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Lex DeVille's: 15 Days to Freedom - Make Money Copywriting in 15 Days or Less

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I read your threads for entertainment. The truly are golden nuggets of wisdom. If I can just add one tidbit of detail:

Eleven words or less is good

It's also important to use excellent grammar. Anything that makes the reader pause is an obstacle to good communication. I know you probably know this, but the word fewer should be used here.

Never give the reader a reason to stop, or have an objection. They should want to read more, want to know more. This is why click-bait works so well, it entices action through specific words.

Want to know more about specific action words?
It's easy. Just search @SinisterLex's post history to find out more.
 

Entrepreneur21

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Just wrote five headlines as part of one of the challenges. Feedback is welcome, first time trying and I think they came out much different in quality. I basically just looked around my apartment and found random stuff to write about, which is why they are a little weird lol

- 1 Simple Way To Beat Stress and Take Back Control Over Your Life… In Only 20 Minutes! (Meditation product)

- Double Or Triple Your Current Sales Figures and Get The Power To Take Your Business To The Next Level! (Copywriting Service)

- How To Become Big, Strong and Make People Admire You... Using Only 5 Hours A Week! (Bodybuilding Program)

- Are You Dead Tired Of Waiting For Your Internet Connection To Catch Up? Eliminate Time Waste and Increase Your Productivity Today! (Router)

- Make Your Neighbour Jealous While Getting Tan. Relax and Enjoy Yourself On Beautiful Hawaii (Vacation)
 
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Looking forward to it. I'm starting my journey into copywriting this week. (Finally)

My goal is to make $5000 in the month of June when our lease is up, and there's no giving up. I'm sacrificing all my free time to make this happen, but it'll be more than worth it. The reality is: I don't have free time.

I've revamped my profile with some copy, and I'm working on my portfolio pieces this weekend for a 100% profile.

Half way through Cashvertising, moving on to Breakthrough Advertising next. Any more book recommendations? Even if they're not directly copy related. I want to do what you do where you study hard daily to keep on the cutting edge.

Good luck at training.
 

Brandon Parker

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Hey guys! I have been following this thread for about a week now.. haven't been as disciplined as I want so I'm a bit behind.
I've decided to kick myself into gear and catch up.

Anyways I just wanted to post a page of copy I wrote for the day 5 challenge.

The product is the fitbit charge.
The audience is busy middle aged men/women who want to walk/jog a bit more
The intended outcome is for people to purchase the fitbit looking to set goals and use the product for tracking and motivation.


This is my first copy, so I'm sure there's quite a bit wrong with it. I'll probably just update it as I learn more and improve it.
Here it is(formatting was weird on here) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EftvCn7c9BbyjXVfVgnKByH6rIzRzeKNGIE8HRVDV5Y/edit?usp=sharing

Any critique is welcome, I am only looking to improve.
If anybody who's also new wants to send me theirs, I'll be happy to give the advice I can offer.

Congrats on everybody taking action and getting results. I will catch up and share my journey once I start applying.

Good luck!
 

Lex DeVille

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Anyone knows what is considered ethical? Like should I normally start the timer once I sit down on my a$$ and research the topic I'm given?

This is a personal call, and depends on the kind of value you want to add for your clients, and the kind of project you're working on.

For instance if I was hired to write a blog post and I had to research the subject, then I would definitely bill for that.

On the other hand if I'm hired for a copywriting gig and the client already knows their market somewhat, then that cuts out a lot of stuff I have to do, and I may or may not charge for research depending on how much is needed.

Starting out I didn't charge anyone for research because it was one more thing that put me ahead of other freelancers.

Professional copywriters tend to bill more for research than actual copy because it's the part that takes the longest.

Clients worry about this because they don't know how much research is actually needed, and they don't understand how vital it is to achieving their own goals.

This is especially true for low-budget clients & startups. They focus more on their current budget instead of how much their revenue will increase with properly researched copy.
 
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Hi to all of you..

