As a business owner, I think it’s really important that you also develop a borderline obsession with human psychology.

I’ve always been fascinated at why people do the things they do. For years, I’ve called myself a “nonfiction junkie”. I can’t get my hands on enough business, psychology, and self-help books.

Today I want to share with you the 5 books that have had the biggest impact on me as a copywriter specifically. A couple of these books are actual marketing and copywriting focused. Others, however, might surprise you.

Let me tell you about each book and how it changed the way I approach my work:

 

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Here are the 5 best books for copywriters that have made me better at what I do (links to books are Amazon Associate links):

 

 1. How to Win Friends & Influence People, Dale Carnegie

This is my number one go-to book when it comes to human psychology and getting people to do what you want them to do (i.e. purchase your products and services!). It’s SO good.

To become a great copywriter, the number one skill you must develop is empathy. In this book you’ll learn a ton of amazing ways to create win-win situations in every area of your life. If you haven’t been forced to read this yet, do it now! (I’ve actually gotten a “free lunch” because of this book before. It’s magical.)

 

 

2. The Sell, Fredrik Eklund

I never really watched Million Dollar Listing New York on Bravo, but I DEVOURED this book by luxury real estate agent Fredrik Eklund.

I found it enthralling to be inside of the head of a nontraditional, uber successful sales person. The first person narrative style is a bit rough around the edges, but that’s precisely what I like about this no nonsense book. It’s not too contrived and perfect like most “guy in a suit” business books.

Though I’m a pretty simple gal and not looking to buy a NYC penthouse anytime soon, I found The Sell conversational and fascinating.

The best tip from The Sell? Tell your audience about the downside of your offer! (You can watch a video I filmed on this topic here).

 

 

3. Great Leads: The Six Easiest Ways to Start Any Sales Message, Michael Masterson

If you’ve attended any of my sales page webinars, you know how much I love this book! The most important part of any sales page you write is the opening. Hands down.

When I perform Sales Page CPR for my clients, I spend about 80% of the time working out the perfect opening. I literally cannot say enough about how much I love this uber specific guide to starting your sales message!

 

 

4. Get Rich, Lucky Bitch!, Denise Duffield-Thomas

You may be shocked to hear that most entrepreneurs totally self-sabotage on their sales pages. If you don’t know Denise Duffield-Thomas yet, allow me to introduce you to the “Lucky Bitch”. Denise teaches entrepreneurs how to overcome their money blocks and live a first-class life.

If you have any emotional blocks about making money doing what you do, I can guarantee you that you will self-sabotage when writing your sales page copy. Denise’s book will show you how to declutter those limiting beliefs so you can finally create a life of abundance.

 

 

5. The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle

I often talk about this book as the book that changed my life forever. It’s an amazingly powerful (and simple) concept: Live in the present moment and observe what’s happening without reacting to it.

Living presently and cultivating a formal (if sometimes inconsistent) meditation practice has helped me to be more aware of my thoughts. Strangely enough? My thoughts are not so different from other people’s thoughts! Noticing the thoughts that rush through my head all day has made a world of difference.
How does this relate to copywriting? When I share my ideas in the copy that I write, they’re often identical to the thoughts other people have about their frustrations and desires in life. This empathy is what makes me a great copywriter and it all starts with being aware of what’s going on in my own head.