Copywriting is an essential skill for anyone who creates content. It’s not only a skill exclusively for copywriters, but also for marketers and entrepreneurs of all sizes.
Copywriting itself is the art of persuasion. It involves pushing the right buttons using words that get people to take action. So whether you’re writing a website landing page, a tweet, or a complete article, copywriting is a critical tool in your arsenal.
However, where should you even begin if you’re just starting out? And more importantly, what are the best books on copywriting that you should be reading?
In this blog post, we’ll share 8 of our favorite copywriting books. Each book is packed with invaluable insights and tactics to help you write more persuasive copy.
1. Ogilvy on Advertising by David Ogilvy
In his book, Ogilvy on Advertising, David Ogilvy changes the way people thought about marketing. He argues that advertising should be seen not as an art form, but as a medium of information. Ogilvy proposed a set of principles that are now considered a classic.
Ogilvy is considered the father of modern advertising. His book has been influential in shaping the advertising industry, and it is still required reading for many marketing students.
Here are some of Ogilvy’s commandments for writing copy:
- Stay focused on your goals
- The headline should grab the audience’s attention
- Study the audience in detail
- Talk in a language that the audience understands
- The product should be the highlight of the campaign
Ogilvy’s insights are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published, and his advice is essential for any company that wants to create successful advertising campaigns.
2. The Boron Letters by Gary C. Halbert
Published posthumously in 2013, The Boron Letters is a collection of letters the author wrote to his son while serving time in prison. Gary C. Halbert was a controversial figure in the world of marketing and advertising, known for his unorthodox approach to business.
The Boron Letters is full of controversial advice on how to be successful in the world of marketing. One of the pieces of advice he gave is to use aggressive tactics in copywriting and to target groups that are traditionally seen as easy marks, such as senior citizens. While some of Halbert’s methods may raise eyebrows, there’s no denying that Halbert is an expert in direct marketing.
He covers a wide range of topics, from the importance of subject lines to the art of creating persuasive headlines. But perhaps the most valuable lesson in the book is Halbert’s emphasis on testing and tracking.
The Boron Letters is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about marketing, sales, and copywriting. Its straightforward style makes the book enjoyable even for casual readers.
3. Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
Content is everywhere these days. Without realizing it, we are all content creators. We have written tweets, posts, comments, reviews, and emails. Therefore, writing is a way to make connections and share our ideas and stories.
Ann Handley’s Everybody Writes gives practical advice on how to write content. The book is filled with useful tips, tricks, and strategies that can help anyone improve their writing skills.
However, what makes this book special is Handley’s passion for the subject. She writes with an engaging and enthusiastic style that is impossible to resist. Her enthusiasm will surely inspire anyone who picks up the book to pick up a pen and paper in order to write.
Everybody Writes is a must-read not only for aspiring writers out there, but also for marketers, entrepreneurs, and social media specialist
4. Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath
In Made to Stick, brothers Chip and Dan Heath explore why some ideas “stick” in our minds while others fade away. This book is based on extensive research in the field of psychology.
The brothers break down the “stickiness” of ideas into six concepts: Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, and Storytelling (SUCCESs). They outline and explain each concept with real-world examples and how they can be applied to our writing.
So if you are looking to improve your writing skills or want to understand effective messaging better, be sure to pick up Made to Stick.
5. Wired for Story by Lisa Cron
In her book Wired for Story, Lisa Cron shares insights into the brain’s natural love of stories and how writers can use this knowledge to create compelling copy.
Cron emphasizes the importance of good characters that readers can associate with while providing something that keeps them wanting more. She breaks down the mechanics of storytelling and shows how they can be used to create engaging pieces of writing.
Whether you’re writing an ad, a blog post, or even just a tweet, understanding the principles of storytelling will help you write better copy that resonates with your audience.
6. The Adweek Copywriting Handbook by Joseph Sugarman
The Adweek Copywriting Handbook is a comprehensive guide to crafting compelling advertising copy. The book is written by Joseph Sugarman, a veteran copywriter and advertising executive. The book provides a step-by-step approach to creating persuasive ad copy.
You’ll be able to find answers in this book, ranging from understanding customer needs to writing headlines that grab attention. Furthermore, Sugarman also includes helpful examples and case studies from his own career.
In addition, the book includes techniques for testing and refining copy, as well as tips for working with art directors and other members of the creative team.
7. The Copywriter’s Handbook by Robert W. Bly
The Copywriter’s Handbook is an extensive read for anyone in the business of writing copy for marketing purposes. Robert Bly has been in the industry for over three decades, and his experience on the subject matter is present on every page.
This packed yet concise book covers every important topic, from attention-grabbing headlines to targeting the right audience. In today’s competitive market, the ability to connect with the right audience is essential for anyone in business and marketing.
Not only is the book informative, it also provides a realistic view of the advertising industry. Bly’s honesty about the challenges of the profession and insights will surely help readers avoid common mistakes.
8. Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
In his book Building a StoryBrand, Donald Miller teaches businesses how to market themselves in a way that resonates with customers. The book provides readers with a step-by-step guide for creating a story brand: essentially a consistent message that customers can easily understand and remember.
Miller’s approach is based on the principle that people are more likely to buy from companies to which they feel a connection. Businesses can tap into this emotional connection and create loyal customers by crafting a story brand.
In addition to being an insightful marketing guide, Building a StoryBrand is also an enjoyable read, thanks to Miller’s engaging writing style. Whether you’re looking to improve your business’s marketing strategy or want an interesting book to read, Building a StoryBrand is definitely worth checking out.
So, if you’re looking to take your copywriting skills to the next level, any of these 8 books will do wonders for your ability to write persuasive and compelling content. With so much valuable information between their covers, they’ll quickly become some of your go-to resources when it comes time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).
Are you still struggling with writing your own copy, even after reading these books? Our team of writers can assist you in creating persuasive content that drives conversions. Contact us today for more information!
