Here’s my guide to writing good copy that’s accessible and why it matters:
Writing copy that’s easy to read and accessible is something I really care about. And it’s not just because I have a passion for great writing. It’s because it really matters.
Have you ever been to a museum or art gallery and found that the copy introducing the exhibition is complete gobbledygook? Me too! It’s full of long sentences, long paragraphs, really clunky jargon-filled words. It’s written for the high-brow, not the general public, even though art galleries and museums are meant to be for public interest. It’s something that really grates on me.
I’m dyslexic, but I’m a copywriter and editor and I work with words all day, every day, so you could say I have an above average understanding of the English language. Yet, even I often struggle to understand this type of copywriting. So I’ve decided to create a video to explain why I care about all kinds of writing being accessible and how you can make sure yours is.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a small business or big business, serving the public or niche markets, or using a formal or informal tone-of-voice, your copy can always be accessible, easy to read AND intelligent. It’s easy to do. Just be conscious of the words you use, the length of your sentences, your paragraphs and how many ideas you clump into sentences. I could go on. Instead, watch the video and tell me what you think!
It’s my first ever video blog so I would love to know your thoughts. Hey, and any filmmakers out there, constructive criticism is welcome 😉 Let me know in the comments below, say hello on Twitter or drop me an email!
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Nici Copywriter
I’m a freelance copywriter and editor based in London. I love writing about writing, start-ups, networking, literature and running.
LOST FOR WORDS 
You make some good points. I’ve signed up for your newsletter thing as I’m starting a new business and really need to write good copy for my own use. Thanks. There was a bit of unevenness in the audio but your cheerful personality kind of compensated for that. I just listened harder when the audio faded.
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Hi Neil, Thanks for the feedback and thanks for very much for signing up for my newsletter! Yes, I heard that in the audio but I wasn’t sure how to fix it. I’ll hopefully be able to figure it out for the next one 🙂
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Hi Nici,
After watching your video, I am more attentive to write a proper comment. 😉
Thanks for the tips. I match very well with all the points you made as I often do just the opposite. Great reminder.
Lucile
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Haha, thanks for the comment and feedback 🙂 I welcome suggestions for a second video topic!
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You’re welcome.
I enjoyed your video very much and would love to see more of them. You could perhaps select some common writing mistakes, and give examples. Like use of adverbs, etc.
If you don’t mind my intrusion, I’d suggest to look at the amount of time you use humor. Don’t take it away though, but just balance its use better with the time you spend on content. It gave me a feeling that you went very fast on the tips and came back more often to the fun part. But, hey, this is only my perception and what works for me. I’m a huge CONTENT lover.
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Oh great ideas for the next video. And thank you so much for the feedback! It’s so valuable to get feedback like that, point taken 😉 Thanks for watching!
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I am happy that you found it valuable. 🙂
As a blogger, I know that people may not feel comfortable to give constructive feedback, but how could we ever know if they don’t tell us? So, I do.
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Exactly, I always welcome feedback 🙂
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Great to hear that. 🙂
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Great video. Could you do one on key word use for web content?
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Oh, that’s a great idea! Next video coming up 🙂
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