8 qualities of a great swipe
When you save a "swipe" for your own swipe file, it's best if it has as least one of these 8 qualities.
1. Grabs Attention
Uses bold visuals, unexpected language, or an intriguing hook.
Makes you stop scrolling (if digital) or pause while flipping through pages (if print).
2. Teaches You Something
Offers a unique insight, framework, or way of thinking about a problem.
Shows an example of something working well (or failing miserably).
3. Proven to Work
It’s from a successful campaign, ad, or strategy with measurable results.
It’s been used by top companies, copywriters, or marketers.
4. Timeless Advice
Not just trendy but something you could use again in different contexts.
A strong template or structure that can be adapted.
5. Uncommon or Unique
Not something you see everywhere—stands out from the noise.
A creative twist on a classic approach.
6. Short & Digestible
Easy to scan and understand quickly.
Gets to the point without fluff.
7. Triggers an Emotion
Uses persuasion principles (scarcity, urgency, social proof, authority, etc.).
Triggers curiosity, FOMO, humor, fear, or desire.
8. Sparks Ideas for Your Own Work
Makes you think, “I could tweak this and use it in my industry.”
Gives you a framework to modify for your business or audience.
The best swipes have multiple of these elements, making them truly valuable and worth saving.
Image Description
A table listing the "8 qualities of a great swipe," with each quality in its own box. The qualities include: Grabs Attention, Teaches You Something, Proven to Work, Timeless Advice, Uncommon or Unique, Short & Digestible, Triggers an Emotion, and Sparks Ideas.
Positive Aspects
This image neatly encapsulates the essence of the blog post, providing a quick reference for readers. It enhances understanding by visually organizing the key qualities, making them easy to remember and apply.
Key Takeaways
- A great swipe should grab attention, using bold visuals or intriguing hooks.
- It should teach something new, offering insights or showcasing effective examples.
- Proven effectiveness is key, ideally from successful campaigns or reputable sources.
- Timeless advice is valuable, offering adaptable structures for various contexts.
- Swipes should be unique, concise, emotionally engaging, and inspire new ideas.
Additional Insights
Creating an effective swipe file is like curating your personal library of inspiration—each piece should not only stand out but also serve a purpose. Think of it as a toolkit that evolves with you, where the best tools are those you can use repeatedly in different situations. So, next time you come across something that catches your eye, ask yourself which of these eight qualities it possesses. The more it ticks off, the more valuable it is for your swipe file!
