There’s no shortage of people out there offering good suggestions about writing clever copy. Websites with promises and sound advice are in abundance, but the catch is you won’t uncover the secrets of success unless you buy their book.
Maybe good marketing for them, possibly little benefit to you. Good copywriting is more an art than a theory. It’s important, not just to have a way with words, but to play on words, in addition.
Let’s look at some novel ways of how to twist and turn language and manipulate it to build a stunning headline.
You’re not likely to find this sort of approach in books. It’s an individual concept and every individual is different.
The following examples are built around a few ideas and not lifted from anybody’s actual advertisements. They can be used should they suit your needs.
ONE FREE WHEN YOU BUY THREE
Of course, it’s nothing new. ‘Buy Two, Get Another One Free’ is the more common expression, but the compelling offer is the word ‘free’ and that needs to be at the top, not the bottom of the headline. The words ‘free’ and ‘three’ are rather poetic when used in this sense and might raise a chuckle from the reader. A much neater way to say the same thing.
EVERYBODY LOVES A BARGAIN NOBODY BARGAINS LOVE
Here’s a cute way to manipulate a well-known expression to describe romance and a suggestion to recognise a special occasion for loved ones with an appealing gift.
DO CALL US, WE WON’T CALL YOU
The expression ‘don’t call us, we’ll call you’ is one way to reject an interviewee for a job. By twisting it around it becomes a clever way to combat telemarketing, spam and direct mail which offends many people by invading their privacy.
DON’T COOK THE BOOKS CALL THE COOKS
Suggested for anybody in the restaurant or catering business. A play on words with much more taste than most advertisements.
OUR EASY-TO-READ WEBSITE A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES
Have a look at most websites. Full of pictures with brief wording and page headings on the Home Page. The play on words in this headline and the benefits for the reader are obvious and appealing.
IF IT’S WORTH DOING IT’S WORTH DOING WELL
Nothing but the truth with a manipulation of words. If you’re going to do a job, make sure you make a good job out of it.
Clever use of language is the key to powerful copywriting. Use your creative juices to sweeten up copy and make it far more effective.
Lloyd Masel fa********@***il.com