Copywriters Checklist Tips
Read these 18 Copywriters Checklist Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Copywriting tips and hundreds of other topics.
Build a Website
As a freelance copywriter you have to get noticed to get work. Unfortunately most copy does not include your byline. If you want people to kmow who wrote that snazzy article about the benefits of avocodos you can either trust your client to give you word of mouth advertising or build a personal website chock full of your best work. It also wouldn't hurt to iclude a blog where you can post advice and up-to-date news abouth the industry and your business.
Testimonial Check
Where applicable, add a testimonial from a "delighted" customer. Remember that adding a signature to the testimonial such as "A.P California" is not enough as it doesn't seem genuine and is very vague. Try "Alan Pringle, Bakersfield, California- Manager Techno Vision." Add as much credible info as possible.
Bonus Check
Where applicable, have you included a bonus to encourage prospects to order now? This can greatly improve response rates.
WIIFM Check
Is your copy revolved around the reader? Don't forget the "What's in it for me" principle. Place yourself in your prospect's shoes while writing your ads. Will he or she GET something worthwhile from doing business with you?
Interest Check
Read through your copy as ask yourself, honestly, if what you write creates interest in your product or service. Interest gives the reader a cause to keep reading and eventually buy. Does your copy do that? Does it show the benefits of features?
Simplicity Check
Is your copywriting easy for the average person to understand? Remove all complicated words unless you can add a "clear" explanation of its meaning. Simplicity is always best!
Action Check
Does your ad copy give the prospect a powerful reason to Act Now? Don´t lose them at the last hurdle. Check this vital part of your copy and include very compelling reasons why they should respond to your offer immediately, or when appropriate.
Padding Check
Read through your ad or newsletter and remove any unnecessary words. Is the sentence too long? Can I say the same thing with fewer words? Check everything. If any word or sentence is not "working" for you- Remove It!
Verb Check
Does your copy contain Action words instead of adjectives, where applicable? Doing is better than describing.
Desire Check
Does your copy create sufficient desire to help close the deal? Desire in copy outlines significant benefits of your product or service and moves the reader closer to the final stage- "Where do I sign?" Desire creates reasons why the prospect needs your offer.
Highlighting Check
Is your copy "highlighted" in appropriate places? Check that your headline is enclosed with "inverted commas" for emphasis. Are major points in bold? Add highlighting and emphasis where appropriate, but remember that "TOO MUCH" emphasis will de-emphasize.
Length Check
Are your sentences too long and, in some cases, too short? Find a balance. It's easier to read, and there are times when only three words can make an impacting sentence.
Study Good Copy
Mail order catalogs often demonstrate great examples of well written copy. Read through the brochures of mail order houses such as J.C. Penney, Sears Roebuck and L.L. Bean. They are masters of the art of selling goods by means of printed words and pictures. Read through their brochures and closely observe how they use headlines, pictures, benefits and reason to "act now!"
Patience Check
Have you allowed the time to let your copy "sit?" Copy can always be improved by coming back to it a day or two later. Guaranteed you'll find something that can be improved.
Headline Check
Does your headline offer a significant benefit to your prospect? Is it a self-interest, news or curiosity hedline? Will it draw prospects into reading the rest of your ad or newsletter?
Cliche Check
Don't use cliches, platitudes, qualifiers or jargon. Avoid over-used words. Some words and cliches don't impact readers as they once did.
Review, Review & Review Again
No one wants to see poorly written copy. Not you, not your clients and especially not your readers. Before sending any written materials to your clients make sure you read it. Then read it again. Then read it again. In fact, if you have a trusted friend or relative, have them look over your completed work. This will save you the heartache and the embarrassment of having to make edits or, even worse, a complete rewrite.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Jeffery Loquist |
