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Copywriting Information |
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How To Ethically Use A Swipe File For Your Ad Copy
Did you ever wish you could afford to hire one of those professional copy writers who charge $5000 or more to write a simple sales letter? Or worse, have you laid down your hard-earned cash for a self-proclaimed "professional" writer, and gotten back something your 3rd grader could have written? If you spend countless hours staring at a blank page trying to come up with compelling ad copy for that "killer" sales letter (you know, the one that's going to make you rich beyond your wildest dreams?)... STOP! Why drive yourself nuts and give yourself a major headache trying to train yourself to be a professional copy writer overnight? Do what the gurus do... start a "swipe file." That's an unfortunate name, swipe file. It sounds unethical. Please understand, I am NOT condoning plagiarism! But every so-called "internet marketing guru" openly admits to having a swipe file that they use when they need a little inspiration. So what is a swipe file and how do you use it legally and ethically? Basically, whenever you come across an ad or sales letter that makes you want to run and grab your wallet... stop and print out that copy first! Highlight or circle the parts of the ad that have you excited and eager to make a purchase. Then put it away in a folder or notebook. This is your swipe file. Eventually, you'll accumulate quite a stack of great professional quality ads. Then, when you're staring at that blank page trying to compose your next ad campaign or sales letter, you can leaf through your swipe file and MODEL your ad copy after some of those ads... but DO NOT copy them word for word. Substitute your own words and put your own stamp on them. Mix and match different approaches from different ads. Remember, this is meant to be inspirational, not criminal. NEVER out and out copy these ads. Just analyze how the ad is structured, what TYPES of words are used, and then create your own UNIQUE sales copy by emulating the successful advertising techniques from your swipe file. The idea is to study copy writing techniques as you go. Eventually, you'll find you won't need to refer to your swipe file as often. Your blank pages won't stay blank for long because you'll have learned how to write killer ad copy of your own! You learn best by doing it. Then it becomes second nature. Who knows? Maybe you'll get so good at writing sales copy that soon other people will be adding YOUR work to THEIR swipe files! Megan Mart, Webmaster and Publisher Subscribe to Megan's Free Marketing Newsletter
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Business Insider One of the world’s most influential copywriters Alex Cattoni is to speak at Dani komunikacija in Rovinj media-marketing.com How to Become a Copywriter | SNHU Southern New Hampshire University World Creative Rankings 2026: Serviceplan’s Javier Granados named most-awarded copywriter - The Drum 'Downfall of a lifetime': Copywriter who once earned Rs 2 lakh a month now makes just Rs 40,000 Moneycontrol.com My Creative Obsession: Vikki Ross Little Black Book | LBBOnline How to Become a Copywriter in 2026: A Beginner's Roadmap Simplilearn.com Creative Minds: The copywriter who turned a cookware brief into a tribute to street chefs Campaign Asia TOP 100 CONTENT MARKETING WRITERS: FREELANCE COPYWRITING – ONLINE, PRINT, WEB & MORE futuristsspeakers.com 5 Minutes with… Michelle Lamont Little Black Book | LBBOnline I Lost My Job to ChatGPT and Was Made Obsolete Business Insider Is Copywriting Really a Skill?. “You’re not really a writer then; you… | by Michael Stover DataDrivenInvestor How to Start a Freelance Career Without Using Upwork and Fiverr Business Insider How I Taught Myself Copywriting and Created a $974,000 Business Business Insider Dubai man recalls earning ₹60,000 in Mumbai in 2004, says copywriter pay barely changed in 22 years | Trending Hindustan Times 12 Best Copywriting Books for Aspiring Marketers [2026] Simplilearn.com ‘Fabulously wrong’: Dubai ad exec says Mumbai copywriter salaries have barely changed since 2004 Storyboard18 How Copywriter Ali Alshehri Sharpens His Creative Capacities Little Black Book | LBBOnline AdSchool Copywriting returns with revamped course led by Josh Edge and Charles Baylis wa.campaignbrief.com Meet Nicole Brena | Personal Wellness Copywriter SHOUTOUT ATLANTA I'm a freelance editor who's embraced working with AI content. 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