Short copy: Concise, compelling, and effective
In the digital space, capturing attention quickly is crucial. Short copy is the art of conveying a message with impact using minimal words. It's the driving force behind compelling headlines, engaging social media posts, persuasive calls to action, and memorable taglines. Whether you're looking to boost conversions, increase brand awareness, or simply communicate effectively, a skilled short copywriter can be an invaluable asset.
What to look for in a short copy freelancer
Finding the right short copywriter involves looking beyond just brevity. A true expert understands how to distil complex ideas into concise, impactful language that resonates with the target audience. Look for freelancers who demonstrate:
- A strong portfolio showcasing a variety of short-form content.
- Excellent grammar and spelling.
- A deep understanding of different writing styles and tones.
- The ability to adapt their writing to different platforms and audiences.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Main expertise areas within short copy
Short copy encompasses a range of specialisations. When hiring, consider which areas are most relevant to your project:
- Advertising copy: Crafting compelling ad copy for various platforms (Google Ads, social media, print).
- Web copy: Writing concise and engaging website content, including headlines, calls to action, and product descriptions.
- Social media copy: Creating platform-specific content that drives engagement and builds brand awareness.
- Email marketing copy: Writing effective subject lines and email body copy that encourages opens and click-throughs.
- Taglines and slogans: Developing memorable and impactful phrases that encapsulate a brand's essence.
Relevant interview questions
Prepare insightful questions to assess a freelancer's suitability:
- Can you share examples of successful short copy projects you've worked on?
- What is your process for crafting compelling short-form content?
- How do you adapt your writing style to different target audiences?
- How do you measure the effectiveness of your copy?
- Describe your experience writing for different platforms (e.g., Twitter, Instagram, website banners).
Tips for shortlisting candidates
Effectively shortlist candidates by:
- Carefully reviewing their portfolios for relevant experience and quality of work.
- Paying attention to their communication style and responsiveness.
- Requesting a short writing sample tailored to your specific needs.
- Checking their references and testimonials.
Potential red flags to watch out for
Be mindful of these potential red flags:
- A portfolio lacking diversity in short-form content types.
- Poor grammar and spelling in their communication or portfolio.
- Inability to articulate their writing process or strategy.
- Lack of understanding of different platforms and their specific requirements.
Typical complementary skills
Short copy often goes hand-in-hand with other skills, such as:
- SEO (search engine optimisation)
- Content strategy
- Social media marketing
- Email marketing
- Branding
Benefits of hiring a short copy freelancer
A skilled short copy freelancer can help you:
- Increase brand awareness and recognition through impactful messaging.
- Drive conversions and sales with persuasive calls to action.
- Improve engagement on social media and other digital platforms.
- Save time and resources by outsourcing your short-form content creation.
- Gain a fresh perspective and creative input on your marketing efforts.
Real-world examples of short copy in action
Example 1: Website banner
"Limited-time offer: 20% off all summer styles. Shop now!" This concise banner copy creates a sense of urgency and encourages immediate action.
Example 2: Social media post:
"Introducing our new eco-friendly range! Made with sustainable materials and designed to last. #sustainableliving #ecofriendlyfashion" This post uses relevant hashtags and concise language to promote a new product line and connect with a specific target audience.
Example 3: Email subject line:
"Don't miss out! Your exclusive discount code inside." This intriguing subject line encourages recipients to open the email and discover the offer.