My life claim me to reality.. I'm stopped at day two challenger.. I have no time..
So I decide to restart again:

Day 1 Challenge
Really
Help Someone

This morning a men come in my office.. He's an electrical engineer.. He worked by a local telecommunication company.
He was the technical manager of the company. So, the company hire a new person because a political party support him.
The company put our man in a corner, take away from him, his tasks. Finally they fired him.
So this man, whit a wife and two kids, lost his job because someone, for political reason, decide that.
This is what happens in my country and this is the reason because we are a nation of hopeless.
So this man was in my office because he want take a taxi license.
I talk him about o'desk possibility and he said to me " It's exactly what a searching for..."...

Do you think the Day 1 Challenge is done for me ??
 

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Day 3 | Influence Lesson 1
The Butterfly Effect

We can never truly know the real impact of our words.​


Day 3 Challenge
1. Help someone. Solve a problem for someone. Do it without asking for anything in return just like yesterday, and just like the day before. Remember, it doesn't have to be something epic. Just something that impacts them positively in some way.

2. Write 5 new headlines that MAKE THEM STOP, and tap into your prospects desires & emotions.

3. Using your product or service, or something you make up, write a paragraph or two to your target customer utilizing the influential phrases you learned in this post. Consider using all 3 types of phrases for maximum impact, and remember to write with intent. Find ways to show how your product helps your customer while driving them toward the action you want them to take.

Do this before reading the next lesson, or don't keep going forward.

Now that you know that influence is inevitable you can
start writing copy with intent & purpose so you can
achieve your desired results in the shortest
time possible. Always write for positive
outcomes. That's it for this lesson.
When you're ready, continue
on to Day 4 - Mindset
Lesson
2


Hi to All.. This is my try for Day 3.

1) No many chance to help someone today... Busy Day, but I offer the breakfast at one man and I give two free hours of job to my boss..

2)
1. Use Oral B Toothbrush Every Day And You Can Smile Like A Movie Star.
2. Whit Bush Shaving Foam Also Chewbacca Can Seem Like Kojak
3. Try Now Acuve Contact Lens.. You Can See A Golf Club Also In The Middle of Desert
4. Wüsthof Knives... You'll Love Them So Much Than You Cut Also Fingerfoods And Soups
5. Gillette Rapido Razor.. Man ... You 've Never Felt So Strong

3)
Make an unforgettable gift to your self ! Come visit Tuscany whit Bosley Travel..
We lead You in a magic and romantic atmosphere.. Visit charming landscape of Chianti with our bike tour.. Tast the most famous Wines and Foods, during our esclusive Wine tour. Admire San Gimignano towers whome had inspirered the architects who designed Manatthan.. Dive your body in a termal reinvigoreting bath in Bagno Vignoni..
Think Abou It !
Escape from the enslaving routine of the modern large city.. Jailbreak your soul and flight to a mystic country.. Listen Medieval echo in Monteriggioni Castle.. Try to draw the sword from the rock like a Templar Knight in San Galgano abbey.. Feel your self inside the Assassin's Creed scenario in a rapid tour in the historical center of Florence.. Don't waste this incredible opportunity.. Only this week you can buy our holiday package with an unbelieveble 50 % off. Do it now !!! You can't loose the moment. Run into the arms of Crete Senesi's rolling hills, enjoy the majestic experience of one day journey in Siena.. Visit the amazing ghotic Cathedral and take more than a glance a Il Campo, where if you come in the first two days of July or in the middle of August, you can feel like James Bond in Quantum of Solace and live the most indescribable, electrifyng, memorable event that an horse race can give you.. Rich your eyes with the kaleidoscopics colours of the Medieval costumes, enchant your ears with the rhythmic sound of the drums, Feel your hearthbeat speed up earing the tumultuous footsteps of Ten overwhelming steeds at full gallop. Fall in love in this amazing, beautyfull city...
Buy Now !!! Don't miss your last chance !!! Offer ends saturday !!! Last five holiday package left!!
Come to try the breath of life whit Bosley Travel..
Give more sense to your life !! Take your best quality time !! Offer to your self an unique memento.
Get it now ! Do it with us.

Suggest and comment are welcome!!
Well.. 3/15 done.. I hope.. It 01:32 AM.. I'm tired but I'm in.. One step each time.. Like an A.A. member..
Good night!!
 
