Writing for your audience, not for yourself
17 March 2025
Writing for Your Audience
Why does writing for your ideal audience matter?
One of the biggest mistakes in copywriting is forgetting about your audience. When you write without a clear audience in mind, your content can feel disconnected, unengaging, and ultimately—a waste of time.
How Do I Make My Content More Audience-Focused?
Write for them, not for yourself.
A key principle in copywriting is telling people what they want to hear—not just what you want to say. So, if you want your product to fly off the shelves, you need to know who your ideal customer is and speak directly to their desires.
Instead of starting sentences with “we” or “I,” shift the focus to them. Your content should answer their burning questions and offer solutions to their problems.
Stick to the basics
Another common mistake? Getting lost in witty jokes and flashy language. While cleverness has its place, the main goal of copywriting is to persuade.
If your audience remembers the joke but forgets the product, your message has failed.
Think about those funny ads you’ve seen— Now, how many of them can you remember what they were selling? If the answer is “not many,” then the copywriting didn’t do its job.
Instead of trying to craft the perfect pun or clever anecdote, focus on what really matters:
What does your audience want to know?
How can you meet their needs?
Keep your message simple, effective, and centred around them.
But… Who Is My Ideal Audience?
You can’t write for your audience if you don’t know who they are. So, the first step is research.
Ask yourself:
- Who is most likely to buy my product?
- What does my typical customer look like?
- What problems do they need solved?
Speak directly to these people without excluding others who might also benefit.
Be Specific. For example, if you’re selling a weight-loss course, don’t just target “people who want to lose weight.” Dig deeper:
- What are their interests?
- Why would they choose your product over others?
- What motivates them to lose weight in the first place? Appeal to those deeper motivations.
Understanding What Drives Your Audience
Great copywriting recognises that customers aren’t just buying a product; they’re buying a solution and a dream.
For example, if you’re selling a weight-loss course, buyers aren’t just looking to drop pounds—they want:
- A healthier lifestyle
- More energy to play with their kids
- A longer, more fulfilling life
- Increased confidence
- Reduced aches and pains
Your copy should resonate with these aspirations and position your product as the key to achieving them.
Speaking on Their Level
Always remember to speak to your buyers on their level. Use a tone and language that is welcoming and understanding.
- Avoid overly complex words.
- Don’t talk down to your audience—speak to them as equals.
- Keep your messaging relatable and conversational.
Avoid Being Overly Salesy
The last thing that you want to do is push potential clients away by being overly salesy. This gives the impression of desperation and buyers will see your brand as low-quality.
Instead, create a sense of opportunity:
- Highlight what they’ll miss out on if they don’t act.
- Use urgency phrases like “last chance,” “almost sold out,” or “limited-time offer.”
- Focus on the benefits they’ll gain rather than just listing product features.
Final Thoughts
Copywriting is about crafting messages that connect, persuade, and ultimately lead to sales. By understanding your audience (the buyer), speaking their language, and focusing on their needs, you can create content that truly resonates.
Perhaps this is not something you feel comfortable doing yourself and you want to put your copy in the hands of a professional, that’s okay too. If you want to know more about these services then simply click the link below.
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