5 Unexpected Copywriting Books To Give You A Persuasive Edge

5 Unexpected Copywriting Books You Need to Read

In this video, Alex shares five non-copywriting books that will give you a massive edge when it comes to your writing. These books were not specifically written for copywriters or marketers but offer mind-blowing insights into human behavior and motivation.

Payoff, The Hidden Logic That Shapes Our Motivation by Dan Ariely

• Dan Ariely gives an invaluable guide to human motivation.

• Most of us are completely unaware of how motivation plays a role in our decision making.

• Payoff explores the true nature of motivation so that you can be more mindful of the choices you make and understand those of others.

• This knowledge will help you close the gap between your prospect and your call-to-action by speaking to these hidden motivational factors in your copy.

Scientific Advertising by Claude C. Hopkins

• Claude Hopkins was an advertising pioneer who revolutionized the industry in the early 1920s.

• His book "Scientific Advertising" has been recommended by advertising geniuses throughout the past century, including David Ogilvy.

• The book provides valuable insights into advertising techniques that still hold up today.

• It's a must-read for anyone interested in copywriting or marketing.

The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander

• This book offers a unique perspective on creativity and leadership through storytelling and personal anecdotes.

• It encourages readers to embrace possibility thinking, which is essential for effective communication and persuasion.

• The book provides practical tools and strategies for overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals.

• It's a great read for anyone looking to expand their creativity and leadership skills.

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

• This book explores the concept of the hero's journey, which is a common theme in mythology and storytelling.

• Understanding this concept can help you create more compelling stories that resonate with your audience.

• The book provides valuable insights into human psychology and the universal themes that connect us all.

• It's a must-read for anyone interested in storytelling or creating persuasive narratives.

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

• This book explores the two systems of thinking that drive our decision making: fast, intuitive thinking, and slow, deliberate thinking.

• Understanding these systems can help you craft more effective messages that appeal to both types of thinking.

• The book provides practical tools for improving your decision making and avoiding common cognitive biases.

• It's a great read for anyone looking to improve their critical thinking skills.

5 Must-Read Books for Copywriters

In this video, the speaker shares five books that every copywriter should read to improve their skills. The books cover a range of topics from basic psychological triggers to storytelling and non-conformity.

"Scientific Advertising" by Claude Hopkins

• Hopkins teaches how to tap into basic psychological triggers based on his years of dedicated study and experimentation as a salesman.

• Includes how to tell your story, apply specificity, write compelling headlines, and choose the right images to strengthen your ad.

• Originally published in 1923, but the wisdom is still powerfully relevant today.

• People's internal motivators have hardly changed since the beginning of time.

"The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell

• Gladwell presents case studies on human behavior and introduces what he refers to as The Tipping Point - that magical moment when an idea or trend crosses a threshold and spreads like wildfire.

• Applies to anything from fashion or music trends to market demands and crime rates.

• Three variables determine whether the tipping point will be achieved: The Law of the Few, the Stickiness Factor, and the Power of Context.

• Examples include Hush Puppies shoe brand near extinction in 1990s but then suddenly hit a tipping point when young hipsters started wearing them.

"The Code of the Extraordinary Mind" by Vishen Lakhiani

• Written by one of the top copywriters and marketers in personal development field - Vishen Lakhiani, founder of Mindvalley.

• Makes case that everything we know about world is mostly decided not by rational thought but instead by conditioning and habit.

• Most people live their lives based on limiting rules and outdated beliefs about pretty much everything - love, work, money, parenting, sex and even our health.

• Teaches how to question, challenge and hack the norm and create new rules to define success on your own terms.

"Nonsense, The Power of Not Knowing" by Jamie Holmes

• Looks at how humans make decisions when they are faced with uncertainty.

• Our need for certainty impacts how much risk we're willing to take in life - at work, on our own or in our personal relationships.

• Based on a survival mechanism and the higher your need for certainty, the less risk you're willing to take.

• Presents new insights from social psychology and cognitive science on how ambiguity actually plays a role in our lives and how we can use uncertainty to our advantage.

"The Boron Letters" by Gary Halbert

• Written by one of the greatest copywriters of all time - Gary Halbert.

• A series of letters written by Halbert to his son while he was in prison that cover topics such as marketing strategies, sales techniques, and copywriting tips.

• Provides practical advice that can be applied immediately to improve your copywriting skills.

• Includes examples of successful campaigns that Halbert worked on throughout his career.

5 Unexpected Books You Should Read Immediately to Improve Your Copywriting

In this video, Alex shares five books that can help copywriters gain a better understanding of their customers and improve their writing skills.

Books for Understanding Customers

• The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion: This book explores the moral foundations that shape people's beliefs and values.

• Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion: This book explains the principles of persuasion and how they can be used in marketing.

• Thinking, Fast and Slow: This book discusses the two systems of thinking that influence decision-making.

Books for Improving Writing Skills

• On Writing Well: This book provides practical advice on how to write clearly and concisely.

• Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die: This book explains why some ideas are more memorable than others and how to make your writing stick.

Conclusion

Alex encourages viewers to read these books to gain a better understanding of their customers' needs, improve their writing skills, and gain a competitive edge in copywriting. Viewers are also invited to share their favorite copywriting, marketing or psychology books in the comments section.