I’ve got a big announcement today.
That’s because John “Angel” Anghelache and I have created a new contest that gives you the chance to win a free spot in our upcoming “Secrets of Freelance Copywriting Success” Coaching Program, which starts the beginning of August.
If you are serious about becoming a successful, “booked solid” copywriter, then I guarantee you will want to enter this contest.
How can I say that with such confidence?
It’s because entering the contest is quick and easy. Not to mention 100% FREE.
To enter, here’s what you need to do. Simply post a comment below and answer these two questions:
1. WHY do you want to become a successful freelance copywriter (besides the money)? I’m looking for the ultimate reason you got interested in copywriting in the first place. What does all that money get you?
2. HOW will participating in our 6-month Coaching Program help you?
If you can answer these two questions, you have a shot at winning the prize.
What exactly will you win? Simply this…
- FREE entry into the 6-month Freelance Copywriting Coaching Program starting in August 2008 (valued at $???)
Think about this for a minute. If you invest just a few minutes of your time to answer the two questions above, you could potentially walk away with free spot in our program.
If you apply what we teach you, it is entirely possible for you to land five, 10, or even 15 (or more) clients before the program is complete.
If each client paid you $2,500 (extremely conservative), you’d be winning the equivalent of $12,500 to $37,500… and that’s just for the first 6 months!
You’ll be able to continue profiting from the skills we teach you for the rest of your life.
I’d say that’s a fair trade, wouldn’t you?
Here’s what I want you to do now…
Scroll down to the section below that says “Leave a Comment.” Be sure to add your full name and email address so I can contact you in case you win. Answer the two questions. It should take you no more than 5 or 10 minutes. But the pay-off could be huge…
DEADLINE: Saturday, July 19th, at 12 noon Mountain time.
Any entries received after the deadline will NOT be considered.
John and I will choose a winner based on what we feel is the best response to these questions. How we pick the winner is at our sole discretion and whim.
The winner will be chosen and notified Saturday night, July 19th, by 9 p.m. Mountain time.
I’m really excited to kick off our Coaching Program with this contest, and look forward to hearing from everybody.
Be sure to check back Saturday night to see who the winner is.
Alright, then… on your marks… get set… GO!
-Ryan M. Healy
P.S. If you don’t yet know what we’re including in the Coaching Program, you can listen to our two-part audio series here:
==> Details About the “Secrets of Freelance Copywriting Success” Coaching Program
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Hi Ryan…
Why do I want to become a successful freelance copywriter?
Nine Solid Reasons (and then some) “Why I want to become a successful freelance copywriter”…
Well — I’ve explored many, many areas as hobbies and interests and changed careers a few times so I know what I want to do now and know that I am cut out for copywriting and or marketing.
It’s not just the money either, it’s also possible to use this skill to make the world a better place. And if money really did come in, my wife and I dream of the good we would like to do with it.
An easy life for me personally? Not likely because I LOVE to work and develop myself and will probably always be a workaholic (includes fun stuff too). But I sure do love freedom!
I am in the actual beginning of a copywriting/marketing business right now.
My background fully qualifies me as having the potential to be a successful copywriter (in brief)…
1. Have always been a voracious reader.
2. Writing has always come pretty naturally to me. I used to write stories at night before going to sleep when I was very young. In high school the principal once called me in out of the blue to praise something I wrote and I wasn’t into school at all then.
Also, long ago took the course “Writing For Children and Teenagers”.
I’m very good at resumes — too good (just my own though) with my own attention-getting style. Nine times out of ten they call for an interview.
3. Entrepreneurial pursuits in childhood and beyond.
4. Extremely hard worker.
Have worked in a number of different industries. Enjoyed them all. Always voluntarily studied up on whatever field I was working in on my own time and at my own expense.
5. Many, many interests FAR too numerous to name. Am an information junkie, have books on a wide variety of subjects, and have spent THOUSANDS of dollars on books and information on many subjects over the years.
6. I absolutely fit the description given by Joe Sugarman of what makes a good marketer/copywriter. Read it two or three years ago which has partly kept me going in this line of work.
7. Began becoming seriously interested in marketing/copywriting ten years or so ago after getting involved with web design and internet technology. Purchased the hit ebook “Make Your Site Sell”, became an affiliate, carved out a tiny niche smack in the middle of all the competition, and, as a total rookie, actually SOLD one of the ebooks off my site out of the wild, blue, internet!
Wow! After that I knew I could do it but continued studying heavily in many other areas.
8. Five or so years ago discovered Jay Abraham, Dan Kennedy and others. Studied day and night every spare minute.
Day and night reading and studying (because I wanted to).
9. Am presently FINALLY in the action mode instead of learning all the time, taking my first REAL action steps fail or not (“Nothing Happens Until Something Moves” Robert Ringer).
Participating in your Coaching Program would be very helpful. To actually work with experienced pros who understand what it’s all about.
Yes indeed! As soon as I heard your (Ryan’s) interview with John Anghelache about his marketing course when it very first came out, I rushed right home and purchased it. I had the interview on an mp3 player while out laboring (I was on that marketing course like a bee to flowers!)
I know which side my bread is buttered on.
And I know YOU Ryan from back in ‘05 on the AWAI forum board (though I am a quiet sort), and signed up on your list. I thought you were good from the start.
I’ve probably read everything both you and John have put out there for the public that I know of. And that is saying a lot because I am subscribed to, at least, dozens of newsletters and blogs many of which I do not make time to read.
I’ve already put in years of hard study and work. Not only in copywriting, but everything else such as general marketing, web design, and many areas of internet technology in addition to any other work I do.
I know the value of an opportunity such as this.
I’ve known for some time now the value of a mentor and have been keeping my eyes open.
