Zombies will save you! (And other writing tips for 2023)

Written By Martha Barnard-Rae

Your friendly neighbourhood ex-English teacher here to put the FUN back into FUNdamentals of the English language. 

Don’t hang up!

It’s super important that your writing says what you want it to say, clearly, simply, and with style.

Here are 3 tips to make your writing sparkle.

Tip #1: Write conversational copy

Would you like me to provide instructions pertaining to the ways in which you can finesse your declarations so that they become more palatable? 🧐 …gasp. 

That took it out of me. 

People. Nobody speaks like this.

Therefore, we shouldn’t write like this. But don’t fret. There are a few easy ways to make your copy more conversational.

  • Use contractions: Those cute little phrases that are shortened by dropping a couple of letters. You know, like don’t, you’re, she’s and shouldn’t. These make your copy a bit less buttoned up and a bit more relaxed. 

  • Keep your focus: even if you’re writing to heaps of people, keep one specific person in mind. And no, I’m not talking about your high school sweetheart. Your ideal reader, please. Pretend you’re writing just for them. 

  • Another quick one is to read your work aloud. If you sound like a huge nerd with no friends, RE-WRITE and SIMPLIFY. 

  • Use simple sentences: Our brains like short sentences. The end. 

  • Down with gobbledygook: Step away from the thesaurus! Your readers want clear, concise copy. Don’t use a long word when a short word will do. Don’t use six words when two words will do.

So the next time you write something, go through and put these tips to work. 

Tip #2: Take one thing off

Coco Chanel famously said "before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off". ⁣ ⁣ The same rule applies to writing. When you edit your work to make it more conversational, see if you can apply it.

The best way to make it happen? Take what you’ve written and reduce it by half. ⁣ ⁣

You only have seconds to grab your⁣ readers’ attention.

So make every word count.⁣

Tip #3: Zombies will save you!

I don't watch The Walking Dead. Too scary for this gal. ⁣

⁣You know what else is scary?⁣

⁣PASSIVE VOICE. Remember that old chestnut? It's when you say things in your copy like 'our doughnuts are made by trained bakers,' when you could easily say 'trained bakers make our doughnuts'. ⁣

⁣That second example? It is in Active Voice, which makes your copy more direct, stronger, and more dynamic. ⁣

⁣When you're writing in Active Voice, the subject IS something, or DOES the action of the verb in the sentence....I know -- a total snooze-fest.⁣

⁣But. Here's a fun trick: if you can add 'by zombies' after the verb, you're writing in Passive Voice. Check it:⁣

⁣'Our doughnuts are made (by zombies)' -- nightmare! If the sentence makes sense when you add 'by zombies,' re-think it.⁣ 

Another one: ‘The kombucha was tipped down the drain (by zombies)’ ← The good thing about this sentence is that the kombucha is gone now, but there is a clearer way of saying it. ‘Sarah tipped the kombucha down the drain,’ will get your message across more succinctly.

⁣Passive Voice isn't always incorrect, but more often than not, you'll want to be writing in Active Voice. It will make things more clear, easier to read, and your people will know you know your stuff.

If you liked this post, share it and share it good!

 
 

Martha Barnard-Rae is a Denmark WA-based SEO copywriter. She supports businesses in Denmark, Albany, the Great Southern and beyond with all the wordy things they need to stand out in the best possible way.

Her words live on the websites, blogs, videos, emails, and socials of businesses all over Australia. An accomplished speaker, Martha helps brands, business owners, schools, and Government Departments understand what they need to do to find their voices.

Martha holds an Honours Degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Education — communication truly lights her up. When she’s not crafting delicious words, you’ll find her walking two giant pooches, practicing her ukulele, or wrapped around a cup of tea, planning out her next Instagram reel.

To stay up to date, join the Word Candy crew on Instagram, or connect with Martha on LinkedIn.

Martha Barnard-Rae
Previous

How to write an irresistible headline
Next

Why digital strategy?