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10 Copywriting Hacks from 7-Figure Copywriters (Make More Sales TODAY)

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Thursday, January 16, 2025

copywriting


What separates average copywriters from the ones pulling in seven figures?

It’s not just their writing skills.

It’s the strategies they use.

The best part?

You don’t have to guess what those strategies are. The most successful copywriters in the game have already shared their secrets, and today, I’m bringing 10 of their most effective copywriting hacks straight to you.

These aren’t random stips pulled from thin air. Each one comes directly from the minds of legendary 7-figure copywriters—people like Gary Halbert, John Carlton, and Eugene Schwartz. They’ve tested these methods in the trenches, perfected them, and used them to generate millions of dollars in sales.

If you want to write copy that grabs attention, builds desire, and gets your readers to take action, keep reading. These hacks will show you how the pros do it—and how you can do it too.


michael masterson


Copywriting Hack #1 – Use the “Power of One” 

Mark Ford (writing under the pen name Michael Masterson) popularized a simple but incredibly powerful idea called the "Power of One." It’s a principle many copywriters overlook, but mastering it can instantly make your copy stronger and more focused.

Here’s how it works:

When you’re writing sales copy, focus on one big idea. Not two. Not three. Just one.

Why?

Because the human brain can only handle so much at once. If you try to cram multiple ideas, angles, or promises into your copy, you’ll confuse and overwhelm your readers. Confused readers don’t buy—they leave.

Let’s break it down:

• One Big Idea: Your copy should center around a single, compelling promise or concept. For example, if you’re writing about a weight loss product, your “one thing” might be how it helps burn fat fast—don’t dilute it by also talking about how it builds muscle or improves skin.

• One Core Emotion: Your copy should trigger one dominant emotion—whether that’s fear, greed, desire, or relief. If you’re bouncing between emotions, your message loses impact.

• One Call to Action: Don’t ask your reader to “sign up,” “buy now,” and “learn more” all in the same piece. Keep your call to action simple and singular.

Mark Ford used this principle to craft laser-focused, high-converting copy for financial newsletters, an industry where attention spans are short and the stakes are high. And guess what? It worked like a charm.

Next time you sit down to write, ask yourself: “What’s the one thing I want my reader to walk away with?” Then ruthlessly strip away anything that doesn’t support that idea. The result? Copy that’s clear, compelling, and converts like crazy.

joe sugarman


Hack #2 – Use the “Greased Slide” Technique

Joseph Sugarman was a master at keeping readers glued to the page, and one of his most famous strategies for doing this was the “Greased Slide” technique. The idea is simple: your copy should be so smooth, so easy to read, that the reader can’t stop until they reach the end.

Think about it like a playground slide. Once someone starts at the top, gravity takes over, and they naturally glide all the way down. That’s how your copy should feel—effortless. No bumps, no friction, no reason for the reader to pause or click away.

Here’s how to create a Greased Slide in your own writing:

1. Start with an irresistible first sentence.

Halbert often began his sales letters with a short, intriguing statement designed to spark curiosity or urgency. For example: “If you want to lose weight while eating chocolate cake, read this.” It’s impossible not to keep reading after that.

2. Write like you talk.

Your copy should sound natural and conversational, like you’re talking to a friend. Short sentences. Simple words. No jargon. Halbert believed that when your writing feels “too written,” you lose readers.

3. End every sentence with a reason to read the next one.

Each sentence should build anticipation for what’s coming next. This is where Halbert’s brilliance shone—he knew how to tease just enough to keep readers hooked, but not so much that they got frustrated.

4. Eliminate friction.

Anything that slows the reader down—long sentences, big blocks of text, or complicated ideas—needs to go. Halbert would rewrite his copy until it flowed effortlessly, cutting any word or phrase that created even the slightest bump.

Gary Halbert once said, “If your copy is boring, they’ll stop reading.” It’s brutally honest but true. Use the Greased Slide technique to ensure your readers stay engaged, and you’ll dramatically increase your chances of closing the sale.


Copywriting Hack #3 – Use Specificity to Build Credibility

Claude Hopkins, the father of scientific advertising, was a stickler for specificity. He believed that vague claims didn’t sell because they lacked credibility. If you want your readers to trust you—and ultimately buy from you—specifics are your secret weapon.

