How to get excited about writing copy
— even if it’s about poop!
I gotta tell ya – some times I’m laughing so loud at work …
… And cracking up at the words on my computer screen so much …
… I swear my daughter/assistant Jael is gonna call the special padded van from the local loony farm to take me away!
Should anybody really have this much fun – while working?
Absolutely!
That’s the beauty of freelancing. You can pick and choose projects that get you excited – and that you can have fun with!
And for some reason – I seem to gravitate towards products that service bodily functions. For example …
… I just finished a colon and parasite cleanse that kept me talking and writing about poop for weeks!
Not only that, but I got over 140 friends and readers of my CopyStar e-zine in on the project. Can you imagine the e-mails flying around as they shared their personal and embarrassing poop stories with me?
Tee hee – I’m still cracking up!
Then there was the project on probiotics with the headline “Got Gas?” – that was a … well …er … GAS to work on!
And on other jobs, I talk about “man boobs” … a prostate the size of a grapefruit … a remedy for erectile dysfunction called “horny goat weed” … “hot flashes – or “personal summers” … urine therapy … and the list goes on!
One thing I’ve found to be an absolute truth for me: When I work on a project I really enjoy – my odds of getting a control shoot through the roof!
It makes sense, doesn’t it?
My enthusiasm oozes in the copy … the fun becomes contagious to the reader … and I can easily and quickly write the copy because it doesn’t feel like WORK!
So for 2009 – I’ve set one major goal: Only work on projects I’m really excited about! NO ifs, ands or buts about it!
Does that sound good to you?
But what if you don’t have a choice – like I do – when it comes to your writing assignments? What if you’re a struggling copywriter just happy to get a project — any project?
Can you really create excitement in whatever you’re working on?
In the words of a recent political speech …
Yes you can!
And I’m going to give you 3 embarrassingly easy ways to rev up your excitement level so you can write copy that rocks!
#1: Convince yourself first – take the product! I tell my clients to include at least a 30-day supply of the product in my copywriting start kit. And if at all possible – I make sure to take the product before and while I’m working on the job.
So yeah, I did the 30-day cleanse to remove parasites from my body. And when I talk about intestinal gas … bloating … frequent farts … and pooping 2 … 3 … 4 times a day – yeah, I was talking from my real life experience! That means I know how my prospect feels. And that makes a heck of a difference in the quality of my copy!
Sometimes I’m so convinced the product works – I write my own testimonial and include it in the promo! If I’m going to put my mug in a promo – you better believe I’m excited about the product!
#2: Do your research! Nothing gets me more excited than seeing pages of credible and scientific studies proving the benefits of my product … prominent universities and noted experts I can use to “name drop” and support my claims … and lots of strong testimonials from real, live people touting the benefits of the remedy!
With that kind of arsenal – the copy practically writes itself! And if the client delivers scores of powerful testimonials – that’s usually a sign that I can create a kick-butt testimonial lead for my package!
#3: Don’t write until you have something to say! Get absorbed in the research. Think about what your product can do for your mom … dad … grandparents … and friends. Make it personal.
Don’t write a single word until you’re excited about this great news you’re going to share with folks to help them feel better! Be your prospect’s advocate – you know this amazing remedy will help heal them – now it’s your job to tell ‘em about it – and get them excited too!
Now, here’s a piece of advice if you’re
hiring copywriters …
A smart client will always ask the copywriter one question:
What are you excited about?
The truth is, some writers tend to have more success in one area versus another.
I got a call recently from a client saying he heard I was the “poop expert.” We laughed, but the truth is, I’ve had many successes in this bodily function – so I guess I’m an expert in that area. Hmmm … probably need to update my resume!
Any way, if you’ve got multiple projects to offer – let the writer know and allow her to pick the one that excites her most! That can boost your odds of a win-win situation!
Following these simple tips can really make a huge difference in your “excitability factor” – and that will definitely boost your copywriting income and bottom line!
Here’s to Creating Success Your Way!
