Copywriting That Sells — Practical Guide to Writing Words That Convert

This article is a guest post for the Workreap blog, adapted from a video by Adam Erhart. Adam helps people build 1-man marketing agencies. You can find his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@Adamerhartvideo and his website at adamerhart.com.

You don’t need followers to make money online. What you really need are better words.

You don’t need thousands of followers to make money online. What you really need are better words. The most profitable skill you can learn online is knowing how to use the right words. That skill is called copywriting.

Most people get confused about what copywriting means. Some think it’s fancy advertising. Others think it has something to do with copyright law. It’s neither of those things. Copywriting is the art and science of using words to sell. And it’s incredibly powerful.

Over the last 10 years, I’ve seen firsthand what good words can do. I’ve created campaigns for Google, Amazon, Meta, and thousands of other businesses. I’ve made millions of dollars online. I’ve built entire businesses using nothing but words. And here’s the kicker: I got a C minus in high school English. I’m not some gifted writer. I just learned how to write words that work.

In a world where attention is currency, knowing how to write words that sell is like holding a superpower. The good news? Anyone can learn this skill.

In this guide, I’m going to show you what copywriting really is and how it works. I’ll share simple tools you can use to start writing copy that gets real results. Even if you’ve never written a word of copy before, you can do this.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• A clear definition of copywriting and why it matters
• Foundational frameworks that make writing easier
• Practical daily exercises to improve fast
• Ways to monetize this skill right away
• Next steps to get results quickly

By the way, if you’re ready to turn this skill into a real business, I’ve created a free marketing growth system. It includes templates, scripts, funnels, and a 30-day HighLevel trial. You’ll find the link below the original video. It will help you start landing clients this week.

Let’s dive in.

What Is Copywriting — Clear Definition and Why It Matters

Let’s clear up one of the biggest sources of confusion right away. When people hear “copywriting,” they often think of copyright law or trademarks. That’s not what we’re talking about here.

Copywriting with a W is writing words that get people to take action.

Copywriting is about writing words that make people do something. Click a button. Sign up for a newsletter. Buy a product. That’s the core of it.

It’s Not Just Writing — It’s Persuading

Here’s what most people miss. Copywriting isn’t just about putting words on a page. It’s about persuading. It’s the difference between someone scrolling past your offer and stopping to say, “Wait, I need that.”

When done right, copywriting is one of the most profitable skills you can learn. Why? Because everything online runs on words. Every email. Every website headline. Every social media caption. Words are the engine behind every great marketing message.

Real Examples of Copywriting in Action

You see copywriting everywhere, even if you don’t realize it. Those emails you get from brands that make you want to click? That’s copywriting. The website headline that made you stop and read more? Copywriting. The social media caption that convinced you to try a new app? Also copywriting. If you’ve ever wondered what a copywriter actually does, it’s this: we write words that make people click, buy, or believe.

Why I Thought Copywriting Was Out of Reach

I’ll be honest. I used to think copywriting was some secret skill reserved for the Mad Men types in New York. Or creative writing majors who drank a lot of coffee and wore those funny French hat things. A beret. That’s what they’re called. But I was way off. When I started digging, I realized that copywriting is just this: words that work. Words that make people click, scroll, buy, sign up, take action. It’s not about being poetic or clever. It’s about being clear and useful.

A Simple Example: Selling Cupcakes

Let me bring this down to earth with a simple example. Imagine you’re selling cupcakes. One description says “vanilla cupcake.” Cool. Accurate. But kind of boring.

Now compare that to this: “Soft, golden vanilla sponge topped with a swirl of buttercream, just like grandma used to make.”

See the difference? We’re not just describing a cupcake. We’re making someone want it. Same product. But the second one taps into memory and comfort and emotion. That’s the power of good copy.

Why Copywriting Matters to Your Business

Here’s the real reason copywriting matters. You can have the best product or service in the world. But if your words don’t connect with people, they’ll never know why it matters. Copywriting bridges the gap between what you offer and why it matters to your audience. It’s just communication with strategy. Now that you have a clear picture of what copywriting is, let’s talk about how to actually start doing it. Even if you’ve never written a word of copy before, you can do this.

