Imagine that you’re scrolling through social media, tons of stuff flying by. Then, BAM! A headline catches your eye, the words clear and strong, pulling you in like magic.
That’s the power of great writing!
If you’re new and want to learn how to write words that grab people, get ready! Kaydot is on a mission to find the BEST copywriting books for beginners out there.
These aren’t boring old textbooks, these are awesome guides packed with tricks to turn your writing from blah to brilliant.
Here’s the coolest part: You don’t need any experience to get started! So forget feeling scared, let’s find these hidden gems that will teach you to write words so powerful, that they practically make money for you.
Let’s jump in and learn these writing secrets together!
List of 7 Best Copywriting Books for Beginners in 2024
Ever wish your words could grab people’s attention? Copywriting can do just that! It’s a skill that lets you write things that sell products, get clicks, or tell people more about your ideas.
Sound cool? Whether you’re freelancing, running a website, or itching to start your own copywriting business, this skill can unlock a ton of opportunities.
This blog post is your guide to the BEST copywriting books for beginners. Inside, you’ll find awesome tips and tricks from experts who are masters at writing words that convince people.
- How to Sell Lemonade (and Other Things!) by Stephanie Yue
- The Magic Words That Sell by Claude Hopkins
- Hey Whipple, Squeeze This! by Luke Sullivan
- Hey Whipple, Squeeze This! by Luke Sullivan
- Everybody Writes by Ann Handley:
- Words that Sell by Ewald Rotfeld:
- Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
7 Best Copywriting Books for Beginners to Launch Your Success
If you want to get really good at something, learning from the best is the way to go. That’s why I’ve picked out some top copywriting books that are perfect for beginners like you.
These books give you a great mix of basic knowledge and useful tips to get you started on your copywriting journey:
First up on our treasure hunt: Hey Whipple, Squeeze This! by Luke Sullivan. This super popular book in the ad world is like a cheat sheet for creating unforgettable ads. Here’s the good, the bad, and the squeeze-worthy:
Pros:
- Action Packed: Sullivan, an ad wiz with tons of experience, spills the beans on crafting killer ads. He shares tips for brainstorming ideas, weaving stories, and navigating the ever-changing ad world.
- Fun & Engaging: Get ready for some laughs! Sullivan’s writing style is entertaining, filled with jokes and real-life examples to keep you hooked.
- Future-Proof: This book isn’t stuck in the past. It gets regular updates to stay relevant in today’s digital ad world, covering how to use new tech and social media for stand-out ads.
- Beyond Creativity: Thinking outside the box is great, but this book goes further. It dives into storytelling for brands, building winning ad campaigns, and succeeding in a competitive industry.
Cons:
- Not for Everyone: While most people love it, some find the book a bit critical, especially when it analyzes famous ads.
- Price Tag: The book can be a bit pricey, which might be a turn-off for some, considering it’s just words on a page.
Overall: “Hey Whipple, Squeeze This!” is a treasure trove of practical advice for anyone who wants to write ads that stick. It’s fun, informative, and packed with tips from a pro.
Just be prepared for a little tough love and a price tag that might make you wince.
Everybody Writes by Ann Hadley (2014, $16.99)
Want to write online content that gets noticed? “Everybody Writes” by Ann Hadley (2014, $16.99) can help! This book is your secret weapon for creating content that shines, especially if you’re using it for marketing.
Why you’ll love it:
- Content Marketing Made Easy: Learn how to write things people actually want to read, and boost your marketing goals in the process. It’s all about using your words to win online!
- Action Steps Galore: Just like “Hey Whipple, Squeeze This!”, this book is packed with tips you can use right away. Hadley walks you through everything from coming up with ideas to writing clearly and getting your content seen by the right people.
- Crystal Clear Writing: Forget confusing jargon! Hadley uses plain English, making this book perfect for anyone, even beginners.
- Classic & Fresh: This book covers the writing basics you need to know, but also explores the latest trends in content marketing. Beginners and experienced writers alike will find something valuable here.
