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In the winter of 2020, I stumbled across a recommended booklist for aspiring writers. I’d read many. But one book was new to me: The Boron Letters by Gary Halbert. I hadn’t heard of copywriting, so I picked it up. And guess what? I hated it. It felt sleazy and manipulative—like it had been written by a car salesperson, not a sophisticated writer. “More like The Boring Letters,” I said, throwing the book in the bin, pleased with my play on words. It was a costly mistake. I continued to write. But no one was reading. I told myself it was just beginner’s hell. But after a year, I was still grinding away without results. Then a friend recommended Joe Sugarman’s Adweek Copywriting Handbook. As you can imagine, I was skeptical. But he told me it changed his life (quite literally). So I gave it a whirl. The book blew me away. Perhaps I wasn’t ready to hear the message a year before, but I finally understood the point of copywriting. It’s not about manipulation. It’s about motivating through the written word. And online, no skill is more important. Social media content, YouTube, emails, ads, sales pages, products. Everything is copywriting. My business blew up when I took it seriously. I went from 1,000 followers in year 1 to 100,000 in year 2. My newsletter went from something my mum and friends read to one of the most popular in our space. It took me 18 months to make my first dollar and 31 months to hit 7 figures. Reader, it is not enough for you to relay information to your audience. If you want them to take action, you must hook and hold their attention. Copywriting is the secret to standing out in the sea of noise. Now, I don’t consider myself a copywriter. But that hasn’t stopped me learning the fundamentals. Neither should it for you too. I’ve yet to meet an entrepreneur who’s studied copy and hasn’t catapulted their business in some shape or form. And sure, you can dive into the old books. But one of my favourite resources is Derek Johanesen’s Copyhour. He gives the simplest explanation for how to write great copy, spread over a 90-day email course. Crucially, he provides classic and modern examples for the advice (something many books lack). Combine this with ‘copywork’—a handcopying practice like pouring gasoline on the fire of learning—and you pick up copywriting in no time. 3 months is a small investment when you consider the potential return. I would recommend you check it out before the launch deadline on Sunday, January 12th (there’s a reason 4,000+ students have taken it). https://portal.copyhour.com/a/2148027147/bFZHG8wY To your business success, Kieran P.S. My favourite part about copywriting is that it’s psychology on paper. It teaches you so much about human nature—crucial for communication. And to get what you want, communication is key. Take a look at some of the reviews on Copyhour’s page: There are many more like this. Hopefully catch you inside: https://portal.copyhour.com/a/2148027147/bFZHG8wY |
On a mission to become a better writer, thinker, and entrepreneur • Ex-dentist, now building an internet business (at ~$500k/year)
Before we dive in: Make an impact with your ideas In 3 weeks, I am launching an exclusive cohort for entrepreneurial writers who want to begin 2026 with a bang. It’s an intensive writing sprint to help you share your best ideas. If you want to attract a quality audience, you’ll love what I’m cooking up. There will be limited spots, with early access for those on the waitlist. JOIN 200+ ON THE WAITLIST BY CLICKING HERE There's a beautiful walk 10 miles north of Leeds, UK—my old city. It's a...
Before we dive in: Get more strategies to grow your business by writing online I’ve been uploading two videos per week to YouTube. It’s been a fun way to share new ideas. If you want to write to grow your business, you’ll love the material. Come join 700+ subscribers here: CHECK OUT THE CHANNEL HERE Welcome to November’s Monthly Memo. If you’re new here, each month I share my income, expenses and what I’m working on now. I’m making a big shift—today I’ll explain why. Grab a cup of tea, let's...
Before we dive in: Write better and stand out My friend James Carran is a poet, novelist and content creator with an audience of 100,000+. He writes a weekly newsletter for writers who care about their craft. Sign up for free below. SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER “Finito.” Leonardo beams as he hands me a yellow slip. It flutters in the lazy breeze of the rooftop fan. “Estas seguro?” I reply with doubt. “Si, no hay problema.” I look at the sheet. I don’t understand the writing, but it has my face...