| name | copywriting |
| description | Write compelling copy using proven frameworks. Use when: (1) Creating headlines, ads, or CTAs, (2) Writing sales pages or emails, (3) Positioning products, (4) Validating copy quality. |
Copywriting
Write high-converting copy using proven marketing frameworks.
Quick Start
| Content Type | Formula | Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Short ad, cold audience | PAS | Problem → Agitate → Solution |
| Long sales page | AIDA | Attention → Interest → Desire → Action |
| Social media post | BAB | Before → After → Bridge |
| Product description | FAB | Features → Advantages → Benefits |
| B2B/LinkedIn | SCQA | Situation → Complication → Question → Answer |
| Brand positioning | StoryBrand | Hero → Problem → Guide → Plan → CTA → Stakes → Success |
Workflow
What are you creating?
| Goal | Go to |
|---|---|
| Headlines or short-form copy | Headline Workflow |
| Sales pages, emails, long-form | Long-Form Workflow |
| Brand messaging or positioning | Positioning Workflow |
| Check existing copy quality | Validation Workflow |
Headline Workflow
Step 1: Assess Audience Awareness
Determine where the audience is on Schwartz's 5 Stages:
| Stage | They know... | Headline approach |
|---|---|---|
| Unaware | Nothing about the problem | Lead with emotion/identity |
| Problem-Aware | The pain, not solutions | Agitate the problem |
| Solution-Aware | Solutions exist, not yours | Differentiate your approach |
| Product-Aware | Your product, need convincing | Features, benefits, comparisons |
| Most Aware | Ready to buy | Price, offer, urgency |
For detailed strategies, read references/awareness.md.
Step 2: Select Formula
| Awareness Level | Best Formula |
|---|---|
| Unaware | Story-led, soft PAS |
| Problem-Aware | PAS, BAB |
| Solution-Aware | FAB, 4Ps |
| Product-Aware | AIDA, FAB with comparisons |
| Most Aware | Direct CTA, offer-focused |
Step 3: Apply Three Rules Validation
Before finalizing, every headline must pass:
| Rule | Test | Fail → Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Visualize | Can you see it? | "Transform workflow" → "From couch to 5K" |
| Falsify | Is it provable? | "High quality" → "Handstitched in Vermont since 1923" |
| Unique | Could a competitor say it? | "The better solution" → "1000 songs in your pocket" |
Step 4: Score with 4U's
Rate 1-4 for each. Target: 3.5+ average.
| U | Question |
|---|---|
| Useful | Does it show clear benefit? |
| Urgent | Is there time pressure? |
| Unique | Does it stand out? |
| Ultra-specific | Are there concrete details? |
Step 5: Validate
npx tsx scripts/validate-copy.ts "Your headline here"
Long-Form Workflow
Step 1: Assess Audience Awareness
Same as Headline Workflow Step 1. Key insight: Copy length increases as awareness decreases.
- Most Aware → Short, direct offer
- Unaware → Long-form education required
Step 2: Select Framework
| Scenario | Framework |
|---|---|
| Standard sales page | AIDA |
| Webinar/infomercial style | 4Ps (Promise → Picture → Proof → Push) |
| Email sequence | AIDA spread across emails |
| Problem-heavy audience | PAS expanded |
Step 3: Apply AIDA Structure
| Stage | Goal | Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| Attention | Stop the scroll | Bold headlines, questions, shocking stats |
| Interest | Build curiosity | Benefits, stories, "what's in it for me" |
| Desire | Create want | Social proof, transformation, FOMO |
| Action | Drive conversion | Clear CTA, urgency, risk reversal |
For full formula details, read references/formulas.md.
Step 4: Layer in Persuasion
Apply Cialdini's principles where appropriate:
| Principle | Copy Element |
|---|---|
| Reciprocity | Lead magnets, free value |
| Social Proof | "Join 50,000+ users", testimonials |
| Authority | "Featured in Forbes", credentials |
| Scarcity | "Only 3 left", countdown timers |
| Unity | "For developers, by developers" |
For full list, read references/persuasion.md.
