The greater portion of my career has been in copywriting, selling, and direct marketing. And one of the common denominators I've found in any successful piece of copy is the power of risk reversal. That is, taking more of a risk from the sale... Read… - 23 days ago, 30 Jan 12, 3:52pm -
The other day, one of my coaching students emailed me about his dilemma -- something that's all too common in our business. "Too many times," he said, "I've known what I needed to do, and I always end up waiting weeks on end to do it." He asked,... R… - 36 days ago, 17 Jan 12, 7:51am -
Ah, yes. The new year is right around the corner. I'm no futurist by any stretch, but I do observe and notice trends. And I love talking about how these trends are going to shape the business world. So in keeping with that famed tradition on... Read… - 55 days ago, 29 Dec 11, 9:57am -
A member in my coaching program asked a question about the legality of using an alias or pseudonym in copy. In other words, a pen name. That is, is it legal to write the copy in the voice of a fictitious character, or telling the story of a... Read m… - 83 days ago, 1 Dec 11, 5:03am -
We are getting ready for mom's funeral next week, and I was looking for a poem. But all the ones I found were too somber or about a child's love for their mother. I wanted one that describes my mother, and what she did for us. And I found this... Rea… - 28 Oct 11, 6:27am -
This morning, one day after my birthday, mom died peacefully at home surrounded by friends and family. It's the best birthday gift because she suffers no more. It was truly an honor to be there for her. She allowed me to give back to a person... Read… - 15 Oct 11, 9:16am -
If you've been wondering why I haven't blogged lately, there's a reason. It's a reason I wish I would never have to use. But it's also an honor and a privilege. It started when my mother decided to take some time off. She's 67 and retired now,... Rea… - 4 Sep 11, 10:00am -
Many people have asked me for this, and now I'm seriously thinking about doing it. (Yes, I hear you, Mike Sigers.) I'm thinking of offering a WordPress training course. No, not a basics course and not something too advanced. And not any old... Read m… - 21 Jun 11, 8:43am -
After a much needed change, I decided to completely revamp my blog. The old one was good, but it was cluttered, too busy, and distracting. I wanted to simplify. I wanted to get rid of the clutter and look crisper, cleaner, and more focused.... Read m… - 15 Jun 11, 9:23am -
The word, Satyagraha, is a portmanteau of the Sanskrit words Satya and Agraha. Loosely translated, the word means "Truth Power". Satyagraha was popularized by Mohandas Ghandi in his fight for Indian independence and became synonymous with the... Read… - 2 Jun 11, 5:22pm -
Picture three men racing through a tall hedge maze. The first man runs off and begins following paths randomly, hoping to stumble upon the exit. The second man is more methodical. He puts one hand on a wall of the maze and resolves to keep moving for… - 9 hours ago, 22 Feb 12, 3:00am -
Yep, we’re introducing the first-ever Copyblogger infographic. It’s about our favorite topic — creating great content. And, as has been our style since the beginning, we’re practicing what we preach. This infographic demonstrates how to repur… - 1 day ago, 21 Feb 12, 3:00am -
Every content marketer needs to build relationships with readers. To have a chance at achieving your marketing goals, you need readers who love what you do. What if there were a blueprint for telling irresistible stories, for making almost everything… - 2 days ago, 20 Feb 12, 3:00am -
This week on The Lede: David Ogilvy on writing A 7-step social media marketing strategy David Mamet’s legendary “storytelling 101″ memo What to do when you don’t feel like working If you want more useful links than the seven we highlight here… - 4 days ago, 18 Feb 12, 3:00am -
What’s one of the most reliable ways to earn an income online? If done right, affiliate marketing is a hard model to beat. Problem is, there’s a lot of bad (and unethical) advice out there on how to approach it. So, I’ve invited Sonia Simone an… - 5 days ago, 17 Feb 12, 10:42am -
Does thinking about it make you stumble and sweat? Have you put it off, because you’re worried it will suck? You’re not alone — lots of website owners have an easier time proposing marriage than they do writing a solid About Page. If that’s y… - 6 days ago, 16 Feb 12, 3:00am -
Ever hear two people arguing and then someone dismisses their differences like this: “Well, that’s just semantics”? What the person means by that is the difference boils down to “just” a difference in the meaning of the words. In other word… - 7 days ago, 15 Feb 12, 3:00am -
Raise your hand if this sounds familiar … You meet someone and they say all the right things. They’re full of compliments and accolades. Except, something bugs you about them. Their words don’t quite match their actions. They can be forgetful,… - 9 days ago, 13 Feb 12, 3:00am -
This week on The Lede … How George Lucas Would Write a Blog Post Mark Zuckerberg’s 6 Ingredients of Success How to Make Your Content Go Viral The Difference Between Good and Great Content Marketing If you want more links you can use than the seve… - 11 days ago, 11 Feb 12, 3:00am -
Here are dozens of inexpensive, easy tips and tricks for multiplying your sales and response rates packed into this 39 page report... - 6 Oct 08, 12:52pm -
Copywriting is a key element in your sales and marketing processes. Yet, there are a few common “copy vampires” that suck the sales and profit generating force right out of your lead gen, websites, emails and direct mail. If you find any of these… - 18 Aug 08, 1:51pm -
Lately I’ve received a number of emails asking if there is “really the chance to make good money and a good career in copywriting. “Well, If you’ve ever wondered that yourself …or believe it… but are struggling to achieve it then this sho… - 9 Jun 08, 11:44am -
Saturday, 2:23pm Reno, NV “Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to?” (Travis Bickle, “Taxi Driver”) Howdy. Sorry about being such a potty mouth right off the bat there… but that Taxi Driver quote is just too perfect for setting the st… - 10 days ago, 12 Feb 12, 10:59pm -