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mws87

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@SinisterLex I copied all of your posts and pasted them into an OpenOffice doc to make it easier to read through the comments. My question: Do you recommend taking 1 step/day? Or would a few a day be acceptable? Which would be more efficient?
 
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I'm building out a real estate investing business after house hacking my first property. I've been getting super involved in direct response marketing and I have been doing this challenge to take more compounded action. Here is a sales letter I did for Day 6 please let me know where I am going wrong, what I could be doing better, and what I did well! I would be very greatful. Thank you


Instant Profits In FOUR Simple Steps That Turn Your House From Trash to Cash!

Evictions, property management, maintenance and family hassles. How many people can say they enjoy day to day life with the nagging thought that problems are lurking amongst them?

Owning a house that was more than you bargained for can be a catastrophic challenge to not only you, but your family!

How often has your mind wandered to the “problems at the property” when your attention was needed elsewhere?

Your job, family, and true passions deserve your complete attention…

You’ve considered selling it with your agent and ridding yourself of these problems once and for all… But there are even MORE problems that would come up!

You would be required to:

· Fix up the property

· Find and list the property with an agent

· Hold the property while it sells (if it sells)

· Pay out closing costs and escrow fees

It’s not even worth your time and money to bother with the ever more present issues that will come up!

You will easily spend months figuring our details, thousands of dollars in costs, and your precious time worrying and focusing on this nagging pain in your life.

But what if I told you there was another way….

An EASIER, FASTER, NO OBLIGATION way to sell your house for a CASH with no work…. And better yet, you could close this month.

At XXXXXXX.com we purchase properties in any price range in any condition for cash! We are investors who seek to create win-win opportunities through finding solutions to your current situation.

What do you receive from working with us?

· No Realtors needed

· No Repairs required

· No Fee’s attached

· No Closing Costs at all!

No, it’s not too good to be true, we help dozens of people everyday seek out new opportunities that work better for their current situation.

How does it work?

1. Call us Today For a FREE Quote

2. We will come and look at your house

3. We will make you a CASH offer

4. You will get PAID

Call Us Today at XXX-XXX-XXXX for a Free No Obligation Quote on your problem property!

With a few simple questions and a short talk on the phone, you will be on your way to living a hassle free life!

Call Today!

XXX-XXX-XXXX​
 

Lex DeVille

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I'm on day 2) Here is what I came up with!

offer: myfreecams.com (NSFW)

Demo: horny males 20-50

Desire: sexual relief

Emotion: To feel happy?


RAGING BONER? These Filthy Sluts Will Take Care Of It For You!

==============


offer: boostbreastmilk.com

Demo: Expecting Mothers 25-50

Desire: Have a deep connection with baby + have healthy kid

Emotion: Want to feel like they are a good and nuturing mother.


ALERT: Mothers That Breastfeed Have a Much Healthier And Deeper Connection With Their Children Than Those That Don't


==============


offer: venorex.com

Demo: Women 25-60

Desire: Be attractive

Emotion: Happy, Loved, Accepted, Desired

Woman With Fantastic Long Legs Causes Traffic Accident!


==============

offer: revitoleczemacream.com

Demo: Women 20-60

Desire: Have clear skin

Emotion: Acceptence, Confidence

They Said I'd Always Have Eczema! But They'll Be Shocked When They See My Beautiful Clear Complexion at Our Next High School Reunion!

==============

offer: idolwhite.com

Demo: Men/Women 20-50

Desire: Nice bright white teeth

Emotion: Acceptence, Envy, Confidence, Attraction

Smoking 20 Cigs A Day For 15 Years Ruined My Teeth For Ever (Or So I thought), After Using This ONE Trick I've Not Been Able To Stop Smiling!

1. The first one is really vague. Probably why the emotion is unclear. Get more specific. What specific type of porn (or whatever) is this site? Looks like it's free web cams, so the desire isn't just sexual relief. Sexual relief is the end result, but there's a reason they would choose this website over another. What is it?

• Connection with live women?
• Low-cost web cam porn?
• Amateur / homemade style video?

2. In this one having a healthy baby is likely the strongest desire. The emotion is fear of what happens to babies that don't breastfeed. Feeling like they're a good/nurturing mother is a secondary desire, but not the strongest one.

