Found 11 topics tagged ‘Writing for Clarity’

Beat the Curse of Knowledge

The curse of knowledge is a cognitive bias that leads us to overestimate the knowledge of our audience. If you allow this curse to infect your writing, you may unwittingly leave supporters feeling confused an alienated. To...

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The curse of knowledge is a cognitive bias that leads us to overestimate the knowledge of our audience. If you allow this curse...

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Formatting for Skim Readers: Essential Tips

Here’s an important piece of digital communication that you’ve probably never read: Few of us pay attention to stuff like this. And not because it doesn’t contain important information. It does. You’ve probably never...

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Here’s an important piece of digital communication that you’ve probably never read: Few of us pay attention to stuff like...

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Never Assume Anyone Knows What You’re Talking about

Imagine you’re seeing a 25% open rate on your emails. That means whenever you send a broadcast, 3 in every 4 recipients will be unfamiliar with what you sent last time. Some recipients will be new to...

2 minute read

Imagine you’re seeing a 25% open rate on your emails. That means whenever you send a broadcast, 3 in every 4 recipients will...

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Say More (by Saying Less)

Knowing how much or how little to say starts with being clear about your objective. Rarely is it our job to turn readers into subject-matter experts. Mostly, we’re in the business of motivating people to action. If...

2 minute read

Knowing how much or how little to say starts with being clear about your objective. Rarely is it our job to turn readers...

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One Email. ONE ASK.

Sometimes, the purpose of an email can be simply to inform. But often, we’re trying to get someone somewhere. An action page. A donation form. A video... When your email has a destination, be protective of...

2 minute read

Sometimes, the purpose of an email can be simply to inform. But often, we’re trying to get someone somewhere. An action page. A...

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This Little Trick Will Increase Your Conversion Rates

Whether your call to action (CTA) is a button or a link, don’t get too clever. Speak directly to your supporter and tell them exactly what you want them to do. In our tests, this always increases...

2 minute read

Whether your call to action (CTA) is a button or a link, don’t get too clever. Speak directly to your supporter and tell...

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