In today’s scroll-crazy digital landscape, people don’t really read; they skim, scroll, and glance. In this environment, your words have about two seconds to grab attention before they’re ghosted for the next post, article, or TikTok. If you’re creating content, your job is to make every word count—and, more importantly, to make each one impossible to ignore. Here’s how to create copy that stops thumbs in their tracks.

1. Write Like You’re Having a Chat

Forget highfalutin language and lengthy sentences. People are bombarded with information constantly, so your copy should feel like a quick, engaging chat, not a lecture. Keep it friendly, punchy, and to the point. Instead of saying, “Our innovative software solution revolutionizes productivity workflows,” go for something like, “Get more done in half the time—without the headache.”

Why It Works

Short, direct sentences cater to fast readers and skim-happy scrollers. They’re easy to absorb, relatable, and conversational, making your message feel more like a tip from a friend than a pitch from a brand.

2. Harness the Power of Visual Flow

Your reader’s eye wants guidance, so set up your copy like a pathway with no dead ends. Experiment with elements like bullet points, spacing, and even emojis to keep things dynamic and visually appealing. Think of your copy as more than words on a page—use layout tricks to create a sense of movement that pulls readers down the screen.

Pro Tips for Visual Engagement

• Bullets and Lists: Perfect for quickly digestible points. They break up the text and give each idea its own moment in the spotlight.

• Bold Statements: Emphasize key phrases to catch skimmers’ attention. Don’t bold everything, but use it strategically to highlight core messages.

• Emojis and Icons: A tasteful emoji can add personality to your copy. Think of them as visual cues that guide readers, just as signposts would on a winding path.

3. Hook Them with a First Line They Can’t Ignore

The hook isn’t just your opening line—it’s the doorway into everything else you have to say. Imagine you’re standing on a busy street trying to get someone’s attention in a crowd. You’d have to say something unique, provocative, or surprising to make them turn around. Your copy’s first line should have that same effect. A bold question, a startling fact, or a compelling story all work well as hooks.

Example Hook Ideas:

• Question: “Tired of seeing your marketing dollars go down the drain?”

• Surprising Fact: “Did you know 70% of readers decide within 10 seconds if they’ll keep reading?”

• Bold Statement: “If your content isn’t getting attention, it’s time for a rewrite.”

A strong hook isn’t just about grabbing attention; it’s about setting up a promise that you’ll deliver on in the rest of the copy.

4. Sprinkle in the Unexpected

Think of unexpected words or quirky phrases as the seasoning that makes your copy memorable. You’re competing against a ton of online noise, and nothing kills engagement faster than a predictable line. Adding a surprising twist or clever word choice will give readers a reason to stick around.

Examples of Adding Surprise

Instead of saying “boost productivity,” try something like, “Get your team running smoother than a Swiss watch.” It’s just a small twist, but it creates a memorable image and stands out from typical business jargon. Use this tactic sparingly, though; too much quirkiness can backfire if it feels forced.

5. Make It Skimmable, Not Skippable

Your goal is to create copy that’s easy to skim but so engaging that people want to slow down. To do that, every line should lead naturally to the next. If any sentence feels like filler, cut it. Think of each sentence as part of a chain that pulls readers from one thought to the next.

Conclusion

In a world where everyone’s vying for attention, clarity and conciseness are your best friends. And remember: you’re not just writing words; you’re creating an experience.

If you’re ready to bring your messaging up to speed for this scroll-happy world, let Deep Level help you create copy that doesn’t just inform but intrigues. Reach out to Desiree and the team at:

💌 contact@deeplevel.biz

🌐 www.deeplevel.biz 

Let’s turn your content into a conversation no one wants to skip.