This is one of the biggest mistakes I've corrected in my copywriting: It's writing as if you’re talking to an audience. For example, I used to write stuff like this: "We all know that eating well isn't easy." Or... "Many people have a problem understanding money." That's writing to a group, rather than one person. And it's a big mistake, as the reader doesn't feel you're addressing their specific concerns and problems. Instead, copy should feel personal - as if you're talking to someone one on one. That's how you make a connection and keep them reading. So: "You know eating well isn't easy." "You probably have a problem understanding money – you’re not alone." You can see how much stronger that is. *** Want to hear more from me? Stop in at one of my virtual pubs: Copywriters: Go to The Copy Arms, where I serve advice on writing copy and career building - bit.ly/thecopyarms Small business owners, freelancers and solopreneurs: Join me in The Solopreneurs Arms, where you discover how to market yourself better and sell more - bit.ly/thesoloarms
Examples are always the easiest to understand and implement. I’ll keep the copy simple and direct—it’s a daily practice and adjustment. Martin Sayers
Talk to one person. Solve one specific problem. Offer one solution. This is how you write copy that converts Martin Sayers
Yes! 'You' is a magic word. Forces you to keep it focused on the reader, one reader at a time.
The more direct, the better! I always go for simple and direct copy.
One of the golden rules of copywriting. Write to an individual not an audience. I often forget this tho.
Guilty as charged on this one. Thanks for the tip, Martin - en pointe as usual!
Absolutely. Writing to one person creates a connection. Copy that feels personal is what pulls readers in.
I just learnt something new. Talk to a person not to a group. Thank you for this Martin Sayers
Love this, Martin. I need to watch out for this. While I'm a liberal sprinkler of YOU-based sentences, the odd crowd-based sentence does sneak in here and there. Thanks for this.
Head of Brand and Content at MFG Health Consulting
4moThe first one is better Stanley. Or, something like - For you - the one who refuses to blend in.