If I could have any superpower...
It would be to know the exact size of Tupperware needed to store my leftovers.
Can you imagine?
I wouldn’t dirty 2-3 containers just to find the right one for my leftover chili.
Okay, this isn’t a "superpower," but spatial reasoning, which I am sorely lacking.
But...one area where my spatial reasoning is spot on? Words.
After 6+ years of writing hundreds of projects, I can quickly tell if your website or newsletter has too much copy to be effective and how to get it down to a better length.
The next time you’re close to tears, staring at a wall of words...
Try these copywriter-approved editing hacks to prevent “Oops! I wrote too much copy again.”
🖌️ Narrow the margins. Most Word or Google Docs are 6.5 inches wide. After I complete my first draft, I adjust to 5 or 5.5 inches This helps me write shorter sentences as I edit.
🖌️ Make the font bigger. Websites and newsletters typically have a 14-16pt body font, while headers can be 20-24pt. This will help you assess how your copy might look on your website. (Plus, it’s really satisfying to write in big font. Trust me.)
🖌️ Try this browser extension. Try this tool to see how your words will look on your website without going into the backend. It’s a game changer with my copy-mentoring clients.
🖌️ The 10% game. Need something more tangible? Determine the word count for your copy, then decrease it by 10%. So if you have a 500-word newsletter, you’d try to get it to 450 words. It helps you assess the purpose of every word.
Want to know the best editing tool?
A clear message.
When you know what your business stands for and how to communicate it, editing is much easier. You can pinpoint exactly where you veer off course.
But when your message isn’t clear? Every word feels essential. You run the risk of confusing your readers and diluting the heart of your work.
If you want help to clarify your message so it sings to your ideal clients, book a call here.
You might be surprised how much clarity comes from a simple conversation with me. 😉
Now, back to packing up my leftovers. (Send help!)
Q: What superpower do you wish you had? Hit “reply” and tell me.
xo Ari
P.S. Last week’s December Insights was packed with awesome stuff! Click here if you missed it.
P.P.S. My wonderful colleagues Melissa and Karen of The Intentional Therapist (I’ve been a guest twice!) are launching a podcast and celebrating with a giveaway!
Launch Giveaway
🎉 Three winners will get a book of their choice from a curated self-care list.
Enter by Dec 31:
- Subscribe to their free newsletter.
- Share your self-care experiments via SpeakPipe.
Winners will be notified in early Jan 2025. Thanks for supporting!
Check out their podcast, Putting You In Your Schedule.
