the not so secret formulas of copywriting
TRANSCRIPT
THE NOT SOSECRET
FORMULAS USED BY COPYWRITERS
BY: ROBERT WILLIGER
HOW THE COPYWRITING FORMULASUSED BY THE PROS CAN HELP YOU
IN YOUR EVERYDAY WRITING
www.robertwilliger.com @robertwilliger
What is copywriting?
From Wikipedia: Copywriting is written content conveyed through onlinemedia and print materials. Copy is content primarily used for the
purpose of advertising or marketing. This type of written material is oftenused to persuade a person or group as well as raise brand awareness.
In other words:Using the written word to persuade
HELLOMY NAME IS
Reader
That is the only name that matters when writing copy. How does it benefit the reader
Copywriting Formulas
There are numerous formulas that have been usedby copywriters over the years.
Many originated with the early direct responsecopywriters such as Eugene Schwartz, John Caples,
Victor Schwab, and others.
Modern copywriters are still using many of thesetoday.
The delivery mechanism may have changed but human nature is still there
AIDA
Attention- Did you get their attention?Interest- Are they interested in your offer?Desire- Do they desire the solution you have? Action- Did you tell them how to take action?
AIDA is the Grandpa of the copywriting formulas. Ithas been using for years and many others have
originated from it.
SSS
Star- the customer or someone they relate toStory- about the problem the customer hasSolution- how you have the solution
With the SSS formula, you identify the maincharacter that could be a celebrity or the
customer. You then share a story of how theyhad the same problem as your prospect. Finally,
you show them how you have the solution.
PPPP
Picture- paint a picture in their headsPromise- that you will show resultsProve- how you will do itPush- get the prospect to take action
This is one who have certainly seen in ads,especially, "As Seen on TV", They paint a picture of
a problem for you. They make their promise andprove it with a guarantee. Finally, they push you to
take action and make the purchase.
The 4 U'sUseful- how is the product useful to them?Urgent- is there a sense of urgency to the offer?Unique- how is this different from similar things?Ultra-Specific- no place here for vague details
Simply show the reader, using ultra-specificdetails how the product is unique and will be
useful to them. Make sure they know the urgencyof taking action.
FAB
Features- what are the product features?Advantages- what is the advantage of your product?Benefits- How does it actually solve the problem?
It is very common for those that are close to theproduct to think exclusively in terms of features. Theproblem oftentimes is that the feature means nothingto the reader. As a writer it is your job to translate thefeatures into benefits your prospect will understand.
Call To Action
Never assume the reader knows what action youwant them to take. Give them clear steps so they
know how to do what you are asking of them.