Saturday, 2:24am Reno, NV “If you see my little red rooster, please send him home…” (Howlin’ Wolf) Howdy… Just a quick dispatch here to let you know all is well, and I’ll be getting back to regular blogging soon. I got waylaid by some thi… - 18 days ago, 4 Feb 12, 3:08am -
Tuesday, 1:31pm Reno, NV “Hey, you bastards, I’m still here!” (Steve McQueen as Papillon, floating away to freedom…) Howdy… First off… do not be alarmed if the design of the blog seems to be morphing — the programmer is fussing with the… - 57 days ago, 27 Dec 11, 3:13pm -
Wednesday, 12:36pm Reno, NV “Sittin’ on the dock of the bay, watchin’ the tide roll away…” (Otis Redding) Howdy… Mark, a lifelong pal of mine, lived with a girlfriend many years ago who taught us both a very devastating lesson. At the tim… - 77 days ago, 7 Dec 11, 7:56pm -
Friday, 12:26pm Phoenix, AZ “Been there, done that…” Howdy. I am, today, resurrecting a post from a very long time ago… … because the subject matter just won’t die. Like a zombie, it just keeps getting back up and stumbling forward to irr… - 95 days ago, 19 Nov 11, 3:24pm -
Thursday, 1:29pm Reno, NV “What this requires is a really stupid and futile gesture on someone’s part.” (Otter, “Animal House” pre-climactic scene) Howdy… Do you ever have the vague feeling that everyone around you is enjoying life more… - 1 Nov 11, 1:18pm -
Wednesday, 11:56pm Reno, NV “Indeed your dancing days are done…” (Irish folk song) Howdy. I hope you’re doing well, and seizing the day. As we all should, every day we’re alive. Sometimes, for me, the best way to appreciate life is to, oc… - 6 Oct 11, 3:38pm -
Monday, 3:32pm Visalia, CA “Only your real friends will tell you when your face is dirty.” (Sicilian proverb) Howdy… I’m handing the blog over to our good buddy Jimbo Curley again this week. He’s done several guest posts, all hilarious, a… - 27 Sep 11, 7:36pm -
Monday, 8:28pm Reno, NV “Just take those old records off the shelf, I’ll sit n’ listen to ‘em by myself…” (Bob Seger) Howdy… At the end of this post, I’ll explain how you can win a bitchin’ prize that will make you the envy of all y… - 11 Sep 11, 10:47pm -
Wednesday, 8:47pm Reno, NV “Et tu, Brutus?” (Caesar, goin’ down) Howdy… Let’s have a nice chat about betrayal. Not the big kind, like Shakespeare grooved on (with people dropping like flies, slain by their best pals)… … but rather the s… - 22 Aug 11, 9:41pm -
Yes, it’s true. Rattling off all those “mouth watering” benefits can hurt your chances of landing new clients (and this goes for ANY kind of client — coaching, consulting, freelancing, yada yada yada). I know this goes against established goo… - 6 hours ago, 22 Feb 12, 6:00am -
I’m doing coaching & freelancing tips this week. Today’s is a real doozy, too — and it’s a pity most will brush today’s tip off since it’s not a “shiny new object” or anything like that. But, it CAN get you clients. And impress the sh… - 1 day ago, 21 Feb 12, 6:00am -
The magic question is asked over and over by coaches, consultants and freelancers… “Ben, how can I build a thriving business in this whacky economy when no clients want to spend money?” It’s a great question, too. And very timely. Especially… - 2 days ago, 20 Feb 12, 6:00am -
I reject the “guru” label. Whenever someone refers to me as a guru or whatever — I quickly correct them. I never have been one. And never will be one. Just ain’t my bag, baby. But, that’s not to say “Guru Ben” never existed. He did at o… - 5 days ago, 17 Feb 12, 6:00am -
Here’s a tip for affiliate marketers. Once upon a time, an “Email Players” — www.EmailPlayers.com — subscriber asked what to do when you are selling something as an affiliate that’s a first rate product, but has a sales letter so chock-fu… - 6 days ago, 16 Feb 12, 6:00am -
Ever hear of the “halo effect”? This is when, for example, you get interviewed or endorsed by someone with credibility oozing out of their pores and all that credibility seeps onto you — usually making people FAR more likely to buy from you. It… - 7 days ago, 15 Feb 12, 6:00am -
I throw the word “goo-roo” around a lot. And sometimes people wonder if I’m referring to someone specifically or (and I find this especially amusing) if I’m referring to them! The answer is “no” in both cases. I speaketh of a “type.”… - 8 days ago, 14 Feb 12, 6:00am -
Here’s an interesting sales letter question: “Ben, I was just reading your ‘Email Players’ newsletter sales pitch and was wondering if this part isn’t costing you sales: “Email Players” is not for people who can’t focus and never impl… - 9 days ago, 13 Feb 12, 6:00am -
This question pops up… a lot: “you recommend emailing everyday. but how do you keep generating content ideas in order to make it happen?” A good question. Here’s the way I see it: If you’re positioning yourself as an expert (or even an ex-s… - 12 days ago, 10 Feb 12, 6:00am -
Q&A time… “Since emailing my subscribers ‘the settle way’ I’ve noticed a few things. Unsubscribe rates have increased, and so have spam complaints lol… but guess what? Sales have also increased! Is this normally the case? Also, I’m wond… - 13 days ago, 9 Feb 12, 6:00am -
Effective Seo Copywriting Tips Effective Seo Copywriting TipsClick here now to read the full seo copywriting article maurrincarter.com Click here now to read the seopressor article maurrincarter.com Seo Copywriting Tips: Tip #1 Make sure your content contains the appropriate k… - 17 hours ago, 21 Feb 12, 6:35pm -
Webinar - Social Media for the SEO Inclined - Slingshot SEO Webinar - Social Media for the SEO Inclined - Slingshot SEORegister here: www.slingshotseo.com Social media is a major player in SEO, and when optimized correctly, can provide exponential benefits of authority, trust and ROI. Tune in Wednesday, F… - 2 days ago, 20 Feb 12, 9:49am -
SEO And Copywriting Tactics For Your Ebook SEO And Copywriting Tactics For Your EbookFREE BOOK: www.internetmarketing-rules.com Tips for getting more exposure for your ebook. Learn how to make your ebook successful.From:rmagwood24Views:1 0ratingsTime:03:03More inHowto & Styl… - 8 days ago, 14 Feb 12, 3:31pm -