ALERT: Not Breastfeeding Increases Baby's Risk of Autism by 15%

3. Good job on the desire. To be attractive is a strong desire. The strongest emotion is self-consciousness - how do you solve this? We desire to be attractive, but we feel insecure about our varicose veins.

4. Nailed the desire on this one. The emotions are good too. Acceptance / confidence make for a stronger headline, as yours is. It's a little bit wordy. Get rid of the word "But", and swap long phrases with something shorter.

Skin So Clear Your Class Reunion Won't Believe It's You

5. Desire is two-fold: 1) White teeth. 2) Remove stains. - Confidence is the primary emotion. Attraction is secondary. Your headline does well at toward/away from motivation. A little long, but just a matter of practice.

Overall great job! You're well on your way to becoming America's Next Top...Copywriter ;)
 

David Fiddler

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You bring up several good points. Especially about asking questions.

Your first question made me giggle. Seems like every time I ask they respond with: "uh everyone..."

And regarding unethical gigs - the other day I was asked to write fake reviews for Amazon. Was like "you must not watch much T.V..."
Unethical gigs are a great laugh-stock though.

Just recently I was asked to write a VSL script for this MLM company/Ponzi-scheme...

Client said they are "providing risk-free encrypted server service for large corps and regular people".

What they actually do is ask you to buy these "packages" (biggest one goes for $2800) then you can run their program on your computer for 10 hours a day minimum (you also get paid smtg for this, but I doubt it'll cover your costs :D)....then yeah you guessed it, you have to refer more people into their system.

So I had a convo with the guy, which basically went like this:

"Um...I'm not judging, dude [I was] but this deal sounds shady as hell"
"Yeah well, even if it's a ponzi scheme it's new and will take time to collapse. By then, I will have made money..."

aaaaaand I got the F*ck out.

Thankfully, the contract was still in the interview phase.
 
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Day 12 Challenge: 2. Write 2 paragraphs of copy

You wake up to a beautiful sunny day. The sky is clear, no sign of clouds - you can feel like its going to be an amazing day!

You get wash your face, brush your teeth and slip on your socks & running gear.

You're eager to get out the door and get to running, you can't wait for the amazing rush, the wind in your face and the release of endorphin into your system.

You get outside and the birds are tweeting and the grass smells so fresh you can taste the dew.

You do some stretches and make sure you're shoes are tied well, you click play on your mp3 and you find the perfect track to start your joggin on.

You start running and you're feeling like a million bucks.... after a few min. you feel like increasing the tempo a bit, because you want to push yourself and break your time you set a few weeks back.

But when you do, you're forced to slow it down again. Every-time you increase the temp you're freaking headphones feel like they're about to pop out of your ears - its so freaking frustrating!

You're only option is to either go nice and steady with music, or take your headphones out of your ears while you push your body to the max for a few min!

WHY MUST LIFE BE SO SUCKY?!!? ISN'T THERE SOMETHING FOR THIS HORRIBLENESS ?!

===================================================================
Day 14 ..aaaaaand done.

Thanks for the guide and course. I have completed every step & challenge and found it very useful and helpful!

Here are my notes for those of you that did not take notes:



1) Be Like Jesus - Forget You. Help Them.

2) Make Them STOP! (Desire + Emotion in Headline)

3) Influence 'Em using Time & Scarcity

4) Take ACTION.

5) Keep It Simple Stupid.

A) Open with a question. B) Ask more questions.
C) Use short sentences. D) Use short paragraphs.
E) Less Syllables is More. F) Make Sub-Headings Large.
G) Choose Where Each Line Ends H) Read The Copy Out Loud!
I) Speak to Senses J) Use Action Language!

6) Eliciting Emotional Responses

A) Specific Outcomes B) Influence from the Start
C) Foreshadowing D) Our Desire for Action + High & lows
E) The First Trigger F) The 2nd Trigger
G) Drive it home.

7) Find your vision and build an empire!

8) Write Logically.

A) Start by asking what your prospect desires most.
B) Then ask, the who, what, when ,where, why, & how questions.

