7 Tips To Write Compelling Copy

Copy is everywhere. In any blog post, website, social media post, landing page, emails, and ads, the words you use are copy. And when the copy is compelling, it draws in readers and converts them. 

Ready to write copy that’s compelling and converts? Here are 7 tips to write compelling copy and connect with your ideal audience.

1. Write Headlines with a Hook

Your headline is like a first impression—make it count! It’s the first thing people see, and if it doesn’t stop them in their tracks, they’re scrolling past all the other copy you have. Keep it clear, but don’t shy away from adding a little personality or intrigue. You want your headlines to reflect your brand’s style and make readers feel something—excitement, curiosity, or even the sense that you just get them.

For example, which headline would you click on first?

1: “Tips for Staying Productive”
2: “How to Stay Productive Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Netflix Time!)”

The second one doesn’t just deliver advice—it speaks to real life, adding a dash of humor and making readers feel like you get them. It promises value while being totally relatable, which is exactly what a great headline should do.

2. Make it About Your Reader

Whenever you can change an “our” sentence to a “your” sentence, do it! In the world of marketing, organizations and businesses are not the heroes. The consumer or customer is the hero, and the organization is their guide.

By shifting the lens in your copy from yourself to your audience, you’re engaging them directly! Now, you’ve positioned yourself as the guide on their journey, and they can visualize how you solve their problems.

3. Keep it Skimmable 

Treat most of the copy on your website like your resume, and pretend that a customer is the hiring manager you’re appealing to. Show how you can bring value to a customer quickly and clearly.

Most people will be on your site for a matter of seconds before they decide if your services are the right fit. Make sure they’re getting what they need in those vital seconds! 

4. Define Your Voice

The voice is how an organization sounds and feels. It’s characterized by word choice, language, and style.

One of the first things I ask when developing a brand voice is, how does this brand say hello?

The answer could be anything from a casual “hi there” to a formal “we are at your service.” Simply knowing the brand’s greeting can help me expand the tone and voice throughout the brand’s copywriting. 

Whatever voice you write your website copy in, it should reflect the voice you want to portray and match the voice your audience responds to.

5. Avoid Jargon 

Using industry-specific terms without explanation can confuse or alienate your audience. A person is coming to you for your expertise, so they may not be familiar with industry terms right away. Unless you offer a brief definition, jargon can not only confuse but also unintentionally intimidate potential clients from moving forward with you. The simpler the language, the wider your reach.

6. Make it Actionable

Great copy drives action. Use powerful verbs that spark movement and guide readers to the next step. Some examples include:

• Launch
• Drive
• Create
• Innovate
• Grow
• Explore

A call-to-action (CTA), as it’s known in marketing lingo, should help guide your audience through their journey to purchasing a product or service. A CTA can be a link in copy or a well-placed button that leads to more information, whether it’s a product details page, helpful blog, or contact form. CTA’s are another great way to inject brand personality — ask me how! 

7. Be Concise

 In the crucial seconds you’re allotted to win a customer’s attention, compelling copywriting is a non-negotiable must-have. 

Use short sentences and paragraphs in your messaging to hold their attention. The only exceptions to this tip are if you’re creating an in-depth resource, like an ultimate guide or tutorial.

Formatting Matters in Writing Compelling Copy

Your copy might be the most compelling, converting, connecting, words ever. But if they’re not easy to read, most people will never stick around long enough to find out.Formatting is how you make your copy easy to read and enjoy. Here’s how to keep it reader-friendly and impactful:

• Use bold and italics to highlight key points. Think of these as your copy’s highlighter pens that subtly say, “Hey! Pay attention to this.”
• White space isn’t wasted space. It’s like a breath of fresh air for your readers, breaking up blocks of text so they don’t feel overwhelmed. Short paragraphs are your best friend here.
• Subheadings guide the way. They break things up and keep readers curious about what’s next.

Make Every Word Count

Creating copy that captivates and converts is both an art and a science. When you write compelling copy, you align your brand’s voice and the needs of your audience to create an authentic connection.

Are you ready to take your messaging to the next level? Whether you need a full content strategy or a quick website refresh, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll craft compelling copy that doesn’t just inform—it inspires action. Get in touch today!