13 Short & Simple Tips to Write a Good Copy
Writing a good copy is an art as it needs creativity, mastery, and style. But a good copy does not have to be stylish necessarily.
An excellent copy is the one that can establish trust, build relationships, and demonstrate authority. It should be able to communicate clearly and make sure that the audience is not getting distracted from your product or service.
Everyone can memorize rules but do not get stuck in the rules, as it might make your copy look dull and boring. Copywriting requires creativity, and getting hung up on rules can make your copy lose its essence. Here are a few short and simple tips for writing a good copy.
- Your Headline
Every copywriter who wants to make people read needs to keep this first and most crucial aspect in mind. A headline is what your audience is going to see first, and the only reason why they would or would not want to read the entire copy you wrote. This is the part where you should invest 70% of your writing time.
The 4 U’s will help you in this –
- Unique
- Urgent
- Ultra-specific
- Useful
- Use Common Spelling
Using variations and acronyms instead of common spelling can distract your readers and withdraw them from the actual story that you were telling (unless, of course, if your target audience is 7-14-year-old girls).
Therefore avoid using words like @ for at, nite for night, or plz for please. Tweets and generic messages look okay with such slangs or acronyms, but when interacting with your audience through a long copy, distractions are the last thing you need.
- Avoid Using Hyperbole and Fancy Words
The very first a copywriter learns in their job is to tone down their language. A good copy can cut like a knife. But what can make it dull is over-exaggeration. Avoid using big or fancy words that make you appear like you are trying way too hard to sound important or intelligent.
- Put Your Reader First
As a copywriter, it is our job to comprehend the hopes, wishes, and fears of our audience. However, doing so needs research, a lot of research, and the magic of the “You” word. Being one of the most powerful English words, “you” cannot lose.
- Write Naturally
Sounding too formal will make your audience lose interest. It would be best if you connected with them on an emotional level. You must speak in your audience’s language and do it in a manner that makes them believe that you are a genuine person offering their expertise and help.
Ultimately, this will make your prospect know, like, and trust you. Additionally, it will enable the search engines to identify that you have the relevant answers to the audience’s questions. For this, research as much as possible to know your target audience inside out.
- Outlines Can Help
Outlines are helpful! In case you do not have the time or energy to prepare a simple outline, at least give some ideas of the goals you want to accomplish.
Even a small note with bullets will work. Creative writers always work with outlines. Plus, they do not suppress your creativity. Instead, they help to remind you to stick to the point.
- Use Nouns and Verbs
Precise language is convincing, whereas flowery language is distracting. A crisp and precise copy will help your potential leads to move along, but adjectives and adverbs are just for stuffing. Including more descriptors will make your readers stick to the copy.
- Revise & Rewrite
Editing is a crucial part of copywriting. Once you are done with the copy, revise it for as long as you can. Point out the changes and then rewrite it, before presenting it to the client or management.
- Do Not Overwrite
Lack of clarity will make your copy dull. Overwriting may be an indication of your under thinking. Writing a good copy is definitely not an easy job. But then again, if you are not able to explain it in simple words, you have not understood it well enough in the first place.
- Do Not Overstate
Without a doubt, superlatives are capable of ruining your copy. Exaggerating or overstating your claims can make the audience lose their trust in you. An understated commitment can capture your audience’s attention far better than a roaring hype.
- Be Clear
Once you are done with editing, go to do something else, maybe grab a coffee or listen to a few songs. Then come back, reread the copy, and edit. You can also print the copy on a paper to reduce the distractions of your laptop’s screen.
- Do Not Mix Metaphors
If your copy sounds perfect when said in the correct way but ugly when said incorrectly, it might need improvements. Focus on one metaphor. Do not mix them in one copy.
- Simplify Your Language
Last but not least, eliminate any extra words. Keep the copy crisp, short, and engaging. DO not mess it up with any unnecessary or big words.
So these were the few very simple yet essential tips to write a compelling copy. We hope this was useful to you. Drop your views in the comments below.