a flying pig to convert new leads into copywriting clients with only 1 (or even a few) follow-up attempts.

You must CONSTANTLY be in contact with them.

Constantly sending them emails, texts, phone calls, DMing & interacting on social media.

The more communication you have with them, on a regular basis, the more likely they’ll work with you.

Realize this…

The contact NEVER ends.

You want to stay in communication with them, ESPECIALLY after they do business with you.

Because they can always order again & refer new clients to you!

 

TIP 13: The Marketing triangle

Something to keep in mind with all your marketing efforts is to MASTER Dan Kennedy’s marketing triangle:

You want to deliver the right MESSAGE, to the right MARKET, on the right MEDIA (advertising platform).

The tighter you get these three elements, the more successful you’re marketing (lead gen) will be.

Here’s a quick example of a super-tight marketing triangle:

Market: left-handed bowlers

Message: for left-handed bowlers who want to roll strikes every time and make their friends jealous

Media: placing this ad in a magazine for bowlers

Now, if you’re a left-handed bowler who’s tired of losing to friends and are currently reading a magazine for bowlers and stumble across this advertisement, you are FAR more likely to respond than if you were to see a bland ad on TV on “how to be a better bowler”.

Understand the power of this?

Keep this marketing triangle in mind when reaching out to clients & writing copy. Constantly think of ways to tighten this triangle (by making it sniper SPECIFIC to your target market).

 

TIP 14: Tell Engaging Stories

We are hardwired to be persuaded, entertained and educated by stories.

In fact, entire religions are created by storytelling – I.E. parables about Jesus.

Stories cover all the bases of creating powerful copy - solves problems, persuades, educates, entertains, taps into emotions, etc.

5 types of stories to tell:

• Cautionary tales (of what not to do, mistakes to avoid)
• Stories about celebrities
• Stories about historical figures
• Inspirational stories
• Rags-to-riches stories – related to your market.

BONUS TIP:

The more dramatic and tension-filled your stories are, the more of an impact they’ll have on your audience.

 

TIP 15: Metaphors and Analogies

Like stories…

Metaphors and analogies tap into our psychology faster than a lightning bolt.

We are wired to be entertained and educated by them.

Some of the most influential and historical figures have used metaphors and analogies to influence their crowd, instill belief and motivate them to take action.  

Here’s a few examples:

“All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree.” - Albert Einstein

“If you want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.” - Mother Teresa

“A good conscience is a continual Christmas.” - Benjamin Franklin

 

TIP 16: The “Late to Work” Mindset for Writing Killer Headlines

Here’s one of my favorite “mindsets” to get into when writing copy.

Imagine you are cold calling someone who is your DREAM CLIENT.

You’ve never spoken to them before BUT you KNOW they are in need of your services and that you can provide them value.

Your prospect is frantically driving in his car, late to work.

You only have a sentence to get them to not only not hang up on you, but to get them to pull over to the side of the road and BEG you to tell them more.

What would you say?

(HINT: what you say is FAR more important than how you say it.)  

IMPORTANT:

If you spent the time and energy to study your market, you should have a bunch of ideas to get them to pull over and beg you to keep talking. Simply write down EXACTLY what you would say.

 

TIP 17: The “Day in the Life” Headline

Another mindset to get into before writing killer headlines is to picture yourself as your target audience.

Slip into their shoes.

Live a day in their life.

What are they currently feeling, thinking, going through… when they stumble across your copy?

One of the greatest copywriters of all time – Robert Collier – said:

“You want to enter the conversation your prospect is already having inside their mind."

BECOME your prospect.

Picture yourself as your prospect…

You are bored and mindlessly scrolling through social media (or whatever platform you’re writing for)… what’s the ONE thing you could read that would snap you out of your daze and get you to stop scrolling?

 

TIP 18: The Magic Pill Solution

Everyone wants the instant, effortless, no-thoughts-required way of doing things.

Everyone wants to take the magic pill.

So…

Stress how easy and instant it is to overcome their problems and achieve their fantasies.

Make this more persuasive by adding SPECIFIC DETAILS.

For example:

Don’t say… “Fall asleep faster”

Do say… “Fall asleep in 5 minutes TONIGHT or you don’t pay a single penny.”

 

TIP 19: What’s the REAL Benefit?

Believe it or not…

Losing weight is NOT the main benefit that attracts people to get on a diet.