Three Simple Starter Steps — How to Begin Practicing Copywriting

Here’s the deal. Most beginners freeze when they’re first starting copywriting. Everything feels overwhelming. You search “copywriting for beginners.” You land on a polished sales page. Suddenly it feels like you need a marketing degree just to get going.

Here’s the good news. You don’t. You don’t need a fancy certificate. You don’t need years of writing experience. And you definitely don’t need anyone’s permission. What you do need is curiosity, a willingness to practice, and a simple structure to follow. If I were starting again from scratch, here’s exactly what I’d do.

Step 1: Read Copy Like a Copywriter

Start reading copy like a copywriter. Not just skimming it. Studying it.

Every time you see a Facebook ad or an email subject line or a product description, pause and ask yourself: Why did they write it like that? What’s the goal here? You’re not just reading for content anymore. You’re reading to reverse engineer what works. This is how you train your eye. Like an artist studying other paintings. Or a chef tasting food to figure out the spices.

You want to build that instinct where you can look at any piece of writing and know why it works or why it doesn’t. And if you’re interested in seeing how I write copy that converts, you can opt in through one of the links and see it in action firsthand.

Step 2: Write Every Day, Even If It Sucks

Write every day, even if it sucks.

Do not overthink this. You don’t need a client or a big project. Just practice. Write a headline. Then try five more versions. Take a product from your kitchen and try to sell it in a single sentence. Or copy the back of a cereal box and rewrite it to sell dog treats.

I’m not kidding. I actually did that once. It was terrible. But it taught me something.

Just like going to the gym, the more reps you get in, the stronger you get. When you copy great copy by hand or rework it to make it better, you’re training your brain to write in that rhythm. It’s kind of like learning a new language by mimicking native speakers.

Step 3: Pay Attention to What Grabs Your Attention

The next time an ad or a post or a headline makes you stop scrolling, ask yourself why. Was it the headline? The curiosity? The way they told a story? This kind of awareness turns everyday browsing into real training. You start spotting patterns. Soon enough, you’ll know how to use those same tools in your own writing.

Your First Exercise: Start Right Now

So if you’ve been thinking, “But I don’t know where to start,” then start here. Pick something in your house. Anything. Now write one sentence that would make your friend want to buy it. That, my friend, is copy. And that’s your first exercise. That’s exactly how every pro starts.

Once you’ve got that rhythm going, you’ll be ready to take things up a notch. Because up next, I’m going to show you a few core copywriting principles that will make writing easier and more effective.

Why Use Frameworks — Avoiding the Blank Page

You’ve started practicing. You’re writing headlines. You’re reworking ads. You’re building that copy muscle. Now let’s take things a level deeper. Once you’ve got the basics down, the next step is knowing how to structure your copy so it actually works. And that’s where frameworks come in.

The Problem with the Blank Page

Here’s the deal. Staring at a blank page is tough. You know you need to write something. But where do you start? What do you say first? How do you organize your ideas?

Writing without a framework is kind of like cooking without a recipe.

Sometimes it works. Usually it doesn’t. You end up winging it every time. And that leads to confusion, wasted time, and copy that just doesn’t connect.

The Solution: Tried-and-True Formulas

Instead of starting from scratch every time, you want to use a few tried-and-true formulas. Think of these as cheat codes. They help you skip the confusion and go straight to the win.

These frameworks aren’t about being fancy. They’re about being effective. They give you a clear structure to follow so you’re not staring at that blank page wondering where to even start.

Why Frameworks Work

Frameworks work because they’re repeatable. They’re reliable. They’ve been tested by thousands of copywriters over decades. When you use a proven structure, you’re building on what already works.

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time you sit down to write. You just plug your message into a framework that’s already been proven to convert. It’s faster. It’s easier. And it gets better results.

What’s Coming Next

In the next sections, I’m going to show you the most useful frameworks for beginners. These are the ones I use all the time. They’re simple to learn and incredibly powerful.

You’ll learn how to structure your copy so it grabs attention, builds interest, creates desire, and drives action. And you’ll see how to speak directly to your audience’s pain points in a way that makes them feel understood. These frameworks will become your go-to tools. Once you know them, you’ll never stare at a blank page again.

