I didn’t expect a fictional TV show to teach me about copywriting.
But, after binge-watching all seven seasons of Mad Men… I realized the treasure trove of valuable lessons Don Draper and his team offer… on persuasion, storytelling, and creativity.
Whether you’re writing for a small business, a big brand, or yourself… these insights can elevate your copywriting game.
Here are seven key takeaways I learned from watching countless hours of Mad Men that you can apply to your own copywriting… today.
—1—
Understanding the Customer… Is Everything
In Mad Men, the first thing Don Draper does is understand who he’s talking to. Whether he’s pitching a luxury car or a household cleaner, he makes sure he knows and touches on the customer’s dreams, fears, and desires.
In copywriting, the better you understand your audience, the better your message will connect. Before you write a word… ask yourself: What does your customer want? What problems are they trying to solve?
Your copy should speak directly to those needs.
— 2 —
Emotion Sells… and Sells
Don Draper always knows that facts alone won’t sell a product. People make decisions based on how something makes them FEEL.
One of the most famous scenes in the series is Don’s pitch for the Kodak Carousel. He doesn’t focus on the technical details of the projector… he tells an emotional story about family memories.
Your job is to tap into the emotions of your reader. Whether it’s joy, fear, or nostalgia… appealing to feelings makes your message more powerful.
The more emotionally connected your audience feels… the more likely they are to act.
— 3 —
Keep It Simple and Clear
Mad Men taught me great copy doesn’t need to be complicated. Don’s pitches are always clear and to the point. He uses simple language that gets the message across… without fluff.
In copywriting, less is often more. Your audience doesn’t have time to wade through long paragraphs or complicated jargon. Keep your writing concise… and make sure your point is easy to understand.
If your message is clear, it’s more likely to resonate.
— 4 —
Storytelling Is King
One of the reasons Mad Men is so compelling is because the characters are constantly telling stories… both in their personal lives and in their pitches.
Don Draper doesn’t just sell products… he sells stories about how those products fit into people’s everyday lives.
Great storytelling is a powerful tool in copywriting. A well-told story helps your audience visualize themselves using your product or service.
It creates a connection that goes beyond the features of what you’re selling.
Next time you write copy, try weaving a story that puts the reader in the center of the message.
— 5 —
Know When to Stand Your Ground…
and When to Walk Away
There’s a scene where Don tells Peggy Olson, “You’re good. Get better. Stop asking for things.” It’s a tough-love moment, but it reminded me that, as a copywriter, you must know your worth. Not every client or project will value your work the way they should.
As a writer, it’s important to stand by your ideas and trust your instincts. Sometimes, you’ll need to fight for your creative vision… and sometimes you’ll need to walk away from projects that don’t align with your values.
— 6 —
Embrace Creative Tension… It Drives Innovation
The tension between the characters in Mad Men — especially within the creative teams — often leads to breakthrough ideas.
Whether it’s Don and Peggy pushing each other… or the competitive pressure at the agency Sterling Cooper… the friction sparks some of the best campaigns.
Creative tension isn’t something to avoid. It can lead to better ideas. If you’re collaborating with a team or even just getting feedback, don’t be afraid of a little pushback… either giving it or receiving it.
Use that tension to refine your copy and make it stronger.
— 7 —
The Art of Grabbing Attention With a Strong Hook
Don Draper knows, if you don’t grab attention within the first few seconds, you’ll lose the client. Whether it’s a commercial or a print ad, he always starts with something that hooks the audience immediately.
Your headline or opening line needs to capture attention right away. A good hook piques curiosity… makes a promise… or solves a problem. Without it, your audience will move on before they even get to the main message
An Entertaining Masterclass in Copywriting
Watching Mad Men wasn’t just an exercise in nostalgia for me… as a copywriter it was a masterclass in human behavior and persuasion.
Even though the story line portrays characters and events from the 1960s, the lessons from Don Draper and his team transcend time… and still offer invaluable insights for modern copywriters.
These insights are just as relevant in today’s digital world as they were back then.
Originally, I watched the series for the entertainment value… but I learned so much more!
Next time you’re crafting a tagline, an email, or a full campaign?
Use the tips from this iconic show to help you create copy that connects, persuades, and, ultimately, drives action.
