How can you make sure you're not flooding your reader with too many words? Editing. Learn five quick editing tips that will transform your copywriting from flabby waffle into tight copywriting that keeps people interested. This presentation is lesson 3 of a free copywriting course. Just three tips that will definitely improve your copywriting. Sign up here: http://copywritematters.com/free-copywriting-course/ Don't forget to check out The Copy Detective blog where you can read more copywriting tips. When you subscribe you get a copy of my ultimate copywriting cheatsheet with 20 incredible copywriting tips that will transform the way you write about your business. For free. For reals. http://www.copywritematters.com.au/blog

1. How to say more
in fewer words

2. This is #3 of a FREE
copywriting course.
3 tips that will improve
the way you write
Sign up here

3. Lesson3: 5 editing tips
How to say more in fewer words

4. That’s’toit.

5. “So the writer who breeds more
words than he needs, is making
a chore for the reader who
reads.”
― Dr. Seuss

7. LOSE THE CLUTTER

8. Cut grammatical
fillers:
it is,
it was, it won’t,
it takes,
here is, there is,
there will be

9. Include a verb or start with “You”
It’s fun to edit –
… Editing is fun
It takes time to write –
… Writing takes time
There will be many options –
… You have many options

10. CUT THE FAT

11. You don’t need two words
saying the
exact same thing.

12. Lose redundancies
(absolutely) essential
(advance) preview
alternative (choice)
ask (the question)
(basic) fundamentals
(brief) summary
cancel (out)

13. REMOVE:
“That”
Words like:
really”, “very”, “currently”
REMOVE:
“That”
Words like:
really”, “very”,
“currently”

14. DITCH WEAK ADVERBS

15. Often words
that end in
-ly

16. “Clench your teeth
tightly”
“We carefully
consider each
option”
“Moving slowly”

17. SIMPLIFY.

19. Due to the fact that >
because
Endeavour > try
Assist > help
Utilise > use
In error > mistake

20. Simple language isn’t a
unprofessional.
Always choose clarity over
cleverness.

21. GET ACTIVE

22. Passive copywriting describes something
that has been or will be done.
Active copywriting describes something
that is happening.
Speak directly to your readers and keep your
copywriting in the now.

23. Aim to cut 50% of your copy
during your editing phase.

24. LET IT BREATH.

25. Breaking up isn’t hard to do
Short paragraphs are easier on the eye,
making them easier to read.
• Use subheadings
• Insert images
• Use colours and formatting
• Add whitespace

26. Be ruthless when you edit.
Make every word justify it’s
existence on the page.

27. Want to learn more
professional
copywriting tips?
Find out about my next
Copywriting Master Class

28. /copywritematters
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