Things to keep in mind:
- Marketing Focus: If you’re more interested in creative writing or fiction, this book might be a bit too focused on marketing for your needs.
- Not Brand New: Published in 2014, some information might be a little outdated. If you want the absolute latest scoop, consider using this book with some more recent resources.
Overall: “Everybody Writes” is a goldmine of practical tips for anyone who wants to write online content that grabs attention and gets results.
It’s clear, easy to follow, and packed with insights from a pro. Just remember the marketing focus and the potential need for some newer resources if you crave the cutting-edge trends.
Words that Sell by Ewald Rotfeld (2000, $19.99)
It might be an older book on writing persuasive ads, but it still has some good stuff for people who want to learn about making ads that grab attention. Let’s take a look at what’s good and not-so-good about it:
Pros:
Easy to understand: This book focuses on the basic things you need to know about writing ads that convince people to buy stuff. Even though it’s from a while ago, the tips it gives are still important today.
Gives you steps to follow: Rotfeld breaks down the process of writing ads into easy steps. He shows you how to make headlines that get noticed, ask for action, and write persuasively to your target audience.
Timeless advice: Even though the book doesn’t talk about the newest online marketing tricks, the main ideas it talks about are always important when you’re trying to persuade people to buy something.
Cons:
Old examples: Because the book was written a long time ago, some of the examples it uses might seem old-fashioned. It doesn’t talk about newer things like social media or the latest tech.
Not enough about digital marketing: The book mostly talks about writing ads for newspapers and mail. If you’re more interested in writing for websites or social media, you might not find all the answers you’re looking for here.
The Boron Letters by Gary Halbert (1995, $24.99)
It is like getting personal letters from a master marketer, filled with priceless advice on how to succeed in business and life. If you’re eager to learn from the best and get insider tips on marketing and entrepreneurship, this book is a gem!
What’s really special about this book is its personal touch. Halbert wrote these letters to his son while he was in prison, and they’re packed with wisdom and practical advice. Each letter feels like a conversation with a mentor who genuinely wants to help you succeed.
Halbert’s writing style is engaging and easy to follow. He shares his experiences and insights in a way that’s both relatable and actionable, so you’ll feel inspired to take action on his advice.
It covers a wide range of topics, from copywriting and marketing to mindset and personal development. It’s like getting a comprehensive education in business and life from one of the greatest marketers of all time.
Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath (2007, $16.99)
It is like a guidebook for making your ideas really stick in people’s minds – so they remember them and care about them. The Heath brothers, Chip and Dan, share six important things that help ideas stick – things that really get people’s attention and stay with them.
Strengths:
Easy steps: The book breaks down these six things (they call them SUCCES: Simplicity, Unexpectedness, Concreteness, Credibility, Emotion, Story) into simple steps that anyone can follow. Fun to read: It’s not a boring book – there are lots of cool stories and examples that make it fun to read. Useful for everyone:
These tips can help kids, teachers, parents, or anyone who wants to get their ideas across better.
Weaknesses:
Simple might not always work: Sometimes, ideas are too complicated to explain in a simple way, but the book doesn’t talk much about that.
Not super deep: While the book gives you practical tips, it doesn’t go into a lot of detail about why these ideas work.
Ogilvy on Advertising by David Ogilvy (1983, $12.99)
It is a classic in the world of advertising, offering timeless wisdom and insights from one of the industry’s most legendary figures. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in the art and science of advertising:
Pros:
Expert guidance: David Ogilvy shares his decades of experience and expertise in advertising, providing invaluable advice on how to create effective campaigns that capture attention and drive results.
Practical principles: Ogilvy’s approach is grounded in practicality, focusing on fundamental principles that have proven successful time and time again.
From crafting compelling headlines to understanding consumer psychology, his insights are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published.
Inspiring examples: Throughout the book, Ogilvy shares real-world examples of successful advertising campaigns, illustrating his principles in action and offering inspiration for readers looking to elevate their own work. Cons:
It was published in 1983, some of the references and examples may feel outdated to modern readers, particularly in terms of technology and cultural context.
