If you want to discover the secret to writing engaging copy for your business, I have a simple copywriting cheat sheet for you.
Creating content is great for getting and retaining customers, but not all marketing channels are the same.
The way you write for the web will be different from how you write for social media and email.
You should know the difference and create content accordingly.
Therefore, here’s a copywriting cheat sheet you should use when writing for different mediums.
How to Write for Email, Social, and the Web
When it comes to copywriting, using the same voice, text, tone, or length doesn’t work across all channels.
The way you’d write for a blog post won’t be the same way you write for Facebook or Twitter.
So, how do you hit the target when writing across these platforms?
Email Promo copy
When writing an email promotion, your copy should be:
- Concise
- Clear
- Action Oriented
- Enticing, and
- Impactful
Your email promo copy should also include a compelling image and a call to action.
Blog copy
Your blog posts need to be enticing enough to get the reader to reach the end of the post and take the necessary action needed.
Therefore, in your blog posts, include:
- A storyline (If you have any…. You don’t have to look far, you’ll find one)
- It should have a personality and shouldn’t read like a robot wrote it
- It should be engaging enough to keep the reader interested
- Your post should be opinionated
Also, you should include sources for your claims.
Use short sentences and paragraphs when writing a blog post.
(It makes reading the post easier)
Also include links to other posts cited, keywords, and questions.
Twitter copy
Twitter is also a different platform that needs its own style of copy.
Twitter no longer does 140 characters.
Check this out…
It is now up to 280 characters.
As shown in the image below:
Therefore, your characters should not surpass 280.
Your tweets should also be friendly and personable.
Also, include links, keywords, hashtags, retweets, and ask questions.
Pinterest copy
Pinterest is an image-based platform.
And when you create an image, it should have certain things to make it stand out and be seen:
- It should have a headline,
- The image should be descriptive,
- The image should be a high-quality image,
- And it should include a call to action.
Also, don’t forget that when writing a headline and description for Pinterest, it should have the keywords you want to rank for.
This increases your chances of being seen on Pinterest.
Email newsletter copy
Email newsletter copy is different from the email promo copy.
In email promo copy, the aim is to sell something.
But in email newsletter copy, you aim to educate.
Therefore, in the email newsletter copy, your email should include:
- Divided sections
- Short sentences
- It should be personable
- Should be informative
- It should be consistent
- Also, it should be educational
- It should be non-salesy
- the content should be impactful
And finally, it should include a call to action.
Facebook copy
A different platform from the others, your Facebook copy should include:
- Short sentences
- It should be conversational
- It should be action-oriented
- Must be sharable
It should also include questions, links, videos, and images, and should occasionally include an emotional component.
Instagram copy
Instagram is also a visual platform like Pinterest.
But it’s also different.
And it should include:
Short copy, contextual, tag location, and also, use hashtags.
LinkedIn copy
This platform is for professionals and it only makes sense that your copy on this platform should be professional.
It should be personable.
Also concise.
And it should include sharable information, questions, and links to relevant information.
Website copy
Your website copy should be informative, engaging, clear, and consistent.
It should also be action-oriented to get leads and customers.
Also, your web copy should include:
- The most important information above the fold
- Features, benefits, and experiences
- Keywords to increase exposure
- Links (Both internal and external)
- And a call to action.
20 Secrets to Writing Copy That Sells
Let’s get down to business. Here are 20 actionable secrets to help you write copy that sells like hotcakes.
1. Know Your Audience Inside and Out
Before you write a single word, ask yourself: Who am I talking to? What are their pain points, desires, and fears? The better you know your audience, the more your copy will resonate.
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Pro Tip: Create a customer avatar. Give them a name, age, job, and even hobbies. Write as if you’re speaking directly to them.
2. Start With a Killer Headline
Your headline is the first thing people see. If it doesn’t grab attention, they’re gone. Use power words, ask questions, or create curiosity.
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Example:
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Boring: “Buy Our Product.”
