Master copywriting and you can print money at will
Here's a 5-step system to write world-class copy
(Created by one of America's Founding Fathers):
Here's a 5-step system to write world-class copy
(Created by one of America's Founding Fathers):
Born in 1706.
He:
• Began working as a printer at 12
• Started writing his own essays at 16
• And opened his own print shop at 20
• Helped secure the Louisiana Purchase
• Helped showcase the power of electricity
And, he helped write the Declaration of Independence...
He:
• Began working as a printer at 12
• Started writing his own essays at 16
• And opened his own print shop at 20
• Helped secure the Louisiana Purchase
• Helped showcase the power of electricity
And, he helped write the Declaration of Independence...
I'm referring to Benjamin Franklin.
In his Autobiography, Franklin lays out the 5-step process he used to develop his skills:
• Find an example
• Make a few notes
• Let sit for a few days
• Write using only your notes
• Find faults and correct them
Let's break it down:
In his Autobiography, Franklin lays out the 5-step process he used to develop his skills:
• Find an example
• Make a few notes
• Let sit for a few days
• Write using only your notes
• Find faults and correct them
Let's break it down:
1. Find an example to emulate
Franklin was a fan of the magazine "The Spectator"
He wanted to write just like them.
He recommends:
• Finding examples you admire
• Think about their style
• Create a swipe file
Essentially create an archive of writers ahead of you.
Franklin was a fan of the magazine "The Spectator"
He wanted to write just like them.
He recommends:
• Finding examples you admire
• Think about their style
• Create a swipe file
Essentially create an archive of writers ahead of you.
2. Replicate their work and jot notes
Next, Franklin would:
• Recreate and mimic a selected piece of work
• Add a few notes about each passage
• Copy the "jist" of each sentence
This is why "copywork" is so effective.
Re-writing already existing content re-wires your brain
Next, Franklin would:
• Recreate and mimic a selected piece of work
• Add a few notes about each passage
• Copy the "jist" of each sentence
This is why "copywork" is so effective.
Re-writing already existing content re-wires your brain
3. Step away for a day or two
Here, Franklin recommends you let your subconscious takeover.
When you try and write everything in one go – you overload your system.
• Wait a few days
• Go for a long walk
• Work on something else
Let ideas rise to the top, naturally.
Here, Franklin recommends you let your subconscious takeover.
When you try and write everything in one go – you overload your system.
• Wait a few days
• Go for a long walk
• Work on something else
Let ideas rise to the top, naturally.
4. Replicate (using only your notes)
At this point, you've:
• Studied the content
• Added several notes
• Let it sit for some time
Now, Franklin recommends you go back a recreate the piece.
But using only your notes...
Here, you're really working your copy muscles.
At this point, you've:
• Studied the content
• Added several notes
• Let it sit for some time
Now, Franklin recommends you go back a recreate the piece.
But using only your notes...
Here, you're really working your copy muscles.
5. Find your faults (and correct them)
Once you complete step 4, you can go back and compare.
Here, you're in learning mode. Compare:
• Areas of strength
• Areas needing improvement
• Areas where you found something new
Here you learn to find your own style.
Once you complete step 4, you can go back and compare.
Here, you're in learning mode. Compare:
• Areas of strength
• Areas needing improvement
• Areas where you found something new
Here you learn to find your own style.
And that's it!
Of course, many of you might be throwing your hands up saying,
"Ben didn't write copy! It was the 18th Century!"
Umm....
He had to convince the world the new country was a good idea.
Perhaps that's why he's on the $100...
Of course, many of you might be throwing your hands up saying,
"Ben didn't write copy! It was the 18th Century!"
Umm....
He had to convince the world the new country was a good idea.
Perhaps that's why he's on the $100...
A quick recap.
The Franklin-5 method for better writing:
• Find an example
• Make a few notes
• Let sit for a few days
• Write using only your notes
• Find faults and correct them
The Franklin-5 method for better writing:
• Find an example
• Make a few notes
• Let sit for a few days
• Write using only your notes
• Find faults and correct them
Happy building ✌️
Follow me @jonbrosio for more rad content
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Follow me @jonbrosio for more rad content
Also if you found this helpful, RT the first tweet to share this with your friends!
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