4 Tips for Writing Voice Over Copy

Ad copy is not all created equally. There’s a major difference between ad copy that’s meant to be read on a page vs. copy that will be read aloud and heard. People do not listen the same way they read, making it crucial for marketing professionals and business owners to tailor their messages to each advertising channel they pursue. Our network of professional voice talent specializes in writing copy that’s meant to be spoken, ensuring it not only grabs audience attention, but resonates with them as well. However, you don’t have to be a veteran radio dj to create compelling on-air copy.

Remember these 4 tips the next time you set out to write an audio ad:

Be conversational: A stiff, formally-written paragraph is hard for the ears to follow, but copy that’s written to be conversational is more likely to be understood.

Don’t:
Is it hot in here or is it just you? Actually it’s our Ricker’s Kitchen and it’s heating up. Everything there is made fresh to order. What are you waiting for? Head on over to the giant kitchen, you can’t miss it.

Do:
Is it hot in here or is it just you? Actually it’s our Ricker’s Kitchen and it’s heatin’ up. Everything there is made fresh to order. What are you waiting for? Head on over. Start walking. There ya go. Giant kitchen, you can’t miss it!

Hear it:

Grammar doesn’t count: To be conversational, loosen grammar rules. Messages that sound like they are being spoken by a real person seem much more authentic than copy that’s written to follow the rules.

Don’t:
We know that you love to save money. That’s why this summer, we offer the Summer Pass, at Sky Zone. It’s just 49.99 for 1 hour of jump time everyday this summer. With the Summer Pass you will end up jumping more and saving money all summer, at Sky Zone.

Do:

We figured you’re cool with savin’ money. That’s why this summer, we gotcha the Summer Pass, at Sky Zone. It’s just 49.99 for 1 hour of jump time everyday this summer. Jump More. Save Money. Hot Summer. With Sky Zone.

Hear it:

One thought per break: This is an old radio rule that still rings true today. Try to keep each advertisements to one topic. Reading off a laundry list of topics in a single message will prevent the audience from hearing your main point.

Don’t:Friday, July 28th 9:00, back by popular demand, it’s The MacDaddys. Friday night, July 28th, The MacDaddys, playing all your favorites from yesterday and today. And don’t forget $5 burgers every Monday, and 2 Dollar Tuesdays. Ask your server for more information about all of our daily specials, drink specials, live music, and more, including our brand new appetizers.

Do:

Get ready to rock, at the Stacked Pickle, with The MacDaddys, on Friday night July 28th. That’s right, back by popular demand, it’s The MacDaddys, playing all your favorites from yesterday and today. So bring your ears and your dancing shoes, Friday night July 28th, for live music, right here at the Stacked Pickle.

Hear it:

Paint a picture by keeping details to a minimum: This rule may seem to contradict itself, but details actually cloud the picture. Listeners are more likely to act on or respond to an ad when they can visualize what’s being told to them. However, they can only hear so much at one time, and an abundance of details will not paint a clear picture. Instead, share the main points and encourage the audience to seek out more details.

Don’t:
Join us this Sunday for Easter Brunch and the Easter Egg Hunt. The Brunch starts at 10 am and runs until 2 pm with seatings every 30 minutes. And we’ll have 2 Easter Egg Hunts for you to choose from, the first one at 11 am and the next one at 1:30 pm. Make your reservations today, for the Easter Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt!

Do:
This Easter Sunday you’re invited to the best Easter Celebration ever. Make your reservations now, and enjoy brunch and an Easter Egg Hunt, from 10 to 2. Ham, omelets, desserts, chocolate eggs, and an Egg Hunt that would make any bunny smile. Ask for more info, and we’ll see ya Sunday, for the Easter Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt!

Hear it:

*Bonus tip: Read the copy aloud. After you’ve written the copy, put down the pen and read it – aloud. Read it first to yourself, and take note of how it sounds differently when spoken than in your head. Adjust as needed, and then read the copy aloud for other people. If they struggle to follow along, or they feel it doesn’t sound conversational or authentic, make changes.
Want to hear what an audio ad that’s written to be played inside your business could sound like? Request a demo and our professional voice talent will write an ad specifically for you!