Carline Anglade-Cole
Guest Contributor
THE TOTAL PACKAGE
P.S. Here’s one last tip to get you excited about writing copy: Close your eyes and imagine the mail carrier pulling up to your mailbox and stuffing 10 … 20 … even 30 letters in your box. And every one of those letters contains a big, fat royalty check for THOUSANDS of dollars … and a brief note that says, “THANKS! Your promotion is kicking butt!” Here’s your current royalty payment – more to come soon!” Ok, now stop dreaming – and get to work!
Carline Anglade-Cole writes multi-year controls in the alternative health field for clients including Healthy Directions, Health Resources, True Health, Soundview Publications and Sun Chlorella USA.
She publishes CopyStar – Copywriting ideas and tips for stellar response – an e-zine for copywriters and direct marketers.
She is the author of How to Write Kick-Butt Copy: Straight Talk from a Million-Dollar Copywriter, Anatomy of a Kick-Butt Control: How to Create a Winning Promo from Start to Finish and Which One Won? How to Write Kick-Butt Headlines and Boost Response!
Put her 20 years of direct mail experience in mailing list strategies, new product development and creating kick-butt controls to work for your company!
Contact Carline directly by visiting her website at www.CarlineCole.com
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11 Comments »
Join the Discussion!
Let us know what you think. Or ask us anything. Or offer your own sage advice.
The only rule: RESPECT THIS HOUSE! Postings that contain abusive language and/or personal attacks will be cheerfully VAPORIZED. One cross word and – POOF! – your well-thought-out post will be gone in a puff of smoke.
– Clayton
Comment by Caleb Osborne — February 10, 2009 @ 3:46 pm
Coco, you crack me up
Glad to hear you’re loving life!
– Caleb
Comment by Stephanie Trahd — February 10, 2009 @ 5:35 pm
Congrats on the new grandbaby Coco! And thanks for yet another great post.
Comment by Peter — February 10, 2009 @ 6:06 pm
Hi Carline (Coco),
Isn’t being a grandparent the best.
Have a ball with them… spoil em rotten and hand them back. (thats what I do anyway)
Love you post. I know the real winners I’ve had have always been when writing about things I’m passionate about.
Your excitement always comes through in the words and sentence structure.
Peter
Comment by wes — February 10, 2009 @ 6:23 pm
Hey Carlione
your enjoyment is contagious
thanks
wes
Comment by Carline — February 10, 2009 @ 6:58 pm
Thanks guys and gals! Isn’t it ironic that this issue is about poop? I’ll be getting my fair share at changing my grandson’s diapers!
–Carline aka “Coco” :-)!
Comment by George — February 10, 2009 @ 11:50 pm
Hi Carline,
You’re sure excited about this column too.
Cheers.
George
Comment by Dan Gallapoo — February 11, 2009 @ 11:21 am
I sure hope you like the new “Coco” moniker cuz it looks like you’re stuck with it now!
Comment by Marcelino Latorre — February 11, 2009 @ 1:36 pm
Hii Carline, Coco is a cool aka
by the way!!
Congrats on the beautiful baby man, you guys out there in GA are making some gorgeous kids
Hey this article was so funny I had to stop in and say hi, cograts, and I loveee your style!
Your words sing to me lady and its always a pleasant surprise to see you pick up a pencil and flow, you got some serious skills! Thanks for your time!
Marcelino Latorre
Comment by Solomon — February 12, 2009 @ 8:40 am
Hi Carline,
It’s such a great article. It made me feel that one should come to that emotional level to write copy?
thanks for the tips!
Solomon
Comment by Zelimir — February 12, 2009 @ 8:44 am
Hey Coco, congrats on the grandbaby, you`re always my fresh breath of copywriting air, even if you`re the “poop” expert
love ya!
Best
Zelimir Graf
Comment by Robin Pike — February 12, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
Hi Coco:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article. I love your writing style. I have been told that I write great letters and that I should do article writing but haven’t been able to get started in it.
You are a great motivator. You (like myself) basically seem to write what you feel and what you would be “saying” to someone. I just wish I could find “clients” to work for. Please feel free to visit my blog and critique it … I would be honored to get your feedback (or anyone that is reading this). I love to receive constructive criticism.
This was the first article I read that you wrote and I will be returning to your page frequently to lean more from you. Have a great weekend!!
Robin