One of Hopkins’ most famous ads was for Schlitz beer. At the time, every brewery was claiming their beer was “pure,” but Hopkins took it a step further. He toured the factory and saw how Schlitz steam-cleaned their bottles and sterilized every piece of equipment. Instead of just saying, “Our beer is pure,” his ad described the exact process in detail. That level of specificity set Schlitz apart and turned them into one of the top beer brands in America.

Here’s how to use this hack in your own copy:

Be exact with numbers.

Instead of saying, “Lose weight fast,” say, “Lose up to 7 pounds in 7 days.” Specific numbers feel real and believable, while vague claims feel like empty promises.

Get granular with your benefits.

If you’re selling a productivity app, don’t just say, “Get more done.” Instead, say something like, “Finish your daily to-do list in half the time and free up 2 extra hours every day.”

Show behind-the-scenes details.

Like Hopkins did with Schlitz, pull back the curtain on your product or service. Explain the process, the ingredients, or the research behind it. People trust what they can see and understand.

When you use specificity, you separate yourself from competitors making generic claims. As Hopkins proved, the more detailed and credible your copy feels, the more likely people are to trust you—and buy from you.


Copywriting Hack #4 – Make Your Copy Visually Inviting

John Carlton, one of the most respected copywriters in the business, is known for his “punchy, in-your-face” writing style. But what many people overlook is his knack for making his copy look easy to read. Carlton understood that even the best-written copy won’t convert if it feels overwhelming to look at.

Here’s the deal:

Readers don’t actually “read” copy at first. They skim. If they see long blocks of text or dense paragraphs, their brain goes, “Ugh, too much work,” and they’re gone. Carlton solved this by breaking up his copy visually, making it feel effortless to consume.

Here’s how you can steal this hack...

Use short paragraphs:

Carlton often wrote paragraphs that were no more than 1-2 sentences. Sometimes even just a single line. Why? Because big walls of text look intimidating, while short chunks are easy to skim and digest.

Vary your sentence length:

A mix of short, punchy sentences and longer, more detailed ones creates a rhythm that pulls readers along. Carlton knew how to use this to keep readers engaged without making them feel bogged down.

Add subheadlines:

Subheads break up your copy and give the reader clear “entry points” if they’re skimming. Carlton’s subheads were often bold, intriguing, and benefit-driven, making them impossible to skip.

Use formatting strategically:

Bold key phrases. Use italics for emphasis. Add bullet points where appropriate. These little tricks guide the reader’s eyes to the most important parts of your copy.

Don’t make your readers work to read your copy. Make it visually inviting, and you’ll keep them engaged all the way through to your call to action.


Copywriting Hack #5 – Appeal to the Reader’s Self-Interest

Robert Collier, the author of The Robert Collier Letter Book, had a golden rule:

Always enter the conversation already happening in your reader’s mind. In other words, don’t start with what you want to say—start with what your prospect is already thinking.

People don’t care about you, your business, or even your product. What they care about is themselves. Their problems. Their desires. Their frustrations. And Collier understood this better than most. That’s why his copy always revolved around one central question: What’s in it for the reader?

For example, if you’re selling a weight loss product, don’t lead with how amazing your program is or how many awards it’s won. Your reader doesn’t care. What they care about is fitting into their favorite jeans again or getting compliments from their friends. Speak directly to those desires.

Collier would dig into his prospect’s pain points and address them head-on. If someone was frustrated with trying and failing to lose weight, he’d start with that frustration: “You’ve tried every diet under the sun. You’ve counted calories, skipped meals, and spent hours at the gym—only to step on the scale and see no results. Sound familiar?” That’s how you instantly connect with a reader—by showing them you understand their struggle.

Once you’ve got their attention, show them how your product solves their problem. Frame it entirely around their self-interest. Don’t tell them how great your solution is—tell them how great their life will be because of it.

Collier’s work is a masterclass in writing copy that feels personal, empathetic, and laser-focused on the prospect. The more you appeal to their self-interest, the more likely they are to trust you, believe you, and ultimately buy from you.


Copywriting Hack #6 – Create Emotional Tension Before You Reveal the Solution

Eugene Schwartz, author of Breakthrough Advertising, was a master at using emotional tension to keep readers hooked. He understood that before you can sell your solution, you need to make your prospect feel their problem on a deep, emotional level.