AIDA — Attention, Interest, Desire, Action (How to Structure Persuasive Copy)

Let me show you the most useful copywriting framework, especially if you’re just getting started.

Attention, interest, desire, action.

This is probably the most well-known framework in copywriting. And for good reason. It works.

Think of AIDA Like a Staircase

Think of AIDA like building a staircase. At the bottom, you’ve got someone’s attention. Your job is to guide them step by step all the way to the top where they take action.

You’re not pushing. You’re leading. Each step feels natural. Each step moves them closer to saying yes.

The Four Steps of AIDA

Here’s what each step looks like in action.

Attention: This is where you grab them. A headline. An image. A bold statement. Something that makes them stop scrolling. You need to break through the noise. If you don’t get their attention, nothing else matters.

Example: “You don’t need followers to make money online.”

Interest: Now that they’re looking, give them a reason to keep going. Maybe it’s a relatable story. Maybe it’s a surprising statistic. You want them thinking, “Okay, tell me more.”

Example: “I got a C minus in high school English. But I’ve made millions online using just words.”

Desire: This is where you show them what’s in it for them. How does this thing make their life better? Paint a picture of the transformation. Help them see themselves on the other side.

Example: “Imagine landing your first client this week. No degree. No fancy portfolio. Just the right words at the right time.”

Action: Tell them exactly what to do next. Whether it’s buy now or download the guide or book the call, make it crystal clear. Don’t leave them guessing.

Example: “Click the link below to grab your free marketing growth system and start landing clients today.”

Why AIDA Works So Well

AIDA is simple. It’s powerful. It’s repeatable. Once you start seeing this structure in action, you’re going to spot it everywhere.

Every great ad. Every high-converting landing page. Every email that made you click. They’re all using some version of AIDA.

The beauty of this framework is that it mirrors how people actually make decisions. First, you notice something. Then you get curious. Then you want it. Then you act. AIDA just gives you a map to guide people through that journey.

Try It Right Now

Here’s a quick exercise. Think of something you want to sell. Could be a product. Could be a service. Could be that cupcake from earlier.

Now write four lines:

1. One line that grabs attention
2. One line that builds interest
3. One line that creates desire
4. One line that tells them what to do

That’s it. You’ve just written your first piece of copy using AIDA. And once you get comfortable with this framework, you’ll be able to write persuasive copy in minutes instead of hours.

PAS — Problem, Agitate, Solution (Speak to Pain Points)

Now let me show you another framework that’s perfect when you want to speak directly to pain points. It’s called PAS. Problem, Agitate, Solution.

This one is my go-to when I know my audience is struggling with something specific. When they’re frustrated. When they’re tired of the same old results. When they need someone to say, “I see you. I get it. And here’s the way out.”

How PAS Works

Here’s the structure. It’s simple. But don’t let that fool you. Simple doesn’t mean weak.

First is the problem. Next, agitate. Dig into that struggle. Then the solution.

Problem: You call out something your audience is struggling with. You name it. You make it clear that you understand what they’re going through.

Agitate: This is where you dig deeper. You don’t just mention the problem. You make them feel it. You remind them how frustrating it is. How exhausting. How much it’s costing them. You turn up the heat just a little.

Solution: Then you swoop in with the fix. Your product. Your service. Your idea. You present it as the answer they’ve been looking for.

A Real Example: The Bear-Taming Post

Let me give you a fun example. Let’s say you just made a killer video about how to tame a grizzly bear using nothing but your bare hands. You’re proud of it. Deservedly so.

So you hop on Instagram and post it with “check this out, brutal.”

Look, you didn’t survive hand-to-claw combat with a 700-pound apex predator just to post like it’s 2009. You need something with teeth. Lucky for you, PAS is here to save the day.

Instead of sounding like a bored intern doing social media on autopilot, say something like this:

Problem: “Tired of women overlooking you like you’re the human equivalent of lukewarm soup?”

Agitate: “You’ve tried everything. V-necks, protein powder, that one motorcycle you can’t afford but financed anyway. Still, you go to sleep every night spooning a pillow and questioning your life choices.”

