*Ahem*

Now that I have your attention...

Welcome to the 38th issue of Write On!

The newsletter that can’t save you 15% or more on car insurance.

Estimated read time: 1 minute 56 seconds

Land Your First Client In 5 Steps

Freelance Writers:

  • Tired of getting paid per hour (or worse, per word?)

  • Still relying on inconsistent word-of-mouth referrals?

  • Ready to step off the freelancer hamster wheel?

Then you’re in luck! 

  • Craft an irresistible offer

  • Charge premium prices

  • Land your first $5,000 client

*Ahem* Now that I have your attention…

I was going through my inbox recently on my never-ending quest for inbox zero when this email subject line caught my eye:

I couldn’t help but open to see what the email was about.

It was Kate’s version of a “last chance” email for the course she was selling.

Brilliant way of standing out in a crowded inbox.

So, why did it work so well?

Why did it catch my attention over everything else?

Partly because she uses onomatopoeia.

Wtf is onomatopoeia, Joe?

Glad you asked!

Aside from being one hell of a spelling bee word…

Onomatopoeia is when a word sounds like it is written.

Here’re some other examples so you get the idea:

  • Hiss

  • Bang

  • Woof

  • Slurp

  • Splash

  • Thump

Why is onomatopoeia effective in copywriting?

Another great question. You ask a lot of great questions.

A few reasons:

  • It’s memorable. These words jump off the page.

  • It engages the senses and pulls your reader into the copy.

  • It sets the scene and creates a clear picture in your reader’s mind.

  • It’s relatable. These authentic, real-world sounds are familiar to us all.

When should I use onomatopoeia in my copywriting?

The short answer is: pick your spots

You don’t want to overdo it and start writing sentences like:

“I slurped down my milkshake, splashed some water on my face, and vroomed out the door.”

Too much onomatopoeia can actually make it feel gimmicky or inauthentic.

So try it in these 3 places instead:

  • Headlines and subject lines to stand out (like Kate did).

  • Narrative copy (when you’re setting the scene in a story).

  • Product descriptions (so readers can picture themselves using your product).

💡 Bottom line: Stand out and become more memorable by using onomatopoeia in your copywriting (but don’t overuse it).

Top Finds This Week:

📖 Storytelling: A quick story about Picasso that perfectly highlights why you shouldn’t undervalue the work you do for others: (link)

🧠 Psychology: The true goal of copywriting and what you want your reader to feel: (link)

🖼 Frameworks: 20 FREE hooks in 5 words or less: (link)

✍️ Write On: The brain is not built for logic. It’s built for stories: (link)

That’s all for this week. Thanks for reading.

See you next Wednesday!

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P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here’re two ways I can help you:

  1. Write On ad slots are back open! Get your business in front of 15,000+ other entrepreneurs: (👉Grab an ad slot)

  2. Keep your writing sharp all year round. Enjoy free lifetime access to my collection of Write On copywriting guides: (👉View all guides)

P.P.S. Meme for your thoughts?

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