Copy Made Simple does the YouTube Business Challenge 2012 Copy Made Simple does the YouTube Business Challenge 2012www.copymadesimple.com does http Need help with copywriting? Check out www.youtube.com/copymadesimple to get 30 video tips on how to write better copy from founder of Copy Made Simple and a… - 8 days ago, 14 Feb 12, 12:52pm -
Andrea Sangster Testimonial From Andy Harrington's Public Speakers University Delegates.mov Andrea Sangster Testimonial From Andy Harrington's Public Speakers University Delegates.movwww.copymadesimple.com Andrea Sangster, founder of www.copymadesimple.com has coached many times on Andy Harrington's Public Speaker's University. She's no… - 8 days ago, 14 Feb 12, 7:59am -
Day 3 Power Word 1 "Because".m4v Day 3 Power Word 1 "Because".m4vcopymadesimple.com http Andrea Sangster from Copy Made Simple explains why BECAUSE is one of the most compelling words in copywriting and why you should be using a whole lot more than you probably are. This… - 8 days ago, 14 Feb 12, 6:04am -
5 copywriting tips 5 copywriting tipsIt doesn't matter if you're a good writer or just a beginner. These 5 simple writing tips will help you get better results fast and put you way in front of your competition. Once you hear them, you'll wonder why everybody doesn'… - 9 days ago, 13 Feb 12, 4:43pm -
Does your site suffer from content mullet syndrome? Does your site suffer from content mullet syndrome?You can watch the video with the bonus of notes at the SEO Copywriting Blog: bit.ly Do you recall that 70's - 80's hairstyle that all allegedly cool dudes and chicks once sported? Following the l… - 9 days ago, 13 Feb 12, 10:30am -
Copywriting Tips for Better Flow from SEO Copywriter Karon Thackston Copywriting Tips for Better Flow from SEO Copywriter Karon Thackstonwww.CopywritingCourse.com -- Great copywriting tips to help the flow and conversion of your website copy.From:marketingwordsViews:89 3ratingsTime:06:36More inPeople… - 10 days ago, 12 Feb 12, 12:00pm -
Keyword Copywriting Tips Keyword Copywriting Tipswww.CopywritingCourse.com - SEO Copywriter Karon Thackston shows a few great tips for getting better results from your keyword copywriting.From:marketingwordsViews:124 1ratingsTime:10:52More inHowto & Style - 10 days ago, 12 Feb 12, 10:55am -
Radio Advertising Commercial Copywriting - How NOT To Begin A Spot Radio Advertising Commercial Copywriting - How NOT To Begin A Spotradioadvertisingadvantage.com The most common radio advertising question is "how to write a radio commercial." Every copywriter should learn is how NOT to begin the ad, explains Da… - 11 days ago, 11 Feb 12, 11:09am -
Lots of people think LinkedIn is the best site for corporate networking. But according to a survey by the Creative Group, 56% of marketing and advertising executives named Facebook as their favorite social network, 21% picked LinkedIn, and only 4% na… - 5 days ago, 17 Feb 12, 9:46am -
Content Is Cash: Leveraging Great Content and the Web for Increased Traffic, Sales, Leads and Buzz [Que Publishing] by friend and colleague, Wendy Montes de Oca — which hit #1 on the Amazon web marketing bestseller list in Sept. of 2011 — was rec… - 15 days ago, 7 Feb 12, 10:51am -
I used to get 12 to 15 comments or more on my blog posts. Then, I was silent for 3 months. When I returned to blogging this month, I got only 3 to 5 comments per post. You can make the case that my lack of blogging for months diminished my readersh… - 29 days ago, 24 Jan 12, 8:53am -
In an online ad to protest anti-piracy laws pending in congress, Wikepedia says, “Imagine a world without free knowledge.” But should ALL knowledge be free? Do you expect the attendant at your local gas station to fill your car for free? Do you… - 35 days ago, 18 Jan 12, 8:15am -
It was while working as a technical writer for Westinghouse in 1979 that I first heard the term “word smith” applied to writing. “He’s a pretty good word smith,” my internal client said, referring to an engineer I was supposed to interview… - 42 days ago, 11 Jan 12, 8:30am -
While I don’t use a professional proofreader for my blogging, I do use one for nearly all other writing, including copy for clients, articles, and books. When a proofreader is not someone you use, then you lose. Example: a digest mailing from Pr… - 50 days ago, 3 Jan 12, 1:04pm -
My favorite thing about this time of year is the continuous play of horror movies on cable stations. In no particular order, here are my top 10. How do yours compare? 1. 30 Days of Night. 2. Night of the Living Dead. 3. Halloween. 4. Friday the 13th.… - 18 Oct 11, 12:09pm -
More and more these days I see marketers buying “articles by the pound” for their web sites. By that I mean they go to the cheapest source, buy a bucket load of short articles packed with their key words, and post them on their web sites in an ef… - 12 Oct 11, 1:00pm -
In the forthcoming motion picture Real Steel, human prizefighters are replaced by boxing robots. This fate may be reality, not science fiction, for writers. A company called Narrative Science (www.narrativescience.com) claims their technology can “… - 22 Sep 11, 1:47pm -
The other day, one of my online subscribers, CR, complained about the e-mail marketing of a famous Internet marketer. “I unsubscribed from his list,” she told me haughtily. “As soon as I joined, I got e-mails from him once or twice every day… - 21 Sep 11, 8:57am -
MavenTweets Weekly Updates for 2010-11-14 http://goo.gl/fb/kLWOR #MavenTweets for 2010-11-09: – Cutey Pie Death Match – Babies vs Puppies. http://mee.bo/8Yt9sc… http://goo.gl/fb/wXSpB #Related Posts:MavenTweets for 2010-11-15MavenTweets Week… - 21 Nov 10, 8:00am -
MavenTweets Weekly Updates for 2010-11-14 http://goo.gl/fb/kLWOR #MavenTweets for 2010-11-09: – Cutey Pie Death Match – Babies vs Puppies. http://mee.bo/8Yt9sc… http://goo.gl/fb/wXSpB #Related Posts:MavenTweets Weekly Updates for 2010-11-21M… - 15 Nov 10, 8:00am -
Cutey Pie Death Match – Babies vs Puppies. http://mee.bo/8Yt9sc #RockMelt Unveils Web Browser for Facebook Era – http://nyti.ms/aLMlYO #Imagine. Me and QE2 FB friends. The British Monarchy to Join Facebook http://t.co/mC7MGtj via @mashsocialmed… - 14 Nov 10, 8:00am -
