How to Use the “Yellowstone” Approach to Write Addictive-AF Copy
Storytelling is what gets the right people to keep their eyes glued to you.
TBH, it's exactly why Yellowstone has been living rent-free in my head for the last 2 years (and no, not just because of my undying love for Kevin Costner - don't judge me).
If you want to really hook your audience the same way our favorite shows do, then your copy has to do more than talk about what a great service provider you are. It has to dive deep into a compelling story that captivates your audience and convinces them to keep reading.
To help you write better copy that your potential clients show up raving about, I’m sharing my top 4 Yellowstone-inspired tips that you can use to write addictive copy that sells (including real-life examples of copy snippets that I've written for my clients):
Craft an engaging narrative
Great copy begins with a compelling narrative.
With Yellowstone, it’s not just about saving the ranch — we watch it because we’re captivated by the Dutton family’s story and what they go through just to see another sunrise in Paradise Valley.
Create an emotional connection with your audience by telling a story that resonates with their desires, struggles, and aspirations, and makes them feel part of something extraordinary.
Check out this example of a before + after copy snippet we wrote for a baddie skincare line that creates a more engaging narrative.
Before:
"Save time with better skincare products that take your regimen from 12 steps to 4."
After:
"Just because you'd sooner hail the Devil herself than skip a step in your skincare routine, doesn't mean we can't get you even better results in fewer steps."
2. Master the dialogue
Literally nothing keeps me on my seat more than the snappy dialogue between characters (lookin’ at you, Beth). Totally not saying you should cuss out your audience like the prodigal daughter does in the show, but you can mimic the oh-so-quotable lines by using the language and phrases you use every day in your copy.
You want you audience to feel like you’re having a one-on-one conversation with them, so don’t be afraid to get personal and really be yourself!
Here's a before + after bit of copy we wrote for an operations manager/graphic designer.
Before:
"We'll build you a beautiful website that converts your dream clients."
After:
"The strategic websites we build work hard to convert qualified leads long past the hours of 9-5 (Alexa, play Dolly Parton)."
3. Paint vivid visuals
If you don’t watch Yellowstone for Rip (let’s be honest, though, who doesn’t watch it for Rip?!), then you probably at least watch it or know the show well for its breathtaking cinematography.
Well, with copy, words are your palette.
Take your descriptions a step further in your copy with metaphors + sensory details that stimulate your readers' minds and create a truly immersive experience. When your copy is visually compelling, it leaves a lasting impression.
Peep this before + after we wrote for a minimalist graphic designer’s website copy.
Before:
"Your brand doesn't need flashy or over-the-top visuals to stand out."
After:
"If a classic, silky-smooth cafe latte doesn't need the fluff of a Cookie Crunch Frappuccino to become a cult favorite, then neither does your brand."
4. Harness the power of conflict
Yellowstone’s action-packed for storylines keep us engaged and waiting with bated breath for a solution.
Though outside the valley, you never want to overdo it when discussing pain points (let’s not trigger our audience, y’all), you have to show potential clients the transformation your services can provide.
Talk about your offer in a real way that captivates readers and sells them on your must-have services (and makes them say, “OMG, this is so me!”).
Here's an example I use on my own website.
Before:
"Tired of spending hours working from prompts just to write copy that doesn't resonate?"
After:
"Take this as your official permission to hit 'delete' on all those half-finished copywriting templates + inspo docs."
There you have it, folks — the secrets to writing binge-worthy copy that requires popcorn and your audience’s full, undivided attention.
Whether you’re taking the DIY approach or feeling ready to hand the reins off to a professional copywriter, we encourage you to use these tips today in your copy.
Snoozefest copy is out — it’s time for addictive-AF copy that finally sells your services to the right people.
