If that's the case, this is exactly why you should consider joining.

Through building your observation skills and analyzing designs around you, you will start sharpening your eye for design and getting more comfortable with design concepts: talking about them, explaining them and, above all, taking note of them as you audit competitors, browse online, or engage in the usual copy swipe collection process. (Just me? )

You’ll become a lot more aware and critical of what works, what doesn’t, and how all these design principles affect the overall experience of the reader, regardless of whether it’s a page, email, blog post, keynote presentation, or virtually ANY graphic that contains copy.

Remember: the goal isn’t to turn you into a designer or a magical unicorn. It’s simply to help you strengthen your visual skills, so you can uncover issues you’d otherwise not even notice in an audit you do for a client, your own website, or a wireframe you’re putting together. 

That said, if you *are* looking to learn design with the purpose of actually offering it as a service, this isn't the right course for you. DFC is all about breaking down design for copywriters, so the assumption is that anyone who joins has little to no design experience. 

I’ve intentionally separated theory from implementation, so that you can have a more balanced learning flow while also avoiding those nasty dips in motivation and momentum. Those dips usually follow after that initial excitement of joining something new slowly starts to dissipate.

So, for the next 8 weeks, I’d suggest blocking out between 1-3 hours each week to watch the core module content and prep for the implementation week that follows.

During implementation weeks, this time estimate may be more (or less) for you, depending on the nature of the exercises, how much time you’re willing to dedicate doing them, and how in-the-zone you get as you (hopefully) start enjoying dipping your toes into these calm, design waters. 

If I told you anywhere and everywhere… would you believe me?

Whether you’re writing copy for:

- websites
- emails
- sales pages
- landing pages
- ads (and all their many limitations)
- blogs/content

- lead magnets

- pop-ups
- case studies
- presentations (slides)

– proposals and other documentation
- yourself and your business
- your clients

... Or you simply want to be able to put together some text with graphics (like a youtube thumbnail) and instantly know what’s working, what doesn’t, and HOW to fix it…

What you learn in DFC will be a lifelong skill you can rely on for as long as you need it to. 

And the only reason why that's possible is because we’ll be covering the fundamentals that good design is based on. Which means timeless principles over here-today-gone-tomorrow trends.

Yes and no. Let me explain.

DFC isn’t a wireframing course and it’s not a course on Figma, AdobeXD, or any of the prototyping tools out there (which is what wireframing is also known as in fancy UX-design lingo).

So, you’re not getting a bunch of tutorials to watch while I go and create a wireframe from scratch, record it, voice-over-it, and then leave you to figure out how to replicate the same wireframe for a project... even if it doesn't even fit your copy's flow, messaging hierarchy, or your client's brand.

But, during each Implementation Week that follows after every core module, you will have a companion workbook with exercises that will help you create individual parts of a wireframe. So, in a way, you’ll be learning to wireframe (and getting better at it) indirectly, through those exercises.

 
The reason for this is simple:

Instead of going BIG and feeling massive overwhelm by trying to tackle a whole page from the get-go, we’ll be approaching wireframing bit by bit, so that you feel completely comfortable with your tool of choice by the end of the course.

(And, even though we'll be using one main tool for this, the principles of the course are tool-agnostic. Which means, it doesn't really matter what tool you use.)

And the best part?

Because you will have created all those pieces on your own, based on your own flow and process, you will have a library of elements to draw from for your next project. Without wasting time and without trying to squeeze your copy into someone else’s template.

Of course, all the exercises are optional. There's absolutely no penalty for *not* doing them. 

But it's the best way to take what you learn and apply it, so it becomes almost like a second nature to you. (Or third, if you feel that was a bit of a stretch.)

Yes. And not just with clients but also with designers and anyone else who is on the Feedback Committee actively throwing raised eyebrows at your copy.

One reason is you’ll have internalized a set of specific design-related words you can confidently use and concepts to be mindful of when talking about your copy and design.

The other reason is the Creative Direction Masterclass: this is where we’ll cover things like how to present your copy, what to do when you get pushback, how to handle disagreements, and what to focus your attention on when you’re reviewing the design and copy together, before it goes live.

By the time this bonus gets released, you will have gained the foundational pieces that, together with the Masterclass, will help you handle any situation successfully, without overstepping any fragile, invisible boundaries. All while keeping the goal of the project front and center at all times. 

This is such a great (and perfectly valid!) question.