Nope.

The REAL benefit is what the loss in weight will DO for them…

Make them more attractive to the opposite sex… or…

Feel more confident when going to the beach… or…

Be showered with compliments from friends, family and strangers.

Find out what your client’s product DOES for their audience and display it front and center in your copy (headline).

 

TIP 20: Shower Your Copy with Curiosity

Curiosity killed the cat.

Curiosity also reached out and grabbed your reader’s throat, got them to read your entire ad and click “buy now.”

Sprinkle curiosity into EVERY piece of copy you write.

Think clickbait headlines on social media….

Everyone KNOWS that the article they click on will disappoint them, but they just can’t help to click because of curiosity.

(NEVER clickbait in your copy. This makes readers angry. Always pay off your headline very quickly by making whatever comes next RELEVANT).

 

TIP 21: The Emotional Headline

What’s the biggest pain point, problem or frustration your audience is dealing with when stumbling across your ad?

Feature it in your headline, in a dramatic way.

Do this and you’ll grab their undivided attention and get them to keep reading.

 

TIP 22: Ask More Questions

Questions act as giant red stop signs on our brains. 

Ask a question that your reader can empathize with or would like to see answered.

The questions you ask should always focus on your reader’s self-interest.

 

TIP 23: The Power of Contrast

Like questions, contrast gets us to stop and pay attention.

Paying attention to what’s contrasting is programmed deep into our psychology and neurology.

Believe it or not…

This goes way back to when humans roamed the jungle.

If we noticed something different in our surroundings, we’d spring into survival mode (fight or flight) because it could be a predator trying to eat us.

Contrast still has a BIG effect on our brains.

And you can use this sales phenomenon to stop your target audience dead in their tracks and drag them into your copy.

To reap the ripe benefits of contrast, add polar opposites to your copy.

For example:

obese … anorexic.

Poor … rich.

Heaven … hell.

 

TIP 24: Geek Out on NUMBERS

Humans LOVE numbers.

Humans love LISTS.

Humans love EXACT instructions.

Suck your reader’s eyeballs into your copy and keep em glued by listing the number of benefits, mistakes to avoid, reasons why to take act NOW, and so on.

 

Tip 25: The PAS Formula

Problem...

Agitate…

Solution…

This is a tried n true copywriting formula used by some of the most successful copywriters and advertisers in the game.

It's very simple and super effective.

Here’s how ya do it…

Problem:

Bring up the biggest problem your prospect is currently facing.

Agitate:

Agitate their problem by tapping into their EMOTIONS.

Tap into their anger, resentment, guilt, embarrassment, fear, insecurity, greed - any and every negative emotion you can muster.

Make the problem larger than life, worse than death.

Get them stomping around their house saying “This has got to stop! I’ve got to do something about this. RIGHT NOW!”

Solution:

Then, offer the (instant, effortless, magic pill) solution to their problem!

 

Conclusion

There ya go, my friend.

25 copywriting tips for beginners to help you write more persuasive copy.

Apply one or more of these tips TODAY to multiply your sales and grow your freelance copywriting business to Jupiter (and BEYOND!)

If you want more insider secrets to make you more green stuff, drop your email here:

 

 

 

4 years ago, when I first decided I wanted to become a copywriter, I took up any work I could get my dirty hands on.

I wrote for clients in tech, health supplements, weight loss, SaaS, real estate investing, public speaking, home loans, healthcare, cosmetics, career advice and dozens of other industries.

Plus…

I wrote for a wide variety of copywriting services.

Like: emails, product descriptions, website copy, sales pages, Facebook ads, Google Ads, SEO blog posts and so on.

Yes, I got a lot of work by going broad and being a generalist, but I did NOT make much money (a few thousand per month).

It wasn’t until I chose a copywriting niche and specialized in a specific type of copywriting (emails) that I started to earn a LOT more money from my copy.

If you are a beginner copywriter and just getting your first few clients, I would NOT recommend choosing a niche.

Because it severely limits the number of clients you can get.

Go broad until you have a lot of experience writing for different industries and different types of copy (blog posts, emails, etc.)

Then…

After you’ve gotten a lot of copywriting experience, and have a feel for what you like & dislike, you’ll be ready to choose a copywriting niche and make a small fortune (talking 10k per month… or… much more!)

If you’re past the beginner phase and are ready to choose a copywriting niche, then this blog post will show you how.

