Tips for Writing Persuasive Copy

I’ve been writing copy for +8 years in 5 industries. These are the 7 copywriting tips I wish someone had told me when I first started out: --- (1) Merciless Editing: Be generous when writing copy (write as much as you want). Be ruthless when editing copy (edit as if it costs you money). --- (2) Transition Words: Stop writing boring copy. Use transition words like: • But • And • Still • You see • However • Moving on This helps you abruptly start a new paragraph/sentence. And increase flow & continuity in your copy. --- (3) One Thing At A Time: Your copy should include only one offer and one call to action. Anything beyond this confuses the customer. The decision to act should be simple and clear. --- (4) Use Numbers Whenever Possible: "Lose fat" - Okay "Lose fat in 14 days" - Good "Lose 3 pounds in 14 days" - Better --- (5) Don't Tell Them, Show Them: Instead of just talking about the product or service... Show them how your previous customers benefited. e.g. Use testimonials & case studies. --- (6) Nail The Hook: The first lines of any copy decide whether your customer will read further. Your only job is to get them to read the next line. Then the next line. Then the next line. That can't happen unless they get past the hook. --- (7) Contractions > Expansion: Contractions make your writing more fluent. Examples: • I'd • I've • Isn't It gives a human touch to your words. And makes you sound like you're talking instead of telling. --- TLDR: 7 quick-hitting copywriting tips: • Nail The Hook • Transition Words • Merciless Editing • One Thing At A Time • Contractions > Expansion • Don't Tell Them, Show Them • Use Numbers Whenever Possible --- Any tips you would add?

Let's talk about a fundamental change in copy strategy using a simple, relatable example—the marketing of a Credit Card. 👉 Before: The copy is straightforward, highlighting a key offer: “Welcome gift: 75,000 membership rewards points." While informative, it focuses purely on the technical reward, missing an opportunity to connect on a more personal level. Note: These points were redeemable for various rewards, including flights, dining, and experiences—a detail buried in the small print rather than celebrated. 👉 Transformation: The strategy shifts from stating what you offer to painting a picture of what life could be like because of it. It’s not just about the points It’s about the experiences those points could unlock. 👉 After: "Go on the vacation of your dreams, on us!" This approach transforms the message from a simple transaction—signing up for a credit card—to an invitation to experience something memorable, tapping into the aspirational desires of the target audience. 🎯 Behind the Strategy: Emotional Engagement: Moving the focus to the experiences made possible by the points, rather than the points themselves, we tap into the reader’s desires and aspirations. Simplicity: By distilling the message to a single, compelling benefit, the copy becomes more memorable and impactful. Call to Imagination: Encouraging the audience to envision their dream vacation personalizes the offer, making the action of signing up feel like the first step on an exciting journey. This strategic transformation in copy doesn’t just aim to inform—it inspires, engages, and ultimately, it converts. Try looking beyond your product to the possibilities it creates for the consumer.

47-second copywriting tip: Which money would you choose? 👇 A — definitively win $500 B — take a gamble where you have a 50% chance to win $1000 If you chose A, you’re like most humans. 😅 In a 1979 study by Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky (fathers of behavioral economics), 84% of people chose the CERTAIN WIN. But when asked: Would you rather A — definitively lose $500 B — take a gamble with a 50% chance to lose $1000? 69% of people chose to take a gamble. _________________________________________________________________ TAKEAWAY: People are willing to take risks to PREVENT LOSS, but they won’t do the same to GAIN. We are wired to avoid loss. We are more likely to act to prevent loss. 👉 Why does this matter? When writing copy, don’t just focus on the gain — show me the loss. — What do I stand to LOSE by not using this product? — What is the cost of NOT engaging? — What is the cost of the status quo? FOR EXAMPLE: ❌ Improve your authorization rate and capture more sales ✅ Reduce your checkout declines by 50% ❌ Punch up your homepage copy and capture more visitors. ✅ Is your homepage repelling your best leads? We can change that. Caveat: This works best for SOLUTIONS — functional products that solve a clear problem. Don’t do this for  — delighter products, where you’re trying to create strong positive brand associations — high-aware audiences that are sold on the solution; they’re simply comparing products & features — sensitive B2C products with a strong emotional benefit (eg. therapy / rehab / lactation consultant). Depicting the “loss” in those contexts can come across as abrasive and uncaring. You can hint to the loss without getting explicit. And don’t get TOO negative — aim for a balance of loss and gain. BOTTOM LINE: Loss aversion is a powerful motivator. >>> Look at the hero headline & final headline on your homepage. If they don’t weave in loss aversion, now’s the time to change that —  and avoid losing leads to the competition. 😉 ************************** I post 3X a week on marketing & messaging.  Follow Michal Eisik for zero-fluff content. #michaleisik #messaging #B2BSaaS