Solution: “It’s time to do something legendary, like taming a grizzly bear with your bare freaking hands. Watch this video and become the man woodland creatures fear and women respect.”

And just like that, you PAS your way into hearts and minds and maybe even inboxes.

The Big Mindset Shift: Sell the Outcome, Not the Tool

Here’s a little secret that most copywriters miss. People don’t buy products. They buy results.

Nobody wants a drill. They want a hole in the wall. Nobody wants a gym membership. They want to feel confident when they look in the mirror. Nobody wants a course on copywriting. They want to land their first client and make money.

So when you’re writing copy, don’t just describe what the thing is. Describe what it does for them. Sell the outcome. Sell the emotion. Sell the transformation.

Tips for Using PAS Effectively

Here’s how to make PAS work even better:

Use vivid language during agitation. Don’t just say “it’s frustrating.” Say “you’re tired of waking up at 3 a.m. wondering if you’ll ever figure this out.”

Make the pain felt. But don’t be cruel. Be empathetic. Show them you understand because you’ve been there too.

Pivot to transformation. When you present the solution, paint a picture of life on the other side. What does it look like when the problem is gone?

Keep it conversational. PAS works best when it sounds like you’re talking to a friend, not lecturing from a stage.

Why PAS Is So Powerful

PAS works because it taps into emotion. It doesn’t just inform. It connects. It makes people feel seen. And when people feel understood, they’re far more likely to trust you and take action.

The problem step shows you understand. The agitate step makes them care. The solution step gives them hope. It’s a simple three-step journey from pain to possibility.

And the best part? You can use PAS everywhere. Social media captions. Email subject lines. Landing pages. Sales calls. Anywhere you need to connect with someone who’s hurting and show them a better way.

Once you start using PAS, you’ll see how powerful it is to speak directly to pain points. You’re not just selling. You’re solving. And that’s what great copywriting is all about.

Benefits Over Features & Writing Like You Talk

Here’s something most beginners miss. They write copy that lists what something is instead of why it matters. They focus on the tool instead of the result. And that’s a huge mistake.

Let me show you what I mean.

Sell the Hole, Not the Drill

Nobody buys a drill because they love drills. Well, except for maybe one guy. But most people? They want a hole in the wall. They want to hang that shelf or picture before guests come over and silently judge their life. The real pain isn’t about the drill. It’s about ego. Pride. The need to feel capable in a world full of oat milk lattes and gentle jazz playlists.

Don’t just tell people what something is. Tell them why it matters.

So when you’re writing copy, don’t sell the drill. Sell the hole. Or better yet, sell the feeling of accomplishment when that picture is finally hanging straight.

Features Are Ingredients, Benefits Are Flavor

Here’s the core principle. Features are the ingredients. Benefits are the flavor. You wouldn’t try to sell a cookie by listing flour, sugar, and butter. You’d say “warm, gooey, chocolate chip cookie, fresh out of the oven.” You’d make them taste it in their mind. The same rule applies to copywriting. People don’t care about specs. They care about results. They care about what it does for them.

A Simple Before and After Example

Let me give you a concrete example.

Feature: “This course is 10 hours long.”

Benefit: “You’ll learn how to write high-converting copy in a weekend.”

See the shift? The first one just states a fact. The second one paints a picture of transformation. It shows the outcome. It tells them what their life looks like after they take action. That’s the power of benefit-driven copy. It connects with emotion. It speaks to desire. It makes people want what you’re offering.

Quick Checklist: Turn Features into Benefits

Here’s a simple way to convert features into benefits every time:

1. List the feature. What is the thing you’re describing?
2. Ask “so what?” Why does that feature matter to the reader?
3. Answer with the result. What does the reader get because of this feature?
4. Make it emotional. How does that result make them feel?

Try this exercise right now. Pick any product or service. Write down three features. Then rewrite each one as a benefit. Focus on the outcome, not the tool.

Write Like You Talk

Now here’s the other part of this principle. Your copy needs to sound human. Not robotic. Not corporate. Not like a lawyer wrote it at 2 a.m. after six espressos.

Write like you talk. Like you’re having a conversation with a friend over coffee. Use simple words. Short sentences. Natural rhythm. If you wouldn’t say it out loud, don’t write it down.

