| name | direct-response-copy |
| description | Write direct-response copy that converts: ads, landing pages, emails, sales pages. Pipeline: Context → Format Selection → Draft with DR techniques → Humanize → Review. Applies 13 proven techniques (headlines, curiosity gaps, slippery slide, pain quantification, founder stories, testimonials, CTAs). Anti-AI-detection built in. |
| context_required | ["brand/{slug}/brand-voice/brand-voice.current.md","brand/{slug}/go-to-market/positioning/*/*.current.md","brand/{slug}/go-to-market/ecps/ecps.current.md"] |
| context_writes | ["campaigns/","brand/{slug}/operational/learnings.md"] |
Direct Response Copy
Copy that makes people act. Not content marketing — direct response.
Read ./brand/ per _system/intelligence/brand-memory.md
Follow output formatting from _system/output/output-format.md
Core Principle
Every sentence exists for one reason: to make you read the next one.
That's the "slippery slide" — once someone starts, they can't stop.
What We Write
| Format | Length | Key Elements |
|---|
| Facebook/Instagram ads | 50-300 words | Hook → Pain → Solution → CTA |
| Google Ads | 30-90 chars | Keyword → Benefit → CTA |
| Landing pages | 500-2000 words | Hero → Problem → Solution → Proof → CTA |
| Sales emails | 200-500 words | Subject → Open → Story → Pivot → CTA |
| Sales pages | 1000-5000 words | Full sequence (see below) |
| VSL scripts | 1000-3000 words | Pattern interrupt → Story → Offer → Close |
Workflow
Phase 1: Context
- Load brand voice, positioning, ECPs
- If copy exists → Refresh Mode (iterate on what worked)
- Identify: format, audience, offer, desired action
Phase 2: Draft
Apply the 13 DR techniques in sequence. See references/techniques.md for detailed instructions on each:
- Headlines — 10+ variations, pick top 3
- Opening lines — Pattern interrupt or curiosity
- Curiosity gaps — Open loops that demand closure
- Slippery slide — Each sentence compels the next
- Pain quantification — Numbers make pain real ($X lost, Y hours wasted)
- The So What? Chain — Feature → Benefit → So What? → Real Impact
- Rhythm — Alternate short punchy with long flowing
- Founder story — If applicable, weave in origin story
- Testimonials — Integrate social proof naturally
- Disqualification — "This isn't for everyone" increases desire
- CTAs — Action-specific, urgent, clear
- Voice markers — Internet-native, not corporate
- Anti-AI tells — Remove patterns that scream "AI wrote this"
Phase 3: Humanize
- Read aloud test (would a real person say this?)
- Remove AI patterns (see
references/techniques.md — AI tells section)
- Apply brand voice profile
- Vary sentence structure
Phase 4: Review
- The Test: "Would I stop scrolling for this?" If no, rewrite.
- See
references/quality.md for review checklist
The Full Sequence (Long-form)
For sales pages and VSLs, use this structure:
- Pattern interrupt headline
- Identify the enemy
- Agitate the problem (with numbers)
- Tease the solution
- Credibility (why listen to us?)
- Benefits barrage (So What? Chain)
- Social proof
- The offer (stack value)
- Risk reversal (guarantee)
- Scarcity/urgency
- Final CTA
- P.S. (recap offer + urgency)
See references/workflow.md for detailed sequence instructions.
References
| File | Content |
|---|
references/techniques.md | 13 DR techniques with examples and instructions |
references/workflow.md | Brand memory integration, iteration detection, full sequence |
references/quality.md | Review checklist, example transformations |
Rules
- Specific > Generic — "$4,847 in 30 days" beats "make more money"
- One CTA per piece — Multiple asks = no action
- Proof required — Every claim needs evidence (data, testimonial, case study)
- Voice match — Sound like the brand, not a copywriting template
- Mobile-first — Short paragraphs, scannable, front-loaded