9) Psychological Rules of Persuasion

A) Reciprocity B) Commitment & Consistency
C) Social Proof D) Be Like Them (liking)
E) Authority F) Scarcity

10) Life is like... a game

11) Once upon a time ... Storytelling

A) Start fast & start in action B) Use the Right Perspective
C) Engage the Senses D) Use Appropriate Context
E) Actually Tell a Story. (cheaters guide to short story writing)

12) Find the right motivation; PAIN or Pleasure

13) The Art of Outcomes & Assumption

14) Technique Doesn't Matter - Nothing is set in stone.
 
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Day 8 Challenge

1. Close your eyes and imagine the life you want to have. See it is bright vibrant colors. Smell whatever success smells like to you. Hear any sounds that you associate with the life you want to have. Blow the image up and put yourself in it. See it from behind your eyes.

Done :). Success smells like a beach. I hear chirping and laughter. Lots and lots of girls giggling too :)

2. Help someone without asking anything in return.

Shared a product of value with someone on a different forum.

3. Take some action you've been too scared to take.

Doing this challenge. Also I've been scared to contact some old friends so I did that.

4. Write 5 Creative Headlines
  1. WARNING: You Are Getting Lied To Daily. How To Catch The Act.
  2. The ONE SIMPLE Solution For Your Diet: It's Not What You Think
  3. Are You Looking For Mr Right? Check out mrright.com
  4. Don't Read This Unless You're A Professional Golf Player! The One Secret To Win Every Hole
  5. How To Never Hear "Let's Just Be Friends" Again And Score The Girl

5. Write a website "About Us" page using everything you've learned to this point, and make sure you do it in logical order.
About Us​

We are Pooks Anonymous, A company based in the United States of America.
Our mission is: to indiscriminately serve companies internationally in boosting sales and marketing

We do not believe in a "one size fits all" mindset. Here at Pooks, we take each client's campaign at an individual basis. We tailor our marketing and sales strategies to be the most effective for said company.

Contact us and let us help you grow your business.
 

Lex DeVille

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What about less syllables=easier to read ? Should you not replace delectable with delicious or some other more common word?

Depends on the effect you're going for. Who is your audience? Some people don't want things dumbed down. Some want to buy a product that makes them feel smart or classy or wealthy. It's all about giving them what they want. Communicate how your audience wants to be communicated with.
 

Lex DeVille

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The numbers are probably fairly accurate given the copy.

I was a little unclear about what you were selling from the start.

At first I thought it was landscaping but then it turned into music.

I'm not your target market, so that's why the images are unclear to me, but others might understand.

Who specifically do you want to contact you?

How old are they? What gender?
Why do they have to call? No website?
 
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Lex DeVille

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If you haven't picked up the free eguides from copyblogger you totally should.

I attached one here. Just a bit about storytelling.

They're all about crafting creative content that pulls customers to you.

I've read a few of their other guides. So far they all have great info for modern copywriters.
 

Attachments

  • Copyblogger-How-to-Create-Content-that-Converts-2.pdf
    282.8 KB · Views: 63

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So, i was casually living my life, occupied with high school, when one day, i open my e-mail, and i see that someone ACTUALLY accepted my proposal, and is willing to talk about it.
I ended up landing the gig.
The guy gave me a deadline of 2-3 days. I finished it in 2-3 hours and sent it to him. I also checked his site, and noticed he does not have a search function. I pointed it out to him, and now the guy loves me. I provided value!

I made some minor mistakes though, so he told me that during the next day (i typed the gig during the night). I corrected my mistakes in around 30 minutes and sent it to him.

He was thrilled.

I got a shining 5 star review, and an invitation to join a Skype group of 20, where they will probably need copywriters.

I'm still really nervous, like i was before i started this gig. I still doubt myself, and believe that my copy is shit. But, he seemed to like it! So, it's probably not that bad. It's probably only in my mind.


Thank you Sinister for these lessons.
 

Lex DeVille

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What should I put my hourly rate as for the content writing gigs? I had my hourly rat eat $20 for the first two copywriting gigs I did.

Actually the grammar mistakes were just because I didn't even bother to re-read my own proposal because I was in a funk when writing it..My writing is good enough when I just focus on it.

You should test it and stop asking people to do the work for you because they can't.

Change your rates and note the results. If you like the results, good. If not, try again.

That's what being an entrepreneur is. Until you learn that, you won't make much money.
 