The Read-Aloud Test

Here’s a quick editing trick that will change your writing forever. Read your copy out loud. Seriously. Every single word. If it sounds weird, robotic, or stiff, rewrite it. Keep going until it sounds like something you’d actually say to a real person.

This one simple habit will make your copy ten times more engaging. It forces you to catch awkward phrasing. It helps you find your natural voice. And it makes your writing feel warm and human instead of cold and corporate.

Avoid Fancy, Corporate-Speak, and Jargon

You don’t need to sound smart. You need to sound clear. Avoid fancy words just for the sake of sounding professional. Avoid corporate buzzwords like “leverage,” “synergy,” or “optimize your workflow.”

Just talk like a human. Use everyday language. Be confident. Be casual. Be yourself.

Think of it this way. If you were explaining your offer to a friend at a coffee shop, how would you say it? That’s how you should write it.

Mini Checklist: Loosen Stiff Copy

If your copy feels too formal or robotic, run through this checklist:

• Read it out loud. Does it sound natural?
• Cut the jargon. Replace fancy words with simple ones.
• Use contractions. Say “you’re” instead of “you are.”
• Break up long sentences. Aim for one idea per sentence.
• Add personality. Let your voice come through.

When you combine benefit-driven messaging with a conversational tone, your copy becomes magnetic. People stop scrolling. They start reading. And they take action.

That’s the power of writing words that work.

How to Make Money with Copywriting — Freelance, In-house, Products, Services

By now you know what copywriting is. You’ve got a few solid tools to start writing. But here’s the question on everyone’s mind. How do you actually get paid to do this?

Copywriting sounds cool and all. But what’s the path from writing practice headlines at your kitchen table to getting paid real money? Let me break it down for you. There are a few main ways that copywriters make money. And the best part? You can start with any of these depending on where you’re at right now.

Path 1: Freelance for Clients

This is how most copywriters get started. You find businesses either on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Or you reach out directly. Then you write for them. Emails. Websites. Ads. Landing pages. Whatever they need.

At first, you might write for cheap. Or even free. This helps you build up a few samples. But it doesn’t take long before someone’s paying you to write words that drive results. Once you’ve got a couple happy clients, you’ve got proof. You’ve got permission to raise your prices. Start cheap to get your foot in the door. Then let results do the talking.

Quick first steps for freelancers:

• Sign up on Upwork or Fiverr and browse copywriting gigs
• Reach out to three local businesses with a simple pitch
• Offer to write one email or landing page at a low rate to build your portfolio
• Ask for a testimonial after every project

Path 2: Work In-House

If you want more structure or consistency, you can work at a company. Full-time or part-time. As a marketing writer or content person. Plenty of businesses need someone who can write their email campaigns. Update their website. Create product descriptions. This can be a great way to sharpen your skills and get paid regularly while learning on the job.

You’re not hustling for clients every month. You’re getting steady pay. And you’re getting real-world experience that makes you better fast.

What to look for in an in-house role:

• Job titles like “Marketing Writer,” “Content Specialist,” or “Email Copywriter”
• Companies that sell products or services online (they need copy constantly)
• Roles that let you work on multiple projects so you learn faster
• Opportunities to see results from your work (opens, clicks, sales)

Path 3: Sell Your Own Products

This is where copywriting gets really powerful. If you’ve got a product, a service, or even a small digital course, you now know how to write words that sell it. You don’t need a big following. You don’t need to go viral. You just need to connect with the right people. Say the right things. And guide them toward a decision. That’s what copy does best.

This path gives you the most control. You keep all the profit. You build your own brand. And you use copywriting to turn ideas into income.

Ideas to get started selling your own stuff:

• Create a simple digital guide or template and sell it for $27
• Offer a coaching session or consultation and write a landing page for it
• Package your knowledge into a mini-course and use email copy to promote it
• Write a sales page for a service you already offer

Path 4: Offer Copywriting as a Service in Your Business

Maybe you already have a business. Maybe you do design or consulting or marketing for clients. Adding copywriting to your skill set instantly makes you more valuable. Why? Because now you’re not just building the thing. You’re helping them sell it. And that’s the part that most people are willing to pay for.