Trouble is –well– with all the time I’ve spent studying and learning instead of making money (I’ve been self-employed doing labor and things the past four years)…
…and the fact that learning marketing and copywriting is very dangerous to your wallet! (the best copywriters out there constantly selling you stuff)…
My wallet is empty. I’m essentially starting life over from scratch but this time with some serious education and a powerful toolbox of ideas.
In fact, I think I am stuck with too many ideas now and am trying to get focused.
I have all the pieces but it would sure be nice to have a little personalized help putting it all together.
Thanks for offering the opportunity.
Blessings!
Richard
1. Why?
Because when you are a REAL copywriter, I mean someone who understands from a physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional level that THIS IS WHAT I WAS MEANT TO DO… then you understand the rush, the exhileration of the winning promotion… as well as the crushing despair of the ad that didn’t make the cut. And you accept both equally.
When you are a real copywriter, you understand this opportunity for what it is. You understand that — finally — you can start reaping financial dividends from the nights of sacrifice, the countless times you forsook family time, friend time, and rest, just to look over that promotion one more time. To read that Bencivenga Bullet one more time. To read that snippet from John Carlton one more time. To rewrite that close one more time because Clayton Makepeace’s latest blog post inspired you.
There is no greater, more inspiring reason than… because this is what I was meant to do, and this is the best opportunity available to become one of the next great copywriters to not only make a name for himself… but to inspire the next generation of copywriters who (like the pedagogical Ogilvy) who will continue the war cry of “YOU TOO CAN DO THIS.”
Because… my advancement in the copywriting game equals the advancement of countless other copywriters that will realize that they too can succeed.
2. How?
Because sometimes, a slight push is all someone needs to skyrocket into the stratosphere of success.
Because sometimes, pushing the first domino will cause that chain reaction that changes a young copywriter’s life forever.
Because sometimes, all a guy needs is a chance.
I’ve got the chops, I’ve got the credentials. (Written for guys like Neil Strauss, Internet Guru Mark Widawer, online dating coach Grant Adams, Dan Kennedy Platinum Members Scott Tucker and Mike Miget to name a few) but the seat at the Feast is still not QUITE within arms reach. That’s the truth.
Sometimes, all a guy needs is a slight shove in the right direction, and this program is obviously that shove.
I read Ryan’s 80/20 letter and was disgusted at how good the story was, and how easily the copy flowed. (Then I tried to swipe it as best as I could)
When I read the site at http://www.JohnAngelCopywriting.com I realized how different a Gary Halbert trained copywriter was from the rest of the Dilbert’s out there. (Then I tried to swipe that as well)
The point is, I understand the value here, and you can count on me to skyrocket to success under your influence… and write you a killer testimonial expounding the virtues of the program.
That’s how I will (and you two) will benefit. With minimal help I know that I can become the ‘poster boy’ of this program. It’s that simple.
James Lee
Hi again,
after writing my post last night, my unconscious told me that I forgot to tell you something important.
For some time I’am thinking about a posible niche for a german copy writer. It is writing german copy for companies who live in the english speaking parts of the world. I don’t mean just translation. I would write copy from scratch so people here would read it and not notice anything strange with it. During the coaching I would learn from an American but would work and praktice in German as well.
Greetings from good old Germany from
Heidi
I would like to hone my writing skills so that I may do a better job of blogging.
I especially want to be able to make pleas on my Endangered Spaces blog that will prompt people to take action and to persuade them to look beyond what is being relayed as truth. On my travel blog, I would like to write persuasive copy so that people will be drawn to Texas next time they are planning a trip.
I would also like to be able to write more effective letters to the editor, my representatives and top management of companies that desecrate our lands.
It is not about money at all, but about the life on this planet.
The WHAT’s become much easier if you understand the WHY! Freedom, pursuit of happiness, ability to make a positive impact in areas important to me…that’s why. Money is the ticket to freedom, the ability to enjoy my family, especially my kids, and live life to the hilt. The 9 to 5 is all well and good and has treated me well. But rising up the corporate ladder comes with a price…I’m ready to see if I have what it takes to say “See ya’ “to the rat race. Even if copywriting remains a second stream of income I’ll be happily on my way to zero debt through the additional income – goodbye mortgage! You have to make every minute count, why not do something you enjoy? Hey – maybe even rise to the top ranks of copywriting…hmmm.
Having you guys help by coaching? It is the difference between shoveling snow using a shovel versus a spoon …I would gain huge leverage from your experience. Coaching would also help focus my efforts so I can get into copywriting sooner. Learning by doing under the guidance of someone who knows the ropes is THE BEST way to get on the fast track. It will be a real test too…working full time and doing this in my “free time” (did I mention kids?).
Thank you!
I’ve searched my whole life to find a place where my talents and the world’s need could meet. That place where suddenly it all made sense, and I had a purposeful career that would actually MEAN something to me.
When I was introduced to the idea of being a copywriter I was floored. When I found out there was a specialized field of work writing for non-profits and fundraising?
I cried.
I can actually do something REAL to help. On a global basis even. I can help raise money for the poor, the starving, the abused, dying children, the dying planet. I can be a part of that, not after work hours when I’m exhausted and financially strapped, but as a part of a viable, doable career!
Why would such a lofty goal leave me so alone?
My family thinks I’m crazy. They want me to quit dreaming and get a “real job.” Work for the pension, the retirement, and follow the crowd. But my dreams aren’t crazy. This is real. You are real. Copywriting is real.
I finished the AWAI training program. I’m ready to show them that this can happen. This is what I’m doing for the rest of my life, whether it takes me 7 years or 7 months to get there.
But… how?