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Killer: “Struggling to Lose Weight? This 5-Minute Trick Burns Fat Fast!”
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3. Focus on Benefits, Not Features
Nobody cares about your product’s specs. They care about how it will make their life better.
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Example:
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Feature: “Our blender has a 1000-watt motor.”
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Benefit: “Whip up smoothies in seconds—no chunks, no fuss!”
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4. Use Emotional Triggers
Emotions drive decisions. Tap into feelings like fear, joy, or FOMO (fear of missing out) to make your copy irresistible.
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Example:
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“Don’t miss out on the deal of the year—your dream vacation is just a click away!”
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5. Keep It Simple, Silly (KISS)
Don’t confuse your readers with jargon or long sentences. Write like you’re talking to a friend.
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Example:
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Complicated: “Utilize our state-of-the-art solution to optimize your workflow.”
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Simple: “Get more done in less time with our easy-to-use tool.”
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6. Tell a Story
Stories are powerful. They grab attention and make your message memorable.
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Example:
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“Meet Sarah. She was struggling to save money until she discovered our budgeting app. Now, she’s on track to buy her dream home.”
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7. Use Social Proof
People trust what others say about you. Use testimonials, reviews, or case studies to build credibility.
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Example:
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“Join 10,000+ happy customers who’ve transformed their skin with our miracle cream.”
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8. Create Urgency
Scarcity and urgency push people to act fast.
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Example:
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“Only 3 spots left at this price—claim yours before they’re gone!”
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9. Add a Call to Action (CTA)
Tell your readers exactly what to do next. Be clear and direct.
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Example:
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“Click the button below to start your free trial today!”
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10. Use Numbers and Stats
Numbers grab attention and add credibility.
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Example:
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“9 out of 10 customers saw results in just 7 days!”
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11. Write for Scanners
Most people skim online. Use short paragraphs, subheadings, and bullet points to make your copy easy to read.
12. Be Specific
Vague copy doesn’t sell. Be precise about what you’re offering.
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Example:
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Vague: “Save money with our service.”
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Specific: “Save up to $500 a year with our energy-saving plan.”
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13. Use Power Words
Power words evoke emotion and drive action.
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Examples:
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Free, guaranteed, proven, instant, exclusive, limited-time.
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14. Address Objections
Anticipate your audience’s concerns and address them head-on.
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Example:
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“Worried about the cost? Our 30-day money-back guarantee has you covered.”
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15. Use Visuals to Support Your Copy
A picture is worth a thousand words. Use images, videos, or infographics to reinforce your message.
16. Test and Tweak
Great copy is never finished. Test different headlines, CTAs, and formats to see what works best.
17. Write Like a Human
Avoid corporate jargon. Write like you’re having a conversation.
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Example:
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Robotic: “We are pleased to inform you…”
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Human: “Hey there! We’ve got some exciting news…”
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18. Use the AIDA Formula
AIDA stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action. It’s a proven framework for persuasive copy.
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Example:
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Attention: “Tired of sleepless nights?”
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Interest: “Our natural sleep aid helps you fall asleep faster.”
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Desire: “Imagine waking up refreshed and ready to conquer the day.”
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Action: “Try it risk-free today!”
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19. Be Consistent
Your tone, style, and messaging should align with your brand. Consistency builds trust.
20. Never Stop Learning
Copywriting is an art and a science. Keep honing your skills and staying updated on trends.
How to Use This Copywriting Cheat Sheet
Now that you’ve got the secrets, it’s time to put them into action. Start by picking one or two tips to focus on. Test them out in your next email, ad, or blog post. See what works, tweak what doesn’t, and keep improving.
Remember, great copywriting isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.
Ready to Master the Art of Copywriting?
You’ve just unlocked the ultimate Copywriting Cheat Sheet—20 secrets to writing copy that sells. But why stop here? Imagine having a step-by-step guide to mastering every aspect of copywriting, from headlines to CTAs, with real-world examples and templates.
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