Limited coverage: While Ogilvy’s advice is invaluable, the book focuses primarily on traditional advertising methods, such as print and television. Readers looking for guidance on digital advertising may find the coverage lacking.
Breakthrough Advertising by Eugene Schwartz (1966, $35.59)
What makes your product special? What sets it apart?
How will your product make the customer’s life better? What will they gain?
How does your product deliver the benefit? What makes it work?
What are you offering the customer? A free trial, discount, or something else?
How can you make the customer feel safe? What promise can you make?
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The core ideas of USP and customer benefit are still important today.
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The media landscape has changed a lot since the book was written.
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Some readers might find the writing style hard to follow.
Free Copywriting Books (PDF) for Beginners
Finding free books on copywriting for beginners in PDF format can be a bit tricky. Most authors and publishers like to sell their books instead of giving them away for free. However, there are some places online where you can find helpful resources without having to pay. Here are a few options:
- Copyblogger’s Copywriting e-books
- HubSpot’s Content Marketing Certification materials
- The Adweek Copywriting Handbook by Joseph Sugarman
- Public domain resources available on Project Gutenberg
- Blogs and articles from websites like Copyblogger, Neil Patel’s blog, and Moz’s blog
Copyblogger’s Copywriting e-books
Copyblogger is a website that talks a lot about writing and marketing. They have some free e-books about copywriting. These books teach you things like how to write catchy headlines and how to make your writing interesting. You can find them by searching online for “Copyblogger free copywriting e-books.”
HubSpot’s Content Marketing Certification
HubSpot is another website that teaches about marketing. They have a course called Content Marketing Certification that teaches you how to write good marketing stuff. Sometimes they give away parts of this course for free, like e-books and guides.
The Adweek Copywriting Handbook by Joseph Sugarman (PDF)
Sometimes you can find PDFs of books for free online. You might be able to find “The Adweek Copywriting Handbook” this way. Just be careful because downloading books for free might not be legal.
Public domain resources
Some old books that are not under copyright anymore might be available for free online. Websites like Project Gutenberg have lots of old books that you can download legally for free. These books might not talk about the newest stuff, but they can still teach you some important things about writing.
Blogs and articles
Many websites have blogs and articles that talk about copywriting and marketing. Some good websites to check out are Copyblogger, Neil Patel’s blog, and Moz’s blog. These websites have lots of helpful information for beginners.
FAQs About Copywriting Books for Beginners
Here are some of the most common questions beginners have about copywriting books:
1. What kind of things do I learn in these books?
These books will teach you the basics of copywriting, like how to write catchy headlines, persuasive descriptions, and clear calls to action. They may also include fun activities and exercises to help you practice your skills.
2. Do I need any experience to read these books?
Most beginner copywriting books are designed for people with no prior experience. They’ll start with the basics and gradually introduce more complex concepts.
3. Where can I find free copywriting books?
Many libraries offer free ebooks or let you borrow physical copies of copywriting books. You can also search online for reputable websites that offer free ebooks on copywriting. However, remember to be cautious about downloading copyrighted material from unauthorized sources.
4. What are some good examples of copywriting books for beginners?
The list provided in the “7 Best Copywriting Books for Beginners” section offers a great starting point. Each book brings a unique perspective and approach to learning copywriting.
5. Should I stick to free resources or invest in paid books?
Free resources are a fantastic way to explore the world of copywriting, but well-written books offer a structured learning experience, in-depth explanations, and sometimes even bonus content or activities.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your learning style and budget.
Summing Up
Unlocking the power of words is within your grasp! By diving into the best copywriting books for beginners, combined with free resources and practice exercises, you’ll be well on your way to crafting compelling copy that drives results.
So, consistent learning and practice are key to mastering this valuable skill. So, start exploring these resources, unleash your creativity, and get ready to transform your words into a powerful tool for success!