How do you turn an artist and a dreamer into a business woman capable of marketing herself to her chosen field?
This is only the beginning.
I learned the copy basics, but it doesn’t teach me how to build a business, market myself, make smart choices in how I spend my marketing dollars. Should I cold call? Send postcards? Write letters? Do I need a lawyer? Contracts and fine print?
I feel so alone.
I don’t have anyone to turn to, talk with, or help me understand and break down (and even fully understand) what it is I’m trying to do. No boss, no co-workers, nobody else even knows what a copywriter is.
A coaching program with support, encouragement, and real human connection during a long-term training period would be the missing link connecting the dream and the goal. Like being in college again, but this time with so much more purpose.
Here’s to the dream filled and purpose filled life!
Thanks for your time,
~Angela
INVISIBLE SCHOOLIN’ . . .
You know it just occured to me that one of the coolest things about being a direct resonse copywriter is seeing tangible, put your hands on it results–just like what’s going on here in this blog. . .
RESULTS
Ryan you and John know exactly how to stir up excitement and get excellent results.
What’s more is your going to teach us (and some lucky winner) for free how to fill our dance card with hot prospects!
Heck, you’re practically giving us the first lesson right here in this outstanding blog!
I gotta tell you boys I don’t envy you– cuz everyone represented here has written winning entries.
But on the other hand you’ve gotten yourself a captivated audience for your program.
Peace,
Emette Massey
Everyone has their reasons…I’ve got my own…
I remember the moment like it was yesterday. It’s funny how a single moment can change your life forever. Most memories are conjured from some dark, cavernous place hidden deep within the recesses of the mind. They ignite like sparks, fly upwards and dance with a fiery glow, burn hot, and quickly disintigrate into nothingness. Faint memories are summoned only by some familiar song. Not this one; this memory is seared into the forefront of my conscience, still burning beneath the skull.
New York City can be a cruel master in the throes of winter. The wind blew cold and hard through the canyon of buildings along Astor Place, in Manhattan’s East Village. The raw blasts of wind pierced like icy spikes, crystallizing every blood cell and nerve ending in my tense, shivering body. It was as though mother nature had to have her final word, the unloving rebuke of a scorned lover, before I passed through the door that would soon reveal my destiny.
I entered the same three-story Barnes and Noble book store where I had been writing at for several years. Every day was the same ritual: trek the narrow stretch to the bathroom located at the back of the store, pass the rows of new fiction, autobiographies and travel guides, take a piss, head back and march up the flight of stairs leading to the third floor, where Starbucks and a bakery offered a respite from the cold.
There were plenty of tables and chairs where I could sit and write undisturbed. I always anticipated seeing the usual band of misfits, weirdoes and mentally disturbed conspiracy theorists littered about the cafe. At times it looked more like a “psych ward” than a place to write the greatest novel in the world. I felt right at home. This is what became known as my “Village office”. It was a familiar routine, robotic, etched like grooves on an overplayed record.
That day something stopped me dead in my tracks as I began to climb the staircase leading to the “office”. Suddenly my attention was drawn to the stairway leading to the floor below. I turned and looked into the yawning, melancholy mouth of the stairwell. I shrugged it off and continued to climb.
I was then arrested with an incessant nagging feeling. My legs grew heavy; my thoughts went blank, and my head swooned with some strange lobotomizing sensation. Seemingly, against my will and adamant writing plans, I found myself heading downstairs, as though guided by some unseen force.
Click…click…clack…click…clack…clack…
And down the stairwell I went, into the store’s great underbelly. I soon stood before a tall bookcase lined with rows of “how-to” books about writing. I searched the titles curiously, running my finger along the books until one finally caught my attention: a brightly colored book designed with striking orange, blue and green blocks. “The Well-Fed Writer,” I muttered.
I pulled Peter Bowerman’s copywriting book from the shelf and rifled through its contents. And as I stood there flipping the pages one by one, that’s when it happened. The moment…the moment that changed everything…that fleeting speck of time when I realized the course of my life would be altered forever. Revelation.
At that very instant a voice spoke to me, saying “This is the way. Walk in it.” With a sudden jolt, I flung around to see who was behind me. The room was empty and silent. Nobody. The mysterious voice rang unlike any I have ever heard, clear, bold and majestic. Startled, my hands quaked, and I turned a ghastly shade of pale as the book loosed from my grip and fell to the floor.
I was utterly shaken. I became confused and overwhelmed. Then a gentle yet powerful presence washed over me, pouring over my being like a sweet sunshower, soft, electric. This was evidently a call from someone or something otherworldly. This was divine intervention, an ethereal messenger sent to guide and anoint me to fulfill a sacred purpose. But who or what spoke to me? Was it the voice of an angel? Devil? Jesus? Could this have been the voice of God Almighty?
Something inside me changed that day. And ever since then I’ve been a freelance copywriter. I’ve worked with numerous agencies and have repeat clientele, but I have yet to achieve a steady stream of “quality” clients. I feel like I keep ramming into the same brick wall over and over again. I’m exhausted. I believe you and John hold the secrets that can pull me out of this pit of despair.
The mission is clear. And the path predetermined since before the foundations of the world is yet fully realized. There is a throne set in the marketing heavens; and the “prince” who once sat upon the throne no longer rules from it. It is void. My mission has nothing to do with money.
It is my destiny to ascend to the heights of the marketing heavens. And you, Ryan Healy and John “Angel” Anghelache, are part of a master plan. Your 6-month Coaching Program will play a divine role in helping me fulfill the great commission, to take my rightful seat as heir upon the throne and accomplish my universal and everlasting reign as the “Marketing Messiah”.
