Is there such a thing as a headline copywriter?

Discussion in 'Copywriting' started by pedia7, Mar 23, 2007.

  1. #1
    Is it possible to become a headline only copywriter? Just wondered if people actually get paid to write headlines only.
     
    pedia7, Mar 23, 2007 IP
  2. chant

    chant Well-Known Member

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    #2
    Headline: "Copyrighters to employers: will write headlines -- if pay is good"

    That'll be $2.50 please. :D
     
    chant, Mar 23, 2007 IP
  3. devin

    devin Guest

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    #3
    yes. writing headline comes under copywriting, because the headline is one of the most important elements that sells.
     
    devin, Mar 23, 2007 IP
  4. integrity

    integrity Well-Known Member

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    #4
    The easiest money in the world. I know what service I am offering in the BST next. :D
     
    integrity, Mar 23, 2007 IP
  5. LegendaryPosting

    LegendaryPosting Peon

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    #5
    you may think its easy but when everyone comes up with a headline for something it actually is hard!
     
    LegendaryPosting, Mar 23, 2007 IP
  6. geegel

    geegel Well-Known Member

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    #6
    I had a few contracts of this type and believe me, it is anything but easy.

    Most of the time this project requires an enormous amount of split testing and you must always keep in mind that the customer must like it too.

    Something similar can be done with AdWords copywriting. If you're really good, you will see that people pay top dollar and are actually getting great value for it. There's nothing trivial here, it is quite dead serious.

    Hope this helps.

    Best regards, George
     
    geegel, Mar 25, 2007 IP
  7. jgjg

    jgjg Peon

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    #7
    I've heard most who write good headlines have enormous 'swipe files' of successful ads. Also they probably write at least 100.

    And as George says, they have to be split tested to find a control.

    ----------------------------------------------
    Sensational, Profit Pulling Sales Copy
    For Your Website & Email Promotions
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    jgjg, Mar 29, 2007 IP
  8. hst151975

    hst151975 Peon

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    #8
    I've seen a few good swipe files. I downloaded an Agora health and finance sales letter swipe file a few years back that gave me incredible ideas.
     
    hst151975, Mar 29, 2007 IP
  9. NathanielJ

    NathanielJ Active Member

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    #9
    It is absolutely true - writing headlines is anything but easy.
    It is quite tough, indeed because you need an eye-catching phrase and what is more - you need it original and appealing to the customers.;)
     
    NathanielJ, Mar 30, 2007 IP
  10. Josiah

    Josiah Banned

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    #10
    Hell yes, just look at the tabloids, the newspapers and the magazines...

    Some copywriters are employed full time to write just the headlines...

    Seriously there is some big money there and if I were you I'd be taking notes from these magazines, they spend hundreds of thousands to find out what works...

    Josiah:D
     
    Josiah, Mar 30, 2007 IP
  11. Your Content

    Your Content Banned

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    #11
    Copyrighters or copywriters?

    This forum make some many people fall into confusing explanations that I'm not sure :rolleyes:
     
    Your Content, Mar 30, 2007 IP
  12. marketjunction

    marketjunction Well-Known Member

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    #12
    Becoming a solid headline writer--something few achieve--takes a lot of time and practice. It's not just about swipe files. That only gets you so far. You've got to understand why and when things work.
     
    marketjunction, Apr 2, 2007 IP
  13. infoworld

    infoworld Peon

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    #13
    The headline is the most important part of copywriting. It's the "hook" that pulls your reader into the sales letter (website, ad, newsletter, etc.).
     
    infoworld, Apr 2, 2007 IP
  14. Danny Bourne

    Danny Bourne Peon

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    #14
    I work for all three (in the UK) and I'm not aware of anyone who is employed solely to write headlines - it's generally a group effort between the copywriter/journalist, section editor and subber.

    Edit: the worst I have been paid by any of these 30c a word. The best was over $1. Which is nice.
     
    Danny Bourne, Apr 8, 2007 IP
  15. marketjunction

    marketjunction Well-Known Member

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    #15
    You won't find someone employed to just do headlines in the traditional print media outlets (like newspapers). As was mentioned, the editor will write the headline and it's a "bounce ideas off the wall" event.

    Writing the headline is usually one part of a job (like editing).
     
    marketjunction, Apr 9, 2007 IP
  16. Josiah

    Josiah Banned

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    #16
    Yeah I thought that too, until I heard that people are employed full time to write headlines for the National Enquirer and such...

    But I guess they need it, most of the sales from the newsracks are generated from the headlines alone...

    Josiah:D
     
    Josiah, Apr 9, 2007 IP
  17. lilybaby

    lilybaby Guest

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    #17
    I believe it's no easy money... people live out of writing short phrases that say plenty. Advertising Agencies pay copywriters to come up with slogans and "copies" (texts found in adds). Point is, if you have the cash, you can find someone willing to write your Diary! So, why not a headline copywriter...
     
    lilybaby, Apr 9, 2007 IP
  18. Flif

    Flif Active Member

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    #18
    There is - me.:D

    Ok. Let's go serious - writing headlines is a very tough job and requires time, linguistic skills and what is more important than anything else - to know your audience well.
     
    Flif, Apr 11, 2007 IP
  19. sumbitarticle

    sumbitarticle Active Member

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    #19
    Yes absolutely framing a catchy headline will need some skills.
     
    sumbitarticle, Apr 12, 2007 IP
  20. MohMag

    MohMag Peon

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    #20
    I wouldnt be surprised if something like this exists. But of course i know it seems easy but i dont think it is as easy as everyone thinks. A headline has to catch your attention and get you intruiged without it being something that has been used over a million times Oh and you also have to put a whole idea or point or belife in ONE measly sentance. Now i dont think it seems that easy.
     
    MohMag, Apr 12, 2007 IP