Cutey Pie Death Match – Babies vs Puppies. http://mee.bo/8Yt9sc #RockMelt Unveils Web Browser for Facebook Era – http://nyti.ms/aLMlYO #Related Posts:MavenTweets Weekly Updates for 2010-11-14MavenTweets for 2010-11-15MavenTweets Weekly Updates… - 9 Nov 10, 8:00am -
Imagine. Me and QE2 FB friends. The British Monarchy to Join Facebook http://t.co/mC7MGtj via @mashsocialmedia @mashable #More on "Copyright? We don't need no stinkin' copyright." Cooks Source: What should Judith Griggs have done? – http://goo.gl/… - 8 Nov 10, 8:00am -
Thanks everyone for all the wonderful comments. They are greatly appreciated. But, don’t worry…we’re still here! Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions. You can do so by posting right here on the blog…or…email me … Cont… - 8 Mar 11, 6:37am -
By Clayton Makepeace Publisher & Editor, THE TOTAL PACKAGE Dear Business Builder, Seems like only yesterday I was writing the very first post on this blog. Actually, it was the end of June in 2005; five years and seven … Continue reading → - 1 Feb 11, 5:00am -
Dear Business-Builder, Pursuing a copywriting career is NOT a get-rich-quick scheme. It can, however, be the single best idea you ever had. So whatever you do, do NOT be discouraged. If you need encouragement, just … Continue reading → - 30 Jan 11, 11:00pm -
“The Triumph of Hope Over Experience” Dear Business-Builder, Without it, there would be no second marriages … no cheering crowds behind Hillary, Obama or John on the six o’clock news … and of … Continue reading → - 24 Jan 11, 2:07am -
A rant. Dear Business-Builder, I’ve been Googling myself again … Just to see what kind of scuttlebutt we’re getting on the web these days. That always cheers me up. And, I found … Continue reading → - 17 Jan 11, 7:37am -
Dear Business-Builder, Back in the old days – when 99% of my business was creating direct mail promotions – it was a well-known fact that there are two crucial “hot points” for marketing every year: January … Continue reading → - 10 Jan 11, 1:00am -
Here’s your SECOND holiday gift … to start your New Year off with a bang! Dear Business Builder, The New Year is officially here, and Clayton is getting back in the proverbial saddle after a … Continue reading → - 3 Jan 11, 4:29am -
I have a special holiday gift for you … and you’re gonna LOVE it! Dear Business Builder, It’s the actual audio of an interview I did a while back for my EasyWriters Marketing Club with … Continue reading → - 27 Dec 10, 4:35am -
Random Musings and Brain Droppings On the Current State of Direct Response Marketing Dear Business Builder, Rather than attempt to focus on one topic, let’s try a little stream of consciousness stuff today – … Continue reading → - 20 Dec 10, 4:37am -
Dear Business-Builder, This week I thought I would answer a few of the questions you’ve been asking me most often through The Total Package’s feedback box – like … “How do I Know When I’ve Written … Continue reading → - 13 Dec 10, 2:00pm -
In 1759, Samuel Johnson came up with this immortal line:“Promise, large promise, is the soul of an advertisement.”For most of the last two-and a-half-centuries, his quote has stood the test of time.More on Forget Benefits: 4 Examples of Advert… - 7 days ago, 15 Feb 12, 1:44pm -
Click for PDF of adThis is the follow-up ad in the series from the brilliant Chesapeake & Ohio campaign which changed the nature of cross-country transportation in the United States.More on Railroad Advertising: Why Should St. Louis Be a Stepchild? - 14 days ago, 8 Feb 12, 9:31am -
Rarely dip my toe into the realm of political advertising but couldn’t resist this one.Given Newt Gingrich’s long time talent for self-sabotage, it probably won’t be long before he vanishes from the public stage for a decade or so.More on Is… - 19 days ago, 3 Feb 12, 9:48am -
Few things about advertising get my heart racing faster than headline split testing.All the more so if it concerns email subject lines.Like traditional headline testing, subject line testing can lead to dramatic increases in response rates. But wit… - 46 days ago, 7 Jan 12, 3:29pm -
Here’s a howler of a headline that surely hails from a martini soused agency person.“Everyone has opinions. We have convictions.”Turns out this platitudinous ad writer was a pretty good forecaster, if jail time isn’t simply a matter of opin… - 76 days ago, 8 Dec 11, 10:29pm -
The Winstons aren’t trying to save the world. Just a little piece of it.There are Apaches on the reservation in Clear Fork, Arizona, who can remember the last, hopeless Apache uprising in 1900. But for Della Alakay, a seven-year-old Apache, the en… - 10 Nov 11, 5:29pm -
Has reality finally caught up with financial direct mail?Here’s a sampling of the covers from the latest promotions going through the mail.* The End of America from Stansberry and AssociatesMore on The End Of America - 10 Nov 11, 10:12am -
How to create advertising that sells by David Ogillvy & Joel RaphaelsonThe advertorial format used to announce a new productWhat is an advertorial?More on What’s an Advertorial? - 7 Nov 11, 10:23am -
Who are the Crypto-Nazis and what in the world do they have to do with copywriting?It started with a conversation some years ago with a marketing colleague who proclaimed: “my customers are crypto-Nazis.”More on Crypto Nazi Copywriting - 2 Nov 11, 2:15pm -
Makes me nostalgic for my years back in old New York.These 10 Safety Rules for Halloween by Julia Waldbaum saw annual insertions and added an interesting advertorial style twist to the usual, “white bread” approach to supermarket advertising.Mo… - 30 Oct 11, 10:30am -
In 2011, I re-read The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss. Except this time, I was intentional about taking action on some of the recommendations in the book. One of the recommendations was to buy and read One Simple Idea: Turn Your Dreams into a Lic… - 1 day ago, 21 Feb 12, 9:42am -
Many people today have been laid off from their jobs and are currently unemployed. Many more will be laid off within the next couple years and find themselves in the same position. As the pool of available jobs dries up, savvy individuals will try to… - 2 days ago, 20 Feb 12, 3:24pm -