Over my dominion there will be no end. I will rule in majesty and great glory…INSTEAD OF A PRINCE YOU WILL HAVE A GOLDEN KING! BRILLIANT AND TERRIBLE AS THE SON…MIGHTY AND MERCIFUL AS THE DAWN…AND ALL THE MARKETING WORLD WILL BE BLESSED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT I WILL BESTOW UPON IT FOREVER, AMEN!
Hello Ryan,
Regardless of whether we admit it or not, most of us are into copywriting just for the money.
My story is also somewhat similar, yet refreshingly different!
I originally started out as a content writer – writing articles and website content for business owners on the internet. I was also a Featured Writer on Suite101.com for a while.
Then one day, a client asked me to write a promotional piece for one of his company products. I had never written anything like that before but still managed to crank out a darn good one. It was only then that I realized I have the knack for writing copy, and I thorougly enjoyed the experience. And seeing that the money was also better on this side of the fence, I decided to make the plunge into copywriting.
My first few months in copywriting didn’t yield much in terms of money, but I was convinced this is what I was meant to do because I was loving every moment of it. I had finally figured out the one thing that I could do really well and was determined to convert it into a full-time occupation, come what may.
I was never a day-job fanatic to begin with. I don’t possess the kind of attitude that enables people to work for somebody else. Moreover, most people don’t recognize the tremendous opportunities out there today. I do. So I’d rather work from home and make more money doing what I love …than take up some day job that I hate and make a lot less. And what better way to do this than by writing copy?
Now, I can give you numerous other personal reasons why I just HAVE TO BE a copywriter, but I feel there are only 3 important things that you need to know.
1) First off, English isn’t even my first language.
There are some copywriters who feel that writing direct-response copy is the prerogative of native English speakers. But I think that’s bull. Both you and I know that these guys are just trying to ward off competition. And when they see people like me writing copy, they need to understand their tactics aren’t working.
Writing copy comes to me naturally. It’s now coming up to 2 years since I started writing sales letters. Though I haven’t done anything extraordinary during this period, I’ve managed to climb one step after other gradually. My copywriting has got better with every project I’ve completed till now. And yes, I do have a couple of six-figure sales letters under my belt.
2) I reside in a country far, far away from any direct-marketing land you can think of.
Businesses in my country don’t use direct mail in their marketing. So I’ve always had to depend on foreign sources for work. For most part of this 2 years I had no idea how to contact and successfully close prospects in other countries. To be frank, I still don’t.
I’m still testing different things to find out what works, all by myself without any kind of expert guidance.
3) At times when business was slow, I’d feel maybe I should give up copywriting completely and concentrate on affiliate marketing or creating niche products or something else. I saw that my copywriting clients were making much more than me, doing things much simpler than copywriting. But I never got around to doing any of those because I don’t like and don’t enjoy anything other than writing copy. So I could never get my mind to do any of those.
Despite all these hitches, the desire to be a “booked solid” direct-response copywriter hasn’t died down.
So if you ask me again why I’m wanna be a copywriter, my answer will be this – My rendezvous with copywriting, though accidental, has brought me into contact with something that I can do really well and at the same time also enjoy doing. I’ve always known that copywriting as a profession can give huge returns. But now I wanna experience it for real too.
You hinted in your audios that the fee for this course might be around $5,000. Agreed, $5k is a large amount. But in my country $5k is worth much, much more. Where I live, some people make this much in a whole year. And FYI, we also don’t get this kind of credit on our credit cards.
So I couldn’t possibly have dared to pay something like that for a coaching program. Maybe that’s the reason I’m still trying to learn things on my own and haven’t made much progress in the last one year despite being a good copywriter. You already know that having an experienced mentor or guide can slash your learning curve dramatically.
Why do I wanna join your program?
When I first started writing copy, I was happy to write even for free. At that time, I was just glad that I had found a client, even if he wasn’t gonna pay me a penny.
But both you and I know that writing copy is hard work. It takes a lot of mental and physical effort to write profit-pulling sales copy. And when the financial incentive is good, the copy comes out even better since we look to give our best in this case.
I’ve often had to unwillingly write for clients who wouldn’t pay me properly, and I clearly missed the motivation to put in the effort and the joy associated with writing copy. Additionally, I also came across bungling clients who wouldn’t make anything out of the best copy I gave them.
So with your help, I wanna find clients who can pay me properly and would also make good use of the copy I give them. That way writing copy will be a truly enjoyable experience, instead of being the tedious “home job” that it is right now.
I’ve also often been scared to ask for a huge fee, and even low-balled at times fearing that the prospect might get snatched up by some other copywriter. I believe your program will give me the ability to identify a project’s worth easily, ask for it confidently and eventually get it also.
On that note, I’d like to add something else also.
I had purchased your “Get copywriting client in 14 days” ebook. We had also exchanged a couple of emails back then, though I don’t expect you to remember that now.
Anyway, some of the suggestions you made in that book were actually not possible to implement for me because I’m not based in the US. I’ve also read some other “get copywriting clients” books that advise new copywriters to attend seminars and hand out business cards, which is not possible for me…at least not at this point in time.
What I’m trying to say is that mine is clearly a ’special’ case which IMHO requires special attention. So would you be willing to take this as a challenge and help me build a lucrative copywriting business from outside the US?
I honestly believe your program has all the elements to make it work even for someone like me. If you’re looking for commitment and desire to “make it” as a copywriter, I’ve got loads of both. But the final decision is still yours.
I did a mailing to US-based prospects recently, but it didn’t work out well. In fact, it didn’t work at all…probably because of my inexperience, or probably because I did something wrong.
With yours and John’s help, I’m sure I can get much better results this time around.
Thanks,
Sudheendra.
PART ONE: WHY?