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Just finished my first copywriting job! Wrote a 780 word brochure for a farm/ school for young adults with developmental disabilities. And guess what?

I used the techniques I learned here to actually sell myself and get the gig.

Who would have thought? Do this challenge guys. You have NOTHING to lose and $$$$$$$ to gain! This thread should be GOLD

Keeping up this momentum. I'll post my progress and hopefully inspire you guys to take this challenge.
 
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Day 1 Challenge

Anxious to get going, I vacuumed every room in my parents' house and watered their plants. Doesn't put me in the realm of sainthood, but it will make their lives just a bit easier. Forget you.


Day 2 Challenge

1. Your Business Can Save the World (Organic Packaging)
2. Less Words - MORE SALES (My copywriting services)
3. Save Trees and Use Paper (Post Consumer Recycled Paper)
4. Bring Wealth into Your Life (Fastlane Forum)
5. Surround Yourself with Wealth (Fastlane Forum)


The best thing about starting with little to no experience is that you can only get better.

While doing this exercise, an Amazon related podcast recommended going to Fiverr to find a Copywriter for product descriptions. Plenty of opportunities/antelope out there.

Glad I found this thread, and of course, thank you for providing immense value as always @SinisterLex
 
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Lex DeVille

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For the sake of redundancy, I decided to omit the preceding challenges for the day in this post.


Day 3 Challenge

If you could save the world, would you? Would you do your best to ensure a safe future for you and your loved ones - for generations to come?

You and your business CAN help save the world.

Consider this. Utilizing post-consumer recycled packaging, you and your business aid in reducing harmful pollutants. Using our recycled packaging that otherwise ends up incinerated, in landfills, and in our oceans, you not only serve your customers and yourself, but the entire world.

Do your part, and utilize our packaging for your business TODAY. We offer a wide spectrum of recycled packaging products - suitable for all of your business needs. From corrugated boxes to flexible crates - we provide it all - without harming the world we all know and love.

Imagine how you will benefit, and imagine how we will all gain.

Your opening sentence is good.

The question is good and gets them wondering (that's the first step in engagement and guiding them with your words). The sentence is a bit long. How might you shorten it for the same effect? Where might you add a line break so the first sentence looks short and easily digestible?

There's a good strong Y.O.U. focus throughout and I think your message speaks to the right audience. It won't reach everyone because some people don't care about saving the world. But for those who do care, they'll listen, at least through the first paragraph.

The body could be stronger. Saving the world is only the first benefit. What else does your customer get? Maybe it's a clearly defined benefit or maybe it's something more passive like a feeling. How will they feel about themselves when they use your product? You don't have to directly state it if you can show them with your words (such as with a story).

You don't want to have them "imagine" the benefits. You want to show them with descriptive language that creates a picture in their mind.



Day 4 Challenge


Last night, I completed the necessary tax information on my Upwork account and tweaked my bio. I also took some quizzes to add more credibility to my account.

Now, it's time for action.

I am going to apply for 4 or 5 copywriting gigs and see what happens.

The "I don't think I have enough experience" mentality is no longer in effect. I'm going to get my first gig.

Apply to 1.

Spend 4 to 5 hours on 1 single application. Hell, spend all day if you have to.

A lot of people sling applications at clients like darts at the bar, but that's not the way to go. Become like a heat-seeking missile and search through pages of clients if you have to until you find one that speaks to you.

You're looking for THE ONE out of all of the rest that isn't shit. THE ONE you know you can over deliver on. THE ONE that isn't going to try and cheat you or pay you practically nothing or not value your work.

When you find THE ONE, take your time and do it right...

Because THE ONE can be THE ONLY ONE you need for a long long time.

When you find the right client you can easily get good feedback, higher pay, and referrals.

I mean you gotta figure 80% of the clients on Upwork pay $50 to $100 for limited work. They don't know what a copywriter is and they don't value their service.

But every once in a while a new client shows up, or a client that highly values freelancers. Those people pay more, and they know to pay with ongoing terms, or to make the arrangement otherwise valuable for you so you'll stick around.

If you search for the right client, you can potentially have ongoing work for a long time. And since most people are just copywriting to earn money for another business, that can be really valuable for you.

