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    Cover of The copywriter's handbook

    The copywriter's handbook

    Robert W. Bly · 1985

    The classic guide to copywriting, now in an entirely updated third edition This is a book for everyone who writes or approves copy: copywriters, account executives, creative directors, freelance writers, advertising managers... even entrepreneurs and brand managers. It reveals dozens of copywriting techniques that can help you write ads, commercials, and direct mail that are clear, persuasive, and get more attention--and sell more products. Among the tips revealed are • eight headlines that work--and how to use them • eleven ways to make your copy more readable • fifteen ways to open a sales letter • the nine characteristics of successful print ads • how to build a successful freelance copywriting practice • fifteen techniques to ensure your e-mail marketing message is opened This thoroughly revised third edition includes all new essential information for mastering copywriting in the Internet era, including advice on Web- and e-mail-based copywriting, multimedia presentations, and Internet research and source documentation, as well as updated resources. Now more indispensable than ever, The Copywriter's Handbookremains the ultimate guide for people who write or work with copy. "I don't know a single copywriter whose work would not be improved by reading this book." --David Ogilvy

    Business & ManagementWriting & Language
    Open LibraryAmazon
    Stats for nerds
    1recommend
    2mentions
    2people
    2011–2024years
    50% recommend50% neutral

    Mentions per year

    20112013201520172019202120232024

    What Hacker News says

    1. lucasluitjesDec 2024
      My comment history is short if you're curious about the comment itself. But in general for writing sales copy, I found The Copywriter's Handbook by Robert Bly very helpful, especially the first five chapters. Some of it can seem a bit sleazy to IT folks (the book is primarily written for people who write ads for a living) but there's great advice in there.
      thread
    2. nhebbSep 2011
      Don't always believe that bit about sell the benefits, not the features. It depends on your target market. Robert Bly, author of The Copywriter's Handbook et al., has written several good pieces on marketing to technical people. In one, he described how he fell flat "selling the benefits" in marketing high performance cars. It's an audience that craves features and doesn't give a rat's ass about glib benefit-speak. I don't have a link for that one, but here's a great piece about marketing to engineers:

      http://www.bly.com/Pages/documents/STIKFS.html

      thread

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