Using numbers in your copywriting is a surefire way to signal your role as an authority on any topic, giving readers more reason to take action!

In a group of twelve people, about six would say they’re comfortable using numbers. The other half? Mention numbers around them, and they hurry to take out their phones and pull up the calculator app.

Copywriters need to attract and keep the attention of both types of people. How can numbers play a role in convincing half the people who read any given piece to take action?

When used strategically, numbers provide essential information about the validity of your claim. It’s the difference between “almost all dentists agree” and “9 out of 10 dentists agree.”

Nobody has to be a math whiz to understand and appreciate relevant numbers.

Reaching readers using numbers.

Readers don’t know all the ways you can help their business. It’s the job of a copywriter to convince them.

Using numbers provides the firepower to turn someone on the fence into someone who takes action. Think about any infomercial you’ve ever seen. “Just 3 easy payments of $29.99!”

The goal of quality copywriting is to create an environment that draws readers to the end. The enemy isn’t other products/services/companies. It’s distractions.

Using numbers is a secret weapon.

The types of numbers to use in copywriting.

Four types of numbers show up again and again in quality copywriting. Why? Because they are digestible. They provide quick hits of evidence to the reader.

When writing your next piece, try using one of the following:

1. Time
2. Money
3. Percentage
4. Reviews

Even people who admit to being afraid of using numbers can identify and understand what these types of numbers mean and how they can benefit their situation. 

Amazon understands–its 5-star system has become the gold standard.

The 3 ways using numbers can elevate your content.

They’re easy to scan.

Numbers engage readers, giving them signposts in your content to find relevant information with a quick scan. 

Reviews especially fall under this category. When shopping online, it’s easy to look over a vast array of products and tell which ones are worth investigating. When used in your content, reviews provide social proof about the quality of your services.

In long-form writing, using numbers allows readers to identify evidence that will help them decide whether or not to do business with your company. 

Don’t discount the effectiveness of a well-placed statement of savings. “15 minutes could save you 15% or more on car insurance.” Sound familiar?

They allow you to break down costs.

Using numbers gives you the chance to make large numbers seem smaller the initially reported.

For example, a yearly subscription to Amazon Prime now costs $119. But, broken down, this amounts to less than $10 per month! Sounds much better, right?

On the other hand, using numbers also allows you to aggregate numbers of a larger time frame. This method is often used when saving time is the topic of the content. You’ll often see something like saving five minutes per day blown up to getting a whole day back over a year.

They give your content authority.

Simply put, numbers make it seem like you know what you’re talking about. 

Instead of merely telling readers your product or service can benefit them, numbers provide a tangible way you can help their situation.

Percentages are often used in this way. A 15% increase in call volume or a click-through-rate (the ratio of clicks per impression) are concrete examples of your offer.

Is it ok to make up numbers in my writing?

Don’t make up numbers to include in your content. 

For one, they are often easy to double-check.

In the event they are nebulous enough to pass in the initial content, incorrect numbers are false promises, and they will show up down the line as dissatisfied customers and bad reviews.

How many numbers should I include in my content?

Include as many as numbers as you can.

There’s no hard and fast rule about using numbers. They are simply useful tools in your quest to turn readers into customers by providing them easy-to-scan pieces of information throughout the content.

Will my content suffer if I’m not using numbers?

Your content will not suffer if you aren’t using numbers. 

Numbers are there to keep your readers engaged to the very end.

Search engines don’t have a set amount of numbers they look for. But, as search engine algorithms improve, they can better tell what readers find relevant.

The most relevant content has the best chance of ranking highly.

Some tips about using numbers.

Remember, numbers are like a secret weapon. Too powerful to use all the time, but deadly at the right moment.

Don’t force their inclusion. Let using numbers come naturally. One strategy is to go back and see if there is anywhere they can be inserted once you’ve finished the piece.

Additionally, use specific numbers whenever possible. In his book Never Split the Difference, Chris Voss explains, “When calculating the final amount, use precise, non-round numbers like, say, $37,893 rather than $38,000. It gives the number credibility and weight.”

He was the FBI’s lead hostage negotiator. He knows a thing or two about getting people to do what you want.

Numbers are your friend.

If you are one of the people who would be searching for a calculator at the mention of numbers, don’t give up hope! Algorithmic Global’s team of copywriting experts are just 1 click away–contact us today to find out how we can help turn your clicks into action!

Using numbers doesn’t have to be intimidating. A few well-targeted numbers can turn a reader who would typically click and leave into one who follows the breadcrumbs down to your call-to-action.

Numbers matter. They’re the reason prices end in $.99 instead of rounded to the nearest dollar.

Take advantage of their power.