

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

19 snips
Feb 5, 2018 • 0sec
Episode 042 - Copywriting and Magic
Copywriting is a lot like magic.
With good sales copy, you can hold a reader captive. You can take them on a journey and open them up a world of opportunities. You can spell out some words and cast a spell on your readers.
David Allan is both a copywriter and a magician. He joins the podcast this week to share some of his knowledge with our listeners.
We talk about the overlap between his two worlds, including the skills he's been able to bring over from one to the other. David reveals some of the secrets of human nature that makes magic work. Then he explains how those same aspects of our nature apply to persuasive sales copy.
This one is a "must listen" episode. Download.

26 snips
Jan 28, 2018 • 0sec
Episode 041 - Copywriting and Sales Funnels with David Allan
How does copywriting apply to a sales funnel? David Allan joins us to break it down.
We start with the 5,000-foot view by exploring what funnels are and how they work.
Then, David goes over some simple rules to follow when building your sales funnels.
We cover some of the most common mistakes people make when crafting their sales funnels.
And David shares some of his favorite resources for people to learn more.
If you're trying to build out a full-fledged marketing machine for your business, this is the episode for you. Download it now.Download.

11 snips
Jan 22, 2018 • 0sec
Episode 040 - Seven Deadly Sins
Discover how emotional appeals can revolutionize copywriting, especially for those coming from a journalistic background. Explore the Seven Deadly Sins and how they can be leveraged in marketing, from lust and greed to sloth and wrath. Learn how tapping into human emotions, like fear of loss, creates impactful messages. Uncover the potential of pride as a motivator, transforming it into an asset for consumer engagement. This lively discussion demystifies the psychological factors driving purchasing decisions.

22 snips
Jan 15, 2018 • 0sec
Episode 039 - Interviewing Tips for Copywriters
1 Bob story
"Like my family's kitchen."
My experience was a little different - Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford. I knew how to ask questions - but still hadn't learned how to ask engaging questions that helped people to open up. That's what I've spent the last 40 years learning, and I'll share what I can today with you.
0.1 Warning
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.
2 What interviewing is
It's not an interrogation
It's a conversation
starts with building rapport
Stan Russell - Jerry Richardson, The Magic of Rapport
http://a.co/e3JqwHo
Comes from experience, common sense, skills training, clarity of your purpose of the interview -- and, research ahead of time.
"It's all part of the job-one must be prepared to be a host, to share food, to entertain with stories, to basically do anything and everything to make the subject feel comfortable, to put them at ease, so that when you turn on that tape recorder and begin asking questions they feel like they're talking to a friend. It's not always easy to be such a chameleon, but that is what a good interviewer must be."
From a book I'll mention later.
3 Why interviewing is important
There's stuff you need to know
You can't find out all of it from book/internet research alone.
So you need to talk to people.
And people are glad to talk to you, almost all of the time, if you can convey to them that you are truly interested in what they have to say.
That's where interviewing comes in.
4 -- 3 tips - what to do
1. Prepare. Find out all you can before the interview. Not to show off your knowledge. More to avoid annoying the person you're interviewing by showing a lack of respect for their time, asking a question you could easily have found the answer to, yourself.
2. Listen. Strive to understand what the person is saying. Don't be in a rush. Respect their time, but give them time to answer.
3. Be ready for the interview to go in a different direction than you had planned. Sometimes you'll get gems from tangents!
5 - 3 tips - what not to do
1. Avoid the urge to show how clever you are. I learned this the hard way, starting on the South Lawn of the White House in 1976. The person you're interviewing appreciates intelligence, but they may resent your efforts to one-up them. Be humble.
2. Don't be like an interrogator in a detective show on TV. Harsh yes/no questions leave people cold and defensive. You want to do the opposite -- make them comfortable so they open up.
3. Don't be in a rush. Respect the time limits you've agreed to, but be as relaxed and focused as you can be. One of the great interviewing skills is to make the person you're talking to feel like they are the most important person in the world!
6 Summary and book rec
Prepare; make it a conversation where the person you're interviewing does most of the talking. You can tell a little about yourself to disclose who you are as a person, and as the interviewer doing this job -- but keep it short. Develop and maintain trust. Take really good notes or better yet, record with permission.
Book recommendation: The Art of the Interview, by Lawrence Grobel. One of the great journalistic interviewers of our time. This gives you a lot more than you need to know for what you'll be doing -- unless you'll be interviewing celebrities for articles in major magazines -- but you can glean tips and techniques from one of the greats. He also taught a class on this subject at UCLA, his alma mater. He really does know how to teach through storytelling!
http://a.co/iLgeYPCDownload.

17 snips
Jan 7, 2018 • 0sec
Episode 038 - The USP Shortcut
The podcast discusses the importance of having a strong USP in copywriting and its relevance in selling products. They share a personal story about cigarettes with a strong USP and explore whether a USP can be used to market healthy and good products. They also provide a shortcut for creating a USP and discuss the power of addressing customer skepticism.

11 snips
Jan 1, 2018 • 0sec
Episode 037 - Getting Into Copy Flow
Discover how writers can achieve that elusive 'flow' state, transforming their creativity like musicians in the zone. Learn the benefits of being in flow, including smoother writing and captivating readers who are more likely to engage. Dive into the balance of creativity and responsibility, especially in regulated industries. Explore the humorous side of writing versus editing, and the art of 'hitman copywriting' where emotional detachment sparks effectiveness. Uncover unconventional methods, including the surprising role of cannabis in enhancing creativity!

14 snips
Dec 23, 2017 • 0sec
Episode 036 - Sales Skills For Copywriters
Dive into a fascinating tale from a marketing conference where a unique briefcase sparks a discussion on the nuances between good sales and effective copywriting. Discover why mastering sales skills is vital for copywriters, including how to communicate offers clearly and handle objections. Learn strategies to enhance desire and urgency, transforming copy into a persuasive narrative. Finally, uncover the timeless truth that copywriting is, at its core, salesmanship in print, essential for thriving in today's writing landscape.

5 snips
Dec 17, 2017 • 0sec
Episode 035 - Comedy and Copywriting with Kevin Rogers
Join Kevin Rogers, a seasoned copywriter and stand-up comedian, as he shares his unique insights into merging humor with marketing. Discover how comedy techniques can elevate your sales copy and learn about the pivotal importance of compelling headlines. Kevin delves into the art of navigating humor, discussing the balance between being funny and respectful. He emphasizes resilience in both fields, revealing that setbacks are stepping stones to success. Get ready to laugh while enhancing your copywriting skills!

10 snips
Dec 11, 2017 • 0sec
Episode 034 - Going Pro with Kevin Rogers
In this lively discussion, Kevin Rogers, head of the Copy Chief community and former stand-up comic, shares his journey of transitioning from comedy to copywriting. He reveals how new copywriters can land their first clients and emphasizes the importance of avoiding common mistakes, like neglecting contracts. Kevin also demystifies frequent myths in marketing, showcasing real-world success stories that highlight the blend of talent and perseverance. Plus, he shares exciting upcoming resources for aspiring copywriters!

10 snips
Dec 3, 2017 • 0sec
Episode 033 - Copy For AFTER The Sale
Customer retention is key, as illustrated by a thriving sushi restaurant. The discussion highlights the importance of making follow-up offers to turn new clients into repeat customers. Effective copywriting strategies can boost sales significantly, making it essential to engage clients post-purchase. Communication plays a vital role in maintaining relationships; storytelling can foster long-term loyalty. Lastly, nurturing these connections is as crucial as maintaining personal relationships to ensure ongoing customer engagement and satisfaction.


