Do you ever wish you could find a spark to ignite your writing?
Like a copywriting example that shows how to be more persuasive?
Or one that demonstrates how to make your copy sparkle with personality?
Let me tell you a little secret about how I learned to write
I’ve read piles of books with copywriting tips. Joe Sugarman. Eugene Schwartz. John Caples. Drew Eric Whitman. Robert Collier. And many more. I’ve learned tons from them.
But I’ve learned even more by studying website copy. I dissected the copy and learned why some copy smells fishy, and why some copy enthralls. I learned why some copy bores me and makes me click away, and why other copy pulls me in and seduces me to buy.
Today I share 21 great copywriting examples from my swipe file. Whenever you get stuck with writing, return here to find that spark to start writing your own copy.
Shall we begin?
7 copywriting examples that show how to be persuasive
The examples below are like a quick copywriting 101, showing you the basic techniques of how to write sales pages that convert.
Click here to join the 16-Part Snackable Writing Course for busy people (it’s free!)
1. Basecamp
Good copy starts with understanding how your product or service helps your customers, as Basecamp shows:
Basecamp helps you wrangle people with different roles, responsibilities, and objectives toward a common goal: Finishing a project together.
2. I Will Teach You To Be Rich
What problem are your readers struggling with? And how does that make them feel?
Like no other Ramit Sethi of I Will Teach You To Be Rich knows how to get into the mind of his target audience by empathizing with their feelings.
On his sales page for the online course “How to Talk to Anybody,” Ramit Sethi empathizes with his readers’ feelings of social awkwardness:
I was socially awkward. I would say the wrong thing at the wrong time. Everyone around me would stare at me silently. And later, I would beat myself up about saying the wrong thing. This went on for years.
When readers feel you understand their problems, they become keen to learn more about your solution.
3. Firebox
FireBox copywriters have a knack for finding problems you didn’t even know you had, and then offering you the perfect solution:
Keeping warm is no mean feat when the merciless chills of winter start creeping in. You can clutch onto a smelly hot water bottle that’ll be cold in less than an hour; shuffle round in a pair of slippers, layer on a multitude of hats and scarves or just give up and crawl back into bed.
Now a distinctly more toasty solution has popped up – the Toast Heated Pillow. Snuggle and squeeze this super-sized (and very smiley) slice and he’ll keep you nice and cosy for up to 4 hours.
4. Innocent Drinks
Good copywriters sell products, but great copywriters turn simple products into an enchanting experience.
Note how Innocent Drinks associates a simple drink with a holiday feel. They smartly mix facts and emotion—a persuasive recipe:
There are times when you fancy a bit of extra sparkle with your refreshment. So allow us to introduce innocent bubbles tropical – a delicious, lightly sparkling blend of pure pineapple, orange and grape juice, spring water and absolutely nothing else. It’s a bit like a posh holiday in a can, only without the pesky sand. And with one portion of fruit and only 90 calories per serving, it’s the bubbly way to get one of your 5-a-day.
We often think of selling as presenting the rational arguments to buy, but you sell on emotion first, then help people justify their purchase with rational arguments.
5. AppSumo
Being seductive requires more than offering solutions to problems. You also have to bat away reader objections.
For instance, to sell a course on creating a business plan, AppSumo doesn’t pussyfoot around the objection that business plans are a waste of time:
I know what you’re thinking: business plans are a waste of time. They become outdated the second they’re finished.
And for the most part, you’d be right. Old school biz plans can suck up months of time better spent creating awesome businesses.
But as the ancient Hawaiians say, “You can’t hit what you don’t aim for”.
To sell, you need to explain why people would care about your offer, and then take away their hesitations to buy. In an honest way.
6. Apple
Apple‘s copywriters are marketing poets.
Rhythm, rhyme, and repetition make their copy smooth and persuasive. I’ve learned more from studying their copy than from any copywriting handbook.
Ingenuity makes it thin.
Aluminum makes it strong.