Here’s how Schwartz approached it:

He didn’t just tell readers they had a problem—he made them feel the weight of it. His goal was to amplify the discomfort of their current situation until the reader had to keep reading to find relief.

For example, if Schwartz were selling a weight loss product, he wouldn’t start by listing features or benefits. He’d first describe the frustration, shame, and hopelessness of trying and failing to lose weight: the jeans that won’t zip, the embarrassment of avoiding the beach, the crushing guilt after another “cheat meal.” He painted such a vivid picture of the pain that readers couldn’t help but nod along, thinking, “That’s me.”

Once the reader was fully immersed in their pain, Schwartz would slowly introduce the promise of a solution—his product. But he didn’t reveal it all at once. He teased it. He made readers desperate to know what it was. Only after building enough anticipation and tension would he unveil the solution, framing it as the ultimate relief to their problem.

This technique works because it mirrors how people make decisions in real life. People don’t act on logic—they act on emotion. By stirring up those emotions, you make your readers crave a resolution. And when you present your product as that resolution, it becomes the natural choice.

So, before you dive into your product’s features or benefits, channel your inner Eugene Schwartz. Build emotional tension. Make readers feel the problem they’re facing. Then—and only then—give them the solution they’ve been waiting for.


Copywriting Hack #7 – Use Risk Reversal to Eliminate Doubt

Jay Abraham, one of the most successful marketing minds of all time, perfected the art of “risk reversal.” He understood that the biggest obstacle to getting someone to buy isn’t price—it’s fear. Fear of wasting their money. Fear of making a bad decision. Fear of being scammed.

Abraham’s solution was simple but brilliant: remove the risk entirely. Instead of asking the customer to shoulder the burden of trust, you take it on. When you do this, you eliminate the doubt that keeps people from saying yes.

One of Abraham’s famous examples of risk reversal was a marketing campaign for a carpet cleaning business. Most companies at the time offered a basic “satisfaction guarantee.” But Abraham took it a step further. He had the business offer a 100% refund if the customer wasn’t thrilled with the results—and they even promised to pay for a competitor to re-clean the carpet if needed. That’s how you crush objections.

Risk reversal works because it lowers the barrier to buying. When people see that they have nothing to lose, they’re far more likely to take action. The key is to make your guarantee specific and bold enough to feel meaningful. A weak “satisfaction guaranteed” line won’t cut it—you need to go all in.

For example, instead of saying, “We guarantee you’ll like our service,” say, “If you don’t absolutely love the results, we’ll refund every penny—no questions asked—and let you keep the product for free.” Bold guarantees like this show confidence in what you’re offering and make it nearly impossible for a prospect to walk away.

Jay Abraham built his empire by making people feel safe when they bought. Follow his lead, and you’ll find that risk reversal isn’t just about overcoming objections—it’s about building trust, confidence, and a sense of certainty that drives sales through the roof.


Copywriting Hack #8 – Tap Into “Future Pacing” to Paint a Better Tomorrow

Dan Kennedy, a giant in the world of direct response copywriting, was a master at helping readers see themselves enjoying the benefits of a product before they even bought it.

His secret weapon?

A psychological technique called "future pacing."

Future pacing is all about planting a vivid picture of your prospect’s ideal future in their mind—a future where their problems are solved, their dreams are realized, and life is infinitely better. Kennedy used this technique to transport his readers emotionally, making them feel like they were already living the life they wanted, thanks to the product or service he was selling.

For instance, let’s say you’re writing copy for a financial planning service. Kennedy wouldn’t focus on boring details about interest rates or budgeting strategies. Instead, he’d take the reader on a mental journey: “Imagine waking up one morning, knowing your retirement is fully funded. No stress. No worry. You sip your coffee on the porch of your beach house, watching the sunrise. You have the freedom to travel, spoil your grandkids, and never work another day unless you want to. That’s the power of smart financial planning.”

The genius of future pacing lies in its ability to bypass logic and speak directly to emotion. When your prospect can see and feel the transformation your product will bring, they’ll naturally want to take action to make it real.

To apply this hack, start by understanding your prospect’s ultimate goal or desire. Then describe that future in rich, sensory detail. Use words that evoke images, emotions, and experiences. Make it so real they can practically taste it.

Dan Kennedy knew that future pacing wasn’t just about selling a product—it was about selling a better version of the reader’s life. And when you master this technique, your copy will inspire action because it’s no longer about what you’re selling—it’s about what they’re buying: a better, brighter future.


