Review of Advertising Secrets of the Written Word: An Invaluable Resource for Writing Ads That Sell

Advertising Secrets of the Written Word by Joseph Sugarman is an old-school classic. It’s really the ultimate resource on how to write powerful advertising copy. It's not just about writing catchy slogans or headlines; it's about understanding the whole structure of an ad and the psychology behind it. It’s quite an invaluable resource for writing ads that sell.

My Rating:

❤️❤️❤️❤️🤍

“An invaluable resource for writing ads that sell.”

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What the Book is About?

Advertising Secrets of the Written Word is a go-to guide for anyone looking to write direct-response ads. Although it's primarily written for print and mail-order ads, the lessons can easily be applied to digital copywriting, especially long-form landing pages and product descriptions.

Sugarman talks about everything from the visual aspects (headlines, logos, photos) to the words themselves (explaining your offer, how to ask, etc.) and, of course, the psychology (credibility, timing, emotions). He breaks down every part of the process so you know how to create ads that grab attention and convert.

What Works?

One of the best things about Advertising Secrets of the Written Word is that it’s an all-in-one guide. Sugarman doesn’t stop at teaching how to write compelling copy; he dives deep into the entire structure of an ad. From the importance of graphical elements like headlines and logos to the actual wording of your message, everything is covered in detail.

Another strength of the book is its focus on the psychology of advertising. Sugarman explains how to build trust, create urgency, and tap into emotions to make people want to buy. He uses plenty of real-life examples to illustrate his points, making the advice easy to apply. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced in the field, you’ll find plenty of useful takeaways.

What Falls Short

While Advertising Secrets of the Written Word is a goldmine of information, some of the content does feel a bit outdated for the digital world. While the core principles are still relevant today, you might find yourself needing to adjust and modernize some of the techniques to fit current trends.

Who Should Read It?

If you’re a beginner copywriter, this book is an essential starting point. It teaches everything you need to know about writing ads that convert. Even if you’re more experienced, it can serve as a great refresher or checklist to ensure your ads are hitting all the right notes. Entrepreneurs and marketers will also find it invaluable if they want to create better ads themselves.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a book that distils decades of copywriting expertise into actionable advice, Advertising Secrets of the Written Word is worth keeping on your shelf. It offers both beginners and seasoned professionals guidance for writing powerful, effective copy. Whether you’re working on print ads, digital campaigns or long-form sales copy, Sugarman’s wisdom will help you craft ads that truly sell.

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