I’ll cover what a copywriting niche is, why you should niche down, the 10 highest-paying copywriting niches in 2024 and my secret method for choosing the perfect niche for you (based on your passions and personality).

Let’s get it on…

 

What Exactly is a Copywriting Niche?

A niche is a specific segment of an industry.

Think in terms of:

Types of businesses (ecommerce) or large groups (golfers) & copywriting services (email, landing pages)

Here’s an example of both to sharpen my pencil tip:

Types of businesses:

Finance, Tech, real estate, life coaches, career development, ecommerce, etc.

Copywriting services:

Email copywriting, long-form blog posts, Landing/sales pages, Social media, product descriptions, etc.

 

Should You Pick a Copywriting Niche?

As mentioned above, I would NOT recommend beginners to pick a niche.

However, if you’ve got a handful of clients and a wide variety of copywriting experience, you should ABSOLUTELY choose a niche.

Why You Should Choose a Copywriting Niche

The secret to becoming a wildly successful freelance copywriter is choosing a niche.

Why?

Because choosing a niche helps you identify your ideal clients.

When you know exactly WHO you want to work with, it is much easier to find and attract them.

You want to be fishing in a small pond with big trophy fish (niche) vs a large ocean filled with millions of less-than-ideal fish (general market).

Another benefit of choosing a niche is…

You will be seen as a specialist, rather than a generalist.

Imagine this...

Imagine you are experiencing explosive heart palpitations.

Who would you rather go see – a primary care physician or a cardiologist?

You would obviously want a cardiologist.

Someone who SPECIALIZES in the SPECIFIC problem you’re experiencing.

This is the power of a specialist vs a generalist.

You want to be perceived as a specialist for a number of reasons:

1. Specialists are able to charge much higher fees...
2. Position themselves as the go-to expert for a specific group of people...
3. Have a much easier time standing out from competition...
4. More effective at attracting their ideal clients, because people seek specialists, not generalists...
5. Provide higher perceived and real value to their clients because you are the expert for  THEM and only them...

Plus, by being a specialist, your work is much easier because you only focus on ONE copywriting niche.

You only have to research one industry.

You can quickly become an expert and write great copy with less research than if you continue to have to study and learn new markets, products, etc. (like you have to do when going broad).

 

The 10 Highest Paying Copywriting Niches in 2024

There are boatloads of options to choose from when it comes to finding the right niche for you.

But you want to choose a niche you are interested in, passionate about and has endless opportunities for unlimited wealth and lots of paying copywriting clients who need your copywriting services.

Here are the top 10 ever-green niches to fill your mind with possibilities...

1. Health and Fitness

Sub niches:

• Gyms
• Fitness brands
• Nutrition products
• Wellness centers
• Fitness creators

2. Finance

You can never go wrong with the finance route if you’re looking for the BIG bucks as it’s one of the most profitable copywriting niches.

Targeting Banks, investment firms, and insurance companies. 

Topics in need in the finance writing niche include:

• Personal Finance
• Accounting
• Financial stocks
• Cryptocurrency
• Budgeting/frugality

3. Tech

Tech is one of the FASTEST growing industries today. 

Sub niches:

• SaaS startups
• Cybersecurity companies
• Mobile and computer hardware stores
• Apps
• Gaming

These companies CRAVE good copywriters to promote their products.

4. Ecommerce

More businesses want to launch their businesses online. Thanks to the internet’s worldwide reach.

Sub niches:

• Pet supplies
• Home office
• Home fitness
• Skincare

Here are some of the few: 

• Product descriptions
• Blog posts
• Email campaigns
• Social media copy
• Sales pages

5. Real Estate

The real estate industry is another goldmine for copywriters.

All those businesses and salespeople need content for their websites, ads, property descriptions, email campaigns, etc.

writing web content. 

Real estate companies also need copywriters to write engaging property descriptions and marketing materials (E.g. social media posts and video script

Sub niches:

• Real estate investing
• Brokerages
• Luxury real estate
• Rentals

6. Travel

Travel agencies, hotels, airlines, and tourism boards will need talented copywriters to craft enticing travel descriptions, brochures, website content, and social media campaigns.

7. Pet

Pet suppliers, E-commerce brands, trainers, groomers, etc., need copywriters to sell products and services to this lucrative market.