Not just a thinner display.
A better display.
7. Fiftythree
Weak copy is full of marketing blurb. In contrast, persuasive copy is infectiously passionate. Fiftythree designs and manufactures styluses for iPad. Using short sentences and simple words, they convey their passion:
WE MAKE STUFF.
Beautiful, practical, meaningful stuff.
We make what we love.
We ❤ what we do.But over the years, we noticed that somehow, along the way, software designed to help us be creative actually made us less creative. We believe the best ideas often emerge from the simplest tools: pencil and paper.
4 examples of voice in copywriting
Good copy doesn’t try to impress but aims to communicate with clarity and power.
8. Sofa.com
Don’t want your copy to sound like you’re shoving products down people’s throat?
Try a more conversational tone. The people at Sofa.com sound like people you’d like to meet:
not convinced yet? – oh dear!
You’re a tough nut to crack. Why not come and see us at our showroom in Chelsea or Bath and try one for size?
9. Gov.UK
Good writing is simple, but not simplistic.
The website of the UK’s government keeps content to the point, helping readers get answers to their questions quickly:
You don’t pay duty or tax on goods you bring in from the European Union (EU) as long as you:
- transport them yourself
- will use them yourself or give them away as a gift
- have paid duty and tax in the country where you bought them
10. MailChimp
Ever gasped for air while reading Terms of Use? Or check the box without reading?
Using plain English, clear headers, bullet points, and explanations in the side bar, MailChimp makes reading their Terms of Use almost a pleasure:
1. Eligibility
In order to use MailChimp, you must:
- be at least eighteen (18) years old and able to enter into contracts;
- complete the registration process;
- agree to the Terms; and
- provide true, complete, and up to date contact information.
11. Dropbox
Dropbox sound helpful, friendly, and full of empathy, using the words their customers would use, too:
Even if your computer has a meltdown or your phone goes for a swim, your stuff is always safe in Dropbox and can be restored in a snap. Dropbox is like a time machine that lets you undo mistakes and even undelete files you accidentally trash.
12.Evernote
Evernote‘s copy is also simple, engaging, and focused on the benefits of their products to you as a reader:
Everything in Evernote instantly syncs across any computer or phone you use. Start working on one device and continue on another without ever missing a beat.
When you target a wide group of consumers, it’s often best to keep your words simple and writing in plain English.
However, when you have a narrowly defined audience, you can engage users with personality-infused writing.
13. Man Crates
Man Crates ships “bragworthy gifts for men.” What I love about their site is that they speak strongly to a clearly defined audience:
You just spent Thanksgiving at your vegan in-laws’ house. You did things you told yourself you never would, things you’ll probably never forget. Maybe for a moment, you were almost fooled by the yeast gravy and tofu turkey. But you survived.
Come back to us. Dial in the Slaughterhouse Crate for an immediate and full recovery of your carnivorous manhood.
14. Purple
The copywriters at Purple write like humans with a dash of humor. Here’s how they explain what a comfortable mattress means for you:
The only mattress that intelligently adapts to the human body for mind-blowing, personalized comfort. Translation: Wake up every morning with your happy face on.
And:
The Purple Smart Comfort Grid™ effortlessly isolates motion, so you don’t feel your partner, posterity, or pets when they wiggle about.
15. Brew Dog
Your voice sets you apart from the competition, and pulls your fans closer to you.
Scottish micro brewery Brew Dog don’t have shareholders, but equity punk investors; and their beers are called Five AM Red Ale, Dead Pony Pale Ale, and This. Is. Lager. Here’s how they describe their first beer Punk IPA:
THE BEER THAT BEGAN A REVOLUTION.
Our scene-stealing flagship is an India Pale Ale that has become a byword for craft beer rebellion; synonymous with the insurgency against mass-produced, lowest common denominator beer. Punk IPA charges the barricades to fly its colours from the ramparts – full-on, full-flavour; at full-throttle.
