I am so "wordy!" - Page 2 - Virtual Assistant Forums

The Invisible Assistant · #16 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010

Originally Posted by virtual writing

Haha, you're funny, Jules.

As a copywriter, may I suggest that when you're being too wordy, think about your writing as if you're the reader, not the writer. What do you want your reader to experience? Trust me, most people won't wade through lengthy text. What kind of text do you prefer to see when visiting other sites (like when you're looking for a product or service)?

You're capturing attention with your web pages, not explaining yourself. There's a big difference.

I was going to suggest reading your writing as if you were the reader also. It also helps to get someone else's feedback, since sometimes you can read a paragraph 10 times and it makes sense to you, but they can point out obvious flaws you normally would have caught.

executive_assist · #17 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010

I, on the other hand, have the opposite problem. I worked with a broker for 3 years that wanted you to just give him the main points. So now when I am trying to explain things I am, in many cases, too direct. Just last night I offended, or I think I did, 2 realtors with my views of how to build business (my active rain blog). They thought I was nuts when I stated that they don't NEED to go to their closings, but could just stop by later for their check. lol. That's a conversation starter.
Ah well. At least one other realtor said he would keep me in mind if his situation improves

Business-Bytes · #18 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010

Originally Posted by executive_assist

I, on the other hand, have the opposite problem. I worked with a broker for 3 years that wanted you to just give him the main points.

Actually you gave me some great insight here, Serita, that I've been putting into practice without even realizing it.

I am embracing my "wordiness" (because that is just who I am), but I have also been going back and trying to then bring out the main points in a more concise manner. I ditch some text and keep the rest. Still a bit wordy, but it's who I am.

Great job on getting the conversation going with the realtors! A PC on top of it is icing on the cake!

executive_assist · #19 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010

Ummm... what's a PC ( besides a computer I mean? lol.)

virtual writing · #20 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010

PC=potential client/customer

Sometimes I think that however you write is just fine, as long as you faithfully proofread each and every message.

dognose · #21 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010

Hi Jules,

Your 'wordy' site looks nice! You have done some nice things with the text that helps the text look 'lighter.' Using some orange & bolded text, sections that you've indented & highlighted with the yellow bar, these help to break up the look of lots of text.

So you are right! Embrace your wordiness! Just dress it up in slimming format!

(I sound so Stacy & Clinton, don't I?)

Lezly

on edit: What size font do most of you use for your main content?

dognose · #22 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010

Raquel said:

Originally Posted by RaquelSD

My home page was very wordy. Thanks to a VA on this forum, I was able to cut down on some of the content.

I've had a really difficult time with my Home, About & Rates pages. My text does not look light - it looks heavy & because there is a lot of it - it doesn't compel one to read it. When I make the font smaller, it makes it less 'in your face' but still lots to read.

I knew, for me, that content was going to be the hardest part of creating a website.

Lezly

Business-Bytes · #23 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010

- thanks, Lezly. Separating different areas to set them apart did help to dress it up and slim it down, that's for sure.

I use a 14px font for most of mine.

ETA: Without a lot of digging around here - what's the URL to your site? Maybe I can offer a bit of help with your wordy or font problem.