Sub niches:

• Ecommerce
• Trainers
• Pet books and courses
• Pet suppliers
• Pet stores (like Petco)

8. Self Improvement

• Productivity

• Time management

• Vitamin supplements for mindset

• Info-marketers

9. Academic Education

• Colleges
• High school
• Private school
• Vocational

10. Fashion and beauty

• Ecommerce
• Luxury brands
• Makeup
• Skincare

Types of Copywriting Services to Specialize In:

Here are a bunch of different types of copywriting that are in demand for 2023:

1. Emails
2. Websites
3. Landing pages
4. Blogs
5. Brand copywriting
6. Direct response copywriting
7. Social media copywriting
8. B2C copywriting
9. B2B copywriting
10. SEO copywriting
11. Video scrips
12. Press releases
13. Ebooks
14. Ghostwriting
15. Technical writing
16. Case studies
17. Product descriptions – amazon listings

The most in-demand & highest-paying copywriting services included:

1. Emails
2. Websites
3. SEO
4. Direct response advertising
5. Landing pages

Plus…

You can also combine a niche (or a sub-niche) with a specific copywriting service from the above list to get even more laser-focused.

For example…

You can be the go-to guy or girl for writing SEO blogs for the real estate industry. And you can get even more specific by choosing a sub-niche. For example, writing emails for SaaS start-ups (sub-niche within tech).

Think shotgun vs sniper.

The more sniper-focused your niche is, the better you’ll be able to attract them to you with VERY targeted messaging and positioning.

Now that you understand the importance of choosing a niche and, the different types of niches available, here are the essentials for how to choose the right niche for you.

 

How to Choose the Best Copywriting Niche for YOU

Here is my favorite way to choose a copywriting niche.

This method ensures you will make the most amount of money possible while feeling fulfilled and passionate about what you are writing, who you are writing for, and the lives you are changing through your copy.

What are you passionate about?

The money is where your enthusiasm is.

The first step is to choose a niche based on your passion.

Passion is the key to happiness in business.

When you are passionate about what you do, and passionate about the people you help, you will feel very fulfilled.

This passion will spill into everything you do.

People are naturally attracted to those who are passionate about their job.

Your energy and enthusiasm are contagious.

It will spill into every conversation you have, every piece of content you create, every ad you write, every negotiation you have, every presentation you give... and so on… All contributing to how successful you market yourself and how convincing you are to get clients to work with you.

Your Step-by-Step Plan for Finding a Niche You’re Passionate About:

Create a list of all the stuff you enjoy doing....

All you’re skills...

And everything you’re knowledgeable about (related to copywriting and in general).

Spend some time with this now.

Write down any and everything that comes to mind.

7 questions to help you get started:

• Why did you get into copywriting?
• What types of copy do you enjoy writing most?
• What subjects or hobbies do you enjoy spending time in and talking about? What types of people do you enjoy hanging out with?
• Who are you most passionate about helping?
• What specific knowledge and/or experience do you have?
• What are your 3 biggest skills?

The combo method for choosing a niche

An easy way to choose a niche is to combine one of your hobbies, skills or past jobs with the type of industry and/or copy you want to write.

For example…

If you’re interested or knowledgeable about golf, then, you can go after the golf market – for example: write websites for golf trainers.

A great way to choose a niche is to write for an industry you already have experience in.

For example, if you worked at a hair salon in the past, you could write advertising, social media, blog posts, etc. for local salons.

This would be very beneficial for you because you probably already have connections in this field, you have years of experience, knowledge and expertise in this field, and it would be a lot easier to know the market and also prove you are an expert in this industry (without ever writing a single piece of copy related to this industry yet).

Bang out some research and you will quickly find a niche that aligns with your passions, personal experience, strengths & skills.

5 Stealthy Tools for Finding a Money-Oozing Copywriting Niche You Enjoy:

1. Google Trends – be on the lookout for market trends.
2. Industry trends – see which industries are predicted to grow in the next 5-10 and which are predicted to decline. Type into Google [industry] + growth trends
3. Job sites – see what types of companies are actively hiring copywriters. See what they are looking for. What types of copy, what their goals are, etc. 
4. Competition – competition is a GOOD thing. Because it means there’s money to be made. Research what the top copywriters are doing, what niche are they targeting, what types of services are they offering, etc.
5. Advertisements – get a sense of the types of niches that are already spending money on advertising. See what kind of advertising they use. Get on their email lists. See what types of copywriting/content they’re already using.