1. I already consider myself a successful freelance copywriter – I just don’t make quite enough money to support myself and my wife doing it yet.
2. The author of 2 how-to books, I struggled for decades to be a “pure” writer who only wrote from his vision. As a result, i struggled terribly for a long, long time. Nonetheless, in order to promote my own books and seminars, i had to write my own copy.
It turns out the joke was on me. Now that i’ve finally “sold out” by writing website copy for people trying to make money on the net, i am discovering a potential for supporting and nurturing success in others that still has me floored. And im having a great time doing it!
I used to be a therapist as well, and it is fascinating to see how my role as copywriter and marketing consultant enables me to bring my collage of skills to my clients. I am not shy about calling this “nurturing” or “love.” My only regret is that i did not try making my living this way long before, but i guess i wasnt ready.
3. I am 58 and it sure would be nice to have something to fall back on other than flipping burgers at McD’s!
4. My wife is my age and she has numerous ailments, including diabetes and fibromyalgia. She needs me at home to take care of her, so it is imperative that i work out of the home. She has applied for disability from the government, but thats a big unknown right now.
5. Writing copy for clients is a source of real passion for me. I get excited doing it! One thing i’ve discovered which surprises me is that i feel like i am a detective solving a mystery. When researching my 2 books i never felt that way. Maybe its the interactive nature of how i approach a copywriting project, but to me its like a treasure hunt. I am looking for the hidden theme, the secret trigger, the deep push buttons. I am here to be a rainmaker for my client, and my job is to solve the mystery of producing money for his business by finding the magic hidden somewhere in his business flow. i know its there – and im gonna find it!
6. Via the copywriting career i have now, i am finally experiencing a spiritual principle i heard about a long time ago: if you focus on providing great value and first-class caring, empathic service for your clients, the money end will take care of itself.
All those years as a book writer i had been trying to survive writing in isolation in the proverbial garret, and all that time my natural tendencies to help people and enthusiastically support what they wanted for themselves could have made me rich a long time ago!
So, upon reflection, i was living a split existence, where my caring energies went into being a therapist, and my creative energies went into the “pure” book writing. Now, finally, via copywriting, they are getting integrated, and i am having a blast writing, being creative, helping people and making money. Whoopee!
7. In sum, i want to be a successful copywriter because i have discovered from my own experience that it brings out and synergizes some of the very best parts of me to help and support others (my clients) and make a real difference in their lives and the lives of their customers (via the products or services being sold).
PART TWO: HOW
Section A: Me
1. You guys are awesome… im not an idiot… therefore, i will rock as a copywriter after you are done with me!
2. At the risk of sounding arrogant or something like that, i believe that i have tremendous talent as a copywriter. this is based largely on the enthusiastic responses of my clients: “like magic… i am simply amazed… the next time i need copy, i will just wait until youre available!” frankly, im surprised myself by how good my copy is!
3. Since i have written short stories and worked on screenplays and novels as well as how-to books, i have spent decades developing my craft to communicate emotion with words in a natural voice. This is crucial copywriting skill, and i already have it.
Please take me to the next level, to the inner sanctum sanctorum of theme and the deep structure of copy and how to work up the big pieces and what to really do with copy elements like color, graphics, etc. Yes, the knowledge is out there, but i cant afford it yet.
4. If i keep floundering at the success level im currently at, and also given my age, i simply may never, ever achieve the level of success – and service to great clients – that i am capable of. The clock is ticking for me. I believe there are million dollar clients out there that would just eat up what i have to offer, but based on my current knowledge of the markets and how to approach them, it may be a very long time before i reach them – if i ever do. this would be a shame not only for me, but also for them. i know i can do some amazing things to help clients big or small – i just hope i get the chance in this lifetime. i intuitively know that with your help i will make an incredible quantum leap in a wonderfully short time – hey you, yeah you… Makepeace! Look out!
5. i am at the level in my writing that i can make excellent use of a pro copywriting mentor or trainer, and the efforts of the mentor will not be wasted.
6. on top of my years of writing experience, i am absolutely hot right now with my copywriting. this is the perfect time for me to hop on a wild ride of life and copy transformation by immersing myself in the kind of help only experts at your level and with your kind, caring and generous character – and obvious teaching ability – can provide.
7. since i am naturally a long sales letter writer, i think id be very good at direct marketing letters. but thats an area i know nothing about and, frankly, it intimidates me a bit. so i could really use some major hand holding to help me break into that market and spread my wings, as it were.
Section B. You
i could go on about how you can help me, but i think you get the idea. so let me tell you how i can help you:
a) i will ask great questions, as a student i will put pressure on you to rise to a higher level as a teacher
b) as a book writer, i can be of real assistance when you guys write your copywriting guide. you are going to write a book, or at least provide an online course after this, arent you?
c) while i really appreciate the gift, the only reason i would accept it is that right now i cant pay for it. as i see it, once i was making the kind of money we all know can be made in this business, it would be my joy, delight and pleasure to reward your generosity by paying you DOUBLE your Course Fee ASAP.
Now that offer is contingent on the course being around 2K. If its 10K or something like that, i might have to work out some kind of payment plan…
The other option is to work out the dollars via trade, where i functioned as a copy cub and supplied copy in lieu of cash. personally, i prefer paying you back in cash – money for money.
Frankly, it seems like nonsense that you should not get paid. Also, since you are losing the time value of your money, you are actually suffering a bit of a financial loss – you lose the cash you would have gotten up front from the last sign-up, and you lose the earning potential of that money…
plus theres the invisible but substantial value of the earnest energy in this money, that you have offered such a generous gift. this too needs to be recognized and rewarded.
so just paying you back is simply too weak… therefore, just like in Vegas, i am offering to DOUBLE YOUR MONEY!
