Direct Response Copywriter VSL
Zacks Investment Research (ZIR) is a dynamic financial publishing firm specializing in top-tier investment research and financial insights. Since 1978, Zacks has grown to become the second-largest provider of independent investment research in the U.S. We are at the forefront of delivering actionable market intelligence to investors across the globe.
The Role
ZIR is looking for a results-oriented direct-response copywriter with deep financial copy experience to lead VSLs and long-form sales copy for Zacks.com. As a critical member of our DTC Retail Group, your primary objective is to compel intelligent, stock-savvy investors to take immediate action—start trials, subscribe to our research services, and progress through our value ladder.
You will own the journey from research → Big Idea → script/beat sheet → offer stack → order page copy → upsells, collaborating closely with marketing managers, editorial, design/video, media buying, and compliance to ensure messaging that’s both powerful and responsible.
If you can engage, educate, and persuade a sophisticated audience—and love testing your way to a control—we want to hear from you.
What You will Do
VSL & Long-Form Creation
- Craft 20–40+ minute VSL scripts (VO-ready) and slide maps; deliver long-form sales pages (3,000–4,500 words) that convert cold traffic.
- Translate the Zacks core mechanism (you will learn about this later in the process into clear, compelling narratives with strong proof elements.
- Build offer stacks, bonuses, guarantees, FAQs, and order bumps/upsells that increase AOV and take-rate.
Direct -Response & Funnel Copy
- Write high-impact emails, advertorials, landing/buy pages, lead magnets, and nurture sequences that generate qualified leads and paid conversions.
- Generate innovative angles, hooks, and tests for new campaigns and upsell paths across email, native, and paid social.
Performance Optimization
- A/B test hooks, subject lines, first 90 seconds of VSLs, CTAs, and pricing/bonus framing to hit KPI targets (CPL, CPA, LP CVR, EPC, retention).
- Rigorously track and analyze performance, turning insights into repeatable playbooks.
Campaign Execution & Collaboration
- Edit/proof for voice, clarity, and compliance; provide and accept constructive feedback to improve outcomes.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously and coordinate across channels and teams.
You Bring
- 5+ years crafting direct-response financial copy with measurable wins; portfolio with at least 2 VSLs (≥20 min) and 2 long-form sales pages that scaled on cold traffic.
- Proven copy chops across landing pages, emails, funnels, and other product marketing assets.
- Strong research skills: you turn quant insights and market structure into simple, sticky stories.
- Data-driven mindset—comfortable with dashboards and making decisions from KPI trends – even when they defy your previous experience.
- Expert written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Results focus, attention to detail, and the ability to juggle competing priorities with an ownership mindset.
- Bachelor’s in Marketing, Business, Communications, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Familiarity with Agora-style funnels, webinar/VSL hybrids, and CRO/SEO.
Nice to Have
- Experience in regulated categories and financial-compliance guardrails (no promissory claims; audited stats and clear disclosures).
- Comfort collaborating with video teams on storyboards and beat-timing.
What Success Looks Like (First 90 Days)
- Ship one complete VSL + long-form lander with measurable lift vs. control.
- Establish a test backlog (hooks, angles, pricing/bonus framing) with weekly A/B cadence.
- Hit or beat targets such as LP CVR to lead %, CPL/CPA, and early retention quality (we will align exact numbers by channel).