“Might as well… JUMP!!”
If you’re anything like me, those words INSTANTLY bring you back to the 1980’s.
Yep, back when Van Halen were the undisputed KINGS of not just radio, not just Rock N Roll, but… MTV!!!
Yes, my young readers, MTV (Music Television) once actually played MUSIC. And not just any music…
But the DANGEROUS and EDGY kind that teenagers loved and parents… HATED.
Personally, I feel that Van Halen was everything RIGHT about the 80’s and early 90’s.
That picture above by the way was taken by my wife Jessica in 2015 when we saw Van Halen for the very last time. It was my 5th time seeing my second all time favorite band (Twice with Diamond Dave and three times with Sammy Hagar).
All FANTASTIC shows by the way!
And while I love both Dave and Sammy, my personal hero was the GREAT Eddie Van Halen. Along with KISS’s Ace Frehley, he inspired me to pick up the guitar (and obsess over it) when I was a teen.
But Van Halen is done to the untimely death of the greatest lead guitar player of ALL time in Sir Eddie.
Thank God for memories and all the INCREDIBLE music left behind for the ages.
Which bring us to the purpose of THIS article. Van Halen wasn’t just about great music.
Their wild antics and refusal to stick to conventions can teach us TONS about taking risks in copywriting. So…
Get Ready to JUMP Into This ROCKING Copywriting Lesson
1. Eruption of Originality
One of the most iconic guitar solos of all time, Eddie’s “Eruption” was a groundbreaking masterpiece that redefined rock guitar. Just like Eddie didn’t shy away from forging his own path, your copy shouldn’t either. Embrace your unique voice and let it shine. Cookie-cutter content won’t cut it. Stand out. Be bold. Create your own “Eruption” in the copywriting realm.
2. “Runnin’ with the Devil” – Break the Rules (But Know Them First)
Van Halen was known for pushing boundaries. However, to break the rules, you need to know them first. Understand the fundamentals of copywriting, then decide where to push and prod to create disruptive content that resonates.
3. “Dreams” – Aspire and Inspire
Sammy Hagar’s soaring vocals on “Dreams” evoke ambition and hope. Similarly, use your copy to inspire your audience. Paint vivid pictures of the possibilities. Let them dream and then offer them the route to realize those dreams.
4. “Panama” – Details Matter
Ever wonder why Diamond Dave sings about a car heater in “Panama”? Because details matter. The specificity adds authenticity. When writing, be precise. Offer genuine anecdotes and examples that make your claims believable.
5. “Hot for Teacher” – Keep the Pace Lively
Van Halen’s rapid drumbeats and lightning-fast guitar riffs kept the energy up. Similarly, maintain a lively pace in your writing. Use short sentences. Be concise. Keep the reader engaged and on their toes.
6. “Can’t Stop Lovin’ You” – Emotional Connection is KEY
Whether it’s a love ballad or a hard-rocking tune, Van Halen always connected emotionally with their fans. Likewise, forge a strong emotional bond with your readers. Tap into their desires, fears, and aspirations. Make them feel seen and understood.
7. Embrace the Unexpected
Just like Van Halen’s synth-heavy “Jump” surprised fans but still became a massive hit, don’t be afraid to surprise your audience. Introduce elements in your copy that they wouldn’t expect. It grabs attention and can make your content memorable.
Closing Riff:
Van Halen wasn’t just a band; they were a movement. A testament to what passion, originality, and a little rebellious spirit can achieve. As you shred your way through the world of copywriting, remember to inject a bit of that Van Halen magic. Take risks, be genuine, and always, always keep your audience rocking along with every word.
So, plug in, turn the volume up, and let your words sing with the same fervor and fire as Van Halen did. And remember, when in doubt – might as well JUMP and make that bold move! Rock on!
And hey, if you ever need a backup vocalist (or copywriter), you know where to find me.
Ready to take the stage with your next piece? Let’s rock this together…
About the Author
Robert Sean Pascoe is a direct response copywriter and marketing strategist who works with entrepreneurs worldwide to create advertising and marketing campaigns that MAXIMIZE their profits.
He (obviously) LOVES Rock N Roll, old school pro wrestling, Star Wars and pretty much ANYTHING 1980’s.
With 7 years of freelance copywriting experience and a lifetime in sales, Robert knows how to use the power of words to sell virtually anything to anyone, especially if the market has been properly defined (and you BETTER have that right!).
Robert enjoys primarily working with small business owners to sell more of their products and services through the power of direct response advertising and marketing.
He has written sales copy for companies in such diverse niches as Weight Loss Supplements, Skin Care, Male Enhancement, Local Marketing Agencies, Live Event Seminars, Software Developers, Insurance Agencies, Real Estate Brokerages, Marketing Consultants, and many, many more.
