…who don’t use direct response marketing and copywriting.
In the UK “Daily Telegraph” is this article…
“Marketing Spend Falls At Sharpest Rate For Nine Years”.
A recent survey found that…
Archives for January 2009
Sex, Controversy And Classic Direct Response Copywriting
Had to bring this item to your attention, partly because of the “controversy” but also because the ad is actually a good example of direct response copywriting.
In London, there has been a storm of outrage over billboards carrying the following headline…
“Scientific Advertising In The 21st Century” – Part 18 “Negative Advertising”
“Negative Advertising” is the subject of Chapter 18 of the copywriting classic “Scientific Advertising” by Claude Hopkins.
In this short chapter, Hopkins discusses two types of negative advertising.
The first is what is usually called “knocking copy” or directly criticising the competition.
Hopkins strongly discourages this…
[Read more…]
Looking Ahead – Marketing Calendar February 2009
Here’s this month’s look ahead at events in February that you could base a marketing promotion around.
(As an aside, it’s already the 11th of the month! How did that happen?!?)
The main event of general interest is Valentine’s Day on February 14.
In the USA, the month kicks off with the football “Super Bowl” on February 1.
February 2 is “Groundhog Day” which could provide an opportunity for some more off beat marketing promotions. (Love the movie! One of my favourites.)
There’s also Presidents’ Day on February 16.
Recapping events at the end of this month, Chinese New Year falls on January 26 this year (it’s the Year Of The Ox).
In Australia, there’s Australia Day (also on January 26) plus the new school year starts in most states at the end of the month (so there’s scope for “Back To School” type themes).
While I think about it, other good sources to keep updated on possible events are the sites of the greetings card companies such as Hallmark and Blue Mountain.
If I’ve overlooked something that you think is worthwhile, please post a comment. Your input is always welcomed and appreciated!
How Reader’s Digest Can Help Your Copywriting
I’ve been back from my Christmas trip to the UK for almost a week now and I’ve just about caught up with all the “stuff” that inevitably piles up!
Going through my mail, came across the January issue of Reader’s Digest. Now, I have a subscription because of a tip from legendary copywriter John Caples.
In his classic book “Tested Advertising Methods”, Caples provides a number of ideas on how to write the opening of a sales letter…