Copywriting Hack #9 – The “Reason Why” Formula

John E. Kennedy, the copywriter who coined the term “salesmanship in print,” taught one of the most valuable copywriting hacks of all time: always give your reader a reason why.

Kennedy believed that consumers are naturally skeptical. They question everything—Why should I trust you? Why is this product better? Why are you making this offer now? Without a solid explanation, they won’t buy. But when you provide a compelling reason why, you shatter their resistance and build instant credibility.

For example, instead of saying, “This offer is only available for the next 48 hours,” give a reason why the deadline exists: “We’re limiting this offer to 48 hours because we only have 200 units in stock, and we expect them to sell out quickly.” That extra explanation turns what might seem like a sales gimmick into a believable and logical reason to act fast.

Kennedy’s genius was in showing how "reason why" copywriting creates trust. It’s not enough to make bold claims or promises; you need to back them up with evidence, logic, or a good story. If you’re offering a discount, explain why: “We’re running this sale because it’s our anniversary, and we want to thank our loyal customers.” If you’re selling a new product, explain why it’s better: “This formula took five years to develop and was tested on over 1,000 customers to guarantee results.”

Every claim you make should feel justified. Every objection you address should have a logical answer. Kennedy believed that when you consistently provide reasons why, you take the guesswork out of buying and create a sense of trust and transparency that makes your reader feel comfortable saying yes.

The next time you’re writing copy, don’t just tell your readers what to do—tell them why they should do it. As John E. Kennedy proved, a well-explained “reason why” can be the difference between hesitation and a sale.


Copywriting Hack #10 – Borrow Credibility Through “Proof Elements”

David Ogilvy, often called the "Father of Advertising," was obsessed with proof. He knew that big claims alone don’t sell—people need to believe you. And the fastest way to build that belief is by borrowing credibility through proof elements.

What are proof elements?

They’re pieces of evidence that back up your claims, so your audience doesn’t have to just take your word for it. Ogilvy famously said, “The consumer isn’t a moron; she’s your wife.” He understood that people are skeptical by nature, and proof elements are what shatter that doubt.

Here are some of Ogilvy’s favorite ways to add proof to your copy:

• Testimonials and Case Studies: Real people sharing real results. These are gold. A good testimonial answers the reader’s unspoken question: “Will this work for me?”

• Statistics and Data: Numbers are hard to argue with. Ogilvy loved including specific stats to make claims more believable. Instead of saying, “This vacuum is powerful,” he’d say, “This vacuum removes 99.97% of dust particles in one pass.”

• Social Proof: People trust what others trust. Mention the number of happy customers, rave reviews, or big-name clients who use your product. Ogilvy often included mentions like, “Nine out of ten doctors recommend this brand.”

• Before-and-After Stories: Show the transformation your product delivers. A photo, testimonial, or story of someone’s journey from “problem” to “solution” is incredibly persuasive.

• Credentials and Authority: If you or your product has any awards, certifications, or endorsements, flaunt them. Ogilvy often leaned on these to boost the perceived legitimacy of a brand.

Proof elements make your claims feel irrefutable. When you stack them in your copy, you reduce skepticism and make it nearly impossible for readers to say no. Ogilvy’s ads were packed with evidence because he knew this one truth: in the battle between belief and doubt, proof wins every time.


Conclusion

The best copywriters in the world didn’t get to the top by accident—they followed proven strategies that consistently worked. These 10 copywriting hacks, straight from the minds of 7-figure legends like Gary Halbert, Eugene Schwartz, and David Ogilvy, are the same ones that have generated millions of dollars in sales.

Now it’s your turn. Whether you’re crafting a sales page, an email, or a Facebook ad, these hacks can take your copy from good to great—and your results from meh to mind-blowing.

Remember, copywriting is both an art and a science. The more you study and apply these timeless principles, the more you’ll see the kind of results that can transform your career (and your bank account).

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GET PAID LIKE A KING TO WRITE FOR BRANDS YOU LOVE - TODAY!

The "King of Copy" is Giving Away Tips for Becoming a Top Paid Copywriter Right Now

Click the button below to open Jeremy's daily email tips and a FREE video training straight out of his popular $500 course – Overnight Clients

Click the button below to open Jeremy's daily email tips and a FREE video training straight out of his popular $500 course – Overnight Clients