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The King of Copywriting: How Dan Kennedy used trade secrets to make $18,000 an email

Steal these secrets to 10x your writing skills!

Read time: 3.5 mins

We are back! Hola Amigo!

The past month I’ve ben hunkered down as I’ve poured out my energy in the building and expansion of Grow Solo.

And in a bizarre twist of fate, I went full Tim Ferris and moved to Medellín Colombia to pursue the Digital Nomad lifestyle.

brb in the jungle

Now you get direct access to all the lessons and knowledge I have learned these last few weeks.

For the one’s who are brand new to Grow Solo Saturday, here’s a warm welcome!

For the OG’s who have been here for as old as time, you are absolute legends!

To jumpstart today’s newsletter we’re diving head first into the copywriting secrets of the one and only Dan Kennedy - a living legend and highest-paid copywriter in the world.

The King of Copywriting - Dan Kennedy

I’ll be showing you 5 key methods Dan Kennedy uses in his copywriting so that you can

  • Improve your writing by 1% in just a few minutes

  • Gain a better writing process and routine

  • Be one step closer to your income goals

Ready?

Let’s get into it:

The King of Copywriting: How Dan Kennedy used trade secrets to make $18,000 an email

Dan Kennedy is a renowned copywriter who has built his career for the past 40+ years on the foundation of freelance copywriting and writing. For the past 20 years, he has consistently made 6-7 figures a year from his copywriting.

He has done this with no paid advertising or giving away free consultations.

Being the highest paid copywriter in the world comes with a certain set of skills and knowledge.

Today you’re getting all the juicy secrets!

1. The transformative power of Storytelling

Dan Kennedy emphasizes the importance of storytelling in copywriting, as it not only grabs attention but also builds an emotional connection.

He uses storytelling in his sales letters and speeches, sharing stories of his own failures to show that anyone can succeed with the right principles.

If you struggle with brand differentiation, storytelling can be the key to showcasing your unique journey and values.

Like Kennedy, you can harness the power of storytelling by sharing your own story through your content.

Write about a client whose life or business transformed after using your service, focusing on the before, after, and process.

Remember, stories aren't just fluff; they establish credibility and foster connection.

2. The problem-solution approach

Dan Kennedy advises leading with the problem you solve, rather than the product you sell.

In his marketing for copywriting courses, Kennedy addresses the problem of ineffective marketing and positions his course as the solution: "Stop wasting money on marketing that doesn’t work.”

On Linkedin, it's important to focus on solving a specific problem for your ideal customer, rather than showcasing your skills. Start by highlighting their problem, then introduce your service as the solution.

Sell the cure, not just the features. Be the solution to their burning problems and stand out from the crowd.

3. Write Fast. Edit Slow

Dan Kennedy's mantra is "Write fast. Edit slow." He believes that fast drafting allows for the flow of ideas and minimizes self-censorship.

Slower, deliberate editing refines these ideas into compelling copy.

Many founders and solopreneurs suffer from analysis paralysis, overthinking every sentence. Learning to separate writing and editing can boost productivity.

Time your writing sessions. Spend 30 minutes free-writing your LinkedIn post, then separate time for fine-tuning, perfecting your hook, and strengthening your call-to-action.

Speed doesn't kill; it thrills.

Writing fast and editing slow isn't just about beating the clock; it's about beating the competition.

4. Templates are a Guide. Not a Crutch.

Dan Kennedy advises to use templates as a loose guide for structuring their writing but warns against relying on them too heavily. Templates should provide structure without stifling creativity.

Relying solely on templates to streamline content can make your brand voice and messaging feel generic, diluting your unique value proposition.

While Kennedy has tried-and-true formats, he customizes each piece of content to target a specific product, service, or audience.

He never simply plugs information into a template but adapts to meet the unique needs and pain points of his audience.

Use templates as a foundation for your LinkedIn posts and infuse them with your own brand voice. Templates should be a framework, allowing your unique selling propositions and personality to shine.

Templates are a tool, not a strategy. They shape your message but should not define it. Embrace your brand's distinctiveness; it's your most valuable asset. Don't sacrifice it for convenience.

5. Swipe files is just a synonym for plagiarism

Dan Kennedy warns against using swipe files as a shortcut in copywriting. Copying someone else's work is unethical and ineffective.

Recently, a copywriter used a swipe file to create a LinkedIn post, only to be called out for plagiarism.

This incident raises ethical concerns about relying on swipe files to generate content.

Instead, invest time in understanding your audience's pain points and aspirations. Create original and compelling copy that directly speaks to them.

Dan Kennedy emphasizes the importance of understanding audience psychology and crafting tailored messages. He conducts research to create customized copy for each campaign, rather than recycling old material.

Don't be a copycat in a world that craves originality. Swipe files harm your brand and integrity. Put in the work for greater rewards.

Choose to create, not imitate.

TL/DR:

  1. Use storytelling to differentiate your brand

  2. Start with the problem and position yourself as the solution.

  3. Write fast to avoid analysis paralysis.

  4. Use frameworks as a starting point but add your voice to it.

  5. Don’t rely on swipe files to create content as it can be seen as plagiarism.

Thought of the day:

When you are ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:

  1. 7 Figure + Founders: Wanna become an industry thought leader, drive revenue and authority with LinkedIn Ghostwriting? Book a personal branding strategy call here to apply for Grow Solo’s November 1st intake.

  2. Want to discover the content system that helped me build a 43,000+ audience and become 6-figure Ghostwriter? Book a 1-on-1 Consulting Call with me here.

  3. Feature your business/product in my newsletter in front of 2700+ Soloer’s. Send me a DM on LinkedIn.

Peace,

Luke Shalom