Copywriting examples that start from the Why
Good copy is written from the heart, staying true to a company’s real values.
Unfortunately, too often, copy is full of gobbledygook as missions are made up and values feel fake.
The companies below are different.
16. Waterfield Bags
Tired of reading corporate mission statements full of gobbledygook? Or what about lists of inflated company values nobody believes in?
Here’s how Waterfield Bags describe their company culture, using concrete details for credibility:
You won’t find corporate intrigue, shareholder revolt, or venture capital drama at our modest headquarters. Instead you will find pot-luck lunches, group outings, and the occasional employee celebration.
Gary Waterfield started the company in 1998 with these principles which still guide us today:
- Make products you can be proud of
- Treat people with respect
- Exercise kindness—we’re all human
Aside from leading the design process, Gary often jumps in to answer customer e-mails, sharpen the leather splitter, or fix the copy machine.
17. MSF / Doctors without Borders
Value statements can be hopelessly robotic and empty, but MSF uses a concrete example to explain the concept of neutrality:
In a conflict situation, we don’t take sides, but go where people’s medical needs are greatest. In the ward of one MSF field hospital, you might find wounded civilians alongside injured soldiers from opposing sides. Hostilities and weapons have to be left at the gate.
18. MAG International
The content of UK-based charity MAG International makes us imagine what it’s like to live in a land contaminated by cluster bombs, land mines, and mortars. A mix of facts and emotion makes their content persuasive:
Imagine if, somewhere outside your front door, there is a powerful explosive weapon waiting patiently for you, or a member of your family, to disturb it.
Because it’s buried, or perhaps hidden from view, avoiding it is a constant game of chance. There could be one of them, there could be 100. You don’t know how many there are and neither does anyone else.
Every day millions of people live with the threat of landmines or other unexploded weapons on their doorstep.
And, each day, nine people are killed or suffer horrific injuries because of landmines or abandoned weapons left behind after war.
19. Patagonia
Patagonia shows their values to set themselves apart and connect with their audience:
Patagonia grew out of a small company that made tools for climbers. Alpinism remains at the heart of a worldwide business that still makes clothes for climbing—as well as for skiing, snowboarding, surfing, fly fishing, mountain biking and trail running. These are silent sports. None require an engine; rarely do they deliver the cheers of a crowd. In each, reward comes in the form of hard-won grace and moments of connection with nature.
20. Naked Wines
Naked Wines funds talented wine makers to create wine. Through their crowd-funding, they create connections between the wine drinkers and makers, as shown in this testimonial:
Drinking good wine is enough pleasure in itself, but having a sense of relationship with the winemakers, that is beyond the purely commercial, adds something else to the experience.
The best copy is often written by your customers.
Click here to join the 16-Part Snackable Writing Course for busy people (it’s free!)
Storytelling in sales copy
Legendary copywriter Joseph Sugarman suggested stories can be invaluable because they create an emotional bond keeping your potential buyers reading on.
And when we’re reading a story, our barriers to sales messages go down and the messages slip under the radar.
But how do you include stories in your copywriting? Below follow 4 ace examples.
21. J Peterman
The copywriters at fashion retailer J Peterman are masters at turning simple product descriptions into fascinating stories, making their dresses, and caftans, and coats even more desirable:
Cool breezes off Okawa River. Cherry blossoms glittering.
Naoko and I practice hanami: picnicking under a sakura tree (ancient Japanese custom once reserved for Imperial Court).
She picks up a pink petal, murmuring “Shibui.”
“I’m sorry?”
She smiles. “Think beautiful in its simplicity.”
“Like this.” I gesture to her classic, fully buttoned collarless coat.
“No, Peterman.” She stands, unbuttoning. “This celebrates me, the unexpected.”
She opens her soft wool coat to reveal a vibrant leopard print lining.
22. Hiut Denim
Hiut Denim uses a story to explain why they’re making jeans. This Welsh jeans manufacturer writes honest copy full of passion:
Our town is going to make jeans again
Cardigan is a small town of 4,000 good people. 400 of them used to make jeans. They made 35,000 pairs a week. For three decades.
