A lot of people ask me how I write copy. I don’t mean the content-​​writing process (such as how I come up with headlines, bullets, offers, etc), but how I tackle the actual task of composing a new salesletter from scratch.

Everyone is different. My writing process is one developed over many years, and many people may adopt or dislike the same techniques. But in the hope that knowing my process may be helpful to some writers, I’d like to share it with you.

Of course, if I were to describe all of the steps, there would be way too much information to squeeze into one article. But for now, I can offer you a basic look at my methodology by giving you a short list of the seven steps I take.

Here they are.

(more…)

What is it with people lately?

Browbeating, bashing, and bullyragging. Flames, stains, and blames. Put downs, let downs and showdowns. On forums, blogs, and social networking sites.

Sure, I understand people are fed up with scam artists and snake oil salesmen. And sure, I also believe we need firebrands and rebels. Each one helps to keep the other side in line.

I love good debates. They’re not only intellectually stimulating, but also they help instigate change, or give others the impetus on how to deal with it. I always love a good argument, when that argument is based on fact and substance.

But lately, some of them are really getting out of hand.

(more…)

Some people have asked what Web 2.0 tools do I use. Now, that question is two-​​sided. One is, what tools do I use with my copy? And the answer is, “not many.” I do use a few, and I’m testing a lot more, too.

Other than video and graphics, such as using YouTube​.com and Flickr​.com, which are the most popular but not really important when you have your own dedicated server like I do, there are some tools to allow my websites to be a little more interactive.

(If you remember from my report, The Death of The Salesletter,” I talk about the rise in “samplification.” If there are any tools that I would prefer, other than video and audio, they would certainly be those that helped to give my readers more proof, and to make their buying experiences easier and more secure.)

I will blog about those once I get more statistics to share with you.

But the second part of that question is, when it comes to running my business, there are a few Web 2.0 tools and services that have helped my life quite tremendously. Here’s a list of some of them.

(more…)

When I write copy, some tools help me tremendously. Whether it’s the copy itself, or interactions with my clients, there are certain websites I use that help make it a lot easier for me.

There are quite a few pieces of software, so let me just stick with the web-​​based ones. How about posting yours? What are some of the tools you use in your work to improve your productivity?

Here are some of mine…

(more…)

Ryan Healy, a talented copywriter whose blog I love reading, recently said that copywriters shouldn’t be cheap, especially when they start out.

It’s a powerful notion, because many beginning copywriters believe that being cheap will get them more business. (There are other ways around this, of course. Knowing how to market yourself is one thing. Focusing on a specialty, a niche, is another. But more on that at another time.)

The bottom line is, if you lowball your rates, you will not get as much business as you think you’ll get. Sure, you will probably get some. But it’s the kind of business you don’t want.

(more…)

I’ve been noticing a trend lately that’s starting to aggravate me a little. And I hope you can bear with me throughout this rant, as I do expose a few inside tips for you in the process.

This trend is one that speaks not only to the state of business (and online marketing), but also to the character of some of the people running them.

Warning! This article is not sugarcoated. It’s a lament of sorts, and uses language that is a little stronger than the norm. The lesson might even disappoint a few people. So if you’re looking for some kind of feelgood Pollyanna or rose-​​colored criticism, back away now. You’ve been warned.

So, what’s this trend? It’s…

(more…)

Gary: When a 2 for 1 be. Well if you are talking about two letters in the same envelope like these two it’s, it is actually you are going to be very disappointed as a result of that.

Should we even attempt that the answer is yes but you, you should attempt, do I, do I know of a case where it has been attempted successfully. Ah, no I don’t but I bet it has and yes I think you should attempt it, but the way you should attempt it I believe is you should try and sell them the bone density testing first, and with the markup and then go from there to the high price thing.

(more…)