Designers who can write copy charge more. Consultants who can write sales pages get better results. Marketers who can craft emails see higher conversions. Copy makes everything else you do more effective.

Ways to add copy to your existing business:

• Offer website copy as an add-on to your design packages
• Write email sequences for clients launching new products
• Create landing pages for clients running ads
• Bundle copywriting with your consulting to help clients communicate their value

The Universal Truth: Every Business Needs Copy

Every business needs copy whether they know it or not.

Here’s the truth most people miss. Every business needs copy. Whether they know it or not. No matter how great the product or service is, the words still have to do the heavy lifting to sell it. So whether you’re freelancing, working in-house, or writing for your own offers, if you can write copy that converts, you’ll never be short on opportunities.

You don’t need a blog. You don’t need a big audience. You just need results. And results are the currency that creates ongoing opportunities.

Choose One Path and Try It This Week

Here’s your action step. Pick one of these four paths. Just one. Then take one small step this week. If you chose freelance, send three pitches. If you chose in-house, apply to two jobs. If you chose your own products, write a simple sales page. If you chose adding copy to your business, reach out to one client with a new offer.

Don’t overthink it. Just start. Because the fastest way to make money with copywriting is to start writing copy that people will actually pay for. And if you want to shortcut the whole process and start landing clients fast, I’ve bundled all of my proven templates and sales funnels and scripts into a complete marketing system. You can grab it for free. Links below the original video. Now that you know how to make money doing this, let’s talk about the daily habits that will help you improve faster than you ever thought possible.

Habits to Improve Fast — Practical Exercises, Swipe Files, Books & Next Steps

Now you know how to make money doing this. Let’s talk about how to get better at it faster.

A few simple habits can shave months off your learning curve. They rewire how you think about words and persuasion. These aren’t magic tricks. But they work. And if you stick with them, you’ll improve faster than most people ever do.

Here’s how to train your copywriting brain like a pro.

Habit 1 — Hand-Copy Great Ads

This sounds old school. Because it is. But it’s also one of the fastest ways to internalize what great writing feels like. Find an ad that’s working. Maybe from a company you like. Then write it out by hand. Word for word. With pen and paper.

I know it sounds silly. But the act of writing it out forces you to slow down. You’ll start to notice the rhythm. The pacing. The structure. Pretty soon, you’ll start writing like that too. Think of it like learning a song by playing it note for note. You don’t just listen. You perform it. You feel the melody in your fingers. That’s what hand-copying does for your writing.

How to do it:

• Find a high-performing ad (email, landing page, or sales letter)
• Grab a pen and paper (yes, really)
• Write it out word for word
• Notice how sentences flow and where the pauses are
• Do this for 10-15 minutes a few times a week

This habit builds muscle memory. It trains your brain to recognize what works. And it makes you a better writer without even trying.

Habit 2 — Build a Swipe File

A swipe file is just a fancy term for a folder of stuff that works. Every time you see a headline that grabs your attention, save it. Every time you get an email that makes you want to click, bookmark it. Every time you see a product description that stops you scrolling, screenshot it.

Collect the things that made you stop. Because one day, when you’re stuck staring at a blank page, you’ll flip through that folder and go, “All right, that worked on me.” And then you’ll know how to make it work for someone else.

What to save in your swipe file:

• Headlines that grab attention
• Email subject lines that made you open
• Product descriptions that made you want to buy
• Social media captions that stopped your scroll
• Landing pages that felt irresistible

Keep it organized. Create folders by type. Email. Ads. Headlines. Whatever makes sense to you. The goal is to build a library of proven examples you can reference anytime you need inspiration. This isn’t about copying. It’s about learning patterns. When you study what works, you start to see the structure behind the magic. And that’s when your own writing gets better.

Habit 3 — Practice Headlines Relentlessly

If you only focused on one skill for the next month, make it this one. Great headlines are the gateway to everything else. If your headline doesn’t work, no one reads the rest. Doesn’t matter how good your writing is. The headline is the gatekeeper.

So practice. Take a product or an idea and write 10 headlines for it. Then take your favorite and write five new twists on it. Change the angle. Swap the words. Test different emotions. It’s a muscle. And every rep makes you better.

