Copywriting is both an art and a science, and various formulas have been developed to help structure persuasive, engaging, and effective content. These formulas simplify the process by providing a framework that can be adapted for different purposes, whether it’s writing advertisements, emails, landing pages, or social media posts. Here are some of the most popular copywriting formulas:
The Copy Writer Formula’s
1. AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action)
- Attention: Grab the reader’s attention with a strong headline or opening.
- Interest: Create interest by highlighting key points that resonate with the audience.
- Desire: Build desire by showcasing the benefits of the product/service.
- Action: Encourage the reader to take action, like clicking a button or making a purchase.
Example:
- Attention: “Tired of wasting hours on tasks you hate?”
- Interest: “Our app helps you save time by automating repetitive tasks.”
- Desire: “Imagine having more free time to focus on what you love.”
- Action: “Try it now for free!”
2. PAS (Problem, Agitation, Solution)
- Problem: Identify a problem the reader faces.
- Agitation: Agitate the problem by making it feel urgent or severe.
- Solution: Present your product or service as the solution to that problem.
Example:
- Problem: “Struggling with back pain from sitting all day?”
- Agitation: “That discomfort can lead to long-term health issues if left unchecked.”
- Solution: “Our ergonomic chairs provide the support you need for a pain-free workday.”
3. FAB (Features, Advantages, Benefits)
- Features: Describe what the product does or what it offers.
- Advantages: Explain why those features are useful.
- Benefits: Show how it improves the user’s life or solves their problem.
Example:
- Features: “This smartwatch has a heart rate monitor.”
- Advantages: “It tracks your heart rate in real-time during workouts.”
- Benefits: “Stay healthy by monitoring your heart for optimal fitness.”
4. The 4 C’s (Clear, Concise, Compelling, Credible)
- Clear: Write in a way that’s easy to understand.
- Concise: Be brief and to the point.
- Compelling: Use emotional triggers to motivate action.
- Credible: Build trust with facts, testimonials, or statistics.
Example:
- Clear: “Our software improves productivity.”
- Concise: “Finish tasks 30% faster.”
- Compelling: “Get more done in less time.”
- Credible: “Trusted by over 10,000 professionals worldwide.”
5. Before-After-Bridge
- Before: Describe the reader’s current problem or situation.
- After: Paint a picture of what life would be like without that problem.
- Bridge: Explain how your product or service helps them get from “before” to “after.”
Example:
- Before: “You’re overwhelmed by your messy inbox.”
- After: “Imagine having a clean, organized inbox every day.”
- Bridge: “Our email management software makes it easy to declutter and prioritize messages.”
6. SLAP (Stop, Look, Act, Purchase)
- Stop: Grab attention quickly.
- Look: Get the reader to pay closer attention.
- Act: Prompt the reader to take immediate action.
- Purchase: Guide the reader to the purchasing decision.
Example:
- Stop: “Hate working out?”
- Look: “Our fitness app turns workouts into fun, competitive games.”
- Act: “Sign up today and start playing!”
- Purchase: “Buy now and get 50% off your first month.”
7. The 5 Basic Objections (Price, Time, Need, Trust, Urgency)
This formula helps address common objections that prevent people from buying. You focus on overcoming these barriers by showing why your product/service is worth it.
- Price: Justify the cost.
- Time: Show that it’s worth the time.
- Need: Convince the audience they need it.
- Trust: Build credibility.
- Urgency: Create urgency to act now.
Example:
- Price: “At just $10 a month, it’s a small investment in your health.”
- Time: “Our app only requires 5 minutes a day.”
- Need: “Achieve better fitness with minimal effort.”
- Trust: “Used by fitness trainers worldwide.”
- Urgency: “Sign up before prices increase next month!”
8. The Rule of Three
People tend to remember things in groups of three, so you use this to present information in a simple, memorable way.
- Present benefits or features in threes to make them stick.
Example:
- “Fast, affordable, and reliable.”
These formulas can be adapted depending on your audience, medium, and goals. The key is testing and adjusting your copy to see what resonates most effectively with your target readers.
An Example Copy Writers Gig
When an employee or project manager needs to request copywriting work for a remote job leads website, they should provide clear instructions and details to ensure the copywriter understands the project’s goals, audience, and tone. Here’s an example of how an employee might describe the job and ask a copywriter to work on it:
Subject: Request for Copywriting Assistance – Remote Job Leads Website
Hi [Copywriter’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well! We’re working on improving the content for our remote job leads website, and I’m reaching out to request your help with crafting high-quality, engaging copy for a few key areas. Below are the details:
Project Overview:
Our website connects job seekers with high-quality remote work opportunities across various industries. We want to enhance the clarity, tone, and effectiveness of our copy to attract both job seekers and employers. The goal is to position our platform as a trusted, user-friendly resource for finding legitimate remote jobs.
Scope of Work:
We need copy for the following sections of our website:
- Homepage:
- A concise, engaging headline that grabs attention and communicates our value (e.g., “Find Your Next Remote Opportunity, Fast and Easy”).
- A brief introduction paragraph that explains what we do and how users can benefit from our service.
- Call-to-action buttons (e.g., “Browse Jobs,” “Get Started for Free”).
- About Us Page:
- A description of our mission, values, and what sets us apart from other remote job boards.
