How I Learned To Write Advertising Copy

This whole “writing ad copy” thing sorta started by accident.

In 1983 Uncle Sam discharged me from the US Navy, I started looking for jobs and a way to make a living. Nothing seems to land. I was over-qualified, under-qualified, not enough experience. Whatever.

But I kept searching.

Then one day I happen to spot an ad in the classifieds –

“Make Money From Home Painting Novelties”

I thought, “What the heck. Nothing else seems to be working.” So I inquired.

A few days later, I received all the details and got started.

It was a mail order kit of sorts. It listed places who bought these little figurines that you painted. You send out sales materials to these places and they would send you back money for your products.

BAM! It hit me. This was so cool. Maybe I could sell other things by mail.

That was my humble beginning of direct marketing and copywriting. It’s stuck with me to present day.

Now, I’m a decent copywriter (no A-List master or anything) – but I can get the job done and I enjoy the thrill of results that it produces.

Even to this day I still run a small mail order business part time. I love it!

Now that you know a little background, let me show you the basic steps I took to get “decent” at writing sales copy.

Big $$$ Investment  - Not Needed

For starters, you won’t need to invest thousands of dollars to get a basic understanding of how it’s done.

I started looking into the “biz-opp” and “Opportunity” magazines of the time. I’d study the classified sections and sent off for anything that dealt with working from home, book dealerships.

That led to other mail order type publications. Once of the first big influences was Melvin Powers, owner of Wilshire Book Company.

Soon after, I started saving ads that ran over and over (a swipe file). These ads were winners so I studied them and tried to figure out what made them successful.

Public Library Proves To Be A Winner

Then I went to the public library and checked out all the books dealing with advertising, sales, mail order, and marketing. Some were good – others not so good. But I found a common thread of ideas so I eventually bought the books I found most valuable. Over the years, I’ve accumulated dozens of great resources.

I’ll put a list of my most favorite business books in this post for your consideration.

Write Out Ads

Another task I did which proved to be very helpful was to hand-write out controls. A control is an ad, sales letter, otherwise marketing piece which produces the most or highest possible results.

It’s a vicious game these top direct marketing company play. Typically they will mail several pieces at one time. Then, they’ll hire top writers, paying top dollar who compete for the control. The winner becomes the control.

Unless you plan on writing for top clients like Rodale, you really don’t  need to worry about this. But it’s still good to know about what a control is.

Many other factors (from my humble experience) play into getting the most sales. But that’s another post for another time.

Suffice to say, it’s worth taking the time learning the basics of good copywriting.

As you can see, there’s no magic shortcuts – despite what all the “gurus” say. It’s takes a conscience, deliberate effort.

And it takes a LOT of writing. Again, no magic but with your permission, I’d be glad to send you a special “jump-start” package.

 

FREE – Copywriting Jump-Start Package

If you’re serious about learning to write advertising copy, you’ve got to get this special “jump-starter package I’ve put together for you! It’s got your name written all over it.

It’s all about what you need to get started writing good copy in the shortest amount of time. I know that I said there were no shortcuts, but this is as close at it gets.

You’ll be a advertising primer (nearly all the pros started with this book) that gives you a basic education in writing direct response advertisements.

You’ll get samples of great ads that have sold millions of dollars’ worth of products.

You’ll get a headline starter “kit” filled with attention getting headlines to fuel your ideas.

Plus, I’ll throw in a free 30-minute business consultation. I LOVE to talk shop and this is your golden ticket to ask me anything business, marketing or copywriting related.

Click here to get your FREE Copywriting Jump Start Package. 

Questions or concerns  - Email me directly at: eemassey@yahoo.com

                                        

Yours for higher profits,

 

Emette