 

Conclusion

Spend a lot of time with this.

Choosing the right market is like building the foundation of your home.

Without a stable foundation to build upon, it’s only a matter of time until your freelance business comes crumbling down.

From here on out...

Everything else you do in your freelance copywriting business hinges on the niche you choose.

If you choose a hot niche that you’re passionate about writing for, you will greatly increase your chances of being a successful copywriter and have a long, happy and REWARDING freelance copywriting career.

If you found this post valuable and would like more insider tips to become a top-paid copywriter, enter your email below:

 

 

Back in 2018, I decided I wanted to become a copywriter.

I went at it for almost a year.

Unfortunately…

I threw in the towel because I struggled to learn the essential copywriting skills and could not get enough work to support myself.

Then, in 2020 (when the first COVID lockdowns hit), I jumped back into copywriting and took off like a SpaceX rocket.

I had a lot of early success – over 50 clients in my first few months. And have been working as a full-time copywriter for the last 3 years.  

One BIG reason why I was able to break into copywriting so fast and get steady work, is because I practiced my copywriting skills EVERY DAY.

For the first 3 months…

I read 15 copywriting books (around 50 pages a day) and did 5 specific copywriting practice exercises – DAILY.

I believe that daily copywriting practice is the NUMBER ONE way to improve your copywriting skills.

This blog post will cover the importance of copywriting practice, how to practice copywriting for free (without clients) and my 5 favorite copywriting practice exercises to help you become a better copywriter lickity split.

 

Why Is Copywriting Practice Important?

It’s not secret…

The key to mastering a skill is PRACTICE.

This is no different with copywriting.

When you practice copywriting, you will inevitably improve your writing and persuasion skills.

However, the key to getting the most out of your copywriting practice is to practice DAILY.

It doesn’t have to be long.

Many of the valuable exercises I reveal take just a few short minutes to complete.

When I practiced copywriting as a beginner, I only practiced for 30ish minutes each day.

You too can experience tremendous results from simple, DAILY practice.

 

How to Practice Copywriting for FREE Without Clients (Perfect for Beginners)

When I discovered these copywriting practice exercises, I was a complete beginner and had ZERO clients.

All the exercises I did were 100% FREE.

However, you will need a computer & a notebook.

But you DO NOT need clients, pay expensive monthly fees or any prior copywriting experience.

I recommend ALL beginner copywriters to do these 5 exercises…

 

5 Copywriting Practice Exercises to Instantly Become a Better Copywriter

#1: Handwrite Successful Direct Response Ads

Perhaps the best way to get EXTREMELY good at copywriting is to write PROVEN successful ads by hand.

Why?

Because Gary Halbert tells you to.

Gary Halbert, the Michael Jordan of copywriting, preached this method (this is where I learned it from and WHY I continue to do this practice exercise for 3 years & running).

He said that the best way to become a better copywriter, fast, is to find great direct response ads and write them out by hand.

Because, by doing so, you will internalize the writing process and understand what makes good copy – the structure, selling psychology, what to say, how to say it – on a very deep level that you can ONLY get from writing ads out by hand.

Want to gain 10 of the most successful ads of all time to write out by hand?

See my previous post – 10 Best Ad Copy Examples that will Make YOU a Better Copywriter

#2: Read Ads Out Loud

Another great way to improve your copywriting skills is to read great ads OUT LOUD.

Why?

Because you will pick up “the flow” & rhythm of great copy.

Successful copy is very conversational.

It reads like you’re talking 1:1, to your best friend.

As you read successful copy out loud, notice how you barely stumble.

It’s very easy to read out loud because it’s written in a very down-to-earth, conversational tone.

BONUS TIP:

You can use this practice exercise to improve your copywriting.

How?

By reading your copy out loud.

I do this during the editing phase.

Whenever I stumble over a word or a confusing sentence or phrase, I go back and simplify it.

#3: Analyze the Top Ads

In addition to writing the best ads out by hand and reading them out loud, you should also STUDY THEM.

Do so by analyzing each sentence.

Break the copy down, line by line, to uncover WHY it worked so well.

Uncover the hidden psychology, sales techniques, emotional triggers, irresistible offers, biggest benefits, etc., that are going on “behind the scenes”.

When I practice copy, I do these 3 steps all at once.

