A Simple 8 Step Copywriting Formula You Can Use TODAY!

Howdy,

I've read a few topics around here and I think some people don't really know how to structure their copy in order to get the best results possible.

So I've decided to share my formula I've used for years in a row.

1. Headline
2. Story
3. Content
4. Benefits
5. Proof
6. Offer
7. Guarantee
8. Call to action

If there is enough interest on this, I'll develop on every point.

Best regards,
Howard Jackson

 

Yeah i like to know more

 

nice outline - you should develop it. There are plenty of people on here who would like to become better writers...

 

Get a knowledgeable designer. I'm really bored of the old theme all copies are using *_*

 

Good idea, just group it together into smaller modules. Say, module 1 could contain the first 3 topics pointed out by you. Anyway, the option is yours.

 

I think with these heavy words, you must explain your point. Merely saying that what some DP people are doing, without any explanations, borders on arrogance and self-aggrandizement. You just joined DP last month. I do not know how long you have been reading posts here, but to pronounce those words are not acceptable to me.

Please explain your point by pointing out who are these people who "don't really know how to structure their copy" and why do you think they are wrong. It will help if you can quote these people.

I am not a copywriter; I am a content writer, but I have friends here who, in my honest opinion, are the best copywriters online.

 

You may also try this formula (it is somewhat simpler).
1) Write for 10 minutes as fast as you can without any proofreading
2) When you write then write informal style (like writing a letter to a good friend of yours)

This is what I could write in just 10 minutes below:
The Tv series Malcolm In The Middle was aired from 2000 to 2006 and featured Frankie Muniz as a highly gifted intelligent child who is placed in another family since his intelligence is so high so he doesnt feel he belongs anywhere and doesn't fit in. It ran for 7 seasons and 151 episodes and received multiple awards during its run. It has since ben syndicated to over 50 countries around the world. The show Malcolm In The Middle was filmmed mostly in Los Angeles in high school. What made Malcolm, In The Middle different was that they didn't use any laugh track which is commonly used in other series. Nor did they use live audiences. Also, in Malcolm in the Middle show then Frankie Muniz character Malcom speaks directly to the camera and all scenes were filmed with just a single camera instead of multiple cameras. The surname of the family is Wilkerson which is revelaed only 2 times in the series run.

This is what I could write in 10 minutes and is a great way to overcome writers block/procrastination.

 

Sorry, but he's right.

And it doesn't take much of a long read on this board to come to that conclusion of his.

There are so-called writers and copywriters here who do not know that much, never mind the ones who think they are seo gurus. If, IF, what he can offer helps these noobs, I say let him be.

Besides, all he said anyway was that he thought that some people don't really know how to structure their copy in order to get the best results possible.

 

With all due respect sir, I still think Howard must explain his points here and show proofs. It is for the benefit of readers like me who have zero knowledge on copywriting. How can I know the right way of writing copies when someone posts here and merely claims that some people are wrong? Show me what is wrong with what these people are doing and explain why they are wrong, before telling me what is right.

Let me give you an example. The first point, Howard mentioned is "Headline". For a content writer like me, whose projects involve building news sites, headline may mean two things: the title of the news or the most important news. Is this what Howard means? Is copywriting same as news writing? Or is it that "headline" for a copywriter means another thing? Same question for "story", which can mean a lot to different people (to some extent, it may mean a lie).

I really want to learn this stuff. I enrolled in a free copywriting school online, but for reasons I do not know, my account was blocked. Can Howard stand to his claim and explain his points here, so I can learn?

How about you Sir? Can you teach me how to write effective copies?

 

I'm glad to see so much interest on copywriting.

So, starting today, I'll write one module per day, following the given outline.

 

he's already said that he's going to.

 

Okay, we are listening Let's see what you are offering .

 

The Headline

There's a lot of confusion on what a headline really is. Some people think it must reveal the offer, others to target the niche and so on.

In reality, your headline has only two purposes:
a) Stop the prospects and get his attention
b) Get him to read the next sentence in your copy.

So the only two questions you need to ask yourself when writing a great headline will resolve around these: how can I get his attention and how can I make him read my next line?

There are some big headline mistakes people are making. These are:
1. Your headline is not surprising. The #1 way to get attention is to be surprising. People are getting over 1500 marketing messages per day, so why should be yours more interesting? A great way to get a surprising headline is to check the National Enquirer and other tabloids.

2. Your headline is too similar to the competition. People can remember things. So if you're just stealing the headline from another winner website, it won't help you much. Try to be unique and catching in your own fashion.

3. Your headline is predictable. If your headline can't surprise (or make him wonder), then it won't pull.

4. Your headline is not targeted. Your headline should be made exactly for your target prospect, not just for everyone.


TBC (1/3)

 

great. Okay, once you are through or even before. if you wish, could you pls give some examples of great copies? Links/websites etc...

 

Then why don't you ask them?

They're your friends, right?

 

I appreciated you for sharing this knowledge.

 

HOWARD JACKSON This is no new knowledge, and we do not need an explanation, thank you.

You have simply taken the 5 step Dale Carnegie concept, which I teach, unnecessarily expand it, and mimic the contents.

The 5 steps in an article are the same 5 steps in a sales presentation. Your article is an emotional sales presentation to the reader to lead them to the website where they are sold.

These five steps are:
Attention
Interest
Conviction
Desire
Close

Do you need an explanation of these? Most of the participants in this section of this forum are not dummies. Talking down to them is not a good way to start.

Learning is always voluntary, and wise. However it is not mandatory.--------------

 

@Howard. I can see that you are a new member to DP. I am glad to see that you are trying your best to contribute. That is the sign of a great community member. Thanks and Welcome.

Re: Your points of how to be a better writer, naturally, they will appear to be common sense to those who are already equipped. I would enjoy them more if you could give some examples. For instance, your post on Headlines is really valuable. But in the absence of relevant examples, it might come across as simply saying, "write good headlines"

In any case, welcome and thanks for putting in the effort to contribute.

 

Ajeet, you bring up a valid point. I am not tying to discourage Howard, however he is biting off too much to chew at once. At the current time this section is hurting for member contribution. But it must be handled in the correct manner.

I am suggesting that he stop this unclear post and start a new one, inviting participation. Very confusing is your word copywriting, commonly referred to as long sales copy. Is this what is meant or are you referring to content and article writing? Two different beasts.

Try a new post entitled something like, "My Way of Headlines, What About Yours?" Start the topic rolling, but then allow other members to progressively interject. By doing this you are presenting learning, and in turn be open to learning a thing or two yourself.

Then when this subject has gone its course, venture into your next area.
As far as the "community" aspect that is just a bunch of crap. To date it has only meant members joining before you thinking they are superior. On here you are immediately equal.

So you have some interest, just start new, and be very careful with the word copywriting. --------hope this helps--------------

 

That's a very good idea dyadvisor.

Thank you. As soon as I have the time (I'm in a time management nightmare now), I'll try to share my knowledge with people of this forum.
Hope I'll get some positive feedback and interaction.

Best regards,
Howard J.