Part of being successful in business is making money. Another part is keeping it. And while there are many business people who have high earning power, far fewer have high saving power. (Gary Halbert was famous for making large sums of money, then pr… - 5 days ago, 17 Feb 12, 9:31am -
Just the other day I read a blog post on a fitness blog. The title was interesting and the article itself was decent. But at the end, there was a blatant hoplink (affiliate link) to a ClickBank product. Now, I’m not against affiliate links. I promo… - 6 days ago, 16 Feb 12, 4:14pm -
Ever since I got my Ooma VOIP system, I’ve reduced my sales calls quite a bit. Anytime I get a sales call (usually a robocaller), I simply add the number to my blacklist. No more sales calls! Or almost… Lately, they’ve been resorting to using l… - 7 days ago, 15 Feb 12, 3:15pm -
Too many people shy away from hard work when they really should be working harder. From the inimitable Drayton Bird: Assuming you and I work equally smart, I’d think whichever one of us worked the hardest would come out ahead. Hard work is good for… - 8 days ago, 14 Feb 12, 10:19am -
In the biz-opp world, it’s popular to sell people on the idea of the so-called “duplicatable” business. You’ll often see copy that claims, “All the hard work has already been done for you! This business is super easy to duplicate. It’s tr… - 9 days ago, 13 Feb 12, 1:22pm -
“Five thousand dollars goes fast when the government takes ten…” I made a decent income in January, but it’s all gone already. It’s not because I’m a big spender either. Rather, it’s because the government is. Every year, between Januar… - 12 days ago, 10 Feb 12, 9:50am -
Lynndell Epp is the founder and owner of Mail Masters here in Denver. Just this month he published an interesting case study about a Mexican restaurant in Denver. This particular Mexican restaurant was slow. They needed more customers. They had tried… - 13 days ago, 9 Feb 12, 1:37pm -
One of the best things that could happen for entrepreneurs and private businesses this year is for Ron Paul to win the Presidency. While I hope this happens, I’m doubtful that it will. Not for lack of support either. (Ron Paul probably has more sup… - 14 days ago, 8 Feb 12, 8:23am -
Hoax meanings and history from 18th century Visit http://lolearth.com for more infoAuthor: nheenanTags: hoax story humor copywriting rumors people Posted: 18 February 2012Rating: 0.0Votes: 0 - 4 days ago, 18 Feb 12, 5:43am -
Hoax meanings and history from 18th century Visit http://lolearth.com for more infoAuthor: nheenanTags: hoax story humor copywriting rumors people Posted: 18 February 2012Rating: 0.0Votes: 0 - 4 days ago, 18 Feb 12, 5:41am -
Make Profits Using Pay per Click for Internet Marketing Visit http://www.ipassystem.com/aff/Ag10028 for more infoAuthor: goodz4meTags: Direct Marketing Marketing sales Business Finance Advertising Home Based Business Small Business Copywriting Posted: 17 February 2012Rating: 0.0Votes: 0 - 5 days ago, 17 Feb 12, 7:50am -
(Urban) Copywrite feat. Tage Future - Love Author: TimdirtyTags: Urban Copywrite feat. Tage Future Love Posted: 16 February 2012Rating: 0.0Votes: 0 - 6 days ago, 16 Feb 12, 12:53am -
12 Copywriting Secrets to a Landing Page that Sells Discover the copywriting secrets of a powerful landing page that converts. This video takes you step-by-step through the techniques top copywriters use to increase website conversions. Try them yourself and put your website to work 24/7.Author: car… - 8 days ago, 14 Feb 12, 4:42pm -
Copywriting Courses - Obama's Advice On Copywriting Courses http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeGlpPl2qpU President Obama gives this young copy cub advice on the best copywriting courses to get if she wants to become a world class copywriter.Author: scottayresTags: copywriting copywriting courses copywriting cou… - 8 days ago, 14 Feb 12, 7:52am -
Obama's Advice on Which Copywriting Courses Copy Cubs Should Get http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeGlpPl2qpU - Obama tells this young copy cub to read reviews of the top copywriting courses. These courses on how to write copy were created by the world's best copywriters, so yeah, they're pretty damn good.Author: po… - 9 days ago, 13 Feb 12, 6:13am -
How to Make Your Website a Magnet For Search Engine Explains steps for search engine optimization (SEO): keyword research, checking out your keyword competitors, title and descriptions, building content, off-page SEO with backlinking, technology and design.Author: carolynfrithTags: Copywriting for SEO… - 14 days ago, 8 Feb 12, 8:55am -
Formation copywriting : Rendez vos lettres de vente IRRÉSISTIBLES ! http://www.serial-copywriter.com/10 Formation Copywriting : Découvrez comment améliorer le copywriting de vos lettres de vente en 10 étapes simples ? Découvrez comment faire plus de vente, avoir plus de clients, plus rapidement !Et comment faire… - 14 days ago, 8 Feb 12, 5:13am -
RESTAURANT RADIO COMMERCIAL - RADIO ADVERTISING CRITIQUE http://danoday.com/restaurants Most radio commercials for restaurants are ineffective. Radio advertising expert Dan O'Day critiques a radio advertisement for restaurant with the wrong Call To Action.Author: radiovoice70Tags: restaurant radio ad resta… - 16 days ago, 6 Feb 12, 10:07am -
Copywriters in Bristol & Bath - Bristol Copywriting Services UK Copywriting Services in Bristol & Bristol Copywriters UKwww.knight-writer.co.uk - In need of a Bristol based copywriter? If you're looking for copywriters in Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas, then now would be a good time to contact me and fin… - 16 days ago, 6 Feb 12, 4:31am -
How to Create a Website that Converts Browsers to Buyers Discover powerful website copywriting tips to boost your site's conversions. This website explains why website copywriting is critical to your online success and how to create an engaging, persuasive site.Author: carolynfrithTags: Website Copywritin… - 17 days ago, 5 Feb 12, 5:22pm -
You can get a free copy of this book by clicking on this link. I'm crazy about "Work the System." I was given a review copy last summer. I truly meant what I said in the headline: this is the... - 14 days ago, 8 Feb 12, 10:08pm -
