Copywriting

EP 309: Coffee w/ Kev – Kevin Rogers is out to save copywriting

   In This Episode We’re in something of a crisis in copywriting right now. But, it’s not for the reasons you might think.  Technology is not the issue.  It’s actually the opposite… BARBARIANS.  People who treat our proud craft like a biz-opp product and sell it like a “get rich quick” scheme.  Today I’m sharing

EP 309: Coffee w/ Kev – Kevin Rogers is out to save copywriting Read More »

How to fight

“Everybody circle up,” yelled Pete, the wiry, wild-eyed boxing instructor at Combat Fitness.  “If I point at you, get on the mat. Three-minute rounds.” I stood awkwardly adjusting the tattered, sour-smelling headgear over my ears and scanned the other men in the circle.  A full spectrum of ages and fitness levels, all with one common

How to fight Read More »

The scary thing

I was in the “shaving needs” aisle of a small grocery store when it hit me and I started FREAKING OUT.  My nerves on end, adrenaline pumping relentlessly, my feet disconnected from the floor.  I felt like a character in a Twilight Zone story where the world moves at half your speed.  People at the

The scary thing Read More »

EP 306: Kevin Rogers & Rob Tillman – 3 Best Copywriting Categories for 2024 

   In This Episode So, it’s 2024 and you’re still a human. We’re off to a good start. Copywriting needs good humans.  Today, I’m going to reveal the Top 3 Copywriting Categories for Freelancers in 2024. And also, the one place where your services are no longer needed.  This is a session from the live

EP 306: Kevin Rogers & Rob Tillman – 3 Best Copywriting Categories for 2024  Read More »

Starting over

When I quit stand-up comedy and got off the road, I was STUCK. Ten years of driving all over the United States, sleeping in dingy motels, and talking dirty to strangers for laughs was incredible fun.  But, when it was time for me to pull off the road and find a new line of work…

Starting over Read More »

Crashing the gate

“Can I see your ID, sir?” “Are you fking serious?” That’s how my day started at the “Copy Legends Lock-in” event Tuesday in Orlando.  The “lock-in” was a one-day, invite-only mastermind hosted by Todd Brown, fulfilling a longtime dream of his to gather around a table with what he considers the “absolute royalty of Direct

Crashing the gate Read More »

Don’t tell

“Wait… is that an actual suggestion, or is this some sort of metaphor?” My brain wasn’t comprehending what my therapist, Nick, was telling me.  “Just for three months to see what happens,” Nick replied. “Absolutely not,” I said tersely. “I am not up for that.” Up until this point, in nearly six months of sessions

Don’t tell Read More »

Total humiliation

Get this… It’s Thursday of last week.  I have, essentially ONE thing on my calendar:  “Podcast Recording – Marie Forleo 4:30” You should know… I friggin’ LOVE Marie Forleo! I could take up the next three pages listing all the reasons I admire her and what she’s built through MarieTV, B School, Copy Cure, her

Total humiliation Read More »

EP 294: Stress-Free Selling with Psychotherapist, Leah Benson

   In This Episode As creative freelancers, selling ourselves and our services feels unnatural.  But, it’s a critical part of the gig. There’s no getting around it. So, I decided to interview a licensed psychotherapist to find out… Why do creatives have mental blocks around selling? What can we do to remove the mental stress

EP 294: Stress-Free Selling with Psychotherapist, Leah Benson Read More »

EP 292: The secret side-door into financial copywriting w/ Joshua Lee Henry

   In This Episode Here’s ONE thing everyone in the copywriting industry can agree on (probably the only one)… The best copywriters in the world write in the financial niche.  I could list a dozen reasons why that is, but you likely know them already. It really comes down to the fact that… Financial is

EP 292: The secret side-door into financial copywriting w/ Joshua Lee Henry Read More »

EP 291: Wisdom Tree: Laura Belgray on writing, and selling, Tough Titties

   In This Episode “I went into a [yearlong] spiral trying to rewrite this thing.” Writing a “book, book” is not for the faint of heart.  As writers with lists, we wake up, think of something worthy of sharing, do our best to make it valuable and entertaining, and ship it an hour or two

EP 291: Wisdom Tree: Laura Belgray on writing, and selling, Tough Titties Read More »

A good “no”

“I’d love to hire you, but I just can’t afford your price.” “I’d love to work with you, but I just can’t wait for your next opening.” “This all looks great, but you’re a bit out of my league.” Hearing these phrases from good prospects is music to a freelancer’s ears.  I call them, “a

A good “no” Read More »

Your writing bubble

One of the greatest challenges for freelancers is creating “the bubble.” The impenetrable little cocoon of sanctity where you do your thinking, your writing, your creating… the stuff people are actually paying you for.  All the other “functional” stuff we must do for our businesses; the marketing, the billing, the communicating… doesn’t require the same

Your writing bubble Read More »

Why we quit

This is a picture of my daughter a quiz in her forensic science class… This year, as a junior in high school, she started attending school virtually.  It’s the first time in her life that she was free to do her work in the way that works best for her.  She has all A’s and

Why we quit Read More »

Follow that!

Kim Krause Schwalm walked past me and said,  “I’m sorry you have to follow that.” The audio guy was running a mic cable down the back of my shirt to wire me up. Sam Woods was wrapping up his Q&A with Brian Kurtz, which was running 20 minutes over, after Sam’s hour-long talk. The room

Follow that! Read More »

When John met Gary

“This is shit. Write it again.” It was John’s very first day working under Gary.  He’d accepted Gary’s invitation to give up his current clients and spend a year living in L.A. to become his apprentice.  John had quickly established himself as a hot hand on the copy scene and had no problem landing projects

When John met Gary Read More »

Mrs. Kravitz

Three times in my life I’ve packed everything I could fit into the trunk of a used, four-door sedan and relocated thousands of miles from home. Twice towards a place, and once, away from it.  The away was Los Angeles. I’ll never forget pointing the hood of my Oldsmobile East and watching that smog pit

Mrs. Kravitz Read More »

EP 287: New Breed: Jason Van Orden – The Customer Awareness Spectrum

   In This Episode “Were you ever a copywriter?” I had to ask Jason this in the middle of our interview because I rarely hear anyone but us talk so deeply about the levels of customer awareness. Jason is a funnel fixer and marketing consultant for some very high-level coaches and business advisors. He’s created

EP 287: New Breed: Jason Van Orden – The Customer Awareness Spectrum Read More »

Losing it

What’s the last thing a redneck says before he dies? “Hey, y’all, watch this!” – One time my wife and I were at a Lucinda Williams concert at Jannus Live here in St. Pete.  It’s an outdoor venue. Holds a couple thousand. Bars line the perimeter. Jam-packed in the middle, where the sound is best. 

Losing it Read More »

EP 286: New Breed: Kelly Brown – Stansberry is Hiring Copywriters!

   In This Episode Kelly Brown was working at a bank and had never heard of copywriting before getting hired at Stansberry Research, where she learned directly from Mike Palmer, and is currently the Copy Chief.  Now, Kelly and the team are looking to bring on 5 new copywriters through a bootcamp they’re hosting on

EP 286: New Breed: Kelly Brown – Stansberry is Hiring Copywriters! Read More »

Fitting in

When I was a skinny, punk-ass 16 year-old… My step-dad, Scotty, ran a construction crew building new homes in Tampa. He was a tough-as-nails, but fun-to-be-around guy (picture Walter White and Jeff Spicoli merged as one) who had one rule on the job site: Never get outworked. That summer, rather than sit around broke watching

Fitting in Read More »

Chief Chat Replay: The AI’s effect on copywriting, and how to use it to become a Creative Machine.

Timestamps: 1:00 Meet two great thinkers of the new AI copywriting world 7:00 Why copywriters are so afraid of GPT (and the pro writers’ secret to staying sane) 15:00 How to stay ahead of the curve as GPT4 takes the world by storm 30:00 Step-by-step tips for using ChatGPT in your copywriting process 35:00 Why

Chief Chat Replay: The AI’s effect on copywriting, and how to use it to become a Creative Machine. Read More »

EP 284: Wisdom Tree: Henry Bingaman “The threat of the cage”

   In This Episode Henry Bingaman operated at the highest possible levels of direct response copywriting for nearly 20 years… Working alongside Jedd Canty (one the greatest innovators in the industry) and Mike Ward at Money Map Press, he consistently produced the highest converting “winners” in the toughest game there – financial copywriting. If you’re

EP 284: Wisdom Tree: Henry Bingaman “The threat of the cage” Read More »

Those who know

The truth about marketing, which very few people will admit, is that you never know what is going to work. True marketing teams comprise a gaggle of experts. Experts in predictive data.  Experts in funnel design.  Experts in messaging.  All making their most educated guesses at which angles, hooks, and prices will click in place

Those who know Read More »

EP 283: Freelancer’s Journey: How to instantly become the #1 choice for a great client

   In This Episode If you’re a freelancer, or biz owner hiring freelance copywriters, this is a MUST listen because you will learn, from a client’s point of view, what matters most when hiring a full-time copywriter. In this episode we cover… For Freelancers: How to tell a great opportunity from a potential hell gig…

EP 283: Freelancer’s Journey: How to instantly become the #1 choice for a great client Read More »

EP 281: Freelancer’s Journey: Ryan Schwartz on the magic of acting on instinct

   In This Episode Ryan Schwartz is one of the most unconventional copywriters I’ve ever met.  From cubicle hell (and praying to get laid off), to optioning screenplays, to writing a book on the challenges and revelations of breadwinning, relationships, and fatherhood (dropping in May ‘23)… and many impressive traditional copy projects along the way…

EP 281: Freelancer’s Journey: Ryan Schwartz on the magic of acting on instinct Read More »

EP 280: Freelancer’s Journey: Carolynn Ananian – Adventures of a “Path 2” copywriter

   In This Episode Carolynn Ananian did a lot of “bouncing around” as a freelance copywriter before falling in love with financial copywriting and landing her current “Dream Job” at Stansberry Research. Carolynn started out (as most of us do) as a “Path 1”, doing all the jobs to run and grow a freelance copywriting

EP 280: Freelancer’s Journey: Carolynn Ananian – Adventures of a “Path 2” copywriter Read More »

On writing alone

There’s an irony behind the slogan we’ve used in the Copy Chief community since 2014: “Nobody Writes Alone” The irony is more profound in the recent wake of machine learning tools that have tsunami-waved into writers’ lives.  Fact is, the ability to “write alone” is a sacred ability, and is now more critical to the

On writing alone Read More »

EP 279: New Breed: Who will survive the crush of machine learning copywriting tech? with Sam Woods

   In This Episode The robots have arrived! I’ve been saying this for two years now, but most people shrugged it off as a “someday” problem. Now, “SOMEDAY” IS HERE. Of course, all the overnight experts are parachuting from the sky dressed up in their “special forces” costumes to save the day and cash in

EP 279: New Breed: Who will survive the crush of machine learning copywriting tech? with Sam Woods Read More »

How much?

How’s your head? Is it wrecked from too much bottom-shelf champaign? Numb from hours of obnoxious people blowing plastic noisemakers into your ear?  (When I was a comic, some clubs would pass those things out to the new year’s crowd on the way IN to the show! Nightmare. How do you combat getting heckled by

How much? Read More »

EP 275: New Breed: Patty Lennon – Receiving What You’re Worth

   In This Episode Ever freak out over giving a prospect your price?  There’s more to it than “nerves”. It’s likely some deep-rooted societal programming from your childhood.  Sounds kinda worse than you thought when I put it that way – lol. But, it’s actually good news, because when you recognize what’s at the root

EP 275: New Breed: Patty Lennon – Receiving What You’re Worth Read More »

EP 274: Freelancer’s Journey: TzeQing (Tania) Yeo – From “trapped” to writing for Grant Cardone

   In This Episode When Tania Yeo was 18 years old she wanted to become a teacher. She found a company that would pay to send her to school overseas, and place her with a company teaching Art and English Literature.  “It was a ten-year contract that dictated every step of my life,” she explains

EP 274: Freelancer’s Journey: TzeQing (Tania) Yeo – From “trapped” to writing for Grant Cardone Read More »

EP 273: New Breed: Jamie Ryder – Aligning your personal philosophy with your copywriting

   In This Episode What do you do when your personal beliefs are at odds with your copywriting projects? The conflict is real.  There are choices to be made.  Jamie Ryder was feeling that, so he took his personal life philosophy of Stoicism into his work as a copywriter.  The results have been revolutionary, for

EP 273: New Breed: Jamie Ryder – Aligning your personal philosophy with your copywriting Read More »

EP 272: New Breed: Brandon Roe on Decoding Consumer Psychology

   In This Episode Brandon Roe was a self-described “outcast nerd” throughout his childhood.  So, he became fascinated with the psychology around what makes some people part of the “in crowd” and others relegated to being “out”. At first, he wanted to figure out how to switch camps and become more popular… Then, around the

EP 272: New Breed: Brandon Roe on Decoding Consumer Psychology Read More »

EP 269: New Breed: Gary Kopervas – How Big Brands Tell Great Stories

   In This Episode Brand advertising often feels like a foreign world to Direct Response marketers. But, they are far more aligned than we think, and that trend will only continue.  The big pockets publishers now focus way more effort on video platforms (VSLs, Social Media ads) than on long-form text-only platforms… and building brands

EP 269: New Breed: Gary Kopervas – How Big Brands Tell Great Stories Read More »

EP 268: Wisdom Tree – Justin Goff’s Millionaire Blueprint

   In This Episode Despite becoming a Direct Response millionaire in his 30s, Justin Goff considers himself a slow learner. He spent the first few years online pinballing around from “thing to thing” trying to figure out how to make real money.  His parents were convinced he was throwing away his education. His friends thought

EP 268: Wisdom Tree – Justin Goff’s Millionaire Blueprint Read More »

How to write copy for a product using“red, yellow, and green zones” concept

Have I told you my “red, yellow, and green zones” concept for deciding how to write copy for a product? It’s a super-simplified version of Gene Schwartz’s heady concepts around Market Sophistication and Solution Awareness.  Basically, there are 3 levels of pain your product solves… Red is severe.  Like, you just got a scary call

How to write copy for a product using“red, yellow, and green zones” concept Read More »

EP 266: Freelancer’s Journey: Daniel Throssell – World’s Most Disruptive Email Copywriter

   In This Episode “One girl wrote to me angry that I’d ruined her birthday because she spent hours ignoring her boyfriend while reading my emails.” That’s just one of the extreme replies Daniel Throssell has received from readers of his daily emails (get them at persuasivepage.com). His writing is fresh, occasionally angry, and consistently

EP 266: Freelancer’s Journey: Daniel Throssell – World’s Most Disruptive Email Copywriter Read More »

EP 265: Freelancer’s Journey: Brenna McGowan Is Owning It

   In This Episode In 3 short years, Brenna McGowan went from full-time Mom, to “accidental” social media manager, to email copywriter, and now the leading expert on Pre-Launch marketing strategy.  If you’ve ever felt like “there’s just no time” to do it all, and been stymied by choosing a specialty, today’s episode with Brenna

EP 265: Freelancer’s Journey: Brenna McGowan Is Owning It Read More »

Signs you might be burning out …don’t ignore these warnings

If you’ve been at this freelance copywriting thing for a year or so, you’re likely facing burnout.  What does burnout look like?  It’s a bit different for everybody because we’re all wired a bit differently.  The SIGNS OF BURNOUT are pretty much the same for everyone though… If you consistently ask yourself, “when’s the last

Signs you might be burning out …don’t ignore these warnings Read More »

EP 263: Wisdom Tree: Rob Dube on the 10 Disciplines for optimal living

   In This Episode This funny thing happens with high achievers (like you?)… As we’re transforming into the best versions of ourselves, we soak up tons of inspiration from self-development gurus (for me it was Jim Rohn, Earl Nightingale, Napoleon Hill, etc.)… Then, once we arrive at success, we tend to stop looking for new

EP 263: Wisdom Tree: Rob Dube on the 10 Disciplines for optimal living Read More »

The product you are sitting on right now … it’s a shame to not collect

Would you agree that freelancing is the greatest opportunity on earth?  Think about it… You get to get paid to learn on your client’s dime… Paid to learn the skills required to produce and sell quality products… Paid to learn about YOURSELF! And which of your strongest skills will earn you the most.  PAID to

The product you are sitting on right now … it’s a shame to not collect Read More »

EP 262: Coffee with Kev: The Truth About Doubling Your Copywriting Income

   In This Episode Look, I get it. Money is how we measure success.  So, the appeal of a promise that you can “double your (freelancing) income in X days” is a sexy one. We see this promise every day online and, understandably, people fall for it.  Here’s the problem: It’s not only UNREALISTIC to

EP 262: Coffee with Kev: The Truth About Doubling Your Copywriting Income Read More »

EP 261: Freelancer’s Journey: Karl Hughes – Tech Copywriting Kingpin

   In This Episode If you thought there was no market for direct response copywriters in the tech space, today’s guest will shed some new light.  Karl Hughes was leading high-profile tech teams until the lockdown freed up half his time to do what he always loved: write.  So, he started blogging in his conversational

EP 261: Freelancer’s Journey: Karl Hughes – Tech Copywriting Kingpin Read More »

How to quickly and easily TRASH your copywriting career (especially if you have no experience!)

Look, I get it. Money is how we measure success.  So, the appeal of a promise that you can “skyrocket your freelancing income overnight” is a sexy one. We see this promise every day online and, understandably, people fall for it.  Now, if you’re thinking, “The people who would believe that probably don’t care about

How to quickly and easily TRASH your copywriting career (especially if you have no experience!) Read More »

EP 260: Coffee With Kev – Virgin Airlines & Jack White’s Third Man Records – good and bad examples of dynamic customer experience

   In This Episode In this Coffee With Kev episode, I share some big lessons in… Customer support (via Virgin Hotels and Virgin Airlines failing hard at this) Developing your motivation into revenue (via Jack White’s elegant and inspiring Third Man empire) Strengthening your business with short, in-person mastermind events The most dramatic (and powerful)

EP 260: Coffee With Kev – Virgin Airlines & Jack White’s Third Man Records – good and bad examples of dynamic customer experience Read More »

EP 259: Wisdom Tree: Chris Farrell “We are all going through something”

   In This Episode   Chris Farrell is a long admired and respected leader of communities where he helps people improve their lives. He’s done it with online marketing and other business skills, and now he’s building what he considers his most meaningful community yet. Here’s what he told me about it: “I want people

EP 259: Wisdom Tree: Chris Farrell “We are all going through something” Read More »

the client from hell

Have you ever had a freelance gig go straight into the toilet? Happens to all of us eventually. In comedy, we call them “Hell Gigs” And they’re kinda funny. Eventually. I mean, it’s painful, believe me, to stand before a roomful of strangers, your voice amplified twelve times the natural volume, saying things everyone knows

the client from hell Read More »

EP 257: Wisdom Tree: Michael Fishman – “Flag on the moon” Marketing

    In This Episode Michael Fishman has been the private insider brand consultant for the biggest health brands (Bulletproof, VitalChoice, Healthy Directions) over the last 25 years. Today we discuss… The marketing voice vs. the relationship voice… Why clear, compassionate marketing is the most persuasive, and… Who the prospect trusts least, and why… A

EP 257: Wisdom Tree: Michael Fishman – “Flag on the moon” Marketing Read More »

EP 256: New Breed: The “List Assist” Email Strategy Planner w/ Yara Golden

   In This Episode   A really fun and insightful conversation with Yara Golden, an email copywriter who now runs her own agency strategizing and producing email content for some of the biggest names in marketing (Russel Brunson, Shanda Sumpter, Peng Joon). She started out in business as an “accidental” relationship coach after her marriage

EP 256: New Breed: The “List Assist” Email Strategy Planner w/ Yara Golden Read More »

EP 255: Freelancer’s Journey: Rachel Mazza and Jessica Mae Stafford – Growing A “Real Business” (Phase 7 and Beyond)

   In This Episode I’m thrilled about this episode today because I get to jump all the way to Phase 7 of The Freelancers Journey Timeline and talk to you about more advanced business strategies and tactics.  If you don’t know about the Freelancers Journey – it’s a simple 7-step roadmap to freelance success. It

EP 255: Freelancer’s Journey: Rachel Mazza and Jessica Mae Stafford – Growing A “Real Business” (Phase 7 and Beyond) Read More »

LIVE in London! 60-minute sales letter workshop – It’s happening April 10th

  I’m headed to London for the first time next month, and I’m so damn excited that I decided to create a one-day-only COPY CONVERSION OPTIMIZATION WORKSHOP where I will work closely with a select group of marketers and teach them my method for… Pumping out a proven to convert sales letter in 60 minutes

LIVE in London! 60-minute sales letter workshop – It’s happening April 10th Read More »

EP 254: Wisdom Tree – Gary Goldstein Mega Hollywood Producer and Champion For Creatives

    In This Episode   Gary Goldstein became the producer of Pretty Woman and other Hollywood blockbusters by seeking to help the creative forces behind those films navigate the cut-throat world of the entertainment business. Through his decades in the wild world of show business, he has never stopped being a champion for creatives.

EP 254: Wisdom Tree – Gary Goldstein Mega Hollywood Producer and Champion For Creatives Read More »

Making <+> connections

Later today (12:00 ET) my friend Tim Diering is teaching his unique system for harvesting Big Ideas in sales copy.  Tim is not a “guru”, except to his clients, which are billion-dollar publishers in the most competitive niches.  So, I can promise that today’s training from Tim will be unlike any you’ve seen before.  It’s

Making connections Read More »

Revenge of the introvert (intimate chat with John Carlton)

People are finally beginning to understand introverted behavior. Forever it was an “either/or” thing. But, “the great resignation” and the ability for some workers to discover how they operate best — usually AWAY from other people — even has the “big corporate work machine” mentality shifting a bit.   They’re discovering what creatives have known all

Revenge of the introvert (intimate chat with John Carlton) Read More »

Copy Chief Radio Podcast Episode 252 with Colin Chung

EP 252: Freelancer’s Journey: Colin Chung – “Safer than a real job.”

    In This Episode Colin Chung admits he is “terrible at small talk”, yet he cites “connecting with people and networking” as the #1 asset a freelancer can have in succeeding in business.  In this deep diving Freelancer’s Journey episode, Colin reflects on the work, and the network, that has led to his Phase

EP 252: Freelancer’s Journey: Colin Chung – “Safer than a real job.” Read More »

EP 251: New Breed: Copywriting publicity tactics with Selena Soo

   In This Episode Copywriters face two hazards when writing ongoing content for clients, or themselves… Coming up with enough good ideas Connecting our ideas to relevant calendar events These usually happen in succession… In the early going you struggle to come up with ideas. Once the ideas start flowing, you almost can’t stop them,

EP 251: New Breed: Copywriting publicity tactics with Selena Soo Read More »

EP 250: New Breed: Jen Gottlieb – Connecting Through The Camera

    In This Episode There’s no avoiding the camera these days.  From conference calls to Insta updates, your camera is how you stay present with your prospects, clients, and growing audience. But it isn’t just about how to stage your background or wear your hair…  The way you speak and express yourself on camera

EP 250: New Breed: Jen Gottlieb – Connecting Through The Camera Read More »

CCR Ep 249

EP 249: Wisdom Tree: Carline Anglade-Cole – “Your copy sucks, you don’t”

    In This Episode Carline Anglade-Cole is relentlessly honest. So, if you put your sales copy in front of her for review, you better be prepared for a lot of notes and no punches pulled.  “Your copy sucks, you don’t,” is the loving warning shot she puts out before launching into the kind of

EP 249: Wisdom Tree: Carline Anglade-Cole – “Your copy sucks, you don’t” Read More »

EP 248: Freelancer’s Journery: Kev Kaye “What you actually need is a growth strategy.”

    In This Episode In the trendy, fast-changing world of direct response marketing, staying consistent to your marketing beliefs can be difficult. But if the foundation of what you do is focused on OUTCOMES for your client, digging in and holding steady against the trends in a strong way to position yourself.  Kev Kaye

EP 248: Freelancer’s Journery: Kev Kaye “What you actually need is a growth strategy.” Read More »

EP 246: New Breed: Terri Trespicio – How to thrive inside your comfort zone

    In This Episode Terri Trespicio is a creative force. A sharp-witted comedian, eloquent writer, trusted brand advisor, and world-renowned speaker with 7 million views on her TEDx talk. Her new book, Unfollow Your Passion: How To Create A Life that Matters To You is a category above the typical development book. Funny, challenging,

EP 246: New Breed: Terri Trespicio – How to thrive inside your comfort zone Read More »

EP 242: New Breed: Arthur Lih – The tricky business of saving lives

    In This Episode Today’s episode could save lives – no joke.  Arthur Lih is my guest, he’s the inventor of LifeVac (lifevac.net), a simple, plunger-like device that has saved 160+ lives (70 of them children) since he invented it.  His “reason why” story will break your heart, as will the many stories of

EP 242: New Breed: Arthur Lih – The tricky business of saving lives Read More »

Easy leads

If you’re a copywriter, there are two types of leads you can get all day long with very little effort… The “lowest bidder” leads on freelance marketplaces like Fiverr and Upwork where you’re forced to do a high volume of low dollar gigs.  (The only way to “win” this game is by living in the

Easy leads Read More »

EP 241: Wisdom Tree: Ryan Lee on reinventing your business without losing your way

   In This Episode How does a high school gym teacher with dial-up internet end up starting, running, and being the face of multiple companies across vastly different niches, all without any formal business education or investors of any kind?  By not overthinking it.  Ryan Lee is a master of “ready, fire, aim” style entrepreneurship,

EP 241: Wisdom Tree: Ryan Lee on reinventing your business without losing your way Read More »

Three superstar guests joining me… (guess who)

  I was recently on a Facebook live with special guests… master copywriter David Deutsch, uber-successful entrepreneur, Ryan Lee, and celebrity productivity expert, Adrienne Dorison…           Watch the replay to get an actionable preview of the kind of tactics we’ll be sharing at the upcoming Freelancing Transformation Bootcamp in November.  Over

Three superstar guests joining me… (guess who) Read More »

EP 240: Freelancer’s Journey: Laura Belgray – How To Create (And When To Kill) A Hot Offer

   In This Episode Dropping services you no longer enjoy delivering is hard for freelancers. Especially when those services are in demand. It takes a giant leap of faith to believe that by creating that space, better things will come. Copy Chief Live guest expert Laura Belgray has made a career of creating wildly popular

EP 240: Freelancer’s Journey: Laura Belgray – How To Create (And When To Kill) A Hot Offer Read More »

EP 238: Freelancer’s Journey – Dean Edelson, ClickFunnels Senior Copywriter

   In This Episode Dean Edelson was a stand-up comic working the NYC club scene with legends like Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David… then he started writing TV promos and movie scripts in Hollywood before getting into real estate investing where he realized he loved writing the stuff to sell properties more than selling properties. 

EP 238: Freelancer’s Journey – Dean Edelson, ClickFunnels Senior Copywriter Read More »

EP 237: Coffee With Kev – The 3 things I would teach my kids about freelancing

   In This Episode If I could corral my on-the-go teenagers for three days of focused attention, these are the 3 things I would want them to know about how to work with great clients, from anywhere, on their own terms. I came to these 3 things by reviewing what the most successful freelancers in

EP 237: Coffee With Kev – The 3 things I would teach my kids about freelancing Read More »

EP 236: New Breed – Mike Michalowicz on how to Get Different (minus the clown shoes)

   In This Episode Best-selling author Mike Michalowicz (Profit First, Clockwork) has a new book about how to stand out in the deafening world of marketing noise. It’s called “Get Different” and it’s really good.  “This isn’t about putting on a clown costume and making the ‘wonka, wonka’ sound,” Mike clarified to start the interview…

EP 236: New Breed – Mike Michalowicz on how to Get Different (minus the clown shoes) Read More »

Here’s what I’d teach my own kids about freelancing (3 things in 3 minutes)…

I’ve got two teenagers (15 and 17) who are preparing to take on the world, so I think a lot about what I can give them to make the journey ahead a little less treacherous.  Sure, I welcome all the ass-kickings they surely will endure – and survive – because wisdom from experience is the

Here’s what I’d teach my own kids about freelancing (3 things in 3 minutes)… Read More »

EP 234: Freelancer’s Journey: Claire Fernan – The Pharmacist Turned Copywriter

   In This Episode Making the “big leap” is never an easy decision, and that’s why Claire knew if she didn’t make two of them (ending her stressful career AND marriage) simultaneously, she would likely put them off too long, or even forever.  Today you’ll hear how Claire found the courage – and the path

EP 234: Freelancer’s Journey: Claire Fernan – The Pharmacist Turned Copywriter Read More »

EP 233: New Breed: Sammy Musgrave – Instagram Caption Copy That Converts

   In This Episode Sure Instagram is a visual platform… but if you’ve been overlooking the copy in your captions, then you’re missing the biggest conversion factor.  Copywriter and prolific Instagrammer, Sammy Musgrave is back to explain how she’s using proven copy strategies for turning scrollers into subscribers. Listen to Copy Chief Radio #233 New

EP 233: New Breed: Sammy Musgrave – Instagram Caption Copy That Converts Read More »

How to solve ANY freelancing problem in 10 mins or less

We’ve just opened up a very few spots in my Freelancer’s Journey Accelerator coaching program.  Accelerator is my mid-level coaching program where twice a month I host a call and give you 1-1 advice and action plans for… Resolving tricky client issues Raising your fees Specializing your services Connecting with copy-centric companies looking to hire

How to solve ANY freelancing problem in 10 mins or less Read More »

EP 232: New Breed: Casey Stanton on Fractional CMO-ing

   In This Episode Fractional CMOs are essentially a hybrid of Marketing Consultant (which nobody really wants) and Chief Marketing Officer (which many companies can’t afford or aren’t yet ready for). Whether or not you feel equipped to step into a company as their fractional CMO, today’s episode will expand your thinking about… – Positioning

EP 232: New Breed: Casey Stanton on Fractional CMO-ing Read More »

The latest (and most ironic) trend in freelancing…

I just finished a call with one of the most in-demand freelancer’s I coach… He’s got a lot going on.  Full roster of well-known clients where he primarily consults on, rather than writes, their ads. A suite of training products he sells consistently for thousands in passive monthly income. Paid workshops that fill to capacity every time

The latest (and most ironic) trend in freelancing… Read More »

EP 231: Freelancer’s Journey: Csaba Borzasi – Growing Your Business By Showing Your Work

   In This Episode One of the fastest ways to build a strong reputation for yourself as a freelancer is to create Authority Content by simply teaching what you’re learning. Csaba Borzasi (CH-aba Bor-za-SHE) has done an amazing job of this with his recent public challenge to break down 100 Legendary Sales Letters in 100

EP 231: Freelancer’s Journey: Csaba Borzasi – Growing Your Business By Showing Your Work Read More »

EP 230: New Breed: Laura Lopuch – Cold Outreach Email That Actually Work

   In This Episode Today I’m talking with Laura Lopuch who spent a gruelling three months sending cold emails into the silent void before she finally broke through and figured out why they weren’t working and what to do instead.  The results were impressive: A quickly filling schedule of clients, her emails being forwarded to

EP 230: New Breed: Laura Lopuch – Cold Outreach Email That Actually Work Read More »

EP 229: Freelancers Journey: Angie Colee “Making the big leaps”

   In This Episode At some point, every freelancer will face “The Leap.”  That Leap can be a calculated choice from a position of safety – for instance, finally having the confidence to quit the “main job” and go freelance full time. Or it can look more like life giving you a swift and unexpected

EP 229: Freelancers Journey: Angie Colee “Making the big leaps” Read More »

EP 227: Wisdom Tree – Chris Haddad, “My brain is a very frightening place”

   In This Episode “I hear stories about how horrible I was to people, and I say, ‘I’m sure that’s true, and I’m very sorry… but I have no recollection of it’.” If you’ve ever woken up after a wild night cringing because you can’t quite remember everything you did or said the night before,

EP 227: Wisdom Tree – Chris Haddad, “My brain is a very frightening place” Read More »

EP 226: Coffee With Kev – Copywriting Crash Course During A Car Chase Movie Scene

   In This Episode Hey! It’s Sammy Musgrave here for Copy Chief, your comrade in freelancing and copywriting.  Tell me… how did you feel when you found out direct response copywriting was a thing? At first, I thought the chances of “making it” were as likely as starring in the next Avengers movie alongside my

EP 226: Coffee With Kev – Copywriting Crash Course During A Car Chase Movie Scene Read More »

EP 225: Freelancer’s Journey: Addison Rice – His recipe for digital nomad freedom

   In This Episode Addison Rice is on one hell of an adventure. His journey into copywriting started with a question… and a Negroni. “Hey, how would you go about making money with music online?” The answer sparked a conversation that moved Addison out of Phase 0 (searching for salvation) and catapulted him into Phase

EP 225: Freelancer’s Journey: Addison Rice – His recipe for digital nomad freedom Read More »

EP 224: New Breed: Elite Email Copywriting with Chris Orzechowski

   In This Episode When it comes to learning the absolute essentials of email copywriting…  … the proven message frameworks… … the exact order of sequences, … the psychology behind every email you send (right down to the subject line), … and in what order and timeframe to send them… There is only ONE email copywriter I trust

EP 224: New Breed: Elite Email Copywriting with Chris Orzechowski Read More »

EP 223: New Breed: Marcella Allison – The Sexist Secret to Succeeding as a Woman in Business

   In This Episode Marcella Allison is a copywriter of the highest calibre. Her controls dominate the most aggressively competitive markets like health and finance.  If that was all she did, I could interview her endlessly on the topic of copywriting alone.  But, she does SO much more than write amazing sales copy.  Today we

EP 223: New Breed: Marcella Allison – The Sexist Secret to Succeeding as a Woman in Business Read More »

CCR222 - Anna Iveson

EP 222: Freelancer’s Journey: Anna Iveson – Delivering your best work – Even if you think you aren’t ready.

   In This Episode Landing your first few gigs as a freelancer can be an exhilarating combination of intense excitement and gnawing fear.  It’s natural to be nervous… after all, you want to deliver great work your client will love… but there can be a whole new set of internal fears that come leaping forward

EP 222: Freelancer’s Journey: Anna Iveson – Delivering your best work – Even if you think you aren’t ready. Read More »

The best email copywriter I know?

The numbers are in, there are now over SEVEN MILLION copywriters calling themselves “email copy experts”…  … and that’s just in the dating niche! (Ba-dam, tsss) There are a few million more self-titled “email wizards” now teaching super wizardly email tactics like…  “writing as your dog”“spicing it up with memes” and “using whacky ‘from names’” Holy

The best email copywriter I know? Read More »

CCR EP 221

EP 221: New Breed: Johnny Crowder – Behind his TEDx talk and wild year revolutionizing digital mental health

   In This Episode “I have a confession to make… and I need your listeners to know this…” said Johnny when I asked a non-related question. His big confession was that he’d been “holding a microphone in front of his face” the entire interview, which covered his acclaimed Tedx talk, the wild financial ride of

EP 221: New Breed: Johnny Crowder – Behind his TEDx talk and wild year revolutionizing digital mental health Read More »

EP 220: Wisdom Tree – Showing up in your reader’s dreams with Laura Belgray

   In This Episode There is magic in Laura Belgray’s writing.  And she’s used it – with her email list specifically – to go from a TV Land promo writer, pumping out clever callbacks to Andy Griffith episodes… to running a seven-figure business from her couch.  All with her words.  The phrase, “I want to

EP 220: Wisdom Tree – Showing up in your reader’s dreams with Laura Belgray Read More »

EP 219: Freelancer’s Journey – Becoming Your Own Best Client with Kevin Rogers and Rachel Mazza

   In This Episode If your freelancing business is starting to feel like a sh*tty job… and, worst part?… YOU are the nasty boss! Demanding these long hours, the “working weekends”, and now that you’re thinking about it, the pay kind of sucks, too!   Then, we feel you. Every successful freelancer we know has been

EP 219: Freelancer’s Journey – Becoming Your Own Best Client with Kevin Rogers and Rachel Mazza Read More »

Copy Chief Radio

EP 218: New Breed – Decision fatigue is very real (how to manage it) with Adrienne Dorison

   In This Episode Productivity expert Adrienne Dorison (RunLikeClockwork.com) is one of the experts I sought advice from last year when the pandemic poop hit the proverbial fan.  Today we’re examining the changes that actually came from working in a year in lockdown. How are we working differently, which changes are here to stay, and

EP 218: New Breed – Decision fatigue is very real (how to manage it) with Adrienne Dorison Read More »

EP 217: Freelancer’s Journey – Sammy Musgrave, Going full time and loving it

   In This Episode Sammy Musgrave is a rule breaker.  She discovered her love for copywriting before she even knew it was a thing – during a sales presentation workshop… “Looking back, it was all copywriting principles – and I LOVED it.” Against their warnings, she used what she learned in that presentation to update

EP 217: Freelancer’s Journey – Sammy Musgrave, Going full time and loving it Read More »

The “no outcome pending” method for making big connections

Do you love April Fool’s Day?  Have you been planning for weeks exactly when to drop the plastic spider from the ceiling above the toilet and phone-record a family member screaming half-pantsed down the hallway?  That’s some Tik Tok gold right there! (forced segue alert…) But, ya know…  One place it’s ALWAYS UNCOOL to try

The “no outcome pending” method for making big connections Read More »

Kevin Rogers Copy Chief

Hunger, Smarts, and _____ Clayton Makepeace’s 3 traits every copywriter needs

I recently joined a panel of the world’s best copywriters to honor Clayton Makepeace.  It’s been a year since the industry was rocked by his untimely death soon after being hospitalized.  His wife, Wendy, as always, was at his side as he passed. She then served as our “rock” by inspiring us with how she

Hunger, Smarts, and _____ Clayton Makepeace’s 3 traits every copywriter needs Read More »

Copy Chief Radio

EP 215: Freelancer’s Journey – Ross O’Lochlainn (The original “entrepreneurial freelancer”)

   In This Episode Like so many freelancers, Ross O’Lochlainn was waiting for “just the right time” to quit his job at an engineering firm and strike out on his own full time.  Then “fate stepped in” and forced his hand.  Dive into this in-depth review of how Ross has gone from nervous newbie (Phase

EP 215: Freelancer’s Journey – Ross O’Lochlainn (The original “entrepreneurial freelancer”) Read More »

Copy Chief Radio

The “make or break” part of freelancing no one prepared you for

There’s a problem freelancers face when it comes to personal productivity:  Knowing how to use our time! It seems so elementary, but it’s understandable why we struggle with this. Because, as independents…  No one teaches us how to manage our own projects, let alone which things will actually grow our business and which are a

The “make or break” part of freelancing no one prepared you for Read More »

Everything I would tell you about copywriting on a long road trip

…(as we escaped the law!) Let’s imagine that you and I were thrown together by some random “madcap” movie plotline… Something really zany, like I’ve been falsely accused of a bank heist because I’m a dead ringer for the actual bank robber (played by Bryan Cranston)… who the cops don’t know just escaped through the

Everything I would tell you about copywriting on a long road trip Read More »

The “invisible” reason why sales copy thrives or dies

  What makes the difference between a piece of copywriting that stirs a deeply positive emotional reaction in the reader… and one that has them trashing it immediately. Or worse… forwarding it to a government agency as a potential scam? Very different reactions, clearly.  And yes, the stakes really are that high.  The difference comes

The “invisible” reason why sales copy thrives or dies Read More »

The entrepreneur’s “DNA test” (which type are you?)

  Wanna know what defines an entrepreneur? It isn’t the “billion dollar” ideas… Or the scrappy rebelliousness… Or even the ability to create revenue. Those things are inherent in most entrepreneurs, but also in wantrepreneurs – those who chatter about starting a business but never make the leap.  To me, what defines an entrepreneur is

The entrepreneur’s “DNA test” (which type are you?) Read More »

Copy Chief Radio

EP 195: Mike Rinard’s (it was ugly for a minute) Freelancing Journey

   In This Episode Mike Rinard has his business running smooth on all cylinders right now. He’s been a frequent guest on CCR talking about his story-driven copywriting frameworks that are outperforming everything else on Facebook, and how he’s created a long string of super successful workshops and “mini-offers” to his growing email list.  Today,

EP 195: Mike Rinard’s (it was ugly for a minute) Freelancing Journey Read More »

Ep 194: From Old School Hustle To Internet Marketing Muscle with Jay Jackson

   In This Episode Jay Jackson began his rise to marketing expert status legit old school hustle style – hanging out in the parking lot of Whole Foods pitching customers on his fitness training as they scurried nervously to their cars.  Then he discovered the world of online marketing and quickly tripled his income. Now,

Ep 194: From Old School Hustle To Internet Marketing Muscle with Jay Jackson Read More »

Copy Chief Radio

Ep 193: The Art of The One-Sided Conversation (5-min coffee break)

   In This Episode As copywriters, mastering the one-sided conversation is a major part of our job. We assemble the people we’ll be talking ‘to’ (our customer avatars) from research, and some real-life people who match the audience, then go about constructing a very personal conversation that hopefully triggers no threat alarms at all. No

Ep 193: The Art of The One-Sided Conversation (5-min coffee break) Read More »

[Story Sells] How a “Ticking Time Bomb” Helps Capture Attention

Nothing motivates action like a time limit. It’s why sales and coupons don’t last forever. Deadlines seem to be hard-wired into our brains. It goes back to caveman days: “We get home before sun goes down, Thog. That when monster attack.” And when it comes to closing a sale, time limits create urgency to act.

[Story Sells] How a “Ticking Time Bomb” Helps Capture Attention Read More »

[Story Sells] The Booster Rocket Tactic to launching a product’s Big Idea

  We live in the “golden age of television”, we are told. First premium cable, and now streaming, unshackled us from the constraints of storytelling dominated by commercial breaks. Now we can enjoy long, satisfying story arcs. The Sopranos. Breaking Bad. Game of Thrones. Westworld. Etc. All well and good. But don’t throw out traditional

[Story Sells] The Booster Rocket Tactic to launching a product’s Big Idea Read More »

Ep 148: Justin Brooke – How To Make (And Keep) A Bunch Of Money With Cold Traffic Ad Buys

   In This Episode Just hung up the call with Justin Brooke from adskills.com. He’s the most sought-after traffic guy in the game right now. Also one of the best teachers about how to convert on cold traffic, which is the HOLY GRAIL of any marketing business. We went deep into the psychology of winning

Ep 148: Justin Brooke – How To Make (And Keep) A Bunch Of Money With Cold Traffic Ad Buys Read More »

Ep 147: Mike Morgan – An Introvert’s Path To Copywriting Royalty Status

   In This Episode “I get asked to do these every week and I always say ‘no’ because I hate doing interviews… but with you I feel pretty good.” Truth is before now I didn’t realize Mike Morgan was an extreme introvert. We’ve had some night of gut-busting laughter together hanging out with our friends.

Ep 147: Mike Morgan – An Introvert’s Path To Copywriting Royalty Status Read More »

[Story Sells] Use this Spider-Man ‘Twist’ to Make Your Sales Story Unforgettable

There’s one story principle that’s tough to execute, but very valuable if you do it right. This principle gives a story added depth. What does that mean? Simply, the tale penetrates deeper into the audience. The story stays with them, echoes in their minds in the days after they first see it. Instead of dissolving

[Story Sells] Use this Spider-Man ‘Twist’ to Make Your Sales Story Unforgettable Read More »

[Story Sells] “Ice-Breakers” in Ads: How To Gradually Introduce a Radical Idea

J.R.R. Tolkien had a big problem. He loved the ancient, epic tales. He began writing his own (see The Silmarillion). But he quickly discovered that these ancient worlds of honor and vengeance, with black and white heroes with little characterization, were almost totally inaccessible to a modern audience. All that oath-swearing. And listing of lineage.

[Story Sells] “Ice-Breakers” in Ads: How To Gradually Introduce a Radical Idea Read More »

[TAM] Ep 139: My Best Advice For Freelancers

   In This Episode “The reason people wanna become freelancers is we’re rebels, man. We’re outcasts… we don’t really fit into a regular job structure.” We’re doing something new this episode. There’s no guest! It’s a “one-sided” conversation plucked out of a previous interview I did about freelancing. As you already know, the freelancer’s journey

[TAM] Ep 139: My Best Advice For Freelancers Read More »

[Story Sells] Beef Up Before and After Testimonials with this Story Technique

In Blake Snyder’s useful screenwriting how-to book, Save The Cat, he talks about two scenes you must have in your movie. An opening image. And a closing image. And one more thing: They should be OPPOSITES of each other. Why? To show how the character has changed and grown. This journey is the character’s “Arc.”.

[Story Sells] Beef Up Before and After Testimonials with this Story Technique Read More »

Ep 76: Money-Making Health Headline Strategies with Jason Rutkowski

   In This Episode Most marketers believe a “big benefit” driven headline is all you need for a successful ad. Truth is, that’s not gonna cut it anymore in today’s more sophisticated markets. Especially if you’re in the health space. In fact—chances are your perfect prospect has already seen your headline or “hook” before. So…

Ep 76: Money-Making Health Headline Strategies with Jason Rutkowski Read More »

Ep 75: How You Can Use Basic Songwriting Principles To Guarantee Powerful Copy with Addison Rice (Part 2)

   In This Episode Singer-songwriter and premiere copywriter Addison Rice returns to the show today for the second episode of a two-part series where we go DEEP on how you can use the basics of songwriting to beef up your sales copy. If you haven’t heard the first part, go back and check it out

Ep 75: How You Can Use Basic Songwriting Principles To Guarantee Powerful Copy with Addison Rice (Part 2) Read More »

Ep 74: How You Can Use Basic Songwriting Principles To Guarantee Powerful Copy with Addison Rice

   In This Episode Reality is, copywriting is much like a performance art. And one consistent thing I see in great copywriters is… … they all have an interesting hobby or passion that fuels their creativity. In fact, the most compelling copy usually packs a rhythmic punch just like a good song. So it’s no

Ep 74: How You Can Use Basic Songwriting Principles To Guarantee Powerful Copy with Addison Rice Read More »

[Story Sells] How to Name Your Products So They Stick

Han Solo. Gilderoy Lockhart. Benjamin Grimm. These names of fictional characters are easy to remember. Why? For one thing, they are all examples of “sympathetic naming”. That’s where you name a character after a trait they possess. So Han faces life pretty much “solo,” a lone-wolf. (Except for Chewbacca, who’s kind of like a dog.)

[Story Sells] How to Name Your Products So They Stick Read More »

[Story Sells] How to Answer Customer Objections with the “Death Star” Solution

As I write this, San Diego’s Comic Con just wrapped up. Fans were served tasty selections of their favorite fictional universes. Predictably, some offerings unleashed a flurry of geek-citement. But others ignited a firestorm of critiques. Cause few folks are as argumentative as fanboys. As a market, they’re sophisticated and very vocal. That’s why storytellers

[Story Sells] How to Answer Customer Objections with the “Death Star” Solution Read More »

How to use the “Doctors Dumbfounded” effect to Build Credibility & Desire: From Shyamalan to Schwartz

There’s a simple story technique you can use to quickly build credibility and desire for your product. The best novelists and filmmakers use it, as so do the best ad-slingers. In fact, Eugene Schwartz lists it as the 7th (out of 13) way to “strengthen desire for your product.” I recently saw this storytelling tool

How to use the “Doctors Dumbfounded” effect to Build Credibility & Desire: From Shyamalan to Schwartz Read More »

The 5 C’s of Indoctrination: Essential Website Elements To Welcome Cold Prospects And Convert The Curious

If you only sell to people who know the value of your product or service you’ll quickly run out of new customers, doomed to forever be a small fish flopping around in a shallow pool of revenue. To expand your market and increase sales you must indoctrinate new prospects. The Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of indoctrination

The 5 C’s of Indoctrination: Essential Website Elements To Welcome Cold Prospects And Convert The Curious Read More »

[Story Sells] Prevent prospects from abandoning your ad by fixing the “Broken Film” mistake

I used to work at a movie theater in high school. One of my best jobs ever. I could watch any movie for free, and eat all the popcorn and drink all the soda I wanted. But some days were bad. When the film skipped — or worse — broke. (These were in the old

[Story Sells] Prevent prospects from abandoning your ad by fixing the “Broken Film” mistake Read More »

Ep 59: The BAR Method For Addictive Storytelling with Carolynn Ananian

   In This Episode It’s more important than ever to inject persuasive stories into your marketing. In fact, just “telling a story” won’t cut it with today’s attention spans. You’ve got to hook ’em fast… otherwise they’ll click away and buy from someone else. So… how do you tell a story so good that you

Ep 59: The BAR Method For Addictive Storytelling with Carolynn Ananian Read More »

Ep 58: How Freelancers Jump To The Next Level (Without Burning Out) with Pete Michaels

   In This Episode As a freelancer, you absolutely must carve out some daily “white space” to recharge your creative battery. Ignore this―like most freelancers do (especially earlier in the game)―and it’ll only be a matter of time before you burnout. So… how do you strike the perfect balance between doing good work and staying

Ep 58: How Freelancers Jump To The Next Level (Without Burning Out) with Pete Michaels Read More »

How to tell your story like Tolkien (and stop losing prospects to your competitors)

If you had to tell me your story right this second, would you be able to do it … or would you choke? You’d think it’s easy explaining who you are and why people should care. But if this were true, nobody would need copywriters. Bad storytelling means we risk confusing or boring people …

How to tell your story like Tolkien (and stop losing prospects to your competitors) Read More »

Ep 118: Roy Furr – The PAISA Framework For Writing Rock-Solid Financial Controls

   In This Episode “We talk a lot about entering the conversation already going on in your prospect’s head… but what does that really mean?” Roy said during our interview. My guest today is top copywriter Roy Furr. He has written control-busting copy for the likes of Bill Bonner and Mark Ford at Agora. Roy

Ep 118: Roy Furr – The PAISA Framework For Writing Rock-Solid Financial Controls Read More »

Ep 57 – Secrets of a High-Converting Email Affiliate Funnel with Chris Orzechowski

   In This Episode Here’s the reality: Most of your prospects are seeing the same cut-and-paste emails promoting a product launch… … and it’s because business owners shelve crafting compelling launch copy till it’s too late. This kills your sales. So, how do you quickly inject high-converting emails into your launch without burning your budget?

Ep 57 – Secrets of a High-Converting Email Affiliate Funnel with Chris Orzechowski Read More »

[Story Sells] The Joy of Bob Ross: the hidden selling technique used by this mild-mannered painter in nearly every episode

When I feel stressed out at the end of the day, and I need to relax, I’ve got something better than single malt scotch. I tune in to an artist with a big ‘fro named Bob Ross, and step in his world of Happy Little Trees, in the Joy of Painting Series. (How’d he get

[Story Sells] The Joy of Bob Ross: the hidden selling technique used by this mild-mannered painter in nearly every episode Read More »

Ep 117: Perry Marshall – The “Homer Simpson Trick” For Attracting Your Perfect Prospect

   In This Episode “I’ve never had a conversation quite like this before…” Perry said to me as we wrapped up the interview. “This was not the standard set of canned answers…” My guest today is a decorated veteran of internet marketing who has been in the game since 2003. Former engineer turned marketing consultant

Ep 117: Perry Marshall – The “Homer Simpson Trick” For Attracting Your Perfect Prospect Read More »

David Bowie: The Ultimate Artist-As-Entrepreneur?

June 2017 marks 50 years since David Bowie released his first album. The title of this landmark record? Somewhat unimaginatively, it was called: David Bowie. Ironic, because nothing else in Bowie’s extraordinary life was ever that predictable again… The Ultimate Artist-as-Entrepreneur As a long-time fan, I was recently struck by just how well some of

David Bowie: The Ultimate Artist-As-Entrepreneur? Read More »

[Story Sells] The Harry Potter trick to easier storytelling

Got a “productivity hack” for you today. Especially for all you procrastinators out there, as you sit down in consternation at your vintage Corona-Smith typewriter. (If you’re a hipster or an oldster, that is.) If you don’t know how to start your story, use a trick from Harry Potter-author J.K. Rowling. To explain: You remember

[Story Sells] The Harry Potter trick to easier storytelling Read More »

Ep 54 – How To Be More Human Through Automation with Mike Rinard

   In This Episode Here’s the reality: You’re likely addicted to getting the sale―like most marketers are―without even knowing it… … and your prospects can FEEL it. In fact―the harder you chase the sale, the farther away it slips from you… and these days, prospects are not giving you a second chance. So… how do

Ep 54 – How To Be More Human Through Automation with Mike Rinard Read More »

Ep 53 – How to prove your value like a lawyer proves facts with Candice Lazar

   In This Episode Proof is the lifeblood of your sales message… … and with today’s hyper aware consumer, it’s more critical than ever that you nail your offer’s proof. (In fact–your prospect is waiting for you to get this wrong, so they’ll have the perfect excuse to click away and buy somewhere else) Here’s

Ep 53 – How to prove your value like a lawyer proves facts with Candice Lazar Read More »

Ep 52 – How to develop a voice that cannot be ignored with Jody Raynsford

   In This Episode Would you be shocked to know that striving to “develop your authentic voice” is actually killing your connection with your audience? Here’s the thing: most sales copy your prospect reads comes off bland (even if you think you wrote something completely unique)… … and without a confident voice leading your prospect

Ep 52 – How to develop a voice that cannot be ignored with Jody Raynsford Read More »

Ep 51 – What I learned Writing Copy For Frank Oz with Hillary Styles

   In This Episode “Frank Oz sits me down to review the draft and goes: ‘This writing is too cute for this project’…” Hillary told me during our interview. Today copywriter Hillary Styles joins me on the show. She’s currently helping Frank Oz with the sales copy for a new documentary. (He’s the puppeteer behind

Ep 51 – What I learned Writing Copy For Frank Oz with Hillary Styles Read More »

Ep 111: Terry Dean – The Truth About The Selling Power Of List Indoctrination

   In This Episode “I was going door-to-door trying to sell satellite dishes to the Amish… I sold a grand total of zero…” Terry told me during our interview. Introverted, stuck delivering pizzas for $8 an hour, and bombing hard in belly-to-belly sales… … Terry Dean turned it all around and is now flourishing in

Ep 111: Terry Dean – The Truth About The Selling Power Of List Indoctrination Read More »

Ep 50 – Why you must understand the conscious consumer with Pauline Longdon

   In This Episode There’s a new reality about to dominate the marketing world: Your customers are more hyper aware than ever… … this “conscious consumer” sees everything you’re doing. Stay blind to this critical shift and your business will die off like the dinosaurs. (And if you’re thinking this is just another fad─like most

Ep 50 – Why you must understand the conscious consumer with Pauline Longdon Read More »

Ep 49 – The Revenue-Boosting Power of Sub-Niching Your Product with Jason Leue

   In This Episode Here’s the reality: It’s one thing to sell something on a platform like Amazon… … but to sell your product or service on your own website (with cold traffic) is the Holy Grail of sales for your business. Today, former animator turned online entrepreneur Jason Leue joins me on the show.

Ep 49 – The Revenue-Boosting Power of Sub-Niching Your Product with Jason Leue Read More »

Ep 48 – How To Beat Back Impostor Syndrome And Thrive with Max Hamm

   In This Episode Do your heroes and favorite experts struggle with the same mental hurdles you wrestle with in your business? Here’s the thing: Everyone has Impostor Syndrome at one point or another. No one’s safe from it… … and if you never have it, you’re probably a sociopath! Today freelance copywriter Max Hamm

Ep 48 – How To Beat Back Impostor Syndrome And Thrive with Max Hamm Read More »

Ep 47 – The Huge Opportunity Hiding In Short Explainer Videos with Dean Edelson

   In This Episode What if you can get your prospects hanging on to every word of your sales copy like they were kids hypnotized by their favorite cartoon? Today, former screenwriter and stand-up comic turned copywriter, Dean Edelson joins me on the show. Dean helps high-level clients craft compelling marketing messages using explainer videos.

Ep 47 – The Huge Opportunity Hiding In Short Explainer Videos with Dean Edelson Read More »

Ep 46 – Spice Up Your Messages with “Snapshot Copywriting” with Pete Michaels

   In This Episode You ever notice how people are happy to carry around a thousand page Stephen King novel? What if it was possible for you to connect with prospects so strongly that they can’t stop reading your sales copy? Today freelance copywriter and Copy Chief founding member Peter Michaels joins me on the

Ep 46 – Spice Up Your Messages with “Snapshot Copywriting” with Pete Michaels Read More »

[Story Sells] How to Capture Drifting Attention with the Captain “Hook” Rule

You will lose sales unless you hook your customer’s attention with the very first sentence. But what do you say? Well, to figure that out, let’s look at what not to do. And then just do the opposite. Captain Hook and his pals at Jake and the Neverland Pirates hold the treasure we seek. If

[Story Sells] How to Capture Drifting Attention with the Captain “Hook” Rule Read More »

Ep 107: Kim Schwalm – Consistently Beating Control Ads

   In This Episode Kim Krauss Schwalm is the perfect follow-up to Clayton Makepeace’s copywriting masterclass. Kim is a top-level copywriter Brian Kurtz couldn’t hire fast enough to work for Boardroom… … where she became the first ever female copywriter to beat one of their controls (her first Boardroom project out-performed a 7-year Parris Lampropoulos

Ep 107: Kim Schwalm – Consistently Beating Control Ads Read More »

Ep 44 – The Rocky Balboa Guide To A/B Split Testing with Allison Carpio

   In This Episode Here’s the reality when it comes to testing: There are no “failed” split tests. You’re always one step closer to your big win with every test… if you do it right. Today I’ve got freelance copywriter and A/B testing specialist, Allison Carpio, on the show. She has helped clients in her

Ep 44 – The Rocky Balboa Guide To A/B Split Testing with Allison Carpio Read More »

Stephen King’s IT And The Secret To Creating Emotion-Driven Copy That Converts

It’s one of the most notorious openings to any novel… Shocking, gruesome… …and so very, very vivid. From Stephen King’s epic 1986 tale, IT: “A small boy in a yellow slicker and red galoshes ran cheerfully along beside the newspaper boat. The rain had not stopped, but it was finally slackening. It tapped on the

Stephen King’s IT And The Secret To Creating Emotion-Driven Copy That Converts Read More »

Ep 106: Clayton Makepeace – Selling on Emotion ($1.5 Billion Worth!)

   In This Episode Clayton Makepeace is the mind behind ads that sold a Billion and a half dollars worth of products in the health and financial markets. There aren’t many copywriters alive who can bring a whopping four decades of in-the-trenches experience to the table. So naturally, Makepeace is also one of the most

Ep 106: Clayton Makepeace – Selling on Emotion ($1.5 Billion Worth!) Read More »

[Story Sells] The “Mother Rule” for Keeping Faith with your Prospect

Sell on emotion, justify with logic? Yes, but … Stories teach us that emotions have a logic of their own. We may be irrational, unknowable creatures … But at least in stories, emotions must make sense. If they don’t, then we the audience won’t believe what’s happening in the story. Like when characters do dumb

[Story Sells] The “Mother Rule” for Keeping Faith with your Prospect Read More »

Ep 41 – How To Build Customer Loyalty Like The Big Brands With Nicole Piper

   In This Episode If you’re in business for yourself and you’ve always thought “I don’t need a brand”… I’ve got some eye-opening news for you today. Here’s the reality: You have a brand identity right now. Either you are controlling it, or your audience is creating it on their own. My guest today, Nicole

Ep 41 – How To Build Customer Loyalty Like The Big Brands With Nicole Piper Read More »

Here’s The Secret To Copy That Keeps Your Prospects Coming Back For More

Recently a writer wanted her copy critiqued for an email lead generation campaign. It was for a watch targeted to bodybuilders. The writing style was “upbeat and cheerful.” Hey, wait a minute. That feels off to me… I looked at the company name and wasn’t familiar with the brand. But “upbeat and cheerful” wasn’t what

Here’s The Secret To Copy That Keeps Your Prospects Coming Back For More Read More »

Ep 39 – Freelancers: Why You’re Not Getting Hired Pt 2 With Abbey Woodcock

   In This Episode Abbey is a freelancer herself, and recently switched to the other side of the table when she needed to hire some writers. She was surprised to see how many applicants were making foolish mistakes ruining their chances of landing the gig. These are common mistakes that most employers never share with

Ep 39 – Freelancers: Why You’re Not Getting Hired Pt 2 With Abbey Woodcock Read More »

[Story Sells] How To Make Your “AHA!” Moment Believable with this “Dr. Strange” Magic Trick

The latest Marvel blockbuster ‘Dr. Strange’ makes you believe in magic. To the tune of $653 million and counting. And one of the secrets of the believability is a little storytelling magic trick you may use in your next promotion. We live in the Golden Age of Fantasy Movies. From epic fantasies like Game of

[Story Sells] How To Make Your “AHA!” Moment Believable with this “Dr. Strange” Magic Trick Read More »

Ep 101: Parris Lampropoulos – Next-Level Persuasive Copywriting Pt. 1

   In This Episode Parris Lampropoulos is universally regarded as one of the best living copywriters. He’s a face on Brian Kurtz “Mount Rushmore of Copywriters” for the record number of control ads and revenue generated at Boardroom. His list of winners is mind-boggling. Parris credits his incredible success solely on the bullets in his

Ep 101: Parris Lampropoulos – Next-Level Persuasive Copywriting Pt. 1 Read More »

The #1 Way You’re Accidentally Killing Your Own Sales… And How To Fix It

As an entrepreneur in the self-improvement world, you’re pouring a ton of blood, sweat and tears into your business on a daily basis… You’re creating life-changing products and services and putting beaming smiles on people’s faces without them needing to gorge on an entire chocolate cake. You’d figure your work is done right there, and

The #1 Way You’re Accidentally Killing Your Own Sales… And How To Fix It Read More »

Ep 99: John Carlton – The One Skill Every Copywriter Must Master

   In This Episode A long overdue episode with the world’s most ripped off and respected copywriter alive, John Carlton. I’ve had the privilege of hosting a podcast with John called Psych Insights For Modern Marketers. It’s an amazing show that I describe as “hosting John’s brain”. Listeners of the show can’t get enough, and

Ep 99: John Carlton – The One Skill Every Copywriter Must Master Read More »

Ep 97: Scott Haines – Shortcutting Your Way To High Converting Copy

   In This Episode NOTE: Sadly, one week after this episode published, Scott Haines suffered a stroke on Christmas day and did not recover. He passed away on January 11th 2017, surrounded by friends and family in Tulsa, OK. This was his last interview. Another exciting episode for Truth About Marketing with a copywriting great,

Ep 97: Scott Haines – Shortcutting Your Way To High Converting Copy Read More »

Ep 89: Joanna Wiebe – Saying “Yes” When It Scares You Most

   In This Episode Today, I’m glad to have Joanna Wiebe with us. We’re going head first into freelancing to find out what makes freelancers successful (and what holds others back)… You may know Joanna as the woman behind CopyHackers.com. She’s a passionate copywriter who created this site to help copywriters and freelancers build their

Ep 89: Joanna Wiebe – Saying “Yes” When It Scares You Most Read More »

Ep 87: David Garfinkel – Brainstorming Great Hooks

   In This Episode David Garfinkel is a living legend in copywriting. Also known as the “world’s best copywriting coach,” David works exclusively with seasoned copywriters and direct response companies. He’s the coach that modern day copywriters like Chris Haddad and Million Dollar Mike Morgan credit with their development. David also wrote two best-selling books

Ep 87: David Garfinkel – Brainstorming Great Hooks Read More »

More writing, happier clients: 5 ways to handle the business side of copywriting

The dream of becoming a successful freelance copywriter is an alluring one. You make your own schedule. You work with who you want to work with. And you get paid handsomely for all of it. Plus, your job is to learn about psychology and persuasion — skills that improve every single area of your life.

More writing, happier clients: 5 ways to handle the business side of copywriting Read More »

[Story Sells] Sell On Emotion, Justify With This …

My nephew recently asked me how The Flash got his super-speed powers. My answer: “Barry Allen was struck by lightning while standing in front of a shelf of chemicals. The combination of the chemicals and the lightning gave him super speed. Lightning is very fast, after all.”* This story made sense my nephew. Lightning is fast,

[Story Sells] Sell On Emotion, Justify With This … Read More »

[Story Sells] The Bradbury Trick for Spinning Easy Story Copy

Ray Bradbury fumbled his early stories. They took him a long time and were boring to read. Until in his twenties he stumbled upon a “trick” that gave him an endless supply of story ideas … giving us Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles, and creepy tales like Something Wicked This Way Comes. With this trick, he

[Story Sells] The Bradbury Trick for Spinning Easy Story Copy Read More »

THE AMAZING 60-SECOND SALES HOOK THAT CREATES
AN INSTANT BOND WITH YOUR BEST PROSPECTS

PLUS: Get fill-in-the-blank templates that instantly establish “Know, Like, and Trust”

THE AMAZING 60-SECOND SALES HOOK THAT CREATES
AN INSTANT BOND WITH YOUR BEST PROSPECTS
PLUS: Get fill-in-the-blank templates that instantly establish “Know, Like, and Trust”
THE AMAZING 60-SECOND SALES HOOK THAT CREATES
AN INSTANT BOND WITH YOUR BEST PROSPECTS
PLUS: Get fill-in-the-blank templates that instantly establish “Know, Like, and Trust”
 
100% Secure. We Never Share Your Email

100% Secure. We Never Share Your Email

100% Secure. We Never Share Your Email