7 Simple Copywriting Tips to Make Your Words Sing

What's good copywriting?‍

Good copywriting is the difference between standing out and losing out. And great copywriting? Well, that can add a whole lot more to your brand's success.

Yet no great copywriter was ever born great. It's a skill that's sharpened over time. And practice makes perfect.

But it's no secret, anyone can learn how to improve and write better copy. It's not about being a professional writer. It comes back to understanding the basics of writing with purpose—and sticking to them.

So:

You know how to read.
You know how to write.
And hopefully with these few pointers, you'll soon know how to make your words count in any context you're writing for.
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You ready? Here are 7 simple copywriting tips to get you fast on your way to crafting some killer do-it-yourself copy.

7 Simple Copywriting Tips:

1. Make it Personal

Remember: you're not writing for everybody. Choose somebody and write to them. Directly.

Make them feel special. Make them feel heard. Ultimately, make them feel.

Use 'you' wherever you can. It creates a friendly style that captivates and speaks to your reader.

Ask questions, too. That creates a sense of movement and dialogue that can keep them engaged.

You got it?‍
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2. Make it Conversational

Remember, you're writing for humans – not robots. So don't make your copy sound robotic.
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If you write how you speak, you'll be on the right track to building trust with your reader.

Use short words and simple language to keep your message clear.

Adopt a positive tone that ensures you sound personable and familiar.

Avoid jargon or complex words, they crowd the page and muddy the purpose.

Think: One thought per sentence. One idea per paragraph.

Now, you can't go wrong.‍
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3. Make it Scannable

Audiences today skim, scan and scroll. Especially when reading on screens and devices. So ensure your copy is easy to read and quick to digest.
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No chunky paragraphs. No extra-long sentences. Allow plenty of white space on the page to make your writing appear more inviting.
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Also break-up your style from slabs of text and straight-line writing.

For instance:

• Use headings and subheadings to signpost each section

• Use bold and italics to highlight key ideas and quotes

• Use lists, numbers and bullet points to display information

(Case in point)‍‍

4. Make it Interesting

Your audience doesn’t want facts, they want hacks. So try and peak their natural curiosity.

Excite them and entice them with what they've always been looking for:

- Answers
- Benefits
- Solutions
- Secrets

Leave no doubt in their mind about what you offer them and how much they need it.

You dangle the carrot to leave them wanting more...
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5. Make it Specific

What are you ‘really’ trying to say? Who are you ‘really’ speaking to? Stick to those main points.

Because that's the real purpose behind your copy – to state your intention and drive your audience to action.

Get to the point. Repeat it if you must. Then back it up with examples and show proof.

Done.
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6. Make it Memorable

Being direct doesn't mean being dull. Be distinct.

Don't be afraid to throw your audience a curveball.

Tell a story. Share an opinion. Sprinkle some personality.

Say something only you would say to stand out.

I want to be the next ninja warrior.

See?
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7. Make it Count

Your copy should be lean and mean. Write without fear, edit without mercy.

Read it out loud. Then get somebody else to read it. Check for spelling and grammar. And double-check for flow.

Remove any fluff – words like 'very', 'really' and 'that' are usually pretty useless.

And last up:

*from David Ogilvy's typewriter*

"Every word in the copy must count.”

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Make sense? Hope so. 

And sure, your copywriting prowess may not grow overnight. But stick with it – it will improve.  

In the meantime, if you need help dialling up the conversion-kicking power of your words, you know where to find me.