I am in the search for educational material that won't lead me down a blind path and take my money running. Can there be a manual, or guide that someone can offer assistance in this area? I appreciate it. -1fortune4m
I'm not sure its something you can just learn from a book. Writing is more like an art than a science.
Writing IS an art. You learn by both being taught and doing. Copywriting is sales in print. So, improve your inner salesperson and you'll be on your way to better copy. I would stay away from all the copywriting courses out there. There are plenty of $10-$25 books out there on sales, writing and so forth. Don't get caught up in just educating yourself. You need to also practice. It's a dual procedure--educate/practice.
Would you shut down your computer just to read a printed book, when you can read it on-screen? In addition, is worthless pay for a book when there are literally tons of websites where you can find copywriting resources, samples, and even exercises for practice, most of them for free. Even though you can eventually pay for good stuff in the long run.
If you want to learn sales copy I would recommend several books you should be able to get at your local library: Robert Collier's million dollar letters How to win friends and influence people You should also visit thegaryhalbertletter.com and makepeacetotalpackage.com/ezines/ Any copywriter who makes over $2 million dollars a year, as Clayton Makepeace does, is worth reading. You could also check out the free copywriting audio on Michael Senoff's site... hardtofindseminars.com/Copywriting.html All free. Kindest regards, Andrew Cavanagh
I personally doubt "Clayton Makepeace" makes $2 Million dollars a year from copywriting for clients. If he even makes that amount it is from selling courses to his vulnerable customers. It is the same as so-called internet marketers who sell digital products. They obviously lie about their earnings or they would dedicate more time to that, rather than teaching people how to do it themselves. Also, why does Clayton Makepeace not opt for vertical integration and start selling products in other areas using his mouth-watering copy?
Clayton Makepeace makes obvious grammatical errors on his website. These are not deliberate or purposeful.
imo, copywriting first step is to understand product very well and use the product first...get the feel and tell people 'that feel' of using it... i prefer Dan Kennedy and Sugarman, fun stuff to learn...joe vitale hypnotic writing is A MUST !! hehe
First, my ONLY income is royalty income from clients. I have never taken a penny from sale of my books or courses. Those profits are re-invested in THE TOTAL PACKAGE in an attempt to help more young writers and marketers. Second, it was not I, but Bob Bly and (separately) AWAI who outed me on my annual income. They found out how much I make from folks who worked with my number one client. Third, I am in the process of launching several new companies though which we will sell goods and services on the web and through the mail. Look for announcements in late summer and in the fall. And fourth, I never claimed to be a preefrooder -- just a copywriter. Anyone who tells you he never publishes anything with an error in it is a bald-faced liar. Hope this helps ...
There's no short cut to learning good writing then experience. Reading books on it can help, but the more you write the better you will be. You will make mistakes and learn from them. Dedicate time each day to writing.
Maria Veloso's "Web Copy That Sells" is great for structure. http://www.amazon.com/Web-Copy-That-Sells-Revolutionary/dp/0814472494 (Non Aff) Dan Kennedy's "Ultimate Sales Letter" Is the perfect companion to WCTS as it cuts out structure, gives you some actual copywriting meat, tricks of the trade and elements you can swipe and use in your own copy straight off the bat. http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Sales-Letter-Powerful-Techniques/dp/1580622577 (non aff) Once you have the basics down you can start looking into some more advanced copywriting. Gary Bencivenga is one of the world's best and has some excellent insights (for free) at http://bencivengabullets.com/archive.asp
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In addition, I have to add that the above books have definitely helped me get to where I am now with my online business. Nothing beats taking action of course. Once you've read them a few times you need to put what you've learned into practice to see any kind of results or improvement