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Copywriting Formulas Explained | SLAP, ACC, 4Cs, AIDA, PAS, FAB | Hashmeta AI
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Copywriting Formulas Explained

What Marketers Need to Win in Copywriting & Conversion

TERM HOW IT WORKS ASK YOURSELF WHEN TO USE IT
SLAP

Stop. Look. Act. Purchase.

  • Trigger impulse response
  • Use bold hooks + urgent CTAs
  • Perfect for offers, ads, creatives
"Will this stop someone mid-scroll and push them to buy instantly?"
Ads, reels, TikToks, flash sales
ACC

Awareness. Comprehension. Conversion.

  • Educate audience with clarity
  • Simplify complex ideas
  • Guide them from info → action
"Will this help people understand my new product fast?"
Product launches, explainers, webinars
4Cs

Clear. Concise. Compelling. Credible.

  • Keep words short + sharp
  • Use proof + authority signals
  • Build credibility at speed
"Does this copy build trust quickly with cold traffic?"
Cold email intros, landing pages, outreach
AIDA

Attention → Interest → Desire → Action

  • Grab attention with headline
  • Build curiosity + desire
  • Close with a strong CTA
"Does this funnel guide readers step-by-step to take action?"
Sales pages, ads, email funnels
PAS

Problem → Agitate → Solution

  • Spotlight pain point
  • Agitate consequences
  • Present your offer as relief
"Am I making the pain so clear they crave my solution?"
LinkedIn posts, blogs, sales letters
FAB

Features. Advantages. Benefits.

  • Highlight features clearly
  • Show advantage over others
  • Translate into customer benefit
"Am I showing why this product matters, not just what it does?"
SaaS demos, product pages, pitches

It's not just words. It's systems that drive attention, trust, and conversions.

Research → Message → Hook → Flow → Action

Understand. Hook. Act.

Pro Tip from Hashmeta
Match formula to context. SLAP works for impulse buys; FAB works for complex products. PAS builds urgency; AIDA guides decisions. Test different formulas for different stages of your funnel—the right formula at the right moment multiplies conversions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are copywriting formulas?

Copywriting formulas are structured frameworks that guide how you write persuasive content. They provide proven sequences—like AIDA's Attention-Interest-Desire-Action—that move readers toward a specific action. Different formulas work for different contexts and goals.

When should I use SLAP vs AIDA?

SLAP (Stop-Look-Act-Purchase) works for impulse decisions—ads, reels, flash sales. AIDA works for considered purchases—sales pages, email sequences. SLAP demands instant action; AIDA builds through a journey.

What's the difference between PAS and FAB?

PAS (Problem-Agitate-Solution) focuses on pain—making the problem vivid before presenting your solution. FAB (Features-Advantages-Benefits) focuses on value—translating what you offer into why it matters. PAS creates urgency; FAB builds understanding.

Which formula works best for cold email?

4Cs (Clear-Concise-Compelling-Credible) works best for cold outreach. Cold traffic has no relationship with you—you need to build trust fast with proof and authority while keeping copy scannable and direct.

How do I know which formula to use?

Ask: What's the audience's awareness level? (Low = educate with ACC; High = drive action with SLAP). What's the purchase complexity? (Simple = SLAP; Complex = FAB or AIDA). What emotion drives the decision? (Pain = PAS; Aspiration = AIDA).

Can I combine multiple formulas?

Yes—many effective pieces blend formulas. A sales page might use PAS in the opening (problem-agitate-solution), AIDA for the main flow, and FAB for feature sections. The key is intentionality—know why you're using each.

Do copywriting formulas work for AI content?

Formulas help AI-assisted writing too. Give AI a formula as a structure prompt, then refine the output. AI can draft faster, but human judgment ensures the formula fits the context and the copy resonates authentically.

How do copywriting formulas relate to AI visibility?

Structured copy performs better everywhere—including AI citations. Clear, well-organized content (4Cs) is easier for AI to extract. FAQ structures and problem-solution formats (PAS) match how users prompt AI. Good copywriting principles enhance AI visibility.