P.S. this aint no bull, John and Ryan… i mean every word of it, and i consider it a contract. All you have to do is sign on the dotted line!
P.P.S. in fact, if you refuse my offer to literally DOUBLE YOUR MONEY, i will spit in your face!
i will send the money to your favorite charity, or donate it to your church, but i will not be clutching it in my grubby little paws for long. You guys deserve to be REWARDED, and i am here to see that you are!!!
P.P.P.S. you must act fast. yes, you must make your decision now. i am withdrawing this offer tomorrow! :)
The secret hunger of every aspiring Online Marketer…
Are You Prepared for the Explosive Changes in Your Life When You Master the Much Envied Skill of Copywriting, and Make Six Figures Per Year … With Ease?
I must be divinely blessed to have discovered this craft, because if there’s a better way to go, I sure can’t see it.
A copywriter soars through life as easy as if he or she were on a hand-glider above the clouds. Here’s why:
You master the art of persuasion: “How to Win Friends and Influence People” becomes a way of life. From getting the best seats in a restaurant, talking your way out of a traffic ticket, getting the girl of your dreams, negotiating the best price on your cars or your house … your entire life runs smoother and easier.
You can make tons of cash: If you can string together a coherent paragraph, you can learn sales copy and make money. Lots of it.
Ironically, most writers starve. You may be surprised to learn that some of those bestselling authors on the New York Time’s list are barely making a living. A decent, competent copywriter, a B-level writer, should have no problem pulling in six figures a year … if they learn a few simple marketing tricks.
You clearly understand human nature: Imagine being able to read minds … well, a copywriter has such a deep understanding of people that’s the next best thing to knowing their thoughts.
You are in demand: Nothing happens in business without advertising. And if they either try to avoid advertising, or avoid paying for good advertising, they’re not going to be in business very long. Smart business owners are seeking you out. They want you. They NEED you.
You have power and influence: Copywriters often know more about marketing than their clients. This means you are positioned to be the authority, and your clients often become beholden to you for more than a simple letter. This is why Gary Bencivenga’s analogy of a “hired gun” is so much on target … you are the “expert from afar.”
Fame, recognition, and Prestige: You become recognized in business. When you can do this, people know who you are. Several businesses rely on you as their go-to-guy. You may not make the cover of the “Rolling Stone Magazine,” but would you settle for “Business Weekly?”
So that’s why I want to be a copywriter. Now here’s how your program can help me…
Both Ryan and John are authentic. They are doing the same thing I want to do, so it’s not about theory from another struggling writer.
Ryan has some of the smoothest writing I have had the pleasure to read. I WANT that ability, too.
John has more marketing skills up his sleeve than Jay Abraham. I’ve never seen such a diverse and varied arsenal of tactics for getting clients.
So, these guys are teaching both the writing of copy and the business of copy. It kinda makes it a drop-dead-simple choice … what Gary Halbert would technically term a “no-brainer.”
If you want to be a copywriter, there’s simply no way to lose with this.
And yeah, I’ve heard rumors of what they are charging. If the scuttlebutt is true, then it’s less than a single semester of college … but it’s going to pay off better than 87% of Ph.D.’s, who barely touch six figures in their entire lives.
So, folks, strap yourself in, because it’s going to be one wild ride. I can guarantee you this – your life will never be the same after this program.
Sincerely,
Kevin Dawson, Web 2.0 Copywriter
P.S.-I’ll bet anyone a C-note that it will be sold out within 24 hours of going live. Any takers?
Why does copywriting interest me?
I’d like to be the person people are talking about when they say, “If HE can make it as a copywriter, ANYBODY can.”
Why would it be such a shock? My professional writing is focused on technical software requirements, which provides a living wage, but in no way is focused on generating a response.
And in today’s economy, response is what hundreds of small business owners in my area are praying for. It would be awesome to be able to come alongside them and provide a means of generating new leads and ongoing business, especially when many owners are wondering whether they’ll be able to survive.
How would this coaching opportunity help a rookie like me?
Only as much as experienced skydivers who strap themselves to the backs of first-time jumpers … but this time it seems like the jump is starting at 30,000 feet. I know the ground is down there, but I’m going to need oxygen to survive.
Many thanks for providing this opportunity.
For Immediate Release…
Fledgling Vermont Copywriter Wins Coveted Coaching Program!
On Saturday night, July 19th, 2008, Ann Kensek received an email that will change her life- and the lives of countless others- forever. Ultra-successful copywriters Ryan Healy and John “Angel” Anghelache contacted her with the news that she was the winner of their 6 –Month Freelance Copywriting Coaching Program. She expressed her deep thanks to Healy and Anghelache for this outstanding opportunity.
Asked why she wants to be a Freelance Copywriter, Kensek replied, “I was elbow deep in dishwater, while my husband watched the evening news on TV. Half listening and half absorbed in my own thoughts, the story came on about the cylone in Myanmar. I froze, listening intently. Unable to take in how huge the suffering was, how helpless the people were, how important minutes and hours were in saving lives, I thought, ‘I wish I could help’. Something inside of me said, ‘You can’. At that moment I decided to take my years of informal studies of copywriting forward and begin formally studying the art and science of writing effective copy.”
In addition to writing for the Fundraising market, Kensek wants to tap into the growing “Green” market, helping ethical businesses grow through her work. “The return to families and communities when businesses are successful is immeasurable,” she said, “ And to be able to contribute on multiple levels- economic, social, spiritual and ecological- all at once would make me deeply joyful.”
Well into her studies, Kensek welcomes the opportunity to learn and utilize successful and rapid marketing techniques with master copywriters Healy and Anghelache. “This Coaching Program will take years off my learning curve, and teach me to get the clients that need my services sooner,” Kensek said.
