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<strong>Not so cool</strong> Adjectives and adverbs add bulk without content. Use specific nouns and verbs instead. <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/hype-time-concept-word-on-black-1770780299" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Image by valiantsin suprunovich</em></a>

Modifiers are ‘the great deceivers’

'The illusion of meaning without its substance' Modifiers are "the great deceivers," according to The Associated Press Guide to Good...
<strong>Cut the fluff online</strong> Everybody loves a fluffy chick. Nobody loves a fluffy web page. Cut the hyperbole online. <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/five-vintage-tin-signs-on-white-1889480902" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Image by zerbor</em></a>

Why cut the marketing fluff from your web page?

Hype reduces reading, sharing — even sales When "king of usability" Jakob Neilsen cut the fluff from a web page...
<strong>What’s in it for me?</strong> Don’t tell me about your event. Tell me what I’ll be able to do at your event. Or focus on the outcome of past events. <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/me-white-text-quotes-blackboard-background-2136094221" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><em>Image by Yawar Hassan</em></a>

Use WIIFM communication for news release leads

Move from event to impact to engage readers Screenwriter Nora Ephron long remembered the first day of her high school...
<strong>Let us entertain you</strong> How can you write good content that readers want to read and share? Steal from the FBI, WADOT and Norwich Union UK. <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/black-girl-hiding-face-behind-happy-1802608693" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Image by Prostock-studio</em></a>

How to write entertaining content marketing pieces

It’s the No. 1 type of social media people share Want to write content marketing pieces that get shared? [caption...
<strong>Try a little cleverness</strong> Entertainment is the No. 1 reason people share email, according to Chadwick Martin Bailey. <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/man-holding-yellow-balloon-smile-face-519480580" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Image by Sasin Paraksa</em></a>

How to write clever email subject lines

Try wordplay, humor, creative techniques Among the most popular subject lines for my e-zine Wylie’s Writing Tips: ...
<strong>It’s all about the reader</strong> Want to get opened? Write about the reader’s favorite topic. <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/female-hand-hold-open-envelope-post-515072374" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Image by AngieYeoh</em></a>

How to write email subject lines that get opened

Target the recipient to boost email analytics Useful information is among the top three reasons people share information via email...
<strong>Window on your world</strong> The preview pane is one of the top three elements recipients use to decide whether to open — or delete without reading. <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/real-vintage-house-window-frame-isolated-1675001626" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Image by Kwangmoozaa</em></a>

How to write an email preview pane

Give readers a peek at your contents Eight out of 10 businesspeople and more than half of consumers use preview...
<strong>Hey, did you hear?</strong> Is your tone conversational? Then you’re on the right track. <em><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/flat-design-conversation-bubble-icon-vector-470769704" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Image by jemastock</a></em>

Use a conversational writing style in press releases

Run the ‘Hey, did you hear?’ test Having trouble nailing that “business casual” tone you’re aiming for? Try reading your...
<strong>Developing a voice for your messages?</strong> Define it, give it a name and use it. <em><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/quotation-bubble-chalk-board-please-leave-168616133" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Image by Georgian Bay Boudoir</a></em>

How to develop tone of voice in writing

What writing style, word choices should you use? The hardest job I’ve ever done was writing and editing a microsite...
How would you like to cut and paste 10-line URLs into a browser? Department of Defense employees don’t like to either. <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/fighter-jet-plane-isolated-on-white-1350744410" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><em>Image by aappp</em></a>

Create email newsletters for the DoD

Uncle Sam wants you to write emails his employees can read By Diane Owens Did you know that the Department...

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