

Copywriters Podcast
David Garfinkel
Copywriting lessons from David Garfinkel
Episodes
Mentioned books

7 snips
Apr 16, 2018 • 0sec
Episode 052 - The Giant Trust-Builder
The discussion begins with a case study about a dog training product that highlights the importance of matching ad tone with written copy. Misalignment can break trust, while consistency enhances conversions. Listeners learn practical tips for choosing the right tone and maintaining it across marketing materials. The hosts emphasize authentic engagement, comparing it to dating to attract the right audience. Additionally, they explore versatile writing styles and the significance of emotional connection in building trust and driving sales.

8 snips
Apr 9, 2018 • 0sec
Episode 051 - Dressing Up Your Offer
Discover the art of crafting irresistible offers that boost customer interest and conversions. The hosts delve into the power of value stacking, highlighting how strategic bonuses can elevate perceived worth. Learn innovative sales strategies, like introducing bonuses before the main product to captivate your audience. They emphasize the importance of showcasing user benefits over simple features, transforming marketing approaches and enhancing user experience. Gain fresh insights for presenting offers creatively and adapting pricing to stand out in a competitive market!

8 snips
Apr 2, 2018 • 0sec
Episode 050 - Copywriter Plus
Explore the innovative concept of 'Copywriter Plus' that blends copywriting with complementary skills. Discover real-world examples, including the journey of a CEO who transformed his copywriting career into a $25 million organization. Delve into the power of combining podcasting with copywriting for enhanced marketing effectiveness. Learn how to navigate email marketing challenges and optimize ad performance by aligning landing pages with campaigns. Expand your skill set and marketability in a competitive landscape!

10 snips
Mar 26, 2018 • 0sec
Episode 049 - Reports from the Field - Victor Urbina
Victor Urbina, the owner of Optimum Life Labs and an accomplished entrepreneur, shares his journey from selling his first business at just 12 to developing successful health supplements. He discusses the critical role of ethical copywriting in regulated industries. Urbina emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in direct marketing strategies, moving from technical to emotional engagement. He also highlights how effective copy critiques have boosted conversion rates for his product, Joint Nirvana, showcasing transformative customer stories.

9 snips
Mar 19, 2018 • 0sec
Episode 048 - Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Dive into the fascinating world of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and discover how it influences customers’ purchasing decisions. Explore the critical concepts of safety, social belonging, and self-actualization in marketing. Learn about the impact of societal views shaped by marketing and the importance of crafting sensitive messages. The conversation wraps up with insights on how personal security relates to self-defense and its surprising relevance in copywriting. Get ready for a thought-provoking take on consumer motivations!

11 snips
Mar 12, 2018 • 0sec
Episode 047 - Direct vs. Indirect Leads
Discover the intriguing world of copywriting as the hosts break down the differences between direct and indirect leads. Learn how the right lead can dramatically impact sales and engage readers more effectively. The discussion includes the art of persuasion through indirect communication, especially on sensitive topics. With practical examples and personal stories, they reveal when to use each lead type to capture attention, particularly in marketing strategies like landing pages and social media.

13 snips
Mar 4, 2018 • 0sec
Episode 046 - Monster Creativity
Explore the concept of 'monster creativity' as a learned skill rather than just talent. Hear how curiosity and perseverance can enhance creative abilities, along with the importance of experience and reflection. Discover the art of effective copywriting, where practice sharpens instincts. Learn strategies for generating innovative ideas and the significance of incorporating diverse examples to connect with customers. Plus, get insights on navigating ethical responsibilities in persuasive writing!

12 snips
Feb 25, 2018 • 0sec
Episode 045 - Increasing Perceived Value
Discover how perceived value can transform consumer spending decisions, showcased through a personal story about investing in costly music software. Learn the power of 'value stacking' to enhance customer perception and communicate benefits over mere features. Explore key reasons behind consumer purchases and how aligning offerings with these motivations can elevate perceived value. Finally, gain insights into effective advertising strategies that frame products as must-have choices while enhancing your copywriting skills for future success.

7 snips
Feb 18, 2018 • 0sec
Episode 044 - Writing With Muscle
Discover the art of powerful copywriting by likening it to building muscle. Learn how active voice clarifies your writing and engages your readers. Personalization is key—include individuals to boost connection and conversion rates. Explore effective storytelling techniques that use strong hooks and cliffhangers to maintain interest. Plus, get actionable tips from notable writing books to enhance your craft. This is your chance to make your writing not just good, but muscular!

23 snips
Feb 12, 2018 • 0sec
Episode 043 - Finding Your Hook
On June 23, 1965, a group out of Detroit called The Contours released a record which became a big hit. The tune was written by written by Smokey Robinson and Bobby Rogers, and it was called “First, I Look At The Purse.” Many other groups covered this song afterwards, including the Jay Geils Band.
It’s a very interesting song… but, when it comes to critiquing copy, I have my own version. Actually, I don’t have a whole song, just a title at this point. Maybe someday I’ll write the song and then release it first on this podcast, Nathan. We could even do it as a duet. But for now, just the title. It’s…
“First I Look For The Hook!”
In any piece of copy, your hook’s so important. We’ll get into what it is in a minute, and how you can find your best hook for any copy you’re writing. This will be a revelation to a lot of people.
But before we do, first an important announcement from your conscience:
Copy is powerful. You’re responsible for how you use what you hear on this podcast. Most of the time, common sense is all you need. But if you make extreme claims… and/or if you’re writing copy for offers in highly regulated industries like health, finance, and business opportunity… you may want to get a legal review after you write and before you start using your copy. My larger clients do this all the time.
What is a hook? How is it different than the headline?
1. My own story: Let your clients do your selling.
2. Ted Nicholas story: The only way left for the little guy to get rich.
3. Stuart Lichtman story: How to get lots of money for anything fast.
What do these all have in common? (besides money)
All came from paying attention
First two cases, just looking and listening
In the third case, research — digging, asking questions, seeing if you could look at it a different way
Here’s one that’s not about money — it’s about another one of life’s necessities, beer
Claude Hopkins - Schlitz
First one to tell
There was resistance — but they finally agreed to use it, and it worked
There is a technique to create a hook quickly, which we’ve talked about twice before (most recently in “The USP Shortcut,” episode 38)
STEP 1: Make a list of what people hate about competitors
STEP 2: Find the one thing highest on the list that you can do the opposite of
STEP 3: Use that as your hook, your USP
Example - BMW, about 10 years ago
Even though there’s that technique and it can work, the best hooks usually come from observation or research
Here’s a short list of things to look for:
What have you or your client overlooked that’s simple and emotionally compelling?
What’s a memorable way to say it?
What “lights up the boards?” (Gets a lot of response.) (Ted Nicholas example.)Download.