The late Madison Avenue legend David Ogilvy was a great copywriter, but not a very happy one. In a letter to a man named Ray Calt in 1955, he described "my work habits as a copywriter" as "appalling" and confessed:... - 27 days ago, 26 Jan 12, 8:41am -
He's the brains behind FX's hit show Justified. He wrote the novel that became the hit movie with Danny DeVito and John Travolta, Get Shorty. He has 8 million books in print. He's Elmore Leonard, the crime novelist that gets... - 40 days ago, 13 Jan 12, 9:29am -
It reminds me of a teenager bursting at the seams, who just can't wait to get rid of his virginity. And as a 16th birthday gift, Dad takes him to the Bunny Ranch, the famous Nevada brothel, for his very... - 49 days ago, 4 Jan 12, 8:20am -
A quick note before the year runs out on us: Customers are more in control than ever before. Point: Recently, Bank of America retreated on its plan for a $5/month debit card fee. Point: Today, Verizon retreats on its "we'll... - 54 days ago, 30 Dec 11, 8:00pm -
A few months ago I had the honor of meeting a legend, the Lion of Internet Marketing, Dr. Ralph Wilson. Really. I mean it. The guy is one of my heroes. But it gets even better. He interviewed me on... - 62 days ago, 22 Dec 11, 10:25am -
I’ve been following the rising fortunes of the University of Michigan Wolverines, and yesterday I heard some commentary from ESPN analyst Urban Meyer that really got me thinking. If you follow football, you know that Meyer has been an extraordinari… - 94 days ago, 20 Nov 11, 10:24am -
All literature is gossip. --Truman Capote My client and friend Susan Bratton asked me to review a sales video. Suz is no newbie; the video is for a product that has already made six figures in sales in a launch.... - 30 Oct 11, 9:31am -
The media has been saturated the last couple days with memories of Steve Jobs. Here’s mine — it lasted about two seconds. It was the late 1980s, and I was at a press conference. All I remember was he was... - 7 Oct 11, 9:06am -
Whether you are writing copy, managing people, or trying to coax the best performance from an artist, it's all about the same thing: inspiring people to take the action you want them to take. Some words of wisdom from a... - 29 Jul 11, 9:00am -
The second annual Words & Wine event, to benefit WriterHouse, will be held on October 23, 1-4pm, at Keswick Vineyards. Admission ($30 per person or $50 per couple) includes wine tasting, complimentary wine glass, light hors d’oeuvres, and one raffl… - 13 Oct 11, 2:55pm -
Sunday, October 9, 2:00pm Author Tayari Jones discusses family secret-keeping, loyalty and betrayal. “Tayari Jones is fast defining middle-class black Atlanta the way Cheever did Westchester,” according to The Village Voice, while Judy Blume says… - 3 Oct 11, 2:54pm -
TWITTER FOR WRITERS Saturday, October 22, 2011 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 304 E. Melbourne Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20901 Are you mystified, intrigued, or maybe even a little bit irritated by everything you’ve been hearing about Twitter and what a grea… - 22 Sep 11, 7:58am -
Writing Against Stereotype: African-American Characters in the Fiction of Danielle Evans Sunday, September 18, 2:00pm The New York Times Book Review says about Danielle Evans’ short story collection Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self: “Evans… - 18 Aug 11, 6:25am -
Seminar: Get Your Short Story or Essay Published, with Clifford Garstang September 17, 2011, 9:00am-1pm In this course we’ll identify resources and techniques for conducting market research and classifying magazines, formatting your stories, cove… - 15 Aug 11, 6:20am -
Seminar: The Art of the Radio Essay with Janis Jaquith September 10, 2011, 9:00am-1pm Ever heard those personal commentaries on NPR stations and wonder how it’s done? Learn how to grab the listener by the lapels; how to create a mini-movie in the m… - 11 Aug 11, 5:18pm -
Why am I talking about SEO on a “Conversion Blog’? What many of my readers may be surprised to find out about me is that the whole “Conversion Doctor” brand, represents only a small fraction of my online income. I spend 90% of my time actuall… - 4 Jan 11, 4:52am -
A friend of mine recently posted a powerful, inspiring video. (Nothing for sale… Just good ‘ol inspiration!) But before you watch it… I want to share a powerful, true story. I hope it inspires you, brightens the remainder of your day, then illu… - 28 Dec 10, 11:37am -
IMPORTANT FREE CONVERSION BOOSTING TIPS CONTAINED! (READ EVERY WORD!) Yesterday I announced that I was opening up 2 new spots in my Private Platinum Coaching group and I sent an email to a small, handpicked part of my email list. Here is the video I… - 1 Jul 10, 9:21am -
Twitter TestingAnyone who has been reading my blog for more than about 60 seconds knows there is a reason why Michel Fortin calls me a “Fanatical Tester”. Continuous testing is the key factor that differentiates wildly successful online businesse… - 12 Jun 10, 10:37am -
With over 5 years of content posted to my blog, new readers who want to increase their website’s conversion rates often get lost or miss out on some of my best conversion rate boosting content. So to help you increase your online conversion rates q… - 10 Jun 10, 1:37pm -
I just recorded you a free video (nothing for sale) that shares the #1 secret to achieving high conversion rates. (I’m talking double digit, 10%+ conversion rates!) And no, the “secret” is not: - Great Headlines - Good Copywriting - Having a Gr… - 11 Mar 10, 1:25pm -
Okay… I know this has nothing to do with marketing. But hey… It’s my blog! My dad shared this video with me and we both teared up a bit when we watched it together in my office. Even if you are not a pilot, this video is still cool to watch. P… - 13 Jan 10, 9:36am -
Okay… I’ll warn you up front, this post LOOOOONG and is going to piss some people off! I’ll be touching on the “big 3”, Money, Politics, and even Religion! But I’m fine with that, because the people it’s going to piss off are not in my… - 12 Jan 10, 2:05pm -
Since I know you’ve probably got some celebrating to do tonight I’ll try and keep this short. But I wanted to let you know that due to the EXTREME demand for my time and services, I have no choice but to raise the price of one of my most popular… - 31 Dec 09, 9:58am -
