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Can Your Copy Pass the “Pre-Flop” Test?

28th July 2016 by Rob Leave a Comment

copywriting testTime for a copywriting challenge …

Objective:

Write 250 words of landing page copy, persuading users to subscribe to a new online poker website.

Target customer:

Existing online poker players, currently playing on established websites. We want to convince them to play here, instead.

Website details:

Name: Cavern Poker

URL: www.cavernpoker.com [Not a real website]

About Cavern Poker:
Make this up on the basis that Cavern Poker is the PERFECT poker site – all problems that online poker players currently suffer, are non-existent here.

Testimonials: Make them up.

Subscription process: Make this up, too.

Subscription cost: Free

KPIs:

Score 30/30 from the Content Cavern judging panel of poker players, professional card dealers, Casino managers, and copywriters.

Scoring Criteria:

  • Authentic voice (10)
  • Exciting and realistic benefits (10)
  • Persuasive message (10)

WARNING – This is an Easy Copywriting Challenge to Mess Up

Poker players are amongst the best in the world at sniffing out pretenders. It’s part of the game.

Get the language wrong and Cavern Poker ends up in the stocks – pelted with bad reviews. Starved of subscriptions.

As a helping hand, use the following methods to see precisely how your reader talks to other players, what’s on his mind, and what he’d love to see in a new poker site:

Scour this poker subreddit

Scour this other poker subreddit

Watch this poker documentary (and look for reviews online)

Scour the comments section of poker book reviews like this one

Keep an eye on poker hashtags like #WSOP

Play in one of these poker tournaments and engage with the live chat

Scour the comments in YouTube poker videos like this

Read these poker site reviews (but, mainly, scour the comments below)

Do whatever it takes to get inside the mind of your reader.

Or take the method-acting approach to copywriting for the most authentic route into pure empathy.

Why is this called the “pre-flop” copywriting test?

Because “pre-flop” is a term used in Texas Hold ‘Em poker. It refers to the stage of the game when players have two holding cards in their hand, awaiting three communal cards (“the flop”) to be dealt onto the table.

You don’t exactly have all the cards upon accepting this challenge.

How do I actually enter?

Join the Content Cavern if you haven’t already. Then write your 250 words in an email and send it to us.

Paul and I will get back to you (via email) with your scores from the judges.

Is there a prize?

The greatest prize of all (for any copywriter that’s worth their salt) – validation. That means you get to find out, for real, if you are actually any good, and in no way blagging your career as a copywriter.

Is there a closing date?

No.

This challenge is here for whenever you need it. Some of my best friends grew up playing backroom poker and now run casino floors in the North West. We’re always gonna be able to judge your work at any time.

But get your copy into us before Halloween in 2016 and we will include your work in our roundup post on the blog (if it’s good enough … and you’re cool with that).

— This copywriting test was originally designed as part of our empathy ebook, which includes further guidance on get inside the mind of any reader. Click the link to get your free copy. —

Filed Under: Challenge, Copywriter Tagged With: copywriting, Test

About Rob

Rob is the VP of Earned Media for a UK marketing agency. He launched the Content Cavern with his dad, Paul, in 2015. Sometimes he has a beard. But only sometimes.

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