I spoke at Lincoln's AwesomeCamp March 3rd, 2012

1. Weasels are
the worst
A guide to writing compelling copy

2. An introduction
Who am I and why am I talking about this?
-@justplainmeg
-UNL Advertising Major
-Writer turned copywriter

3. Get
Excited!

4. Know who you’re
talking to.

5. Why should they care? What’s in it for them?
Give them reason to keep reading.
Ex: Get up to $1,700 in Apple gift cards with your deposit
Ex: Act by <date> to get up to $1,700 in Apple gift cards

6. Weasels are the worst.
Weasel words are those pesky downers that stunt your
copy and prevent it from being the delightful, razor
sharp communication that it can be.
Qualifiers:
often, almost, probably
and other adverbs
Don’t be wishy-washy.
Says who?

7. Active voice is
your friend!
It’s a conversation.
Be concise.

8. CREATIVITY &
COPYWRITING!
Take a break, laugh a little.

9. CREATIVITY & Write it ALL down.
COPYWRITING!

10. CREATIVITY & Swipe file!
COPYWRITING!
Novels Steal from
Postcards
the people
you want to
Pictures
Quotes be like.
Newspaper
clippings Short stories

11. How to write compelling copy:
Be excited!
Know your audience.
Give them a reason to care.
Avoid the weasels.
Laugh a little.
Write it ALL down.
Steal.