Then one day the factory closed. It left town. But all that skill and knowhow remained. Without any way of showing the world what they could do.
That’s why we have started The Hiut Denim Company. To bring manufacturing back home. To use all that skill on our doorstep. And to breathe new life into our town.
As one of the Grand Masters said to me when I was interviewing: “This is what I know how to do. This is what I do best.” I just sat there thinking I have to make this work.
So yes, our town is going to make jeans again.
Here goes.
23. Tuft & Needle
Mattress manufacturer Tuft & Needle have a good story to tell about why they started their business, too:
JT had just gotten married and he and his wife set out to buy their first piece of furniture together–a new mattress. The search began at local mattress showrooms; vast fields of mattresses neatly laid out under the buzz of fluorescent lights. Pushy salesmen pushed them to buy a fully loaded, feature-rich memory foam mattress. For $3,300 it should have been the pinnacle of comfort, but it wasn’t. To make matters worse, the return policy rendered it impossible to return. It was like car shopping. Actually it was worse than car shopping.
The truth about writing seductive web copy
Writing good copy doesn’t start with knowing the right words and improving your use of punctuation.
Good copy starts with understanding your customers and knowing why they choose you rather than millions of others.
Find the audience who loves you. Offer a service that delights them.
And then write your copy. Simply explain why your customers fall in love with your service, your product, and you.
Want to improve your writing skills further?
Join the 16-Part Snackable Writing Course (it’s free!):
- Discover the Power of the Subtle Nod and other persuasive tricks
- Learn how to cure sentence bloat and avoid irritating your readers
- Receive 16 simple tips to write more seductive content and win more business
Trâm says
Thanks a ton, Henneke. I always glide my eyes through your resource whenever I feel stuck.
Henneke says
Great! I’m glad this is helpful, Trâm. Happy writing!
Raaj says
Hi Henneke,
Appreciate your valuable copywriting examples. Please help me with this one as I am a little confused with the word “Wrangle” used in the first “Basecamp” example. Because the word “Wrangle” describes something like an argument, dispute, debate, etc. So could you please clarify this? It would be great to learn some useful things from experts like you. Thanks!
Henneke says
The online dictionary suggests that in North-American English to wrangle can also mean round up, herd, or take charge of.
EMMY CHRIS says
I never knew about copywriting until l got it from Dan Lok and l decided to know how is been written and you sat me down and gave me insight with your recommended examples. thanks a lot. It is so helpful .
Henneke says
I’m glad these copywriting examples were useful to you, Emmy. Happy copywriting!
Chamberlain says
Hi Henneke! You are really a great woman with a great heart.. God bless you the more for this wonderful article. I’m Chamberlain from Lagos, Nigeria. I’m completely new in copywriting industry (barely two weeks now) and I’m finding your article very helpful. Once again, thanks a lot.
Henneke says
I’m glad you found this helpful, Chamberlain. I hope you’ll enjoy getting to learn more about copywriting.
Mel Burgess says
What a resource! Thankyou. I devoured every word and have signed up to learn more. As a purveyor of parenting support it hasn’t been easy to craft my website wording.
Henneke says
I know it can be challenging! I’m glad you found this useful, Mel. I hope you like my tips by email, too.
Minh Hạnh says
Hi Henneke,
I am going to sales copy for herbal products about teeth. Have you ever written a sales copy for these products? It would be great if I could refer to your sales copy. Thanks
Henneke says
I haven’t written about herbal products. It’s useful to study competition so you can understand (and then highlight) the unique selling points of your product. However, in terms of studying copywriting, you can learn from a variety of examples and apply the same techniques to your own writing.
Hien Vu says
Hi Henneke,
I am writing a sales copy for the product that is a cradle for children. Have you ever written a sales copy for an actual product?