I start by reading a successful ad out loud, then write it out by hand, and then break it down to find out WHY it worked so well.

This is the only copy practice I do now.

I find it to be the BEST way to quickly improve your copywriting skills.

This all takes about 30 minutes to do (Depending on how long the ad is. Some can take days to write out by hand).

#4: Turning Features, to Benefits, to REAL Benefits

Benefits are one of the most important elements of copywriting.

To become a top copywriter, you must be a master at finding and dramatizing the TOP BENEFITS of your client’s products/services.

Here’s how to get scary good at turning boring features into irresistible benefits that force your readers to hand over their hard-earned cash…

Step 1:

Go on Amazon.com

Search for any product you want to write about.

Then, open up an Excel spreadsheet (you can use Word or Notepad but Excel is more organized).

AND Create 3 sections at the top labeled – Feature, Benefit, Ultimate Benefit.

Like this:

 

Step 2:

Then, add the product’s name to the left-side column.

And add in 3-5 features from the Amazon product listing, below the column labeled “feature.”

When you’re done it should look like this:

 

Step 3:

Now, turn each bland feature into a benefit.

Write each benefit under the “benefit” column.

Step 4:

Then, take the benefit you just created and dig deeper.

Find the ULTIMATE benefit of what the customer gets by USING the product.

I like to find this by saying “So what?” – until I uncover the REAL benefit.

Here’s an example:

Let’s say you’re doing this practice for a car.

The car is the product.

The feature you are turning into a benefit is - “oncoming car sensor.”

A benefit of this feature could be… to avoid crashes and fender benders.

But, so what?

So what that you can avoid crashes?

What’s the REAL benefit of this?

The ULTIMATE benefit (which you’d add under the last column in Excel) is that you’ll protect yourself and your loved ones from deadly accidents.

That’s the REAL benefit.

That’s what this feature DOES for the customer.

It’s WHY they would buy this product.

They wouldn’t buy this product to simply avoid crashes.

But they WOULD buy it to protect their children and ensure they are safe when driving.

To do this copy practice exercise…

I recommend doing one product and turning 3-5 of its features into benefits, each day.

This is super easy and very effective.

You can complete this in 10 minutes or less.

#5: The 4 U’s Headline Practice

The last copy practice that I did as a beginner to quickly feel confident in my copywriting skills was practicing headlines.

Here’s what I did:

I opened a new window in Firefox and looked at the clickbait headlines from online articles.

Like this:

Most web browsers have this as a default. If you don’t see it, use Firefox or Google Chrome.

Then…

I copied and pasted headlines into a Word document.

And would improve upon them with my copywriting chops.

I made each headline better by using….

The 4 U’s headline formula:

Ultra-specific – specifics are more believable and interesting.

Unique – what’s unique grabs our attention. This is why clickbait articles get read, even though we KNOW they are going to disappoint us. (don’t clickbait your readers but you can write unique headlines as long as you pay it off early in your copy).

Urgent – urgency makes us take ACTION NOW (and read from headline to CTA).

Useful – the biggest benefits of your client’s product or service.

I wrote a few headlines for each U headline.

The reason why you want to improve existing headlines using the 4 U’s technique is because each “U” makes your headlines more attention-grabbing and persuasive.

Here is an example to help you understand how to do this copy practice exercise:

I just jumped on Firefox and found this headline…

"Book a free trip with our new card"

Here’s how I would improve upon it using the 4 U’s headline technique:

Unique

BREAKING: For the first time ever… New “mystery” card allows you to travel anywhere in the world - for FREE

Useful

Spice up your love life by taking your spouse to a sexy tropical getaway – without spending a single dime! Here’s how….

Ultra-specific

10 vacation spots you can travel to for FREE this summer

Urgent

Use this card to book your next trip for FREE – only good until the 30^th

Do this each day and you’ll get muy bueno at writing attention-grabbing headlines.

This takes no more than 10 minutes to do.

 

Conclusion

If you want to become a better copywriter fast, then practice these 5 copywriting exercises.

The key to becoming a better copywriter is to practice these exercises (along with learning from the top copywriting books and writing for clients) EVERY SINGLE DAY.

The copywriter who is CONSISTENTLY improving their skills will be able to earn the most amount of money WITHOUT having to work crazy hours.

If you’d like more copywriting tips to help you sharpen your skills, enter your email below: