A few weeks ago I posted an ad from the pioneer of copywriting fascinations: Mel Martin. My subscribers wanted more so here goes. There is no area in copywriting that'll pay you bigger dividends faster than crafting great bullets. And who better … [Continue reading] about More Copywriting Fascinations from Mel Martin
Who Else Wants This Headline Template Put to Sleep?
I haven't run into a recent print ad sporting a "Who Else Wants?" headline in a long time. Maybe there's a reason for that. Online however, it seems like most offers for yesterday's obsolete doohickey come today's big launch, embrace this headline … [Continue reading] about Who Else Wants This Headline Template Put to Sleep?
How Marketers Can Profit from the U.S. Currency Collapse
"Most Of What You Have Will Be Wiped Out In the Coming Currency Collapse -- Unless You're Ready For It" Hits you right between the eyes, doesn't it? It seems like every few years, an economist comes out with a book predicting the … [Continue reading] about How Marketers Can Profit from the U.S. Currency Collapse
Gary Halbert Ad #11 “How To Make Money With Your Credit Cards”
Here's an ad typical of Gary Halbert's work in the mid-1970's. Two give aways these are Halbert's ads are the North Canton, Ohio address and the name of the company: Good News Publishing. Matching the success of the "Coat of Arms" letter was a hard … [Continue reading] about Gary Halbert Ad #11 “How To Make Money With Your Credit Cards”
Ben Suarez Ad: “Fountain of Youth Discovered By Little Known Civilization 2300 Years Ago”
Here's a long copy ad from Gary Halbert's most successful student, Ben Suarez, around 1977. Sorry for the eye strain. This is the best I could come up with for a low resolution jpg file. Little has changed with Suarez Corporation Industries' copy … [Continue reading] about Ben Suarez Ad: “Fountain of Youth Discovered By Little Known Civilization 2300 Years Ago”
John Caples Ads #4-5: Famous Artists School and Famous Writers School
Here are two of the longest running space ads of the last fifty years. Perhaps you've even seen some of the tiny (1/8 page) yet high converting ads featuring Norman Rockwell with the headline: "We're Looking For People Who Like to Draw...Free Art … [Continue reading] about John Caples Ads #4-5: Famous Artists School and Famous Writers School
Eugene Schwartz Ad #67: “From 4 Packs a Day to Zero In 4 Hours!”
Here's an ad for quitting smoking written by Gene Schwartz in 1975. 32 years later this is a much quieter market in the United States. But imagine taking this approach to Russia or China where tobacco use is stratospheric and direct response … [Continue reading] about Eugene Schwartz Ad #67: “From 4 Packs a Day to Zero In 4 Hours!”
From Lowly Self Publisher to Best Selling Author…Through Space Ads
Robert Ringer is not a "touchy-feely" kind of guy. You either appreciate him or you don't. For some reason, I resisted reading his book, "Winning Through Intimidation," for some time. Fortunately, I finally tackled it a few years ago and found … [Continue reading] about From Lowly Self Publisher to Best Selling Author…Through Space Ads
David Ogilvy, Leo Burnett, William Bernbach, Lester Wunderman Interviews on Video
About a year ago, one of my subscribers sent me a fascinating link to a series of interviews with legendary ad agency heads. This series sponsored by Yahoo, features: David Ogilvy, Leo Burnett, William Bernbach, Lester Wunderman, George Gallup, … [Continue reading] about David Ogilvy, Leo Burnett, William Bernbach, Lester Wunderman Interviews on Video
The Case Against Swipe Files
There's a small but vocal segment of direct marketers who say you shouldn't waste time creating advertising. You should just horde a bunch of successful copywriting templates, expropriate them and plug in your details. It must be a popular … [Continue reading] about The Case Against Swipe Files
How To Choose a Good Public Domain Project
I have to preface this post by stating that I am not a lawyer and therefore can't offer legal advice. Additionally, you need Stephen Fishman's excellent book on Public Domain on your bookshelf before you go diving into the Public Domain … [Continue reading] about How To Choose a Good Public Domain Project
50 FREE Public Domain Books in Advertising and Marketing
Within a few weeks, I'll be launching a site called "Public Domain Kingdom." It is not something which has been revealed in any course before and has been my secret weapon for the last four years. There are literally millions of pages of content … [Continue reading] about 50 FREE Public Domain Books in Advertising and Marketing
David Ogilvy On Long Copy
The debate about the effectiveness of long copy verses short copy seems like it could rage on for another century. In part, it's fueled by those with a vested interest in promoting long copy. They refuse to admit that sometimes when you have a … [Continue reading] about David Ogilvy On Long Copy
Ogilvy & Mather’s House Ads: The Ultimate Swipeable Ads for Freelancers
Here's what David Ogilvy says of the famous "house ads" run by Ogilvy and Mather in the 60's and 70's: "Left alone, copywriters write ads to impress other copywriters, and art directors make layouts to impress other art directors. The purpose of my … [Continue reading] about Ogilvy & Mather’s House Ads: The Ultimate Swipeable Ads for Freelancers
Jott.com: Your FREE 24-7 Transcription Service
My friend, Art, just let me in on one of the most useful productivity tools and (for right now) it's completely free. The only snag is it's not available outside of the United States and Canada. It's called Jott.com and here's how it … [Continue reading] about Jott.com: Your FREE 24-7 Transcription Service
30 Hours of FREE Ipod Food (Business and Marketing)
I oughta get some more music on my Ipod but that hardly happens. That's because right now, an Ipod loaded with business and marketing seminars, lectures and talks is as essential to me as air, food and water. Running on a treadmill for an hour … [Continue reading] about 30 Hours of FREE Ipod Food (Business and Marketing)