Dive into these 10 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 from Josh Braun's copywriting practices, plus bonus tips for how to "𝐏𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐫" and engage your prospects in a meaningful way: 1️⃣ Focus on the Customer: Step into their shoes and speak directly to their needs. Understand their challenges, desires, and aspirations to tailor your message specifically to them. 2️⃣ Clarity is Key: Keep your message crystal clear for maximum impact. Avoid jargon and complex language, ensuring that your audience understands your message at a glance. 3️⃣ Embrace Empathy: Connect emotionally by understanding their pain points. Show genuine empathy and compassion, demonstrating that you truly understand and care about their challenges. 4️⃣ Tell Compelling Stories: Make your message memorable with powerful storytelling. Weave narratives that resonate with your audience, drawing them in and leaving a lasting impression. 5️⃣ Simplify Complexity: Break down the complex into digestible content. Take complex ideas or processes and simplify them, making them easy for your audience to grasp and engage with. 6️⃣ Use Persuasive Language: Motivate action with your choice of words. Use language that inspires and compels your audience to take the next step, whether it's making a purchase, signing up, or sharing your message. 7️⃣ Test and Iterate: Experiment with different variations to find what resonates. Continuously test different copy elements such as headlines, calls-to-action, and messaging to optimize for maximum impact. 8️⃣ Build Trust: Establish credibility by providing valuable solutions. Offer insights, tips, and solutions to your audience's problems, positioning yourself as a trusted authority in your niche. 9️⃣ Be Authentic: Forge a genuine connection with your audience. Be authentic, transparent, and relatable in your communication, fostering trust and loyalty with your audience. 🔟 Keep Learning: Stay curious and continuously improve your skills. Explore new trends, techniques, and strategies in copywriting, always striving to expand your knowledge and expertise. Bonus Tips: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐫 "How do you know the founder you’re about to invest in won’t have a sordid history splashed across Tech Crunch’s homepage?" "If you run MVRs quarterly, how do you know violations aren’t occurring between pulls?" "What are you doing to ensure your wash mitt won’t scratch your car?" "How do you know if your Stripe account is losing revenue without you knowing it?" "How do you know good interviews won’t turn into bad sales hires?" "How do you know you’re not being overcharged for shipping?" Ditch the pitch. Poke the bear. Can you add your Own Examples of "Poke the Bear" in the comments?? #Copywriting #Marketing #ContentCreation #JoshBraun #WritingTips #PokeTheBear

Even after almost 60 years, David Ogilvy's copywriting principles are as relevant as ever. When it comes to persuasive writing, these are non-negotiable: 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 - Research your reader down to every minute detail. Pains, problems, desires, what they worry about, what they talk to their friends about, what books they read, podcasts they listen to - literally everything. 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 - Trying to be cute or clever in your writing generally doesn't play out like it does in your head. Don't risk an opportunity to transmit a clear message to your reader with stupid jargon and unclear writing. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 - Aside from clarity, weaving an interesting story to emphasize your point is essential for great writing. A well-crafted story connects to your reader emotionally, making your message unforgettable. 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 - 5x times as many people read the headline as the body. A compelling headline can make or break your content. If your reader isn't hooked on a strong headline, nothing else matters. 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 - The reader could care less about features. Instead of just listing the features of a product or service, talk about benefits. It's the difference between "33 mpg fuel efficiency" vs. "Road trips with fewer pit stops." 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗜𝘁: 1. Practice, Practice, Practice. 2. Read great writing (read beyond your skill level) 3. Find great ads and hand-copy them for 20-30 minutes every day. 4. Find the best copywriting books and read them (The Boron Letters, The Copywriting Handbook (Bly), etc...) 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆: If you want to amplify your personal brand or become a thought leader through your writing, Ogilvy's principles can help you communicate to your target audience much more effectively. Writing on LinkedIn is more copywriting than traditional essay or blog writing, so next time you're ready to publish, remember Ogilvy's tips and try to hit all five! What's your best copywriting tip? ------------------------ 𝗽.𝘀. If you found this helpful, consider reposting ♻️ 𝗽.𝘀.𝘀 For more content like, follow me: Tom Schaeffer 👉 {{🔔}}