While everyone else is busy constantly applying for $50 or $100 fixed gigs and earning $500 a month if they're lucky, you can hone in on that one single client who pays you $500 or $1000 or whatever on a monthly basis because you spent a F*ckton of time doing it right.

Then you can spend the rest of your time finding more THE ONEs and getting them to you.

Then you create an income and can grow as you please, or just fund whatever else you want to do.

Make sense?
 

Mana

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Hey, how big are your chances if you're not a native speaker?

I can offer a reasonably good quality, but I'm afraid I'm clueless when it comes to grammar and punctuation. Apart from that I'm always trying my best, triple checking everything, I fear a situation when someone believes my skills and pays me for a job, which is not done well enough.

Snoophek, while all of Lex's advice is great I'll let you know where his best piece of advice is. Go up to one of his post. Now go to the left and look under his name. That's right, the best piece of advice Lex has given is 'Just Do It'. You seriously don't know how it will go until you try and trust me it just might work out better then you thought.

Even before I finished reading through this thread I created an upwork account. I've seen some post about it not being that great, but hey 80% of something is still something. Anyways I wasn't comfortable with copywriting yet so I decided to look into the graphic design jobs since I know that a bit better. I applied for my first job for a fantasy baseball logo using Lex's method of telling him what I could do for him instead of how great I was. He not only hired me but a couple other people that he knew signed up for upwork just to get me to do there logos for them.

This relates to your concern because one of the guys didn't want the logo like the other ones, although it was still fantasy baseball. The first job was a bulky baseball player standing on other player, some kind of sports trash talk picture. I did it for him and I thought it was only alright, but he thought it was amazing. He kept complementing me on my work. Then he hired me for a second one. It was sort of a baseball/he man mesh. So I did the best I could with it and sent it to him, telling him that I could change anything if he need me too. The thing is I didn't think it was that great but he loved it. All he asked me to do was add a baseball plate to it. I'm not an amazing artist, just an alright artist. And I thought the same thing as you, he's going to think I'm a fake and ask for a refund, but that didn't happen. Instead he said he said how awesome I was. So take Lex's best advice and 'Just Do It' and I mean right now. Go to Upwork and apply for jobs, now. Upwork might not be great for long term money making but I think it's a great start to get your feet wet and practice.
 

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Control hazardous mold in your home with the EcoAir DD12 Dehumidifier.

You inspired me now ;)

Since I've been writing copy all day, I'll give it a shot too:

Remove Health-Threatening Mold Spores, Save Money On Home Repairs And Breathe Clean Air - With The Push Of Just One Button.

The EcoAir DD12 Dehumidifier.
 

Lex DeVille

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Day 2

I'd like to share my headlines for your honest and brutal critique:

Personal training
“Stop Messing About And Be The Sexy Confident You, Now!”

Magic mushrooms
“Heaven In A Dose”

Foam Roller
“Improving Range Of Motion Improves Athletic Performance. Use This Tool If You Want To Win!”

NLP mind training
“Get Your Brain On Your Side To Get What You Want!”

Pull-up bar
“Forge Your Back Into Iron Every Time You Walk Out Your Room!”

Headline 1
The word "About" is too formal for most audiences and sort of strips the emotion. Who is this for? Men? Women? How old? "Sexy Confident" is good, but it's not clear to me who this is for, so I can't picture myself as "sexy confident" because I don't have any context for that image.

Headline 2
This headline might make sense as long as you put an image in the background of what it's about. By itself it's very vague, but if the target audience already knows why they're on your site, then it's no problem. The word "Dose" falls a little flat for emotional appeal. I don't know much about mushrooms, but I don't associate the word "dose" with "shroom" so it would probably be more impactful if you used something like "Heaven in a Cap" since mushrooms have caps and if I'm not mistaken, that's the part you eat.

Headline 3
This headline doesn't make sense to me. This shouldn't be a headline, it's more like a call to action that should come later in the text. I do like that the targeting is a little more clear. This is for athletes who want to improve performance. The word "tool" doesn't make sense for the audience because athletes don't usually use tools. They use "equipment" or "gear" but usually not tools.

