Looking for inspiration?
Take a tip from professional copywriters: start building a swipe file.
Below is a transcript of the video.
Do you ever get stuck for inspiration? If so, take a tip from professional copywriters: start building a swipe file.
“So what’s a swipe file"?” I hear you ask. Let’s take a look!
A swipe file is simply a collection of examples of writing that you keep to hand for easy reference. It could be:
a list of attention-grabbing headlines
a sales letter that attracted lots of new business
examples of gorgeously written articles
a brilliantly structured brochure
blog posts that have gone viral or attracted lots of comments
Any type of document could be a candidate for your swipe file. And it could be something you’ve written yourself - or something you’ve spotted by another writer.
It could take the form of a box containing hard copies of stuff you like. Or a folder on your computer. Or an online application like Evernote.
Whatever form it takes, your swipe file is a place to save ideas you can dip into when you’re stuck for inspiration.
A swipe file isn’t about plagiarism or copying other people’s work word for word. It’s about not reinventing the wheel. It’s about learning from others’ successes.
And the publications you keep in your swipe file might not even be related to your subject matter - in fact, it’s even better if you can take an idea from one industry and apply it to a whole new field. That’s what creativity is all about!
Great writers are usually great readers. So get into the habit of seeking out and saving examples of good writing. And next time you’re stuck for inspiration, open up that swipe file and see where it leads.
For more writing advice, enrol in my online course, Writing With Confidence, available at the Doris and Bertie Writing School.
