• What is Copywriting?
    • Why Copywriting is One of the Most Enjoyable, Flexible Careers
    • Answers to Your Top Questions About Copywriting
  • Blog
    • Most Popular
    • Mindset & Professional Development
    • Portfolio
    • Business Development
    • Book Recommendations
    • Pitching
    • Copywriting Tips
    • Terms to Know
  • Podcast
    • Latest Episodes
    • Top Episodes for New Copywriters
    • Student Stories
  • Copywriting Course
    • Learn About the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy
    • CCA Student Sign In
    • CCA Next Level
  • CCA Reviews
    • CCA Student Wins
    • Videos: CCA Student Reviews
  • Store
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • About Nicki Krawczyk
  • Contact Us

Filthy Rich Writer

Tips, tools, & training for new and aspiring copywriters.

Tips, Tools and Training for New and Aspiring Copywriters

  • What does “Filthy Rich” mean? It means having a job you love, being good at what you do…and making great money doing it!

Copywriting Q&A: What’s Direct Response Copywriting?

By Nicki Krawczyk 2 Comments

Find out what constitutes "direct response copywriting"Some copywriting work is designed to sell people on a company; that is, to get people to be aware of, trust and like the brand. Other copywriting work is designed to get an immediate response. Let’s dig in a bit more to learn what makes “direct response copywriting” different.

Today’s Q&A was inspired by a question from Joe F., who asks, “A recruiter asked me yesterday if I have any direct response experience. I’m not actually sure… What is direct response??”

Thanks for your question, Joe! And good news: There’s a fairly decent chance that you’ve done direct response copywriting—and this post will only help you write it better in the future.

Direct response marketing/advertising is a message that is designed to get the target audience to take immediate action. Direct response pieces can be nearly any time of media (emails, direct mail, newspaper ads, etc.), but their purposes are clear: get people to do what you want them to do, be that purchase, click or sign up.

Here are a few other elements that make direct response, direct response:

– They are focused around a clear, compelling offer like “50% Off Men’s Sweaters” or “Huge Warehouse Sale”

– They feature a strong, obvious call to action like “Shop Now!” or “Sign Up”

– They offer a sense of urgency (whether real or implied) with copy like “limited-time” or “don’t miss out!”

– They are most often short and to-the-point

– The copy is easily scannable (easy for the reader to just scan and still understand the full message)

– They use plain, easy-to-understand language

– They don’t require the user to think very much in order to understand the message or decide to take the action—the message should be so clear and compelling, taking the action is practically a forgone conclusion!

If you don’t have any direct response work in your portfolio, find a client who needs it done! Direct response copywriting is a great (and profitable) skill to master!

Now, your turn! What else has made your direct response copywriting effective? Let us know in the comments below!

Last Updated on November 16, 2022

Filed Under: Terms to Know

Interested in Copywriting? Get our Free Video Training!

Plus, get on the list for updates, freebies, and more :) 



About Nicki Krawczyk

Nicki is a copywriter, copy coach and the founder of Filthy Rich Writer. She's been writing copy for more than 20 years.

Comments

  1. Andrew Kelly says

    March 28, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    I have always used a very simple technique for making my direct response copywriting effective. I highlight the benefits and not the features of the product. You see people are in the market to buy benefits. While they are buying products, they are actually buying benefits. If you tell them what YOU can do for them and how YOU can solve their problem then your copywriting can be very effective.

    Reply
    • Nicki says

      April 1, 2013 at 8:36 am

      Absolutely, Andrew! Benefits are the number one most important aspect of effective copywriting. Number two? I’d say a strong call to action, wouldn’t you?

      Thanks for commenting!
      – Nicki and the Filthy Rich Writer team

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Click here to subscribe

Break Into Copywriting

Sign up to get our FREE video training, special resources, and more!



Click here to subscribe

Comprehensive Copywriting Academy

Join the copywriting training program that's helping people just like you build successful copywriting careers!

Comprehensive Copywriting Academy from Filthy Rich Writer

Portfolio Tips

3 Copywriter Portfolio Examples That Wow Clients
Do You Need to List Your Copywriting Services on Your Portfolio Site?
Should I Put Prices on My Website? What Copywriters Need to Know

Orange square with text reading award winning designs and free domains Squarespace
View our Affiliate Link Disclosure here

Recent Articles

Freelance Copywriter Benefits: How to Build Your Own Benefits Package
5 Books to Read Written by Copywriters
How to Give Copywriting Feedback
Setting Boundaries as a Copywriter
Self Edit Your Copywriting: Why It’s a Must & How to Do It
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Copyright © 2023 Filthy Rich Writer | About Us | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy| Business Affiliates