With the rise of social media it can be hard to come up with catchy headline after catchy headline, switching audiences at the same rate you blink. We know the struggle and feel your pain, which is why we wanted to share our four top tips that will help you the next time you’re stuck in a Facebook Ads (or any other kind) copy rut.
Skilfully prepared copy has the ability to move prospective customers out of the honeymoon phase and into the brand loyalty category – but great copy doesn’t write itself.
1. Know Your Audience
Getting a sense of who your audiences are and what they need help with can transform your copy. Luckily you can use the power of A/B testing to find out exactly which ads are resonating with your audiences. Is it humor, bold headlines, or rhetorical questions? Sometimes data does speak louder than words – so roll up your sleeves and start digging.
2. Don’t Skimp on the Visuals
Good things are better together, which is why your copy and image need to be equally outstanding. The News Feed is increasingly competitive which means that you face the challenge of grabbing your audience’s attention in a matter of seconds. While images can complement your copy, they can also break it. If the connection from message to visual is too abstract your audience may not have time to make the connection fast enough.
Keep in mind that your image and copy should not exist independently. Rather, they need to make each other stronger. Working closely with your graphic designer can help you both be on the same page and get you closer to consolidating your creative visions. If you are also designing the visuals, always ask for a second opinion to get perspective. Not all tasks can be done in isolation, though it can be far more convenient. If you truly want to make an effective ads that will captivate your audiences you need to take your time and work at your own space – your audiences aren’t going anywhere.
3. Keep It Simple
Now for the challenge. Trying to incorporate all of the advice above while still being creative…it’s not easy, but it can be done. Sometimes it helps writing everything down on paper and asking one of your colleagues which text they prefer and why. This can give you valuable insight on how others interpret copy you may have previously thought couldn’t be more direct. Though this process may take time and several attempts the final copy you choose will be far more effective and worth the brain power.
4. Don’t Oversell
When communicating with your audiences you don’t need to explain who you are and why you matter. Talk instead about their pains and then show how you solve them. Strive to sell the dream and help your audience envision how your product or service can make them better at what they do.
Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to use YOU instead of OUR. Always reread your copy and pay close attention to personal pronouns. It’s never about you – it’s about them.
The Takeaway
Copy is an essential though overlooked component of all advertising. With the right words you can peak your audience’s interest and make the buyer’s journey fun! The next time you’re typing up ads at your keyboard, keep these 4 simple tips in mind and create scroll-stopping copy that has an impact.
Jordan Lukeš
Content Marketing Specialist
