Practical tips to write more concisely and keep your audience engaged

Do you ever feel like people are scrolling past your content without really absorbing what you're saying? 

Your reader's time is valuable, attention spans are shorter than ever and with so much content online, you need to try extra hard to grab your audiences’ attention. 

Content should be easy-to-read, simple, and concise to grab your audience in the first few sentences.

By following these tips below, you'll be able to write more engaging and effective posts that keep your readers hooked from start to finish!

✅ Get to the point

Start with your main point and avoid meandering around it. Be clear and direct from the beginning, and avoid repeating the same points. 

✅ Keep it simple

Use simple language that is easy to understand. Avoid jargon and technical terms that might confuse or bore your audience, and cut unnecessary details that your audience doesn’t need to know. 

✅ Write it, then write it again

Continue to re-write what you’re trying to say until you have a concise, much shorter, easy-to-read version

✅ Use bullet points and subheadings, rather than commas

Breaking up your content into smaller chunks makes it easier to read and more engaging. Use bullet points and subheadings to make your content more scannable. If you're using too many commas, you're talking too much. 

✅ Eliminate unnecessary words

Use Hemmingway or Authored Up to analyse your writing and cut the fluff. Your goal should always be to say more with less. Look for redundant words, such as "very" or "really," and remove them. Also, avoid using multiple words when one will do, such as "in order to" instead of "to."

✅ Use active voice

Passive voice often requires more words and can make your sentences longer than necessary. Use active voice to make your writing more concise and direct.

✅ Break up long sentences

Long sentences can be difficult to follow and can make your writing appear convoluted. Break them up into shorter, more manageable sentences. Give your readers less to read so they don't need to skip. 

Writing engaging copy can:

👉 Better attract and retain your readers, increasing the likelihood that they will continue reading and come back for more in the future

👉 Build trust and credibility, and increase your audiences’ willingness to consider your recommendations or take action on your suggestions

👉 Boost your conversions 

👉 Improve search engine optimisation (SEO) of your content

👉 Help to establish your brand voice and tone, and differentiate your brand from competitors

Remember, writing concisely takes practice. By using these tips and continually reviewing and revising your writing, you can learn to express your ideas more clearly and effectively with fewer words.

If you'd like to speak to us about your business and how to write engaging copy to grab your customers’ attention, drop us a line and we will be super happy to help!