Copywriters often feel anxious about assessing their work. This discussion offers insights on how to quickly gauge if copy will convert or miss the mark. Newbie mistakes that signal inexperience are unveiled, along with tips for developing a gut feeling about effective writing. The importance of emotional connections, storytelling, and authenticity is emphasized, encouraging writers to blend instinct with clear communication. Take breaks to enhance clarity and foster trust in your writing.
An engaging headline and compelling opening account for 80% of a copy's success, capturing attention and emotional relevance is crucial.
Inexperienced copywriters often fail to identify their audience and overuse jargon, leading to unfocused and ineffective messaging that lacks impact.
Deep dives
Evaluating Copy: The Importance of Headlines and Leads
A successful copy relies heavily on an engaging headline and a compelling opening, which together account for about 80% of the piece's overall success. The headline needs to capture attention by being relevant and specific, while the opening should expand on the emotional appeal established by the headline. For instance, instead of a generic headline about improving well-being, a more effective approach would highlight a specific issue, like back pain. Additionally, demonstrating empathy and maintaining a focused message from the start ensures that readers remain engaged and connected to the material.
Common Pitfalls Made by Novice Copywriters
New copywriters often make critical errors that signal their inexperience, such as failing to identify their target audience or lacking empathy for the readers' problems. These mistakes result in unfocused copy that may lack direction and impact due to an overly broad message. Another frequent error includes over-reliance on jargon or buzzwords, which can confuse readers and detract from clarity. Features should be transformed into benefits that highlight how the product improves the reader's life, rather than merely listing capabilities that may not resonate with the audience.
Cultivating Gut Instincts in Copywriting
Developing a gut feeling for evaluating copy involves honing various instincts related to emotional resonance, clarity, and authenticity. Practicing by reading aloud helps writers gauge the emotional impact of their work, while stepping away from the piece for a period allows for a fresh perspective when revisiting it. Authenticity is crucial; if a writer feels that something is inauthentic, readers will likely feel the same. Ultimately, merging intuition with data and testing creates solid copy that not only sells but also fosters genuine connections with the audience.
Once you’ve finished your copy, the anxiety begins.
And it almost always boils down to the answer to this question:
How good is this copy–really?
When people ask me to critique their copy, they’re often amazed at how quickly I can get to the heart of things.
Once I have an overall opinion, I’ll drill down to a lot of specifics.
But I think it’s important today not to talk about those specifics, but instead to talk about that quick take.
How do you know if it’s any good to begin with?
I’m going to give you useful answers to three questions today:
1. How can you get a quick sense of whether copy will convert or fall flat?
2. What mistakes do newbie copywriters make that immediately signal they still have a lot to learn?
3. How do you develop the ability to have a gut feeling on whether copy will work or not?
Link to AI Copywriting Mastermind: https://vip.getmynovus.ai Download.
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