As I mentioned in one of my latest blog posts, something I try and do at the end of each year is take 3 or 4 days, lock myself up in a hotel and conduct what I call my “goal setting retreat”. During these sessions, I review the previous 12 months… - 23 Dec 09, 4:54am -
"3. People Are Going To Shit All Over You" On Writing Part 2: http://t.co/JPgW0JmE # The 2012 World Press Photo Award Winners: http://t.co/hRFjvgwl # RT @cstross: "Seagoing dinosaurs did not explode nearly as often as scientists believed" — http://… - 3 days ago, 19 Feb 12, 6:00pm -
I’m starting work on yet another pair of video projects, and as a writer without much in the way of video experience, my Imposter Syndrome is in full effect. On a surprising number of mornings I walk into my office and start writing in my Celtx. O… - 8 days ago, 14 Feb 12, 11:36am -
On the heels of my recent post on the usefulness of tablet computers to writers, I thought I’d share this AdAge report on tablet usage which suggests: iPad use is heaviest in bed Reading is the #1 usage of iPads Only 1/3 of the respondents use the… - 9 days ago, 13 Feb 12, 10:15am -
Copywriting Rage 101 — Write a short blog/angry rant about something that you would like banished forever: http://t.co/T0ceMNoQ # Powered by Twitter Tools - 10 days ago, 12 Feb 12, 6:00pm -
Just got off the phone with one of my favorite writers, who is leaving a “regular” job for a return to the freelance writing life. We discussed differentiation, technology, markets, media channels — all the usual hard-bitten (and sometimes cyn… - 12 days ago, 10 Feb 12, 4:02pm -
Are your iPhone-equipped clients thumbing you a stream of unintelligible, incomplete replies to your emails? Feel more like an elite puzzle solver than marketing professional? Relax. You’re among a large crowd of (slightly confused) friends. You’… - 14 days ago, 8 Feb 12, 5:45am -
More than 13 years ago I moved away from the Silicon Valley and into a tiny community built on the side of an honest-to-goodness stratovolcano. Big move. Client contact is a lot harder and the lack of services sometimes rankles, but there are compens… - 16 days ago, 6 Feb 12, 10:15pm -
How to go viral and incite panic among the populace — all in the name of movie promotion: Flying People In New York http://t.co/VSC4r8KJ # Zuckerberg's "social mission" letter to would-be shareholders an utter load of crap: http://t.co/g9CO4ldw # R… - 17 days ago, 5 Feb 12, 6:00pm -
No less than Ridley Scott introduces the YouTube “Your Film Festival.” We’re seeing an explosion in video, and little surprise; many of the technical (and affordability) hurdles have fallen, and what’s left is the usual “Great ideas and ha… - 19 days ago, 3 Feb 12, 10:58am -
Tablet computers like the iPad are clearly The Next Big Thing — but are they useful tools for writers? After my daughter appropriated the iPad I’d originally bought for work purposes, I craftily acquired an Android Tablet. I wanted to know what a… - 20 days ago, 2 Feb 12, 10:28am -
This is part 2 of an 8 part series on how to improve the conversion rate of your website using a new testing approach to web design, rather than the old way of guesswork and assumptions The conventional approach to web design is a bit knee jerk. [...… - 7 days ago, 15 Feb 12, 7:57am -
This is the first in a series of posts on improving a website’s conversion rate. Over the coming weeks I’ll be explaining how you can identify the reasons why your website isn’t converting and then how you can make measurable improvements. I’… - 14 days ago, 8 Feb 12, 10:44am -
Any fans of Drayton Bird, Caples or Hopkins will know about the importance of testing your copywriting. Direct marketers have been testing the impact of headlines, images and body copy on response rates for decades. So why does the digital world lag… - 63 days ago, 21 Dec 11, 6:32am -
Ah, the long form sales letter. Such a bone of contention among copywriters. Many will deride their length, saying nobody has the patience to read pages of copy these days, whilst direct marketing copywriters, who test avidly, will tell you otherwise… - 89 days ago, 25 Nov 11, 1:47am -
I’d always believed that, much like email scams and credit card fraud, having your website hacked is the sort of thing that happens to other people, but never to you. After all, I’d never be so foolish as to allow tricksters to get the better of… - 16 Oct 11, 3:57am -
Getting people to trust you has always been a cornerstone of effective copywriting. It’s a simple principle: if people believe what you say, they’re more likely to buy. A key factor in building trust, that’s often ignored, is the channel you us… - 22 Sep 11, 4:01am -
Do you own a smartphone? I bet, being the sophisticated reader that you are, you do. You only need to do a quick scan of people on trains, in supermarket queues and around the office to know that smartphones are absorbing more and more of people’s… - 27 Aug 11, 3:36am -
Sooo, the new website is up and running, after a few minor technical hitches. On the home page you’ll see I’ve followed through with the idea/threat of switching to promoting myself as an agency. Along with the elevated sense of self importance,… - 2 Aug 11, 3:05am -
Dear Readers, Sorry for the flood of promotional sounding posts in your inboxes and RSS feeds this weekend. As I hope you’ve guessed, these weren’t supposed to have been sent out (I’d never use my blog for such blatant self promotion). I’m cu… - 16 Jul 11, 7:01am -
…but it can be profitable. I recently read a great book on marketing that takes a slightly different turn than my usual reading. I’m recommending the book to you. It’s called Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green and is written by Shel Horowitz and Ja… - 8 hours ago, 22 Feb 12, 3:41am -
I love my iPad. It’s become nearly as indispensable as my iPhone or Macbook Pro. And the thing I love most? Apps, of course! Here are the 5 iPad apps I use the most for my copywriting business, and a word or two about how I use them. Mindmeister. T… - 1 day ago, 21 Feb 12, 4:46am -
