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36 Powerful Copywriting Secrets You Can Use, Even if you think you suck at writing

A lot of people are intimidated by writing.

But here’s the thing…

Good writing is not a natural gift. You have to learn to write well.

David Ogilvy said, “People who think well, write well.”

Even if you “think” you suck at writing, you can learn to write powerful copy when you know a few rules…and a few secrets! 😉

Whether you’re launching a new course, a new website, or even writing your Instagram captions…if you have a few of these powerful copywriting secrets in your back pocket you can level-up your copywriting game in no time!

Without further adieu, here we go…

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#1. Write several leads

The most important sentence (after the headline) is the first sentence (or the lead).

The goal of the first sentence is to get the second sentence read. Then the goal of the second sentence is to get the third sentence read. You get the idea!

#2. Spell out everything

What might feel painfully obvious to you, might need to be spelled out clearly for your dear reader.

#3. Don’t “write down” to your prospect

While following rule #2, be sure you don’t talk down to your prospect.

#4. Don’t overuse words

I call them “fillers.” The same way you might say “um” in your natural speech, work hard to eliminate those words that don’t add value to your copy.

#5. Eliminate your first paragraph

Wait. What? Yes, you read that right. It’s often the most time-consuming paragraph to write and the most unnecessary to your copy. Don’t be afraid to delete it if it doesn’t add value.

#6. Check the flow

Have you checked to see if your thoughts flow from paragraph one into paragraph two?

#7. Make sure the last sentence compels your prospect to respond

Just as the first sentence’s job is to get you to read the second sentence…the last sentence’s job is to get your prospect to DO something.

#8. Tell your prospect what to do

Do you want them to click, sign-up, comment? Be sure to spell it out.

#9. Keep it simple

Leonardo da Vinci said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” What more can I say to that?

#10. Use active voice, action words

Example:

ACTIVE: The man must have eaten five hamburgers. (GOOD!)

The man (subject) is doing the eating (verb).

PASSIVE: Five hamburgers must have been eaten by the man. (BAD!)

Hamburgers (subject) are being eaten (verb).

#11. Get to the point

Don’t go around the block to get next door.

#12. Make sure your copy is READABLE!

Does it make sense? Can you read it out loud without stumbling over words?

#13. Include one idea per sentence

When in doubt drop that long sentence like it’s hot. Add a period, and move on with your life.

#14. Accentuate the positive

Find what the product or service does best and capitalize on it!

#15. Make the ordering process simple

This should be part of your UI (user interface) and your copy.

#16. Study the competition’s offers

How can you differentiate yourself, or make your offering better?

#17. Become the authority

Look for ways to talk about what you know on as many platforms as possible. Get on a podcast. Offer to speak at a referral group lunch, use social media to your advantage!

#18. Make it ring true

This refers to the logic of your sentences. Is it possible? Is it reasonable to believe?

#19. Avoid jargon and gobbledygook

Instead of saying, “It’s important to effect the verbalization of concepts through the utilization of unsophisticated terminology.”

Say instead: “Speak simply.”

#20. Don’t be overly repetitive

Repetition can be very effective when used sparingly.

#21. Humor usually backfires

Humor is great, but if you have to ask yourself if your reader will “get” it…it’s probably best to avoid it.

#22. Cut out redundant words

Here are some examples of redundancy: absolutely essential, clear and simple, each and every, pick and choose, meet together, natural instinct, success and achievement, test and evaluate, unexpected surprise

#23. Use caution with questions

Asking a question can be used effectively to disrupt the flow of thought and jolt your reader awake. Best if used sparingly.

#24. Link paragraphs to make the copy flow

One idea per paragraph and link together with transitional words.

#25. Use the 5 “W’s” and an “H

——->Who you are
——->What you’ll do
——->Where to respond
——->When to respond
——->Why he or she will benefit
——->How to respond

#26. Check your copy for honesty

The truth about telling lies is that no one likes a liar. Right?! People expect a little exaggeration, but don’t cross the line into a flat out lie.

#27. Use contractions for emphasis

If you’re (<–contraction) writing anything remotely creative, or including dialogue, you should be using contractions. It’s how we talk in real life.

#28. Be human

Your job is to convince your prospect that they need your product/service today. Tell a story, be creative, be human and be relatable.

#29. Let subheads tell the story

Make your copy scannable, and make sure your subheads flow to tell your story.

#30. Use numerals

Make numbered lists. Use exact numbers when possible.

#31. Focus on solving the problem

If you’ve discovered or built a better mousetrap…sell your mousetrap.

#32. Avoid nonsensical words

Unless your Dr. Seuss, too much gibberish can feel like your reading fiddle-faddle.

#33. Steal concepts — not copy.

Inspiration has to come from somewhere, but don’t steal other’s copy. Be original. Be YOU!

#34. Take a breath test

Read your copy out loud and see if you naturally take a breath between sentences.

#35. Use one benefit per testimonial

Testimonials are so powerful! Narrow it down to the best sentence or two if needed.

#36. Don’t sell. SOLVE.

Solve their problem, and getting them to buy will be easy!

I’m sure that even if you believe you suck at writing, you can become a better writer by learning these secrets. What other ‘secrets’ you add to this list? Leave them in the comments below.

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