Whether you are crafting a sales pitch for a client, writing a cover letter for a resume, an internal business proposal, or a Facebook post, you must write it to draw the audience closer to your copy.
Before you begin writing a copy, the first step is to conduct in-depth research. Research is essential for crafting interesting, compelling copies because it helps you to gather essential information about the target audience, industry trends, and products or services. Furthermore, research will reveal the audience’s wants, needs, and pain points so that you can tailor the copy to the specific audience group. You can follow tips on how to conduct effective research to improve your research skills.
Now, look at the tips and tricks to create engaging copy that taps into the psyche of the target audience and compels them to take the desired action.
1. Write in simple language
Too many technical terms and jargon can make your copy appear dense. As a result, it will not appeal to a wider audience.
Using simple language when crafting a sales pitch or a social media post would be best. The language must be easy to understand for everyone.
Nobody should need to keep a dictionary handy when trying to understand the product or service you are trying to promote. Also, the blog reading experience will be ruined if you use too many complex or difficult words.
2. Do not repeat the same phrases
You must have heard that repetition establishes rhythm and structure. But this does not mean you must keep on repeating the same phrases. On the contrary, it can quickly get annoying if you overuse the phrases.
In simple terms, your copy will leave a bad taste in the mouth of your readers.
3. Use active voice
Writing in an active voice creates shorter sentences, making the writing appear much more direct. It creates a favorable reading experience. Furthermore, active voice helps readers picture themselves taking action. That’s why it is considered necessary in copywriting to use active voice.
4. Don’t use passive voice
Passive voice creates longer sentences because it uses more words without adding information. This language makes your writing seem distant, and the message isn’t always clear. Hence, it is best to avoid writing in passive voice.
5. Keep it brief
Even if your writing is excellent, the audience will not read more than a few sentences. They will skim through the copy. Therefore, it is essential that you make your copy scannable.
To ensure your copy is entertaining and exciting, keep it brief. However, mention all the essential details, so your readers have all the information they need.
6. Provoke your audience
This tip does not apply to you if you are writing a white paper, eBook, or report. In this case, you will have to cover all the bases.
However, if you create a social media copy, blog post, or website copy, you do not have to provide them with all the information. A little bit of mystery is essential to keep the audience’s interests hooked. It would be best to provoke them through your writing to encourage them to know more.
If your copy solves all the problems and gives all the information, the audience will not want to study the entire website or go to the links you have included in your copy. Therefore, it would be best if you left your audience wanting more.
7. Use short sentences
It is essential to present a copy to your target audience that is easy to read. Do not make it difficult for them.
One important aspect of copywriting is writing short sentences that are easy to digest. It will be easier for the readers to follow each point of the argument. If you are using longer sentences, divide them so they can be understood easily.
It would be best if you also avoided big chunks of text. Instead, the paragraphs must be divided into short sentences, numbered lists, and bullets.
8. Master the art of storytelling
Tell your audience a story that they will be interested to hear. Your writing can be humorous, fun, and informative. However, it must not be drab and dull.
Instead of aggressively promoting or selling products or services, you must tell them a story that will capture their imagination. It will encourage them to wait for your next copy and may even follow you if you have a blogging website or social media account.
9. Review your copy
Finally, your audience wants an error-free copy. Therefore, there must not be grammatical and spelling errors. If there are any mistakes in your copy, it will negatively impact your copywriting skills in the minds of the readers. Therefore, you must review it before submitting your copy.
These are some basic practices to follow when writing a copy. However, the audience’s needs, behaviors, and wants are always changing. Therefore, keeping up with the latest trends and always focusing on enhancing your copywriting skills would be best.