I just stumbled upon these numbers at the Desiring God website. “The population of the world just crossed the seven-billion mark. There are currently an estimated 2.26 billion Internet users worldwide — one billion of which are from Asia, and onl… - 2 days ago, 20 Feb 12, 6:09pm -
You should not sell to everyone who is willing to buy from you. This is especially true for freelancers, copywriters, consultants, and solo professionals. While this may sound crazy, especially if you are revenue-starved, give it a bit more thought a… - 2 days ago, 20 Feb 12, 3:28am -
What does it take to succeed as a freelance copywriter? Well, I suppose it should go without saying that the first requirement is the ability to write good copy. But just for safety’s sake, I will say it anyway. That detail out of the way, here are… - 5 days ago, 17 Feb 12, 4:23am -
If you want to get twice as much done tomorrow, try these 5 tactics. Your “it’s done” list will be much bigger. 1. Check Email Last. Make only one check of email tomorrow. Do it at the end of the day, right before you end work for the day. Devo… - 6 days ago, 16 Feb 12, 3:40am -
I just completed a really fun and informative interview with one of the top email marketers working today. Ben really knows what he’s talking about when it comes to selling by email. What’s remarkable about him is he is one of the very few “Int… - 7 days ago, 15 Feb 12, 3:13am -
What does Captain Kirk have to do with Valentine’s Day? Nothing, far as I know… except perhaps that the legendary Captain of the Starship Enterprise was a renowned ladies man. He was good at the art of love. Here’s what this has to do with you… - 8 days ago, 14 Feb 12, 4:23am -
When you are being compared to your competition, do your customers see any compelling difference? In today’s environment, they must! If they don’t, your business is already in trouble. Here are three simple but compelling qualities that will make… - 9 days ago, 13 Feb 12, 1:03pm -
In which I point you to five fabulous sources of free treasures any writer would love… Five Best Distraction-Free Writing Tools 50 Free Resources to Improve Your Writing Open Source Novel Writing Software 10 Free Writing Software Downloads Free Min… - 12 days ago, 10 Feb 12, 4:15am -
The They Forgot To Make It Super Edition Tug and I (along with a pretty mouthy community at #acbowl12) dish about this year's ads. Some of it worked, some of it didn't, and nearly all of it fell well below... - 16 days ago, 6 Feb 12, 10:43am -
Hey gang: Sorry we've been away so long but rest assured, plans are being made to reboot, retool, rejigger and re-energize American Copywriter in 2012. We are working to make it easier for us to post and podcast and even... - 77 days ago, 7 Dec 11, 6:50am -
A couple of months ago, a thread was created on Reddit asking Anthony Bourdain to "do an AMA." AMA, as you may or may not know, is short for "Ask Me Anything," and is a type of Reddit thread where... - 18 Jul 11, 11:04am -
The Thrity Rooms To Hide In Addition. John and Tug talk with Master Jedi Luke Sullivan about his new book Thirty Rooms To Hide In, creativity and getting out of advertising. It's a great Sunday afternoon chat with almost no... - 7 Jul 11, 7:44am -
I love the jingle, I love the look of the thing, I love the fact that the big voice announcer-style is STILL with us. Saw it here. - 23 Jun 11, 10:29am -
Great spot. Great homage. Great production. And gee whiz, did I get a -- wait for it -- product benefit in there? I think I did. Thanks to Mumaw for pointing it out. - 1 Jun 11, 6:56am -
Somebody has finally said what we've all known for a long time now – that big brewers worry more about their latest gimmick than their actual brew. Well done, Breckenridge Brewery. Well done. - 20 May 11, 9:38am -
It is the time of year again where Marketers submit their top Wins from years past to WhichTestWon.comWhichTestWon.com was launched in 2009 to help inspire and educate the marketing community about testing. They now have nearly 175 test Case Studies… - -
Isn’t it interesting to site back and watch the old become new again?While speaking with marketers after my session on Personas at Conversion Conference, it seemed to me a trend was (re)gaining traction. Over the past few months, the digital com… - -
I would like to start this blog post by stating I am NO Analyst! However, I am on the front lines, talking to the people contacting FutureNow Inc. and answering their sales related questions. My unique lack of expertise in the day to day analytical… - -
For the last post of our site search series, we are going to show one example for how using site search has increase the ROI of one of our clients, thepartyworks.com. This post should inspire you to think outside the box and give you some ideas on ho… - -
This is the second post in our site search series. If you missed the first part, read it here. It will help you get a good understanding of what kind of sites should implement site search and some reasons it might be worth your while.Here, I… - -
In this two part post, you will begin to understand why your prospects use site search, how to track what they are searching for, and what your new found information can do for you. In part one of this two part series, you will get an idea of what ki… - -
Here at FutureNow, one of the first things that we do when we start our relationship with a new client is to conduct a kick-off call. We ask our client some uncovery questions so we can get an understanding of our clients’ site and goals before… - -
This holiday, I would like to share with you a comprehensive list of resources I have found to be useful in my career as an analyst. When I started out, I spent weeks just looking for quality information on the web that would help to break into the… - -
Help your customers find their wallet this season by fine tuning the art of the call to action this holiday. Every properly placed and worded call to action brings your prospect one step closer to converting. All of your visitors have come to you v… - -
Very few people trust you. It isn’t your fault, that is the nature of ecommerce sites. Between television programs about identity theft, holiday gifts that never showed up last year, and the coffee thermos they ordered online to mount on their… - -
