Return to the homepage

10 Advertising Words to Avoid in 2009

I’ve always been a fan of copywriters stepping forward to offer advice on the economy of words. More often than not, good ideas lose their impact when overstuffed with filler words that make you lose sight of what’s important. Now I know we all do it. Just writing this entry I’ve had to remove two words that made MSNBC’s 10 Advertising Words to Avoid in 2009. But because I tend to write how I speak, many of those words slip their way into my copy, no matter how I try to trim them down. Mastering word economy is difficult, especially for people trained to write creatively. So, to start off this post, here are the 10 words you should avoid over using in your SEO content for the upcoming year plus a few tips on how to hone your word economy:

Free
Guarantee
Really
Very
That
A Lot
Opportunity
To Be
Synergy
Drinkability

If you want to know the reasons why, read up on the MSNBC article, but if you’re a copywriter, you should already know the drawbacks that are associated with using these words in a headline or in copy. Copywriting is becoming more difficult with the growing use of technology, new formats and jargon, so don’t expect to know all the rules just yet. Getting your word usage down takes time and practice, but here are a few ways that you can hone down your word usage without sacrificing your message’s meaning.

Improve Your Vocabulary

A large vocabulary gives you more flexibility when it comes to choosing the right words to fit the meaning. Try boosting your word knowledge by learning a new word per day, visiting FreeRice.com, or by making an effort to look things up when you don’t fully understand.
Read More

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the more you read, the better you write. However, to improve word economy, try to read things that are known for smart writing. The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, TIME, National Geographic, and other similar publications can offer some great insight. Also, start making Copyblogger.com a habit. Check it frequently. You’ll find talented bloggers posting helpful tips on how to become a better writer.
Try Twitter

Want to see economy of words at its finest? Twitter is the microblogging platform that tests your ability to convey messages by only allowing you to use 140 characters. Use it regularly. You’ll notice a difference in your writing style as you “tweet.” Also, use Twitter to monitor the writing styles of your followers. Sometimes they can offer a different approach to communicating a sentiment that you share.
Write More

Practice makes perfect. The more you write, the better you become. It’s that simple. Challenge yourself to tell a story in as few words as possible. Hone down your entire message to three words or less. Experiment with new methods.
Suggested Reading