In studying Clayton Makepeace's work in the financial arena closely this past year, I'll say that I really find genuine value in his short fascination-based high energy headlines -- they're world-class, the best I've seen in the financial services sector, and I find them very powerful -- I'll model his approach for years, it's best in class. I'm only about 30% of the way there, comparing my controls against his, so -- he's well worth learning from.

Anyone else want to share insights on 'lessons learned' from Clayton's financial copywriting? He's the best in that market sector.. absolutely killer stuff. I'm an avid student.

Michel Fortin, John Carlton and Clayton Makepeace are the world's top 3 copywriters that I've learned from (in actual sales tests, generating millions in income); I've easily gotten a 20x ROI from working with, and buying/applying their concepts, to my businesses. Thanks very much to all 3 of you-- you gents set the bar for world class quality. I, and my family, thank you for the wealth your training has generated for us. Really. You guys kick serious ass. My life is so much better, thanks to all of you.

-k

I'm just struggling to learn, so no insights to post, wish I did.

But, I for one appreciate posts like this and all the folks that post here, gives me guidance on who are the best to learn from. My thanks as of right now..

I am very curious though, how do you track down a particular copywriters work? Not like they have a note on the copy saying "Copywritten by Clayton".

Ron,

Frequently top copywriters will mention to their newsletter lists if they have written a hit. Many of them will sell info products with their previous control pieces in it (Clayton Makepeace, Doug D'Anna, Carline Anglade-Cole, and John Carlton are four that come to mind as I type this).

Of course, many times people share leads on stuff on forums like this one.

Hope that helps,

Mike

Ken,

Clayton and Fortin are two of my favorites to study.

In terms of Clayton... I've learn a lot on ramping up the energy and power of my opening deck copy from him.

I remember the first time I read his piece with a headline referring to bold-faced liars (don't remember the exact headline), I had a mental image of Clayton lifting the reader out of his chair by lapels and talking to him nose to nose. It was a real fast attention getter for me.

I also started using more sidebars and callouts in my copy once I started studying Clayton.

And what I've learned from Michel Fortin... well, that's another thread for another time. Let's just say I've learned a lot from him too.

Take care,

Mike

Ron you can sign up to Claytons' "Total Package" for free. And gets stacks of incredibly useful copywriting/marketing techniques.

Also you can buy stuff from the site - including copies of Claytons best work.

The Total Package

I am not an affliate for this - but I do think you'll find it very impressive.

Steve

After split testing changing just the opening paragraph on a couple of sales letters and seeing astonishing increases in conversion...

I spent over 6 months studying just the opening paragraphs in copy.

One of my favorites is Clayton Makepeace's brilliant opener...
"While urging you to buy their shares..."
This Opening Line Sold Over $2 Million

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

Right - that's a classic, also hooks onto familiarization of brands, plus insiders, re the executives dumping headline.

Also fyi folks, Clayton's release his "Steal These Secrets Vol 2" swipe file, I bought it yesterday, it's stunning and must-have, like his first Volume.

Steal These Secrets: Volume 2 | The Total Package

in fact I was so excited I accidently double-ordered it... anyways, well worth getting.

-k

Yea I've got "Steal These Secrets" Volume 1 and 2.

And as you might expect they are stunningly good.

Even better - they can be "adapted" to any Promo you're writing.

And with Clayton and Team Makepeace helping you - well you can imagine the response you'll get.

Steve