When asked if this program was “like the icing on the cake”, Kensek thought for a moment, then replied, “No, it’s not. This course is like the eggs or the baking soda. Without them, the cake won’t rise. Till you add them, you just have a bunch of ingredients in a bowl. I have most of the ingredients I need. Time to add the eggs!”
As to the money she’ll make as a result of the program? “Sure. I have goals… It’s been a tough year here in Vermont. My husband hasn’t had steady work since February. Thanks to this Program, he’ll be back in Graduate School next spring, realizing his dream of becoming an Analyst. When our 21 year old comes home from Iraq in November we can roll out the red carpet! And our 11 year old will benefit from growing up in a home where he’ll know both the value of dreaming and what it takes to make those dreams into realized goals. I look forward to enjoying the money and all the perks that financial freedom can bring. But money is only part of being wealthy,” she continued. “ True wealth is about living fully, about living authentically, about living a meaningful life. This is what I strive for, and what winning this Coaching Program will help me take to a higher- and deeper level. Many thanks, guys!
Ryan & John,
I’m so happy you guys are doing this.
The bottom line, guys, is I need this. More to the point: my family needs this. I look at my wife, two step kids and my 22 month old daughter and I know we are stuck until I take this massive action.
See, we’re trapped. I’m in a job that enriches the community but pays very little. My family’s in a home and neighborhood that’s becoming unfit to raise children and we’re struggling with debt. It’s a very suffocating feeling. Clearly, we need to make drastic change.
The money and the lifestyle are cool but just incidental. It’s about being empowered by knowing my future is in my hands — that I’m accountable for my success. I want to rule my own destiny and not feel trapped anymore.
Copywriting is a way to break free and do what I was meant to do. Writing and art are my only two natural talents (two great tastes that go great together). It has the added benefit of inspiring my family and friends to follow their dreams.
Fact is I’m a good writer. I’ve never been turned down by a magazine. And I’ve even written for one of the top copywriters in the country. But the pay is a joke. My copy skills have reached critical mass and it’s time to dive in head first and get paid what I’m worth.
Also, it would be nice to silence the naysayers and eye-rollers who snicker and say copywriting is not a “real” career. I call them the dream killers because they try to plant the seeds of self- doubt.
If your coaching program provides two complete systems of actionable strategies as you say then I’ll make it work. You guys seem really authentic and real to me.
I’ve spent enough money getting good and any money I spend from here will be on marketing and getting clients.
I will give myself over to the coaching process because this is a make or break endeavor. I want you guys to look back and know you made the right choice. You’ll be able to say that guy Logan busted his ass and implemented the strategies fearlessly.
I’ve read a lot of great posts here. (good luck Sudheendra – really compelling). Whatever happens it’s time to move forward. Thanks for the opportunity!
-Logan
I am already a copywriter, but I want to take my business to the next level because I love the idea of getting paid for doing something I was born to do—to write for the benefit of others.
When I was a child, I was incredibly shy. Writing gave me a voice. As I got better, I learned that writing was not only a personal outlet; it was also a tool to help others who could learn from my experiences. When I discovered copywriting, it felt as if I had found my home.
I’ve always had the entrepreneurial spirit…but it isn’t all about me. As cliché as this may sound, it’s about what I can do for others. I get a real charge out of hearing a client’s excitement when he or she sees what I’ve created for their business. The process of writing may be about me because that’s what I love to do; the outcome is about the client and how I can improve his business. Both of us win, and both of our lives are improved by it.
I know some copywriters make the business all about them and how much cash they can rake in, but I also believe you have to give back in order to receive. I certainly know that my family benefits when I have enough money to live, and I know that when I write rockin’ copy for someone, I’m affecting helping more than just the voice on the other line. It’s the “pay it forward” principle but for pay. It doesn’t get any better than that.
If you ask what all this money gets me, I’ll have to break it down into three parts:
1.) FREEDOM. I’m a divorced mother with three children, and I have a full-time day job and a copywriting business. My son has Selective Mutism and cannot go to public school. I’d love to be home with him during the day so I could give more attention to him and his online studies.
2.) It also gives me a SPIRITUAL PURPOSE. While we all have to make money to live, I love the idea of using my career to help others prosper physically, mentally, and financially. The products I’ve created are dedicated to helping others live with peace and prosperity.
3.) The next thing I’ll get from all this money is the ability to GIVE TO OTHERS. The money means nothing unless I can help my family, my friends, and even strangers who need a hand up. At the end of the day, if I cannot think beyond myself, the money has no value.
All my life, I’ve worked in professions that have given me joy as I’ve helped others. I’ve worked as a counselor, as a teacher, and as a writer. Copywriting allows me to combine the best of all three worlds.
The 6-month Coaching Program will help me get bigger, more established clients. In the past two years—as a copywriter—I’ve had the pleasure of working with entrepreneurs who sell their products worldwide as well as those who are just starting out. I’ve loved every minute. However, I started doing everything: copywriting, editing, proofreading, writing articles, writing blogs, etc. You can probably guess that sometimes the paycheck was sweet and sometimes it was just a little extra.
I want to fish in bigger ponds so that I can support my family and give them a comfortable lifestyle. Your coaching program isn’t about the writing for me, although I’ll certainly benefit from your experiences. I want to learn the BUSINESS of COPYWRITING. By learning the business, I will be able to be home for my son and daughters when they need me and still continue to do the work that I’ve grown to love.
In essence, I want to walk away from the day job and walk full time back into my life. I can’t be any more honest than that.
I made a typo. Sorry, for the confusion. Here it is:
“I’m affecting helping” should read “I’m affecting someone other than the voice on the other line.”
