We all read digital copywriting every day. In fact, you’re reading it right now.
However, with a world of digital content available at the click of a button, it can be easy to forget that someone has actually written what you’re reading.
Back in the day (pre-digital times), writers mainly used to write for print outlets like newspapers and magazines. Or for advertising that would appear in printed publications and on billboards.
Today, most of those newspapers and magazines are online and digital marketing is big business. That means copywriters are mostly writing for a digital audience.
So what’s the difference between writing for digital and print?
Basically, people read differently online. There is more scanning involved and it’s less methodical.
The reason for this is that people want answers – fast. Plus, there is so much information available that they can quickly jump to another website to find what they’re looking for.
And let’s not forget that the average adult attention span is now eight seconds, so writers have to catch their attention straight away.
Digital copywriting is indeed a skill, and one that takes time to get right.
To find out more, let’s take a look at what it involves.
The F Pattern
The F Pattern was discovered during an eye-tracking study by the NNGroup. It found that when reading online, most people concentrate at the top of the page and then scan down in an ‘F’ pattern.
The image below better explains the concept.
This is useful to know when writing for a digital audience because it helps to prioritise important information in the first two paragraphs.
You will also notice that a lot of attention is placed at the start of sentences. This provides another clue about how to write for digital consumption, so be sure to start sentences in an enticing way.
The F Pattern is not a uniform law to follow when writing for digital, though. It’s a concept and provides a handy outline for writers, but the way people consume digital content continues to evolve.
The most important thing to remember is that readers are human, and you want them to engage with the writing.
Use plain language
Writing clearly and simply should always be priority number one because it’s easier to understand.
For example, instead of the word “advise”, use “tell”. Not only is it a simpler word, but it sounds less formal, which helps to build trust.
Likewise, short sentences are your friend when writing for digital. The general rule is no more than 20 words per sentence, and one to two sentences for each paragraph.
Again, shorter sentences are easier to understand, which means people can read quicker.
Style and tone are equally as important and it’s best practice to avoid clichés and jargon – where possible.
Instead, tell the reader how useful something is and speak to them directly by using “you” and “you’re”. It will make the writing seem more like a conversation and keep them reading to find out more.
Always edit
Ernest Hemingway famously said, “The first draft of anything is shit.”
And he was right.
Never underestimate the power of editing, especially when writing for a digital audience. Editing helps to spot errors and ensures that a piece of writing flows – even if it means deleting sections that don’t work.
To help you get started, here’s a checklist of questions for reviewing digital copywriting:
- Is the important information at the top?
- Is the language clear and simple?
- Does it contain jargon or clichés?
- Are the sentences and paragraphs short?
- Does it speak to the reader?
By asking these questions, you can make sure the writing is as digital-friendly as possible, so it won’t get lost in the vast world of the internet.
Looking for a copywriter? Get in touch at hello@hayleymaguire.com
Hayley Maguire 