In my recorded phone conversation with UK copywriting master Paul Gorman last week it became publicly known that I’m not a very good copywriter.
Luckily I never claimed to be — and that’s why copywriting is a tiny chapter in my strategy book, where I talk about headlines but also strongly encourage the reader to get well versed in copywriting, or outsource it like I do.
And even though I outsource my copywriting, I still want to try and get better at it, so this morning I visited one of my favourite copywriting blogs and saw ‘Million Dollar Marketing Secrets’ being offered for just $7 …
I haven’t used Ryan’s copywriting services (I know I will someday, maybe soon), but I’ve been following his blog a long time, and I’ve seen his sales letters. They’re excellent.
So I recommend his book (which includes other big name copywriters) before I’ve even read it.
If you want a copy — you need to be real quick — go and grab a brand new copy of his book for just $7 (that’s about £3.50 – bargain!) before the special offer ends.
I just ordered myself a copy because although I outsource copywriting, I still want to know as much as I possibly can. (And if you heard me get a verbal kicking from Paul Gorman you know why as well!)
Grab the book while you can — I think the special offer ends sometime today (soon).
-Ed.
P.S. Ryan, just to be clear, when it’s my birthday I won’t be posting photos of me in my pjs!
P.P.S. If you want more copywriting blogs check out the list of recommended sites on the right side of this page — including Stephen Dean (Steve’s got some great copywriting products I obviously need to pay more attention to!), Carol Bentley (great book), Ryan’s blog which I just mentioned above, and Paul Gorman’s Leave them in the Dust. All great resources.
P.P.P.S. Question time is closing at 12pm today when I announce the winner and answer everyone’s questions about using web statistics to increase site traffic, optimise conversions and increase sales.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Hi Ed, Thanks for the recommendation. I’ve ordered ‘Million Dollar Marketing Secrets’ today, and am very much looking forward to digesting these ‘secrets’.
Kind regards, Tony
May 9th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Hi Ed
Wonder if I really need another book besides the copy-writing gang?
Karin H. (Keep It Simple Sweetheart, specially in business)
May 9th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Hi Karin, another great question!
My take on it: Paul’s ‘Copywriting Gangster’ audio programme is more than 14 hours of explanation on how he writes his million pound letters. The detail is quite extreme, partly because the person interviewing him is so darn good (only kidding
).
Even so, I don’t think any one course/programme/seminar/book/cd etc will ever tell anyone *everything* they need to know about a single subject. And especially not copywriting because there are so many subtleties and extensions it’s almost mind-boggling.
So in my opinion, the more ‘inputs’ the better… although with the critical caveat that as marketers we should always be creatively outputting far more than we’re inputting. (A common mistake — learning, learning, learning… but not doing enough with it).
Again, thanks for the *great* question and for bringing this up.
-Ed.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Hi Ed
I’m sure you’re right
As for not implementing all these learned ideas – my good friend Richard C has a nice observation for that: most business owners suffer from FTI: Failing To Implement. And hence will never ‘profit.
(On the other hand I’m still waiting for my own copy of Paul Gorman’s book on the subject of copy-writing and at this very moment really enjoying session 2 of the gang.)
Karin H.
May 9th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
“FTI” – excellent I love it!
I can also tell that you certainly do NOT suffer from FTI (I’ve already seen how fast you move on things!)
May 9th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Cheers Ed
Just came back from another very enjoyable and learnfull lunch-meeting with Richard C himself – more ideas to implement. (Well, this time it’s both him and me who have to do the work, but both on webmarketing – we seem to attract/extract ideas from each other. Now all we have to do is find time – got any?
)
Karin H.
May 9th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
What a nice surprise, Ed!
Thank you for recommending my promotion on your blog. I really appreciate it.
The offer is now over, but it looks like quite a few of your readers were able to take advantage of the offer. I didn’t think about it, but yes, getting a book for three pounds is a steal.
Thanks again.
Ryan
May 19th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Hi Ryan,
You’re welcome – I fully meant my endorsement. And I’ve already received my $7 copy of your awesome book as well, so thank you too.
Ed.
P.S. I’m delighted some of my readers took you up on your offer also – it’s a great book at an exceptional price.
December 6th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
I have to say that books like this can be great investments – In the past when split testing pages I have managed to get a 50% increase in conversions by using better copy on the page. Just goes to show that the web isnt all about pretty design and drop shadows!
February 26th, 2009 at 2:24 am
If you’re not a very good copy writer, they are unwilling to be proactive enough to learn the basic’s about you’re field.
Paul Gorman is a fantastic copywriter of course with his landmark book hot to ….well it’s a very long title, I bet no one get’s it right when reffering to it the first time ESPECIALY IN THE SEARCH ENGINES.
Your book was insprational to web designers because of the tools and resources. The thing is // we have all got to do our best to learn from each other //
Look up Synergy it is a vital key to efectivness Defined by Stephen R. Covey