The 5 Best Copywriting Formulas That Outperform AIDA (every time)
Whenever you talk about copywriting, every guru and web designer raves about AIDA —Attention, Interest, Desire, Action…
This leaves you wondering if there is a better way. After all, if everyone is using the same formula, all copy must sound the same. So how do you stand out?
The good news? There are copywriting formulas that can outperform AIDA. They’re not just effective. They’re also easy to use.
Imagine having a toolkit of proven techniques at your fingertips. Sound good?
Let’s dive into the top five copywriting formulas that’ll have you writing compelling copy in no time.
Ready?
D.I.C. (Disrupt - Intrigue - Click)
Disruption, Intrigue, Click.
Sounds straightforward, right?
It’s a formula that grabs attention, makes people curious, and prompts action. Think of it like a plot twist in a movie that hooks you in.
Best used when you need to cut through the noise. Perfect for grabbing your reader by the collar and making them pay attention, like in a social media ad.
The disruption part is what makes people stop scrolling. It needs to stand out.
This can be the hook (1ste line / subject line), but in an ad, it can also be the image.
The intrigue part is what really does the trick.
People hate not knowing an answer, so you tease them. You want to make it hard for them to just continue scrolling again.
That is where the Click part comes in. This is where you guide them towards the answer.
Example:
It’s not the service or a poor quality product.
They lack 1 certain aspect that keeps people coming back…
1 aspect that is so easy to change, but they just don’t see it.
Until it’s too late…
Click the button and find out, before it’s too late for your business.
Disruption
Intrigue
Click
P.A.S. (Problem - Agitate - Solution)
Problem, Agitation, Solution. This one’s a classic.
It’s all about diving into your reader’s pain points, stirring things up, then swooping in with the fix.
Best used for highlighting a specific issue your audience faces. Perfect for making your solution feel like a lifesaver.
Picture your audience struggling with a cluttered workspace. They need help, but don’t know where to start.
Show them you understand.
Example:
“Still not losing weight?
You’re probably panicking for your wedding day soon. What if your dress suddenly doesn’t fit anymore? What if your future husband doesn’t like what he sees and says no…
Bet you haven’t heard of our protein diet shakes? They’ll keep you full and keep you from snacking.
Weight will drop like crazy. Just in time to fit into that beautiful dress and enjoy the wedding (and the wedding night!)
Problem
Agitation
Solution
H.S.O. (Hook, Story, Offer)
Example:
Hook
Story
Offer
B.A.B. (Before, After, Bridge)
Before, After, Bridge. It’s a journey.
Show your reader where they are, where they could be, and how to get there.
Best used for transformational products or services. Perfect for painting a vivid picture of change.
Envision someone stuck in a dead-end job. They need hope and a path forward.
Show them the way.
Example:
Stuck in a job you hate?
Imagine stepping out of bed with the biggest smile possible, ready for work. The only difference: you’re your own boss now.
With our Career Coaching Program, that dream can become your reality
Before
After
Bridge
S.S.S. (Story, Slide, Solution)
Example:
I always thought it was because of my neck, as I did a lot of crazy poses going down the slide.
Turned out, it were my eyes that had issues with the water, causing them to “lag” and give me a headache each time.
I’m glad my wife convinced me to try these new lenses from ABZ-brand, because the headache is over now. What a relief! It makes me look forward to doing it again with my younger son now.
Story
Slide
Solution
Each of these formulas offers a unique way to connect with your audience. They’re simple, effective, and proven to work.
So next time you’re working on a masterpiece and you want to stand out, remember: DIC, PAS, HSO, BAB, and SSS.
Ready to give them a try and watch your copy transform?
Feeling excited or a bit overwhelmed? That’s normal. You want your words to shine, to cut through the noise, and truly connect with your audience.
But imagine seeing your sales grow, your emails opened, your audience engaged.
Picture the satisfaction of knowing your copy is compelling and effective.
Remember the power of DIC, PAS, HSO, BAB, and SSS. They’re your new tools. They’re simple but powerful.
You’re not just another business. You’re unique. And now, your words will show it.
So go ahead. Use these formulas. Experiment. Watch your copy transform and your business grow.
Need a handy guide? Download the cheatsheet of these formulas. Keep it close. Refer to it often.
Now, get out there and make your mark. The world’s waiting for your words.
Go on, be brilliant.