Thanks John and Ryan. The videos have
been wonderful, as has the experience of
writing this.
So let’s get at it!
1. WHY do you want to become a successful freelancecopywriter (besides the money)?
To answer that, let’s get in the wayback
machine to a bit over 3 plus years ago.
I was attending nursing school.
And a funny thing happened to me I was attending to this new education courtesy of an inheritance that filled
my bank account at a timely moment: right at
the dot com “bust”.
While I had endured any number of economic downturns
in my 20+ year software career, I was having my
first difficulties in finding a job. Maybe it was the
gray hair. Even though age-prejudice is against the
law, I’ve had people admit that hiring “over 50s”
would require extra justification.
Here in Silicon Valley, healthcare career courses
were jammed with folks left high and dry after
“the bust”. I was no different.
While starting my second year in nursing school,
I caught a minor infection. The minor infection
forced me to miss too many clinical days and I
dropped out for the term. It would be six months
before I could re-start classes.
While waiting for school to start again I dusted off the AWAI course, became active ontheir forum, and met up with a young copywriterwho I split a “two-fer” with to attend a copywriting seminar. (The young copywriter was Ryan.)
And have been pursuing copywriting ever since.
Along with a healthy dose of internet marketing.
Hey, I’m a computer geek! Technology comes
naturally.
Altruistic dreams run through my brain neurons
nearly as much as the glucose they require.
It’s many times easier for me to help, and to
want to help, others than it is to ask for money
for doing so. You can see volumes of advice that
I’ve given on the copywriting forum on the Warrior
forum.
But that altruistic spirit, which I certainly
don’t want to deny, gets in the way of getting
the money.
Let me also say what, a kindred spirit to that
altruistic spirit, says. It’s not just about
money. People have hailed certain letters because
they made so much money. Personally, they made
me puke.
Why?
Not because the writing is bad — it is quite
persuasive.
But because the salesletter over-promised, and
from my research, vastly undelivered.
That’s not the kind of copy I write, or want to
write.
Copy serves a wonderful and useful purpose. But
it can be abused — and, frequently is.
I want my copy to connect real buyers with real
products that are useful to real people. Not
some pie-in-the-sky instant riches scheme.
It’s said that “bad money drives out good money.”
I fear that “bad” copy — the persuasive copy that
sells unrealizable pipe-dreams — will drive out
“good copy”.
My goal is to not just provide for myself, or
even just to fund my altruistic activities. It’s
also to be a copywriter whose copy sets an example
of copy of high integrity.
2. HOW will participating in our 6-month Coaching Program help you?
One of the purposes of participating in a
coaching program is to be “known”. No, I
don’t mean in a publicity kind of way.
I mean, known, as in, someone knowing who you are.
As in the way an interior decorator might walk into
a room and know exactly what needs fixing.
What I want out of a coaching program is not
so much the pieces. I have lots of pieces.But
I want a consistent, coherent, and, more
importantly, well-seqwuenced, set of pieces.
I want the “whole”. The synergy that comes with that.
And it’s to have someone with the success and the
compassion to help me assemble the pieces,
sequence them properly, into a happy, successful,
and goal-accomplishing career.
Thanks for the opprotunity.
(and I love the involvement. :)
Live JoyFully!
Judy Kettenhofen aka “NextDay Copy”
At the tender young age of 54 I am happy to
report that every day STILL brings excitement.
Not all my parts work like they did at 16 but,
still I can get excited.
I’ve logged in an unbelievable amount of hours
selling belly to belly with customers.
The wonderful world of retail and business
prospects was my turf.
Retail gave me the most enjoyment in many ways.
First, the number of “at bats” in retail
compared to business kept me from the dreded “B”.
That’s B for boring!
I have worked where I only talked to 2 or 3
prospects in an intire day and hated it.
When I was a marketing rep visiting Best Buy
I promoted Epson printers and that was fun.
When I saw sometimes 50 or 60 people in a day
during christmas season I “HAD” to learn how
to sell or the store managers would have
tossed me out in the dumpster.
How this relates to writing copy is that I
have learned that word choice is critical in
order to land a sale.
I’ve also spend some big bucks in NLP training.
Gave me some more knowledge of mental processes.
I did not push crap. I found out the main
bullets of each product and fit my pitch to
the needs of the customer.
I developed the authority by giving them a
inside glitch that showed the product was not
perfect. They weren’t just hammered a high
margin printer.
Copywriting would allow me to transfer my many
years of selling to paper.
Way too many businesses are struggling.
Even with great products because their marketing
copy sucks pond scum.
I’m looking for satisfaction of helping them.
The money will come so, I won’t bother with
that here.
Ryan and John’s tutoring is what I need to take
my gold of experience and focus it into a
proper technique to drive sales for my clients.
I could search and study on my own for years.
That is not the smart way.
You guys can help prevent me learning wrong
methods as well as tips and tricks to get me
cranking at top end levels fast.
Thanks for the opportunity,
John
Wow! You’re amazing! I can’t believe how many people have entered the contest just in the last few hours.
Well, believe it or not, my watch battery died this morning halfway through the alarm. Beep, beep, beep, bewww…..
So, having just gotten back from Target, I’ve installed my new watch battery — and the time is 12:07 p.m. Mountain time.
The contest is officially closed to new entries.
John and I will be deliberating over who should win. We’ll announce the winner later today — no later than 9 p.m. Mountain time.
Thanks!
Update: We have selected the winner of this contest. I’ve written a new post announcing the winner here:
http://www.ryanhealy.com/and-the-winner-is/
If you entered the contest, THANK YOU!
You guys (and gals) rock.
Ryan
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