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[Rob Hammond Company: Global Virtual Opportunities Contribution Level: 4]

Hey,
I may not write copy like Frank Kern, but the fact of the matter is, I've kinda been able to survive in the online marketing community without having to go to expensive copywriters.
And here's why, and I believe this is what gives people like me a competitive advantage over all of the other non-copywriting-experts out there: what you lack in persuasion you make up for in value.
I'll put it this way: in my experience, if you can simply make a completely irresistible offer packed with immense value, the actual meat and potatoes of the copy is irrelevant. I kid you not: it's totally irrelevant.
The "And wait.. there's more" line really works. Just make the offer so rediculously valuable that the actual persuasive elements of the copy don't really matter a ton. Turn everything into an irresistible offer.
What's your take, pro copywriters?
-Rob

[betsy czark Contribution Level: 2]

Hi Rob,
If you have a list that loves you, I agree copywriting doesn't matter much.
In that world, the relationship and the offer trump all.

Otherwise copywriting is important. Of course, a valuable offer is important as well.
You might be surviving in internet marketing, but imagine how much better you would do with better copywriting skills AND a valuable offer.

You don't need to hire an expensive copywriter though.

You can learn yourself.
For a start read all of Gary Halbert's letters and Scientific Advertising by Claude C. Hopkins 10 times each.

You can get Gary Halbert's letters emailed to you free via http://www.thegaryhalbertletter.com/

Good copywriting is mostly a matter of really figuring out your target market and sincerely writing to them and addressing their needs and hot buttons.

Best wishes in your ventures

[Bill Coton Company: Mentoring For Free Contribution Level: 1]

I have got to admit copy writing has been a big stumbling block for me, and that is what has stopped me in the past.

I got a great tip last year, set up Google alerts to come you your email box or to Google reader.
These alerts should be set up using your product or service keywords.
Jot down anything you might find useful.
Get yourself a timer, if you are new to this start at 5 minutes then build up to 25 minutes.
I don't type that fast, but I get around 500 words in 25 minutes.
Don't edit your document, just keep on typing, the idea is not to disturb you flow.
Save your document and leave it for half a day or more 24 hours is better.
Then go back and edit, and don't forget to proof read it a few time before posting

Bill Coton

[betsy czark Contribution Level: 2]

Hi Bill,

Congratulations on getting over your writing block.
(FYI - you might want to get on twitter alert as well)

The next step is copywriting. That is writing persuasively - and from your target markets
point of view.

Check out that link in my last post for the Gary Halbert letter.
He is alot of fun to read. He will teach you abunch along the way as well.

[Rob Hammond Company: Global Virtual Opportunities Contribution Level: 4]

Hey Betsy,
Scientific Advertising is next on my reading list... right now I'm working on a book by David Allen called 'Getting Things Done'.
Bill,
I learned that trick from Daegan Smith. Very cool little trick.

[betsy czark Contribution Level: 2]

Rob,

Enjoy the book.Claude Hopkins is a straight shooter. At first it doesn't seem like it will an interesting read. But it is. I have read it several times myself.

Have you checked out The Gary Halbert Letters. His stuff is very fun to read.

[harry stevens Contribution Level: 1]

Rob, I Disagree.

Here's Why...

Its one thing to create "value driving content" to get people on your list BUT(and that's a BIG But) a completely different animal when it comes to keeping them on your list and having them hand you their money for years to come.

In other word...You can have the best content in the world but if your sales message is lacking in the direct response department- your results WILL suffer.

Good luck

[Rick Katz Contribution Level: 1]

I think some of the keys to good copywriting are:

1. Know who your visitor is.

2. Know what they want and offer it to them.

3. Know how to explain your offer in clear terms
using clearly described features and benefits.

4. Know what your visitor's pains are and show
how your product can relieve their pain. You do
this by describing the pain they have so that they
know that you know. Then describe how your
product can relieve their pain. Think aspirin
commercials.

[betsy czark Contribution Level: 2]

Excellent explaination Rik.

You must write some great copy.

Welcome to the forum.

[Rick Katz Contribution Level: 1]

Excellent explaination Rik.

You must write some great copy.

Welcome to the forum.

Thanks Betsy. I appreciate that. I see you're also a fan
of Halbert. I've read many of his letters over the years
and learned a lot from him.