How To Ethically Use A "Swipe File" For Your Ad Copy

Did you ever wish you could afford to hire one ofput it away in a folder or notebook. This is your
those professional copy writers who chargeswipe file.
$5000 or more to write a simple sales letter? OrEventually, you'll accumulate quite a stack of great
worse, have you laid down your hard-earned cashprofessional quality ads. Then, when you're staring
for a self-proclaimed "professional" writer, andat that blank page trying to compose your next
gotten back something your 3rd grader couldad campaign or sales letter, you can leaf through
have written?your swipe file and MODEL your ad copy after
If you spend countless hours staring at a blanksome of those ads... but DO NOT copy them
page trying to come up with compelling ad copyword for word. Substitute your own words and
for that "killer" sales letter (you know, the oneput your own stamp on them. Mix and match
that's going to make you rich beyond your wildestdifferent approaches from different ads.
dreams?)... STOP!Remember, this is meant to be inspirational, not
Why drive yourself nuts and give yourself acriminal. NEVER out and out copy these ads. Just
major headache trying to train yourself to be aanalyze how the ad is structured, what TYPES of
professional copy writer overnight? Do what thewords are used, and then create your own
gurus do... start a "swipe file."UNIQUE sales copy by emulating the successful
That's an unfortunate name, swipe file. It soundsadvertising techniques from your swipe file.
unethical. Please understand, I am NOT condoningThe idea is to study copy writing techniques as
plagiarism! But every so-called "internet marketingyou go. Eventually, you'll find you won't need to
guru" openly admits to having a swipe file thatrefer to your swipe file as often. Your blank
they use when they need a little inspiration.pages won't stay blank for long because you'll
So what is a swipe file and how do you use ithave learned how to write killer ad copy of your
legally and ethically?own! You learn best by doing it. Then it becomes
Basically, whenever you come across an ad orsecond nature.
sales letter that makes you want to run and grabWho knows? Maybe you'll get so good at writing
your wallet... stop and print out that copy first!sales copy that soon other people will be adding
Highlight or circle the parts of the ad that haveYOUR work to THEIR swipe files!
you excited and eager to make a purchase. Then