<!-- SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT -->
<!-- SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2025-2026 Marcus Quinn -->

# VSL Script Template

A complete Video Sales Letter script framework. Replace `[BRACKETS]` with your content.

## Quick Reference

| Section | Time | Purpose | Slides |
|---------|------|---------|--------|
| Hook | 0:00-0:30 | Stop scroll, create intrigue | 1-2 |
| Problem | 0:30-2:00 | Identify their pain | 3-5 |
| Agitate | 2:00-3:30 | Make pain urgent | 6-8 |
| Story | 3:30-7:00 | Build connection, show transformation | 9-15 |
| Mechanism | 7:00-9:00 | Explain why your solution works | 16-22 |
| Proof | 9:00-11:00 | Social proof, results | 23-28 |
| Offer | 11:00-14:00 | Present everything they get | 29-39 |
| Guarantee | 14:00-15:00 | Remove risk | 40-42 |
| Close | 15:00-16:00 | Final CTA | 43-46 |

**Total:** 15-20 min for mid-ticket ($500-2000). Adjust by price point — see "VSL Best Practices" in [VSL Scripts Swipe File](direct-response-copy-swipe-file-vsl-scripts.md#vsl-best-practices).

---

## Hook — 0:00-0:30

**On screen:** "[Big Promise or Intriguing Statement]"

```text
"If you [specific situation they're in]...
And you've tried [common solutions] without getting [desired result]...
Then what I'm about to share could change everything.

My name is [Your Name], and in the next [X] minutes,
I'm going to show you [specific promise].

But first, let me ask you something..."
```

First 5 seconds must hook. Call out your audience, promise specific value, create curiosity.

## Problem — 0:30-2:00

```text
"Do you ever feel like [emotional description of problem]?
You know that frustration when you [specific scenario]...

You've tried:
- [Solution they've tried #1]
- [Solution they've tried #2]
- [Solution they've tried #3]
And nothing seems to work.

Maybe you've been told [bad advice they've received].
Or maybe you've bought [products/courses that failed them].

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone."
```

Get them nodding "yes, that's me." Be specific, acknowledge what they've already tried.

## Agitate — 2:00-3:30

```text
"Here's the thing most people don't realize:

Every day you don't solve this problem, [negative consequence #1].
[Negative consequence #2].
[Negative consequence #3].

And the worst part? [The escalating consequence if they don't act].

I know this because I was in the exact same spot."
```

Make them feel the cost of inaction. Transition to your story.

## Story — 3:30-7:00

```text
"[Timeframe] ago, I was [in their painful situation].
I remember [specific vivid memory of the pain].

I'd tried everything:
- [Failed attempt #1 and why it failed]
- [Failed attempt #2 and why it failed]
- [Failed attempt #3 and why it failed]

I spent [money/time/effort] trying to figure this out.
I was about to [give up / accept failure].

Then [discovery moment].
[What you discovered - the key insight]

I started [implementing the insight].
And within [timeframe], [specific result].
That's when I realized I'd cracked the code.

Since then, I've [credibility builder]:
- [Achievement #1]
- [Achievement #2]
- [Achievement #3]
And I've helped [number] people do the same thing."
```

Make your story relatable with specific details. Show the turning point, build credibility naturally.

## Mechanism — 7:00-9:00

```text
"Here's why this works when other approaches fail:

Most people think [common misconception].
So they [wrong action based on misconception].
But that's backwards.

The truth is [key insight].
When you understand this, everything changes.

Instead of [wrong approach], you [right approach].
And instead of [bad outcome], you get [good outcome].

It's not magic. It's [methodology/framework/system].
I call it [Name of Your Method/System]."
```

Explain WHY your solution works. Challenge conventional wisdom, name your unique approach.

## Social Proof — 9:00-11:00

```text
"But don't just take my word for it.

Here's what happened when [Customer #1] used this:
[Before]: [Their situation]
[After]: [Specific results with numbers]
[Customer quote/testimonial]

And [Customer #2]:
[Before/After]
[Quote]

And [Customer #3]:
[Before/After]
[Quote]

These aren't special cases. This is what happens when you [follow your method].
And it can happen for you too."
```

Use specific results with numbers. Show before/after transformations. Vary customer types.

## Offer — 11:00-14:00

```text
"That's why I created [Product Name].
[Product Name] is [brief description] that shows you exactly how to [achieve outcome].

Here's everything you get:

COMPONENT 1: [Name] — [Description] — Value: $[X]
COMPONENT 2: [Name] — [Description] — Value: $[X]
COMPONENT 3: [Name] — [Description] — Value: $[X]

Total Value: $[Sum]

But that's not all. When you join today, you also get:

BONUS 1: [Name] — $[X] Value — [Why valuable]
BONUS 2: [Name] — $[X] Value — [Why valuable]
BONUS 3: [Name] — $[X] Value — [Why valuable]

Total Value: $[Big Number]

But your investment today isn't $[Big Number].
It's not even $[Medium Number].
Your total investment is just $[Actual Price].
Or [X] payments of $[Y] if that works better for you."
```

Present each component with assigned values. Build the stack so the price feels small.

## Guarantee — 14:00-15:00

```text
"And here's the thing — you're completely protected.

I'm so confident [Product Name] will [deliver specific result]
that I'm giving you a [X]-Day [Guarantee Name].

Here's how it works:
Go through [Product Name]. Implement what you learn. [Do specific action].

If you don't [achieve specific outcome]—or if you're not completely
satisfied for any reason—just email us within [X] days.
We'll give you a full refund. No questions asked.

That means you literally have nothing to lose.
Either [Product Name] works for you, or you get your money back."
```

Name your guarantee, explain how it works, remove all perceived risk.

## Close — 15:00-16:00

```text
"So here's where we are. You have a choice to make.

Option 1: Leave this page and keep doing what you've been doing.
Keep [struggling with problem].
Keep [experiencing negative consequence].

Or...

Option 2: Click the button below and get instant access to [Product Name].
Start [achieving desired outcome].
Finally [benefit #2]. And [benefit #3].

The choice is yours. But remember: [Urgency element—why act now]

Click the button below right now.
You'll be taken to a secure checkout page.
Enter your details. And get instant access.

I can't wait to see you inside.
[Your Name]"
```

Present clear contrast between status quo and action. Clear next steps, end with confidence.

---

## Related

- [VSL Scripts Swipe File](direct-response-copy-swipe-file-vsl-scripts.md) — PASTOR framework, complete example, best practices, length-by-price guidance
- [Landing Page Structure](direct-response-copy-frameworks-landing-page-structure.md) — written page framework
- [Offer Construction](direct-response-copy-frameworks-offer-construction.md) — value stacking
