Copywriting is the use of words and ideas to promote a person, business, opinion or idea. The key to writing a good article lies with being knowledgeable about the topic, knowing who your target audience is and knowing how to write. Listed below are the ten key tips to writing great copy.
1. Have an attention grabbing and compelling headline
The headline draws in the interest and attention of the reader. It is the first impression you make on the potential reader – the heading determines if your article is of any relevance to them.
2. Immediately deliver what was promised in the headline to retain reader interest
The first paragraph should hold the answer the reader seeks. The body of the copy is where you should flesh out each point.
3. Write with energy
Your audience is able to pick up on the way you write – if you are bored while writing, it will show in your copy. Use an active tone.
4. Keep the message clear, simple and succinct
If there is too much text on the page, it is daunting to the reader and may deter them from reading further. Do not ramble or write irrelevant information.
5. Use headings & subheadings to break up the page
The added white space and structure helps the reader’s eyes to focus. The brain processes information better when it is broken into small chunks.
6. Avoid repeating information
The information will become redundant if you keep writing the same thing repeatedly and you will lose your reader’s interest.
7. Choose simple words
Write ‘use’ instead of ‘utilise’, ‘help’ instead of ‘facilitate’, ‘start’ instead of ‘commence’. Use longer words only if your meaning is so specific no other words will do.
8. Know your audience
Understand the mindset of your audience and write in a style that best suits that audience.
9. Keep paragraphs short, each one covering one topic
This helps to retain the reader’s attention – keep paragraphs to four lines and never exceed six lines. Eliminate filler words – such as, very, little, rather, etc as it does nothing but bulk up your sentences and paragraphs.
10. Check, double check and triple check your writing
It is important to have a fresh pair of eyes proofread and edit your copy to point out any mistakes you made or to see if they understand the article.
Remember, good copy is well-written information with an understanding of how it will make the reader feel. If you would like to learn more about how to write good copy for your business or have any other marketing queries, contact Deborah from Clarity Marketing on 0411 139 881 or email dcq@claritymarketing.com.au.
