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What Would Don Draper Do? A Guide to Becoming a Devastatingly Creative Content Writer
Published by SimplyCast
In honor of the Emmy Awards this weekend, we wanted to show you we do in fact watch some TV when not doing the online marketing thing. Mad Men is one of those must watch shows and it teaches you about marketing and in this case, how to become a more creative content writer.
So what makes Don Draper a great writer and an all-around mad marketing genius? Well he doesn’t focus on the words but how he gets there in the end.
To him, it’s less about the copy and more about the process. The process generates content by pumping the creative juices.
So, take a different look at the way you approach writing.
1. Be Simple
Don Draper asks what a product is, never what it isn’t. Whatever it is that you’re pushing in your email, fax or SMS marketing campaigns – a product, service, promotion or a call-to-action – is just what it is.
He always starts his creative process at the very beginning – defining what the product is, functions and benefits – even before he picks up a pen or calls in his team of writers.
2. Elicit Emotion
Who can forget the first season finale of Mad Men? Don’s personal life is falling a part, and yet he has to figure out a way to sell Kodak’s “Carousel” projector.
He doesn’t tell Kodak – or his staff – how to feel, but shows them through an incredibly powerful slide presentation.
When all else fails, draw upon how your product makes people feel. Love or hate it, emotions are an often forgotten tool in a writer’s arsenal.
But, here’s the beauty of Don Draper’s process: he keeps the copy simple.
3. Take a Break
Grab a long lunch (martinis or sidecars are optional). Wander around your office and talk to colleagues.
Haven’t you noticed that Don doesn’t really do a lot of work? You see him at lunch, with his mistresses, lounging on his sofa and then, seemingly out of a stupor, he comes up with some out-of-this-world copy?
When you’re frustrated, unable to even write a single sentence and you’re about to throw your computer out the window, get up from your desk and walk away.
No one can force creativity, especially if you’re so deep in it you can’t see a way out. Taking a break from what you’re doing will give your brain a chance to regroup and focus.
4. Grab a Pen
Seriously, stop using your computer, grab a sheet of 100% recycled paper and a trusty pen (remember those?).
Sure, Don didn’t have computers, but if you watch carefully, he switches up his usual legal pad for a cocktail napkin, magazine margin, newspaper and lunch receipts.
By changing the way you’re writing – typing to handwriting – challenges your brain. Challenging your brain to reorganize its cognitive functions (like remembering how to hold a pen), reorganizes all other thought processes.
And, there’s nothing better for organic, natural brainstorming than a blank sheet of paper.
With these Mad tips in hand, you are now ready to be a modern day Don Draper. Well at least in terms of the writing. The rest, well we can't help you there.
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