And, I could be wrong, but it sounds like there’s a strong undercurrent of assumptions lurking somewhere in there. One of which being that you won’t know enough to justify speaking out about something you’ve noticed (even though it could be an issue for the performance of your copy).

Repeat after me: “If the design is not serving my copy, I have every right to bring it up to my client’s attention (and/or the designer) and start a conversation around it.”

Bringing up design issues, doesn’t mean that you are or will become a weaker version of the designer who’s on your client’s team. It just means that you:

 care enough about the success of your work AND the success of your client
 are someone who actually pays attention to detail (instead of merely claiming it #RESUME)
 get how the messaging is a HUGE part of the success recipe but ALL else needs to support it

I could go on, but the main point I’m trying to make is this:

Getting familiar with design doesn’t mean getting into fights or stepping on anyone’s toes or starting arguments just for the sake of showing off your skills.

It simply means that you have a better understanding of where your copy lives, the different contexts and limitations there are to consider (because they're there and are real), and how graphic elements (and overall user experience) can affect conversions in certain cases.

Combining your knowledge of marketing and copywriting, and becoming more sensitive to good and not-so-good design practices, will only lead you to have MORE meaningful conversations with designers and clients, so you can also get your point across faster and get everyone aligned.

The only kind of templates I believe in are the ones you create yourself. Because, once you do, they become a seamless part of your process or workflow.

Throughout DFC, I encourage you to step into the discomfort with me, and create your own simple (yet non-overwhelming) library of components as you’re gradually doing your workbook exercises.

That way, you can create and set up your own templates in a way that makes sense for YOUR process, and avoid having to to start from scratch every time.

For those who prefer doing courses on their own and don’t really need (or want!) another community or to get feedback on any of the companion workbooks, CORE is the best option.

The only reason I’ve added a community component and a “get feedback” option is because everyone learns differently and, sometimes, getting that extra level of support or interaction can make all the difference. 

At the same time, I didn’t want to fabricate a sense of FOMO when, truly, there is none.

I despise FOMO with a fervent passion. And I also don’t want to lure you into joining a higher tier with any shiny, time-limited bonuses. It goes against my values and everything I believe in.

So, no matter which tier you join, you will have access to the same content, bonuses, and everything else I add to DFC. 

The only thing I can’t multiply or make more of is my time and energy. Which is why the community tier (Core Plus) and community & feedback tier (Core+ Epic) are capped.

Community fatigue is real.

I know it, you know it. The gurus know it. But, as much as I don’t like the pressure that comes with online communities, I’ve also found some of them to be catalysts for growth.

The real purpose of a community, at least to me, is to lift you up, empower you, spark powerful ideas, and support you in every possible way by bringing meaningful conversations to life.

So, the way I envision the DFC community is as your support system during your cohort and that safe space where you can ask anything. I’ve learned the most from other people’s questions, so never feel bad about lurking or just listening in.

As a creature of habit, order appreciator, and general overthinker, I find calm in organized, clean, and thoughtfully created spaces where you can engage with others. So, as the host of this community, I promise to do my best in creating a warm, welcoming space where you can:

 hop in and find answers to any questions you have
 get support when you need it
 engage with members of your cohort

return to and access, even after the 8 weeks are over*

I know what it’s like to be in communities where there’s too much going on all the time, or too little. But the last thing I want is for our community to become a burden or one more place you have to check in and feel all “meh” and “ugh”.

And while I may not always have the right answer for you,  I'll make sure to help you get as close to one as I can, or – at the very least – point you in the right direction.

Just remember: the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask. So please, ask away!

*Early Birds on Core Plus and Core+ Epic get 2 extra weeks of Office Hours as a bonus. (While I won't be actively involved in the cohort channels after those 10 weeks we'll be spending together, there will be "Common Lounge" areas, where this and all future cohorts will be able to post. Getting support is one of those important channels. In other words, I won't leave you hanging. )

All core modules and bonuses will be pre-recorded, uploaded to the course dashboard, and made available on the date they're scheduled to be released.

While live events are great for that extra community aspect and being able to show up live, they also come with a ton of planning and scheduling around timezones. And, what happens is that some peeps won’t be able to make it, which sucks for them and for me.

The other thing about live events is that the level of quality control in terms of sound, visuals, technical glitches, and all these little things in between can make it a bit of a “less than” experience. Or it could just be me and my incredibly high standards. #RecoveringPerfectionistJokes

So, in order to create a consistent flow of progress (or at least encourage it), all of the course content will be pre-recorded.

