I thought all little girls competed against their dads in writing persuasive copy.
It wasn’t until 6th grade that I learned this was odd.
My dad worked for Ford Tractor in their international marketing department.
He was a master copywriter.
I was a daddy’s girl who loved to spend time with him.
Soon after I learned to read and write at school, my dad taught me how to write persuasively.
We would both write letters to corporation executives asking for something to see who would get a response.
(This was pre-Internet so finding the right name and address at the library was the first challenge!)
We would both write letters to corporation executives asking for something to see who would get a response.
(This was pre-Internet so finding the right name and address at the library was the first challenge!)
Around 4th grade, I wrote to a VIP at my dog’s favorite food company, sharing how much Spottie loved their kibble – and how it kept her strong so she could play with me.
To my delight, Spottie received a big bag of free kibble a few weeks later.
Even after college, my dad stayed on top of my writing skills to see how far we could take them.
A shining moment was when I sent a direct mail letter to a totally cold list and generated a 34.6% response rate – people reaching out to me after reading my letter!
(For those unfamiliar with marketing stats, at that time, a 0.5% response rate for a piece of cold mail was considered good and 2% was fantastic. )
As email marketing picked up steam, my dad would play with me about what subject lines would cause people to open emails.
I’m not sure he totally understood what email was at that time, however, he was still a master with headlines.
Still, today, when I send an email newsletter, my open rate is often 60-80%.
My dad taught me well.
To my delight, Spottie received a big bag of free kibble a few weeks later.
Even after college, my dad stayed on top of my writing skills to see how far we could take them.
A shining moment was when I sent a direct mail letter to a totally cold list and generated a 34.6% response rate – people reaching out to me after reading my letter!
(For those unfamiliar with marketing stats, at that time, a 0.5% response rate for a piece of cold mail was considered good and 2% was fantastic. )
As email marketing picked up steam, my dad would play with me about what subject lines would cause people to open emails.
I’m not sure he totally understood what email was at that time, however, he was still a master with headlines.
Still, today, when I send an email newsletter, my open rate is often 60-80%.
My dad taught me well.
Today is the 11th anniversary of my dad’s death. It’s hitting me harder this year.
What I would give to do one more copywriting competition with him!!!
I miss you Dad.
What I would give to do one more copywriting competition with him!!!
I miss you Dad.
