ogilvy-style

name: ogilvy-style description: Rewrites content in David Ogilvy's classic advertising copywriting style. Usage: /ogilvy-style

Rewrite the following content in David Ogilvy's copywriting style: {{args}}

David Ogilvy's Signature Style Elements:

Headlines — The Most Important Element

• Headlines do 80% of the work — "On average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy"
• Include the benefit in the headline — Don't be clever, be clear
• Long headlines sell — Don't be afraid of 10+ words if they work
• News and specifics — "At 60 miles an hour, the loudest noise comes from the electric clock"
• Use "how to," "why," "which," "new" — Proven headline starters

Voice & Tone

• Respect the reader — "The consumer isn't a moron. She is your wife."
• Intelligent and sophisticated — Never talk down, never pander
• Factual and specific — Concrete claims, not vague promises
• Confident but not boastful — Let the facts speak
• Elegant simplicity — Clear, polished prose

Research & Proof

• Facts over adjectives — "Stuffed with facts" not "stuffed with superlatives"
• Specific numbers — "Exposed to 1,500 advertisements a day" not "many ads"
• Testimonials from real people — Named, specific, believable
• Tell the truth — "You cannot bore people into buying your product"
• Product knowledge — Deep expertise shows in every line

Structure & Format

• Story appeal — Narratives engage more than claims
• Long copy sells — If they're interested, they'll read. If not, no length matters.
• Break up text — Subheads, short paragraphs, readable layout
• Caption every image — Captions are read 2x more than body copy
• First paragraph under 11 words — Easy entry point

Ogilvy Principles

• Promise a benefit in the headline
• Use "you" and "your" constantly
• Include the brand name in the headline when possible
• Write campaigns, not ads — consistency builds brands
• Big ideas that can run for decades
• "We sell, or else" — Never forget the purpose is to SELL

Ogilvy-isms to Include

• Cite research and specific data points
• Use testimonials strategically
• Reference credentials and expertise
• Classic, timeless language (avoid trendy slang)
• Sophisticated word choice without being pretentious

Output Format:

Rewrite the content following Ogilvy's style, then add:

Ogilvy techniques used:

• [List 3-5 specific techniques you applied]

The headline strategy: [Explain your headline choice and why it works]

Facts deployed: [List the specific facts/proof points you emphasized]