It would be great if I could refer to your sales copy
Henneke says
Hi Hien
You may find this article useful I’ve written for Shopify: https://www.shopify.co.uk/blog/8211159-9-simple-ways-to-write-product-descriptions-that-sell
Hien Vu says
Thank you so much.
I will refer to this article.
Becca says
Just finding this article and sharing with a few clients. So many of my clients want to focus on Promotion or Influencer marketing only – I want them to focus on what happens next – conversion to a website or landing page where good copy is a must. =) Thank you for this list.
Henneke says
I’m glad you found this list with copywriting examples useful, Becca. Thank you for sharing it (and for stopping by!) 🙂
Ashfaan says
I am just going to write copy for a IT hardware shop. my first ever gig, thankful I stumbled upon your website. I’m open to advice for my copywriting.
Henneke says
You’ll find my most useful articles on copywriting here: https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/sales-copy/
Evans says
From 2015 to 2019 and you still take time and reply to comments! That’s Pure dedication.
The content is like none other. I copied your link to one of my regularly visited websites. Looks like I’ll be scrutinizing your content a lot in the near feature. All for learning purposes.
Henneke says
Thank you for your compliment, Evans. I much appreciate it when people leave a comment (like you’ve just done!), so I want to reply to let people know I value them. Thank you for stopping by!
Corinne Torres says
Hi there — great content!
Henneke says
Thank you, Corinne.
Sheverley says
A lot of information to take in Henneke but all very valuable. I was going to spend the morning shopping for shoes but I think I’ll sit and read some of those websites you listed instead.
I’ve got heaps of shoes anyway, but not enough copywriting skills.
Henneke says
I like how you’re deciding to spend your time. 🙂
I agree that this post can feel a little overwhelming. I usually write shorter posts, but saw this as a resource readers can return to whenever they want to read good copy.
Happy reading!
Victor Winners says
Great Stuff Henneke! Second time i stumbled on your website. And i must say, I enjoyed reading every bit of this, from the first to the last sample copy.
The ”Apple” example is really an outstanding copy. Those guys there are doing a fantastic job, crafting exceptional copy with even abstract stuff.
Thanks a lot for sharing this
Henneke says
Is it really only the second time you’ve stumbled upon my website?
I hope you’ll soon come back for more! 😉
Karin Schroeck-Singh says
I was about to buy a book on copywriting, but wanted to check out some free resources on the internet before doing so. Your blog post Henneke was the first I decided to read. I considered myself lucky and really enjoyed the examples. They really gave me some more inspiration for my own writing. Thanks for sharing. By the way, instead of buying a book I check out more of your articles and I’m confident to find some more golden nuggets 🙂 All the best!
Henneke says
If you like my content, I’d definitely recommend you buy one of my books 🙂
Michael Watts says
The copy from the J. Peterman copywriters is simply stunning. These ad copy samples ignites the copywriting passion in me.
Henneke says
I so love that copy, too! Who knew “product descriptions” could be so enchanting?
Happy writing, Michael, and thank you for stopping by.
Jansie Blom says
Excellent examples.
“But I’ve learned even more by studying website copy. I dissected the copy and learned why some copy smells fishy, and why some copy enthralls. I learned why some copy bores me and makes me click away, and why other copy pulls me in and seduces me to buy.”
Those whose copy enthrals their readers, also “read piles of books with copywriting tips”.
Read yours, by the way. Clear, concise, good.
Henneke says
I’m glad you’ve enjoyed my book, Jansie! Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I appreciate it 🙂
Jovica says
Such a great post, thank you! 🙂 I love the example from sofa.com 🙂 awesome.
Today I’ve discovered your blog, I really like it so far. Do you draw the graphics by yourself? They are really cool! Somehow they remind me to those Sean D’Souza is drawing, he’s really good as well.
Cheers 😉
Henneke says
Welcome, Jovica. Nice to meet here! 🙂
Yes, sofa.com have great copy on their site. It’s worth taking some time to browse around and admire their content. Their tone is consistently friendly and conversational.