A couple of questions:
• What is the biggest most common problem the foam roller solves?
• How do you use a foam roller?
• How specifically does it help improve athletic performance?
• What kind of athletes should use it?

Is it for athletes with sore backs? Does it relieve aching muscles? This headline should address the actual problem so they understand how it helps them "win." Make sense?

Headline 4
This one is good. I like where you're going with it. If the audience knows they're on a website that has to do with NLP, then this one makes sense. :)

Headline 5
The interesting thing about pull up bars is they sort of give you a total body work out. Not just back, but shoulders, chest, abs etc. It might be worth mentioning a total body workout in the headline. I like how you mention walking out of the room since these bars usually hang above the door. That creates a good picture in the mind.
 

MJ DeMarco

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Just noticed this had 90,000 views so I marked it NOTABLE. (Note: I have not read the thread, but I'm guessing 90,000 views warrants some goodness.)

For those of you who have consumed the 15 pages and think it should be GOLD, tag me.
 

MJ DeMarco

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Lex DeVille

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They say, "There is no such thing as an unselfish act." This I believe to be untrue, because of the fact that I do things for people all of the time without asking or wanting anything in return.

They also say, "If it makes you feel good for doing something for someone, that is a selfish act." The reason why they say it is a "selfish" act, is because of the feeling you get, meaning you still got something in return.

So, because it makes you feel good to do something for someone or help them out, without asking for or wanting anything in return, do you consider this to be a selfish act or an unselfish act?

I consider all acts selfish. Humans do not act without reason to do so.

The only possible way to act unselfishly is to act without knowing why you are acting.

That would be to act without purpose.

It's not a bad thing, if that's what you're getting at.

The word "selfish" has taken on a negative meaning over time due to various religions.

But it's still just a word.

It's not bad to feel good for helping other people.

The goal is to be able to empathize with others so you understand where they're coming from.

It's putting yourself in their shoes as much as possible and understanding their world view.

What I'm saying is, the lesson isn't about being unselfish.

It's about helping others because it's the right thing to do.

How it makes you feel in return is irrelevant, (but a nice perk!).

When you help people without asking anything in return it begins a mindset shift.

A flake becomes a ball becomes a massive snow boulder rolling down a hill.

It's about learning to be valuable for others.

It also often triggers reciprocation which leads to many other advantages as well.

Hello, I don't know if you are familiar with A W A I, (American Writers & Artists Inc.), they are well known and very reputable copywriters. They have an entire website on copywriting, I am a member of A W A I and I have successfully completed The Accelerated Program for Six - Figure Copywriting, it is an intense course on copywriting that teaches you just about everything there is to know about writing copy. There's also The Wealthy Web Writer and Professional Writer's Alliance, they even have a page where you can find clients to write for.

I'm familiar with these organizations but have never joined them or taken their courses.

For me there was never any need to. For others it might be helpful, but I couldn't speak from experience on that.

Some of the writing organizations have opened up doorways for copy and content writers that might not otherwise be easily accessible.
 
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Lex DeVille

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Yes it made sense. Now when I read it, it is more than fairly obvious the headline and the copy don't match up.
The "Call NOW!" thing was just an attempt for Call To Action could have been replaced with "email me".
Thank you SinisterLex. I learn so much from you.

One general question. Let's say someone was really selling a "5 step plan for buying a house" through Email or Ebook. What would their headline be in that case. Because what ever I can come up with now seems like a blog headline"

1. Get your dream home. One step at a time.
2. Get your Perfect home at a perfect time.
3. Who wants to live in a dream house.
4. Own a home, your wife can be proud of.

Well, to answer that you have to return to the target audience. Who is it? Because it makes a big difference in how you write the headline. A guy who's broke, earning middle class income doesn't always have the same needs, wants, and desires as someone living rich. You'd need to target the needs and pains of your market specifically.

"Own Your Dream Home This Month Even If You Barely Earn Enough To Keep The Lights On And Can't Afford $10 Down"

"How To Own Your Dream Home And Pay Half Of What You Pay That Shady Property Manager For Rent On That Bug Infested Sh*t Hole"

"The 5 Step Blueprint To Own Your First Home This Year Without Picking Up Hitman Side Jobs Just To Afford The Closing Costs"

Something like that.
 
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