John Forde is a direct-response copywriter and co-author of the book, Great Leads and the person behind the long-running newsletter called the Copywriter’s Roundtable. John shared his process for getting started with research and copy and the lessons he’s learned from his 23-year copywriting career.

Here’s how the episode goes:

John’s approach to research – how much do you really need to get started?

What does it mean for your copy to be invisible?

Do you need to invest in another copywriting formula?

How often do you need to check in with your writing process and method?

The difference between divergent and convergent thinking and how to use each in copywriting.

Why the warm-up is essential to writing your best copy.

The benefits of reverse engineering outlines in different copywriting assets.

How speed can benefit your copy and emulate positive energy.

John’s process for feeding his brain from morning to night.

How fiction books can help you develop a better sense of empathy.

The 6 leads John teaches in his book.

What makes a great lead?

Info product vs. a wise product – what makes one better than the other?

The discipline that comes with writing a weekly newsletter for over 20 years.

His view on the future of copywriting and the lifestyle of copywriters.

Hit that play button or check out the transcript below!

The people and stuff we mentioned on the show:

The Copywriter Think Tank

Kira’s website

Rob’s website

John's website

The Copywriter Club Facebook Group

The Copywriter Underground

Free month of Brain.FM

Full Transcript:

Rob Marsh:  If you've been listening to the Copywriter Club podcast for very long, you know that we love talking to copywriters, content creators, and marketers at all stages of business, from beginners to seasoned experts. Today's guest fits very comfortably in the latter group. John Forde is the co-author of the book Great Leads, along with Michael Masterson, and the man behind the long-running weekly email called The Copywriter's Roundtable. He's also the author of dozens, maybe even hundreds, of high performing sales promotions in the financial newsletter industry. John shared his process for getting started with research and copy, how divergent and convergent thinking helps him come up with new ideas, the lessons that he learned as a copywriter, especially as he was just starting out, along with a lot more. Stick around, because this interview is a good one.

Kira Hug:  But before we get to the interview, this podcast is sponsored by The Copywriter Think Tank. That is our mastermind for copywriters and other marketers who want to figure out the next thing in their businesses. That could be anything from creating a new product to launching a podcast or a video channel. Maybe it's creating a product company or building an agency. Maybe you just want to be the best copywriter in your niche. Maybe you just want to hang out with us in real life at one of the upcoming retreats that we're so excited about. Regardless, you can check out more information copywriterthinktank.com to find out more and to apply today.

Rob Marsh:  Okay. Let's kick our episode off with John. And as we do, just a quick note that John's neighbor decided to mow his lawn about halfway through the interview. It's not too bad, but we do apologize for any of the background noise that you might hear. Don't let that stop you from listening though, because this is a really good interview packed with lots of ideas you can implement in your business.

John Forde:  I guess, just like any story you ask a copywriter to tell, it can be long versions and short versions. So, I'll try to come somewhere in the middle. When I was in school, I was studying... What I wanted to study was English lit. I was talked out of that by my mother who has a deg...