Quick headline practice drill:

• Pick any product (coffee, a course, a service, anything)
• Write 10 different headlines for it in 10 minutes
• Choose your favorite
• Write five variations of that favorite
• Ask yourself: which one would make me click?

Do this a few times a week and you’ll start to see patterns. You’ll notice which angles work. Which words grab attention. Which structures feel natural. And pretty soon, writing great headlines will feel effortless.

Habit 4 — Read a Few Right Books

You don’t need to read 20 books to get good at copywriting. Just a few of the right ones.

Here are three to start with.

The Adweek Copywriting Handbook: This is a classic. Especially for direct response. It’s packed with practical advice and real examples. If you only read one book on copywriting, make it this one.

Cashvertising: Easier to digest than the classics, but just as powerful. This book breaks down the raw psychological triggers that make people want to buy. It does it fast. It does it fun. And it’s brutally effective.

Influence by Robert Cialdini: This is psychology gold. It teaches you how people make decisions. Reciprocity. Scarcity. Authority. Social proof. Once you understand these principles, you’ll see them everywhere. And you’ll know how to use them in your copy.

Start with one. Read it slowly. Try the ideas out. And remember, you don’t need to memorize. You need to use it.

How to read these books effectively:

• Read one chapter at a time
• Take notes on ideas you want to try
• Apply one concept to your writing immediately
• Revisit sections when you’re stuck
• Don’t rush through them—let the ideas sink in

Books won’t make you a great copywriter on their own. But they’ll give you the frameworks and principles that make everything else easier.

Habit 5 — Keep Writing Daily

Honestly, this one matters more than all the others combined.

No book. No template. No tutorial will help if you’re not actually writing.

Write something every day, even if it’s just a tweet, an email, or a fake ad for your favorite cereal.

Write something every day. Even if it’s just a tweet. An email. A fake ad for your favorite cereal. It doesn’t matter what it is. Just write.

That’s how great copywriters are made. One sentence at a time.

Daily writing ideas:

• Write a tweet that makes people stop scrolling
• Draft an email subject line for a made-up product
• Rewrite a boring product description you see online
• Create a headline for tomorrow’s breakfast
• Write a short sales pitch for something in your room

The more you write, the more natural it becomes. You stop overthinking. You start trusting your instincts. And your words get better without you even noticing.

Whether you’re copying great ads by hand or building your swipe file or testing headlines for fun, just keep going. These habits don’t just teach you copywriting. They rewire how you think about words and persuasion and communication.

And the more you do it, the more it becomes second nature.

Your 7-Day Copywriting Practice Checklist

Want to put these habits into action right now? Here’s a simple 7-day plan to get you started.

Day 1: Hand-copy one great ad. Find an email or landing page you love and write it out by hand.

Day 2: Start your swipe file. Save three headlines, emails, or ads that grabbed your attention today.

Day 3: Write 10 headlines for a product in your house. Pick your favorite and write five variations.

Day 4: Read one chapter from The Adweek Copywriting Handbook or Cashvertising. Take notes on one idea you want to try.

Day 5: Write a short email trying to sell something to a friend. Keep it casual. Make it fun.

Day 6: Add five more examples to your swipe file. Look for variety—ads, emails, social posts, product pages.

Day 7: Write a fake ad for your favorite cereal, movie, or app. Use AIDA or PAS. Make it persuasive.

Do this for one week and you’ll be amazed at how much better your writing gets. Do it for a month and you’ll be unstoppable.

Next Steps and Final Encouragement

If you’re serious about using copywriting to start or build your own business, don’t forget to grab the free marketing system I mentioned. It includes templates, scripts, funnels, and a full 30-day trial to HighLevel. Everything’s ready for you. Links are in the description of the original video.

And remember this. You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to know everything. You just need to start. Pick one habit from this list. Do it today. Then do it again tomorrow. That’s how you build a skill that can change your life.

Great copywriters aren’t born. They’re made. One sentence at a time. One headline at a time. One daily practice at a time. So go write something. Make it messy. Make it fun. Make it yours. And before you know it, you’ll be writing words that work. Now get out there and start practicing. You’ve got this.