Online writing jobs require legit skills.
You can’t just open a document and write anything that comes to mind.
Effective copywriting comes from understanding your target audience—and using the right words to turn them into paying customers.
If you find it difficult to write compelling copy, there are plenty of copywriting formulas you can refer to.
However, the best one will depend on your goal and your writing style.
Here’s a list of the most useful copywriting formulas to get you started.
Copywriting Formula #1: AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action)
AIDA is one of the oldest copywriting formulas.
As the acronym suggests, you first need to capture the reader’s attention with the very first line of your copy.
To do this, you can either address your readers directly or use a witty one-liner.
Then, you must maintain the reader’s interest by introducing either a product or service that can potentially solve their problem or give them the results they want.
The next part is the hardest: making your reader desire your company’s product or service. This is done by offering more helpful information and hitting your target customer’s key pain points.
Lastly, don’t forget to add a CTA or a call to action, which prompts readers to perform a specific action afterward.
Do you want them to subscribe to a mailing list, for example? Or do you want them to buy your product?
Words like, “Shop now,” “Buy now,”, or “Enroll now” are all good examples of a CTA.
Copywriting Formula #2: PAS (Problem, Agitate, Solution)
Another old-school copywriting formula is PAS.
Here, you start by introducing a problem that your readers probably don’t realize they have.
Then agitate the issue. What can potentially happen to the reader if they do nothing and these problems persist?
Finally, you present your company’s product or service as the solution.
Copywriting Formula #3: BAB (Before-After-Bridge)
If the PAS copywriting formula agitates an issue, BAB is the opposite since it makes the reader visualize the benefits.
In BAB, you start with a scenario before the reader discovers an apparent solution.
Then you pivot to a much better situation after their problem is resolved. What does that world look like for your customers? Make sure you paint the best possible outcome.
The answer, of course, lies in the form of your company’s products/services, which will serve as a bridge for your customers to arrive at their “ideal” scenario.
Copywriting Formula #4: 4Cs (Clear, Concise, Credible, Compelling)
As this copywriting formula suggests, your copy should be clear, concise, credible, and compelling.
Let’s discuss them one by one.
For a clear copy, write short and easily digestible sentences. Readers should be able to understand your points in one go.
Being concise means conveying your message in the fewest words possible. Don’t bombard your readers with huge blocks of text—they don’t have time for that.
Of course, your copy must be compelling. Why should your readers read your content? Why would it interest them? What will they get out of it?
Lastly, make sure your copy is credible. Your sources should be reliable and accurate.
Also, be wary of using AI because while these tools speed up the writing process, it can produce inaccurate or even non-existent sources.
Using such copy can be detrimental to your and your company’s credibility.
Copywriting Formula #5: The Five Basic Objections
Most of the time, customers will reject products and services because of the following:
- They don’t have time.
- They don’t have money.
- They don’t believe you.
- The product/service won’t work for them.
- They don’t need it.
So, counter each opposition with a solution. You’ve done a great job if you can solve at least one problem.
Also, this copywriting formula sometimes manifests in outrageous headlines like, “Here’s how to spend your next 10 minutes…”
Proven and Tested
These copywriting formulas have been around for long enough for a good reason.
So, the next time you’re stuck with a particularly challenging copy assignment and don’t know how to get started, try one of these formulas.
Ready to put your copywriting skills to the test?
Head on to Remote Staff’s job listings and check out roles that let you work online. These are always updated, so you’re sure to find a position that suits you.
Remote Staff has also been around for 16 years (and counting)! The company also vets its clients, so it only offers legit writing jobs.
Want to get started on your remote writing career? Register with us today!