And yes, I draw all illustrations myself (by hand!). You have a keen eye – Sean D’Souza was my drawing teacher (I did his Da Vinci cartoon drawing course).
Jovica says
Yes, I’m glad I’ve stumbled upon your blog 🙂 And good for you with Sean as a teacher – your illustrations are great!
Andrew M. Warner says
Hey Henneke,
Excellent post here.
I read a lot of copywriting books also, but website copy is something much different. And the time I spent learning, and still learning, how to do it, the more it amazes me. From the examples you had there, there are many to like:
– Apples poetic wordplay
– Evernote’s simplicity
But I like J. Peterman’s stories. Even though I never buy, or have ever bought, anything from there, their stories are fascinating and engaging.
Great share.
– Andrew
Henneke says
I find it a lot of fun to read good copy. Whenever there’s a new Apple product, I like seeing what they’ve written – even if I don’t want to buy the product. And J. Peterman is indeed a delight for browsing around – like you, I’ve never bought from them either.
Thank you for commenting 🙂
Jeanne says
Thank you for the post. It was great. I find myself searching out other sites to learn too. Analyzing what I like and what catches my eye, helps me to figure out what others might like too. Its refreshing to know that others feel the way that I do. You can never learn too much or know everything! Thank you! Jeanne
Henneke says
I agree and I find that’s one of the most beautiful things of writing – you can always learn more.
Thank you for stopping by, Jeanne!
Jason says
Wow!
What a great post. Never knew that they where so much to copywriting. I am going to book mark for future reference
Thanks for the great read
Jason
Henneke says
Happy writing, Jason! Glad you enjoyed this post 🙂
Rob Schneider says
Seems to me some of the best writing puts the reader in the picture. The landmines one, for instance, starts out asking the reader to imagine how it would feel if they had to worry about stepping on a landmine every day. I also liked the Hiut Jeans one. They promoted their product brilliantly, but stayed humble.
Henneke says
Yep, that’s a beautiful way to put it – get the reader in the picture.
And I agree with you on Hiut Denim – a pleasure to read for both customers and copywriting freaks 😉
Thank you for your comment, Rob.
Bree says
I’ve always loved MailChimp’s attitude. 🙂 It’s partially why I picked them over Aweber, which just seemed too corporate for me to care how good their software may actually be.
Have you ever checked out Modcloth? Their about page isn’t necessarily something amazing, but their product names and descriptions are very clever and engaging.
Henneke says
There you go – that’s proof that a voice can make a real difference to buyers!
I hadn’t heard of Modcloth, so quickly checked them out. They indeed have great product names!
Thank you for sharing, Bree 🙂
Marti says
I loved reading this post. So much useful information and sources to read. One point that I zeroed in on is using we and you. I’m in the process of updating the brand for my Etsy Shop and was debating on using customer vs. you/we. I know now that I’m using you/we.
I also, liked the idea of sharing webcopy writing tasks with someone. It seems easier.
Sounds a bit silly after I wrote that, but I think it is. Though after reading this post I’m encouraged that I can write my own also.
Thank you for your dedication to helping our content become engaging and useful to our readers!
Henneke says
Yes, go for you & we (or I) – this makes the reader feel you’re having a conversation with them, as if you’re addressing them personally.
I think you probably find it relatively easy to write your own product descriptions, but most people find it hard to write “about us” content.
I’m glad you found the post useful, Marti. Thank you for stopping by!
joan bell says
Aaaaah! What a joy to read these words. Thanks Henneke. I never cease to be delighted at the power of words and what they can conjure up. My particular favourite wordsmiths are the guys at Ground Effect in New Zealand. I get the catalogue just for the copy – although they do have wicked cycling gear at the right price. ….. Here’s how they describe one of their jackets and a summer weight top.