Step 5: Validate
Run copy review checklist:
- One Mississippi test (understood in <2 seconds?)
- Every line visualizable?
- Every claim falsifiable?
- Competitor couldn't sign it?
- No paragraph >2 lines?
- No red flag words?
npx tsx scripts/validate-copy.ts "Your copy here"
Positioning Workflow
Step 1: Fill Positioning Canvas
FOR: [Target customer]
WHO: [Has this problem/need]
WE ARE: [Category/frame]
THAT: [Key benefit/difference]
UNLIKE: [Competitor/old way]
WE: [Proof point/unique capability]
Step 2: Apply StoryBrand SB7
Position customer as hero, brand as guide:
| Element | Role | Question |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Character | Hero (customer) | What do they want? |
| 2. Problem | External, Internal, Philosophical | What's blocking them? |
| 3. Guide | Your brand | Why can you help? |
| 4. Plan | 3-step process | How do they succeed? |
| 5. Call to Action | Direct + Transitional | What should they do? |
| 6. Failure | Stakes | What if they don't act? |
| 7. Success | Transformation | What does winning look like? |
Core principle: "If you confuse, you lose."
Step 3: Generate One-Liner
Formula: [Problem] + [Solution] + [Result]
Example:
"Most businesses struggle to explain what they do. We help you clarify your message. So customers actually listen."
Step 4: Apply Three Rules
Same as Headline Workflow Step 3. Every positioning statement must:
- Visualize (concrete, not abstract)
- Falsify (provable, not adjective soup)
- Be Unique (competitor couldn't say it)
Step 5: Run Tests
- T-shirt test: Would you print this on a shirt?
- One Mississippi: Understood in under 2 seconds?
- Competitor test: Could they sign this ad?
For detailed frameworks, read references/positioning.md.
Validation Workflow
Quick Validation
npx tsx scripts/validate-copy.ts "Your copy here"
Red Flag Words (Automatic rewrite)
| Red Flag | Problem |
|---|---|
| "Innovative solution" | Abstract, unfalsifiable |
| "Best in class" | Generic, competitor could say it |
| "Seamless experience" | Can't visualize |
| "Transform your..." | Abstract verb |
| "Cutting-edge" | Meaningless buzzword |
| Multiple adjectives | Hiding weak nouns |
| "And" 3+ times | Scope creep |
Full Checklist
For comprehensive validation, read references/validation.md.
Core Formulas Reference
PAS (Problem → Agitate → Solution)
The go-to for short-form copy.
| Stage | Goal | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Problem | Name the pain | "Spending hours on copy that doesn't convert?" |
| Agitate | Amplify emotion | "Every failed campaign costs leads and credibility." |
| Solution | Present cure | "Our AI writes high-converting copy in seconds." |
AIDA (Attention → Interest → Desire → Action)
The foundation for long-form sales.
| Stage | Goal |
|---|---|
| Attention | Stop the scroll with bold hook |
| Interest | Build curiosity with benefits |
| Desire | Create want with proof and emotion |
| Action | Clear CTA with urgency |
BAB (Before → After → Bridge)
Best for transformation stories.
| Stage | Goal |
|---|---|
| Before | Paint the problem world |
| After | Show transformed outcome |
| Bridge | Your solution connects them |
For all 7 formulas with full examples, read references/formulas.md.
Output Format
Always return copy with explanation:
**Copy:**
[The generated copy]
**Framework:** [Name]
[1-2 sentences: why this framework fits the use case]
**Validation:**
- Score: [X/4]
- [Any red flags or recommendations]
References
| File | When to read |
|---|---|
references/formulas.md |
Need full formula details or examples |
references/awareness.md |
Assessing audience awareness level |
references/persuasion.md |
Layering in psychological triggers |
references/positioning.md |
Brand messaging, StoryBrand, Three Rules |
references/validation.md |
Full quality checklist, 4U's scoring |