- A section explaining how we verify job listings to ensure they’re legitimate and not scams.
- Job Listings Pages:
- Brief descriptions for categories like “Tech Jobs,” “Marketing Jobs,” etc., that highlight the benefits of working remotely in those fields.
- Employer Section:
- A few lines encouraging companies to post their remote job openings on our platform, emphasizing the benefits of reaching a global talent pool.
Tone and Style:
We’re aiming for a friendly, approachable, and trustworthy tone. The copy should be professional yet engaging, appealing to both job seekers and employers. Ideally, it should convey credibility and reliability, making users feel confident in using our platform.
SEO Considerations:
We’d like the copy to be SEO-friendly, so please incorporate relevant keywords where appropriate (e.g., “remote jobs,” “work from home,” “flexible jobs,” etc.) while keeping the text natural and easy to read.
Deadline:
We’re aiming to have the first draft by [insert date]. Let me know if that timeline works for you.
Additional Info:
If you need any more details about our audience, competitors, or existing content, feel free to reach out! I’ve attached a link to our current website for reference: [Website URL].
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and working with you on this project. Let me know if you have any questions or need clarification.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
The Result
Yes, as a copywriter, I could definitely complete this gig. Here’s how I would approach it:
1. Homepage Copy:
- Headline: “Find Your Next Remote Opportunity—Quick, Easy, and Scam-Free”
- Introduction: “Welcome to [Website Name], the trusted platform for discovering remote jobs that fit your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, work-life balance, or the freedom to work from anywhere, we’ve got the latest remote opportunities from top companies across the globe. Start exploring and take control of your career today!”
- Call-to-Action Buttons: “Browse Jobs,” “Join Free,” “Post a Job”
2. About Us Page:
- Mission Statement: “At [Website Name], our mission is simple: to connect job seekers with legitimate, high-quality remote opportunities. We believe that remote work opens doors to better work-life balance, freedom, and productivity. That’s why we’re committed to making the job search process seamless, safe, and efficient for remote job seekers and employers alike.”
- How We Verify Jobs: “We take your job search seriously. Each job posting on our platform is carefully vetted by our team to ensure it’s a legitimate opportunity, free from scams and fraudulent listings. We know trust is important, and we’re here to make sure you feel confident using our site to find your next role.”
3. Job Listings Pages:
- Tech Jobs: “Discover the latest remote tech jobs in software development, IT support, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned coder or starting your tech journey, find flexible opportunities that let you work from anywhere.”
- Marketing Jobs: “From digital marketing to content strategy, explore remote marketing jobs that give you the freedom to create, strategize, and grow campaigns from the comfort of your home office—or any location you choose.”
- Customer Support Jobs: “Help businesses deliver great customer experiences from wherever you are. Find remote customer support roles that offer flexibility and the chance to connect with people worldwide.”
4. Employer Section:
- “Looking for top talent? [Website Name] connects you with qualified professionals eager to work remotely. Reach a global pool of candidates who are ready to hit the ground running and help your business grow. Post your remote job listing today and start receiving applications from the best remote talent!”
SEO Considerations:
I would naturally integrate keywords like “remote jobs,” “work from home jobs,” “flexible jobs,” “global remote talent,” and “remote work opportunities” throughout the copy while keeping it reader-friendly.
Timeline:
I would complete the draft within the proposed timeline, making sure to allow for revisions and feedback.
By understanding the client’s goals, the target audience, and using the appropriate tone, I’d deliver engaging, trustworthy, and SEO-optimized copy that helps the website attract both job seekers and employers.
BreakDown
Here’s a breakdown of the copywriting formulas I used for each page of the remote job leads website:
1. Homepage Copy:
- Formula Used: AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action)
- Attention: The headline “Find Your Next Remote Opportunity—Quick, Easy, and Scam-Free” grabs the reader’s attention by highlighting key benefits.
- Interest: The introduction builds interest by showcasing how the website helps users find remote jobs that fit their lifestyle.
- Desire: It sparks desire by emphasizing freedom, flexibility, and control over one’s career.
- Action: The clear call-to-action buttons “Browse Jobs,” “Join Free,” “Post a Job” prompt users to engage with the site immediately.
2. About Us Page:
- Formula Used: FAB (Features, Advantages, Benefits)
- Features: The copy explains what the platform does (connecting job seekers with remote work).
- Advantages: It highlights how each job is vetted, providing peace of mind to users.
- Benefits: Users benefit from a safer, more efficient job search experience, knowing the listings are scam-free and legitimate.
3. Job Listings Pages:
- Formula Used: The Rule of Three
- Each category (e.g., Tech Jobs, Marketing Jobs, Customer Support Jobs) is described with three benefits or key aspects, such as job types, flexibility, and freedom to work from anywhere. This helps make the information clear and easy to digest.
4. Employer Section:
- Formula Used: PAS (Problem, Agitation, Solution)
- Problem: Employers need qualified remote workers but struggle to find them in a competitive market.
- Agitation: The copy hints at the challenge of finding talent globally without the right platform.
- Solution: The solution is the platform, which connects employers with a qualified global talent pool, making it easier to find and hire remote professionals.
By using different formulas, I ensure that each section of the website is persuasive, targeted, and easy for readers to follow, ultimately driving them toward taking action.
This is how you can effectively tackle your projects and assignments as a copywriter.