A hot ‘n’ cold top that propels you at the speed limit across the gap between summer and winter. Its WindFoil™ softshell front takes the edge off a chilly headwind while the Heatwave™ Merino sucks sweat off your body. Wrap your meringue around that.
and this
Pair the Over Easy with your favourite baggies and a big breakfast. Then hit the trails. Its relaxed fit and HyperActive™ fabric ensure you keep your cool and don’t end up with egg on your shirt.
Henneke says
Yes, I like that! They definitely know their target audience, too. I like this: “Pair the Over Easy with your favourite baggies and a big breakfast. Then hit the trails.” Nice, non-salesy way to set the scene and make us feel like cycling. 🙂
Thank you for sharing, Joan!
Ann Bishop says
The first three paragraphs… oh my goodness, that is SO. me. Thank you for this resource list that I can refer back to whenever I am in dire need of inspiration. ManCrates sound like the lovable Old Spice commercials of Isaiah Mustafa– I can feel the humorous, endearingly deliberate man-puffing from the other end of the computer screen, lol.
Henneke says
You’re not alone, Ann. We all need inspiration from time to time.
Happy reading. And happy writing!
C A Hall says
I love this post.
So clear and acknowledging of those who work so hard to make our words seem effortless.
Thanks Henneke
Henneke says
Yep, that’s a good point – writing good copy is much harder work than it sounds.
Thank you, Carol!
Jasmine says
Hi Henneke,
Thanks for these examples, a pleasure to read!
I stumbled across a page with some great copy on it today, you may enjoy it too – very direct and honest: http://www.tortugabackpacks.com/pages/about
Have a great day 🙂
Henneke says
Thank you for sharing, Jasmine!
Laurie Stone says
So interesting to read good copy. That’s what I love about writing. You can never learn enough.
Henneke says
Yes, that’s so true! I also love reading good copy. 😀
Sherman Smith says
Hey Henneke,
If it’s one thing I can sure improve my copywriting skills! These are some great examples and #8 really caught my eye. I like the idea of sounding more conversational when it comes to selling any products or services to my audience. But as you said at the end of the post writing good copy is about understanding your customers and why they chose you over the bazillion other people that’s selling the promoting the same or something similar.
Thanks for the share! Have a great week ahead!
Henneke says
You might want to check out Ann Handley’s speaking page (#9), too – she also uses a very conversational tone.
Happy writing!
Katharine says
I truly probably need this so much.
I say “probably” because I think I could market anyone and anything except me and mine.
But I’m paying attention, and am so glad for these examples all listed together with clear explanations. Thanks, Henneke!
And they are correct, above, about the mf mattresses…
Henneke says
Well, yes, it’s far more difficult to write our own copy than to write for clients. I totally agree with you. I’m not sure what the answer is other than trying to treat ourselves like our favorite clients. Perhaps exchange copywriting tasks with a friend, and write each other’s copy?
Jon Pietz says
Thanks for the inspiration Henneke! I just spent a wonderful wasted hour checking out many of the sources for these examples.
Henneke says
You don’t want to know how many hours I’ve spent browsing these and other sites! 😉
Richard Padgett says
What a great list. I always enjoy your examples and the way you illuminate them with your analysis. I just went to check out Mailchimp’s T&Cs and you’re right, they’re strangely pleasurable. So clear and engaging (!) – their use of “we” and “you” instead of “company/client” makes such a difference to the explanation. Who’d have thought it of T&Cs? I ended up reading the entire page. (I should probably get out more – but I have to go swipe another two or three of these sites first.)
Henneke says
Yes, those T&Cs of MailChimp are strangely pleasurable to read, aren’t they? I’m glad I’m not the only crazy person reading it for fun. 😉 I usually hate reading anything with a hint of legal language.
Have fun swiping! 😀
Mel says
Amazing as usual Henneke, I’ve got four tabs open now to carry on reading some of the sites you recommended…you’ve completely knocked me off task (in a good way) 🙂
Henneke says
Oh, I’m so sorry about messing up your day! 🙁
Be careful – if you’re like me, you can spend hours and hours reading some of these websites.