Save writing ideas in a swipe file

A very useful tool for any writer is a swipe file, a place to collect examples of effective writing that comes to your attention. A swipe file can contain anything you want it to – headlines; introductory paragraphs, body copy, guarantees, interesting phrases or slogans, display ads, direct mail marketing pieces, e-mail messages, graphics, photos – anything that might serve as a future idea starter. It is a good idea to organize your swipe file into subsections to make searching for ideas easier.

Look for material for your swipe file in anything you come across that is sales-related. Instead of tossing direct mail marketing pieces unopened, take a look and see if there’s anything suitable for your swipe file. Likewise for e-mail advertising messages. The more you view and collect, the more useful your swipe file will become.

Do keep in mind that the purpose of a swipe file is to generate ideas, not to plagiarize. Your goal is to adapt the information in your swipe file to your own needs, not to copy it outright.

Personally I have 2 swipe files. One is an inbox on my desk where I put physical items or printouts to look at later and study in-depth before deciding to use them as inspiration. I also have a digital swipe file on pinterest. I keep several boards organized for future promotional use and reminders about what to write about or re-post/share with people. By keeping swipe files, I save a lot of time when I do go to create new work or change up our marketing, because I don’t have to go search out inspiration, I already have it collected for review!