COPYWRITING CHALLENGE
Corrin Woollcott - Copy challenge
1. Write a text message that reminds customers to renew their car insurance. But write it from a meerkat. In no more than 250 characters.
Hi Aleksandr here! Your car insurance for vehicle [reg plate] is due to renew on the 10th February 2021. Compare the Market has carried out a price check on your behalf, an email with the best quotes is on it’s way to you now. Simples.
2. There are plenty of reasons why The Open University is a better option than heading to a traditional uni, especially right now. Write an email to convince prospective students. Including a killer subject line.
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Subject: In a year from now, who will you be?
We get it, times are tough, but tell us a better time than now to learn something new… We’ll wait.
Since in the introduction of working from home, the average person has saved 395 minutes of commuting time each week. That’s 41% of the time needed for a part time course at The Open University.
The excuses are over!
Join over 2 million students at The Open University who have already embarked on their mission to set their ambition free. Whether it’s Chemistry or Criminology, Environment or Education there are more than 400 modules ready and waiting to be explored by you.
Make where you work, work for you.
Whilst remote working is relatively new for some, we’ve pioneered distance learning for over 50 years. No matter who you are or where you may be, we have courses that fit around your life and expert tutors to support you every step of the way. We can even help you plan your qualifications and modules.
Teacher? Lawyer? Designer? In a year from now, who will you be? Let The Open University set your ambition free.
“I've graduated with a First Class degree after 5 years of hard work and dedication, and I'm now in the job I've dreamed of for years. If you're thinking about the OU, go for it!” - Jessica History (Q01) BA (Hons)
3. With your social hat on, how would you reply to the following?
- A Tweet from an angry Toolstation customer we’ve emailed to tell them they won’t be getting the new power drill they ordered as it’s been discontinued
Hi [name] - Corrin here. We’re sorry to hear about the issues you’ve experienced and understand the inconvenience. We have the Makita LXT 18V Combi Drill available which is similar in price and spec to your original purchase. Please send us a DM and I can assist you further on getting you exactly what you need.
- A Facebook comment on a Citroën image we posted, pointing out we’d used a left hand drive car by mistake
"je suis désolé - We are french after all ;) right hand drive available, of course”
4. Tesco Clubcard was Britain’s first ever loyalty scheme. The problem is, the actual card is still so popular that it can be difficult to get members to download and use the app instead. Write an email to convince people to make the switch. Again, with a compelling subject line.
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Subject line: We owe you an apology.
Dear valued Clubcard member,
We have some apologising to do.
In 1995 Tesco Clubcard became the first ever loyalty scheme in Britain. Since then hundreds of other organisations took huge inspiration from our ingenuity and created their very own version of the Clubcard. Whilst imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, we acknowledge this is the reason your purses and wallets are now fat and full, with poppers barely popping and zippers barely zipping.
So, we would like to take responsibility and apologise to you. However, we of course have a solution.
The Tesco Clubcard app allows you to get all the same benefits straight from something else that always sits in your pocket - your phone! You can collect points by scanning straight from your phone at checkout and easily keep track of your points on the go. There’s no need to keep printed vouchers in the coin compartment of your car, you can scan them at checkout directly from the app and even triple their value when you spend with our Reward Partners.
We’ve got so many great ways to make your shopping more rewarding. Simply search “Tesco Clubcard” and download on the Apple App Store or get it on Google Play and receive 20 points on us. After all, every little helps.
5. Pick a small(ish) charity you feel passionately about – whether it’s one you already support or you just think their advertising could work a lot harder. Write a long copy poster for them, thinking about the audience, what you want them to do and where the poster should be put up.
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Action on Addiction. Poster across London TFL. Headline: “Draw the line.”
The family of an addict is one of compassion and love,
But exhaustion and helplessness soon rise above,
A figure who gives and another who takes,
Hearts that ache over many mistakes,
Love, energy, hope, courage,
Money, tears, emotional damage,
It’s the first thing you think of as soon as you rise
The damage it does you seldom realise,
Somewhere soon there must come a time,
Where you must sit and draw the line,
Not one that is white and fuel for deceit,
But one that gives you the power to defeat,
For you are strong and worthy of life,
Please just sit and hear this advice,
For the family of an addict is one that never leaves,
They’ll stand together as a family bereaved,
Somewhere soon there will come a time,
Where you will sit and draw the line.
London, start your journey of recovery today with Action on Addiction.