Paralegal and financial pro turned copywriter bringing boring topics to life, serving as the Resident Writing Expert for realtors, attorneys, and financial pros. Check out my emails below and enter your email address to get my freebie, "5 Ways to Make Your Copy UN-Boring"
what memes and jargon have in common
|
Hola Reader, or if you’re feeling wild, Hollah! Remember when a Grumpy Cat meme captured exactly how we were all feeling on Monday morning? Or consider this timeless gem, a sentiment we can all relate to during those moments when everything seems to be going wrong at once. Memes are my love language, a way to connect and share laughter with my friends and loved ones. What I love most about memes is that they can serve as a universal language. A perfectly timed reaction image or clever caption can crack us all up, regardless of background. But here’s the catch with memes: grasping them often requires context. Imagine trying to explain a movie plot to someone who hasn't seen it, relying solely on movie jargon like "MacGuffin" or "Deus Ex Machina." They'd be lost! The same can be said when using industry jargon. While jargon is useful for communicating efficiently within a group of peers, it can confuse or alienate those outside the industry. For instance, imagine visiting a website where every other word is an acronym or a technical term without any explanation. That's why one of the first things I discuss with website copy clients is their use of industry jargon. I often tell them, "We aren't going to use the alphabet soup of your industry to impress people. Instead, we are going to explain what you do in terms everyone can understand." Clients sometimes worry that simplifying their language might diminish the depth or expertise of their offering. But in reality, clarity doesn’t mean sacrificing detail—it means conveying that detail in a way that anyone can grasp. By using plain language, we ensure that everyone who visits the website, regardless of their familiarity with the industry, can easily understand what the business offers and – more importantly – why it matters. Clear communication, just like a well-crafted meme, should be accessible and engaging for everyone. This builds trust and makes your message stand out. When people understand what you offer, they're more likely to connect and become part of your community. And isn’t that what we all want in the end? Best, |
Judi 411 | Judi Harrington
Paralegal and financial pro turned copywriter bringing boring topics to life, serving as the Resident Writing Expert for realtors, attorneys, and financial pros. Check out my emails below and enter your email address to get my freebie, "5 Ways to Make Your Copy UN-Boring"
Hi Reader, Everybody wants to talk about tactics. Should I start a podcast? Do I need a YouTube channel? What about Instagram? Paid ads? A landing page? Maybe. But before we talk about any of that, I have a question: Where are you leading people? Years ago, a client hired me to write a series of direct mail letters. He owned a trades business, and direct mail had been successful for him. The letters would thank customers for their business and include a gentle request for referrals. Then he...
Hi Reader, Here’s a question I get a lot: “What comes first—branding or messaging?” And my answer is: yes. Because the truth is, people start where they feel the pain. Sometimes the pain is the words. They’re doing great work, but the messaging isn’t landing.It feels too dense, too generic, too “professional.” That’s when they start with me. We clarify the voice, sharpen the message, and suddenly the next step is obvious: The visuals need to rise to meet it. That’s when I send them to Heard...
Hi Reader, As we wrap up this quarter-long conversation about Voice, here’s the takeaway I want to leave you with: Voice isn’t something you sprinkle on at the end.It’s not the garnish. It’s the thing that makes your message believable. And when you pair a strong voice with strong visuals?That’s when your brand stops blending in. That’s why I love collaborating with Heard Creative, Co. Lilia brings the visual world to life.I bring the language that makes the story clear.And together, we help...