I know that many are looking forward to the two bonuses coming up.

So, as an Early Bird, you’ll be able to share with me any and all questions you have about:

A) UX design or UX writing and
B) about presenting your copy and collaborating better with designers

That way, I can make sure to address them in the relevant sections of the masterclass, so that both bonuses are extra valuable and jam-packed with just the things YOU want and need.

For this first cohort, the two bonuses you’ll get are the X-factor Masterclass (or the UX fundamentals every copywriter should know about) and the Creative Direction Masterclass (aka your guide to handling design feedback and driving your project until the copy is live).

New Over-the-Shoulder Tutorials will be recorded over time and you will have access to all of them. Also, any new or updated workbooks, PDFs, or other bonus resources I add, you will have access to as soon as they drop in the course dashboard.

 
The next big additions I’m considering adding to DFC will be around wireframing and branding. If they get added to the course, you’ll automatically get access to them.

But If I release them as standalone products, you will get 50% off simply because you joined DFC as an Early Bird. (There's nothing like the feeling of adding a coupon code at checkout and seeing that price drop automagically, right?)

I deeply value generosity and those who appreciate the people who’ve trusted them early on. Being grandfathered into a certain price or getting new course additions and bonuses without having to pay extra? Those are things that give me a special kind of comfort and joy, as silly as it may sound. They just make me feel good about my past self’s wise buying decisions.

So, I'm aiming for something similar here.

(And, don’t worry. Unless I’m under the influence of anxiety, I don’t forget things easily.)

DFC is a video-based*course with:

one introduction module

4 core modules

4 implementation weeks, and

 2 bonus masterclasses

*All videos are in 1080p, with crisp sound, and closed captions that have successfully passed my vigilant hawk's eye. (So, none of that low-Q audio and super pixelated Loom video stuff.  )

It also includes 4 workbooks, relevant handouts, and over-the-shoulder tutorials based on the workbook exercises, which I’ll be doing along with you.

Module #0 (your introduction module) will be immediately available to you after you register your account on the student platform.

Your Welcome Pack with everything you need to know about your tier will make its way to you within 24 hours of joining DFC, and will be delivered by email.

All 4 core modules will be dripped, starting Monday, January 30. That’s when Module #1 is going to unlock and show up in your course navigation bar. In between releases, there’s an Implementation Week to put each core module into practice, and avoid losing that momentum.

Workbooks are made available on Fridays (same week that your core module unlocks), so that you can get a bit of a head start for the Implementation Week that’s to follow. (The pre-workbook for Module 0, for example, will unlock on Friday, January 20.)

The two bonus masterclasses include one on UX fundamentals and one on how to provide creative direction during that final stage of any copywriting project. The first of these two bonuses will be released on the final Implementation Week. (I explain why in more detail in Lesson #2 of the introduction module.)

Apart from that, you will also get all future updates, bonuses, resources, and anything else I add to DFC. Because I truly mean it when I say that I want this to be a course that keeps on giving.  This is why I’m not thinking of DFC as a one and done deal but, rather, as something that will keep on growing and evolving – and hopefully make you feel all nice and warm on the inside just because you joined as a one of the magnificent Early Birds.

Side note: All to-be-released modules will be visible in your course navigation sidebar but grayed out so you know what’s coming up. They're also set to auto-collapse so that only the active module is fully expanded. Otherwise, seeing a long block of modules and lessons all at once can trigger a massive case of overwhelm, which is something I wanted to avoid.

As long as you drop me a line at rali@designforcopywriters.com within 30 days of joining any of the DFC tiers (full or payment plan), you will get a full refund.

No questions asked. No proof of “completed work” needed.

That’s my “Integrity First” Guarantee.

The only thing you may not get back are the payment processing fees.

I’ve intentionally kept all payment plans without surcharges because that’s never sat well with me in the past when I’ve bought other courses. Yes, it works from a marketing/sales POV. But, as naive or hopelessly idealistic as I may be, I’m doing things in a way that A) makes me feel good and B) is aligned with how I think about business.

So if you find that DFC is not ticking all the boxes for you – for whatever reason – email me within that 30-day window, and I’ll hit rewind on your purchase.

 That said, any cancellation and refund requests after those 30 days will not be accepted, as per the Terms and Conditions you will have agreed to during checkout.

Drop me a line at rali@designforcopywriters.com and I’ll do my absolute best to help.