The K.I.S.S Method to High-Converting Copy
I’m guessing you’re familiar with the traditional K.I.S.S acronym—keep it simple stupid, right?
But I have an entirely different acronym for you to remember when it comes to writing high-converting, engaging copy. Can you guess what it is?
Before we dive into my own K.I.S.S method, let's start with context: I developed this acronym after working with many of my lovely Copy Audit clients (where I take copy they’ve written and give them editing recommendations). And most of the time, my recommendations were to simply scrap the fluff.
And this was excellent news. "Wait a min Hollie, do you mean I’m meant to write less? What?"
Yup. Because when it comes to copywriting, less is more. It’s like that famous Chanel quote, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.”
So—before you publish your copy, think of Chanel in a fabulous tweed suit, read your copy and then scrap the fluff.
Ok, so what does my new and improved acronym look like? Keep it simple—scrap it.
As one of my fave writers, Constance Hale, shrewdly said, “Because one string of pearls is better than a whole necklace of potatoes. Only some words are fit to be strung into a given sentence.”
Now, ya girl loves french fries—but damn, that’s beautiful and accurate.
But that begs the question: how can we tell which words are “pearls” and “potatoes”? Hold my emotional support water bottle 'cause I’m about to share my top tips to keep in mind:
✅ In copywriting—less is more.
✅ You want every word and sentence to add value. Ask yourself: Does this add to my main message? Does it add to the story I'm trying to tell? Does it evoke emotion? Or is it just fluff.
✅ Cut the fluff or filler words ('very' I'm lookin' at you, kid)
✅ Look for any unnecessary ideas, verbose sentences or long lists of adjectives that don’t add any power or punch.
✅ Just say what you want to say, the way you want to say it. Cut the jargon, flowery fluff and words that you wouldn’t naturally say.
✅ EDIT!!! Read your copy at least three times and ruthlessly cut out any unnecessary words.
Hope this has been helpful!
hey, i’m holle!
Head word nerd at Tonica and I’m here to help you shift how you show up with buzzworthy brand messaging strategy that you and your clients are obsessed with.
Hey, I’m Hollie!
Website & Launch Copywriter for creative slashies
Whether you need help developing your target audience, writing your home page, your course’s sales page, a story-led email newsletter or figuring out (and building!) your client-winning offer ecosystem—you’re in the right place.
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