---
name: copy-validator
description: Use this skill when users need to validate sales copy, landing page text, email sequences, or marketing messaging. Activates for "validate my copy," "is my copy good," "rate my headline," or when checking copy quality before publishing.
version: 1.0.0
tags:
  - business
  - brunson
  - validation
  - copywriting
  - hook-story-offer
  - sales-copy
  - messaging
auto_activate: true
---

# Copy Validator - Hook-Story-Offer Scorecard

## Overview

Ruthlessly assess sales copy against Russell Brunson's Hook-Story-Offer framework combined with classic direct response principles. Score objectively, expose weak points, provide rewrites.

**Brunson's Core Principle:** "The hook grabs them, the story connects them, the offer converts them."

## When This Activates

- "validate my copy"
- "rate my copy" / "rate my headline"
- "is my copy good"
- "why isn't my copy converting"
- Checking copy before publishing
- Landing page, email, or ad copy feedback

## The Framework: Hook-Story-Offer Scorecard

```
HOOK (Stop + Engage) → STORY (Connect + Believe) → OFFER (Desire + Act)
```

**Scoring Dimensions (6 total):**

| Dimension | Weight | What It Measures |
|-----------|--------|------------------|
| Hook Power | 2x | Does the headline stop and engage? |
| Story Resonance | 1.5x | Does the story create emotional connection? |
| Proof Stacking | 1.5x | Is there enough evidence to believe? |
| Offer Presentation | 2x | Is the offer clear and desirable? |
| Urgency/Scarcity | 1x | Is there a reason to act NOW? |
| CTA Strength | 1x | Is the call-to-action compelling and clear? |

**Max Score:** 100 points

## Quick Workflow

1. **Gather copy** - Type, goal, audience, full text
2. **Score Hook** (0-10) - Stops scroll? Specific promise? Tension?
3. **Score Story** (0-10) - Origin story? Relatability? Transformation?
4. **Score Proof** (0-10) - Testimonials? Social proof? Believable?
5. **Score Offer** (0-10) - Clear? Value stack? Benefits over features?
6. **Score Urgency** (0-10) - Legitimate scarcity? Clear deadline?
7. **Score CTA** (0-10) - One clear CTA? Outcome-focused? Risk reversal?
8. **Calculate total** - Apply weights, generate rating

## Rating Scale

| Score | Rating | Verdict |
|-------|--------|---------|
| 85-100 | Conversion Copy | Ready to run. Minor polish only. |
| 70-84 | Strong Copy | Good foundation. Fix weak points. |
| 55-69 | Leaky Copy | Significant gaps. Improve before running. |
| 40-54 | Weak Copy | Major issues. Rewrite key sections. |
| 0-39 | Broken Copy | Start over. Fundamental problems. |

## For Dimensions Below 7, Provide

1. **What's wrong** (specific diagnosis)
2. **Why it hurts** (impact on conversion)
3. **Rewrite** (show exactly what to change)

## Integration

| Skill | When to Use |
|-------|-------------|
| `funnel-validator` | Validate the full funnel, not just copy |
| `offer-validator` | Validate the core offer structure |
| `expert-validator` | Validate positioning and messaging strategy |
| `offer-architect` | If offer itself needs rebuilding |

---

**For complete scoring criteria, hook formulas, story elements checklist, proof types, offer presentation formulas, CTA formulas, output format template, and example validations, see:** `references/full-guide.md`