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Matt Barker

10 rare traits of every legendary copywriter

Published 3 months ago • 4 min read

Read time: 4 minutes

10th Feb 24

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Copywriting is the most powerful skill in the world.

I’m so confident of this. Regular dudes have written words on paper or on a screen, anywhere. And the outcome results in $1,000,000s.

Wild.

If you run a business - either as a solopreneur or freelancer or agency owner - and you’re not actively trying to master copywriting?

You’re missing out on a beautiful, money making skill.

Before January 2022, I worked in marketing for 10 years.

But it wasn’t until I decided to go freelance, obsess over copywriting and write 1,000s of pieces of content that I discovered JUST how powerful it is.

Since then, I’ve helped drive over $1,000,000 in revenue for my own business and clients in 2 years.

(see, regular dude -> millions of dollars)

Copywriting + The Internet = unrivalled amounts of opportunity.

But here’s the thing:

Most people are obsessing over writing viral hooks and getting 100s of comments on their posts.

But the most legendary copywriters focus on making money.

After studying, putting the reps in and writing about copywriting for 2 years, the best and most lethal copywriters:

  • Market themselves for free
  • Sell anything with ease
  • Have the most leverage

They can write words and have people in the palm of their hand.

So, I wanted to share with you 10 rare traits I’ve seen in the most legendary copywriters (past and present) on the internet.

Absorb these traits and you’ll print money forever:

On Friday 1st March, The Digital Copywriter course is back open.

Over 250 founders and solopreneurs grabbed it last time it was available. They've all learned how to start attracting the right clients with copywriting in less than 2 hours.

If you want early access to that and the chance to win 1 of 5 free copies, click here to hop on the waitlist.

1. Simplifies the complex

aka, how to communicate with billions vs hundreds.

The ability to take something complex, that only a small percent of the world would understand, and make it easily digestible, understandable and applicable to the masses.

It always feels easy.

2. Master of researching

Knows their reader inside out.

They know exactly what questions to ask and to who to pour fuel over whatever fire copy they write.

3. Doubles down on what works

They don’t just write, publish and move on.

They write, publish, analyse, dissect and go in deeper with 100 more pieces of content if it resonates with people.

4. Has a sixth sense for opportunity

They smell when there’s an opportunity for a sale, an emotion to resonate with, an angle or trigger that will get them their next customer.

5. Reads minds

A copywriters job:

Create a piece of copy that will resonate with people deeply.

They read the mind of whoever is best suited for the content they’re writing by writing, before they’ve laid eyes on it.

6. Doesn’t create demand, but channels it

I love this snippet from one of Eddie Shleyner's micro courses.

He quotes Eugene Schwartz (author of Breakthrough Advertising, the timeless copywriting book):

The idea is that if you have to create demand, you’re going to struggle. But if demand is already there, you simply have to funnel that demand into a sale or action. Incredible mindset shift.

7. Makes every word count

There’s no fluff, no messing around.

It’s straight to the point, straight to the words that matter. No word is wasting space.

If it is, it’s removed quickly before it can ever be published.

8. Edits with a flaming sword of fire

A term coined by Ryan Musselman, a brilliant writer and creator on LinkedIn.

Just look at the brutality of the editing of his content:

A copywriter’s best friend is the delete button. They write their first draft, messily. Then they come alive - removing 20 or 30 or 50% of the copy.

They turn mess into clear.

9. Gets you to feel something

Emotions are a humans best and worst friend. A copywriter knows that and they play on it. They know what words create greed, desire, fear, sympathy. They know what stories to tell to get you in the palm of their hands.

10. Sells without feeling “selly”

The best copywriters get you sending money without even feeling mad about it.

One second you’re reading about their breakfast, the next you’re buying their latest product or course because it just makes sense.

Becoming a legendary copywriter isn't easy.

I'm applying my craft every day to improve.

As a solopreneur and business owner, it's my highest form of leverage:

Writing words to my audience that make money.

Start absorbing these traits and you'll be on your way there too.

(just don't give up, put the reps in!)

Cheers,

Matt

When you're ready, here’s 3 ways I can help you:

1. The Digital Copywriter: a 2 hour self-paced digital copywriting course for solopreneurs who want to write faster, more compelling content. If you want to stop chasing new clients and start attracting consistent, predictable inbound leads for your online business, this is for you. Join 200+ students today.

2. ​Promote yourself​ to over 11,000 subscribers by sponsoring this newsletter.

3. ​Follow me on Twitter (X) and ​LinkedIn for daily tips, strategies and advice on how to stop chasing and start attracting dream clients.

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Matt Barker

The Digital Writer

Join 12,000+ readers of The Digital Writer for no-nonsense tips, strategies and advice to become a fast, engaging and profitable digital writer.

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