So, what is a swipe file?
It’s a marketers secret weapon…
A swipe file is a collection of adverts, emails and sales letters saved to give you inspiration when you hit a creative block.
Swipe files are commonly used by copywriters and creative directors as a reference for fresh ideas and projects,
Although they are not the only ones…
All businesses can benefit from having a swipe file to give them inspiration for their marketing!
Fact…
Most of the worlds top marketers use swipe to inspire their marketing projects…
Swipe files are a great starting point for anyone who needs inspiration and fresh ideas for their copy, marketing materials, web site, social media posts etc.
If you receive a piece of mail or you see an ad and it resonates with you, save it for future reference and “file it away” in your swipe file.
You can do this by creating a folder on your computer, or use one of the many apps available, then any time you come across a social media post, a web site, an ad or graphic you like just take a screen shot of it or photograph it with your phone and file it away, so that the next time you are stuck for ideas just go to your swipe file for inspiration!
It’s very important to never copy word for word from your swipe file, thats just plagiarism, but instead use it for inspiration, to put your own spin on already great ideas…
Ask yourself, how can I adapt this to work in my business?
Be inspired don’t just copy…
- Any time you find yourself staring at a blank page or looking at something you have created and you think how can I make this better you can open your swipe file to get inspiration.
- Use it as a starting point for ideas – if you have to design web pages, flyers, social media posts, emails or any type of content you are creating for your business…
It’s a great way to get some impetus when you are struggling to start a new marketing piece.
TIP…
I’m on a lot of mailing lists, from all sorts of businesses, I make sure I am…
I want to receive their marketing material.
When I see good stuff either in an email, in the actual mail or in a magazine I put it into my swipe file.
This gives me inspiration and lots of ideas when I start a new marketing project.
You can, and should, do this too you could even get onto the email list of your competitors to see what they are doing – Just so that you can make sure you are doing something different, and better! (this helps you to differentiate your business from the others in your market so you aren’t compared on price alone)
If you sign up for someones webinar, email list or free course you will then go through their marketing funnel, keep all of their emails and correspondence and study them to see what it is about them that impresses you and then use that as inspiration for your own marketing copy…
Work out what attracted you to it in the first place… was it the image the headline the call to action or the layout?
Remember don’t try to re invent the wheel… take what works and transform that into your own words and writing style.
I can’t recommend highly enough that you start right now, if you aren’t already doing so, and create your own swipe file of emails, ads, sales letters and stuff you get in the post that you think that would be a great idea to try, then…
Use your swipe file to spark your creativity, and to inspire you.
I hope that’s encouraged you to start your own swipe file,
If you have any questions or would like to chat about how I can help you start or grow your photography business please just drop me an email to info@robertmclaughlin.co.uk or fill in the form on this page and I’ll get back to you ASAP.
Thanks for reading,
Robert.