10 Copywriting Mistakes to Avoid (and What to Do Instead)

Great copy isn’t about sounding polished—it’s about creating connection. Your audience isn’t looking for perfection; they’re looking for something real, something that makes them feel seen, understood, and inspired to take action.

And yet, so many entrepreneurs and brands unknowingly weaken their messaging with small but significant mistakes.

Let’s fix that.

Here are 10 copywriting habits you need to drop today—and exactly what to do instead.

1. Using the Word “Just”

🚫 “I just wanted to check in on this.”
✅ “I wanted to check in on this.”

See the difference? The first version feels hesitant, while the second is clear and confident. Words like “just,” “kind of,” and “actually” dilute your message. Cut them.

The fix: Before hitting publish, do a quick scan and remove weak filler words that make your message feel uncertain.

2. Overusing Emojis

Emojis add personality to your message, but too many? Distracting. They should act as accents, not overwhelm your content.

The fix: Use emojis strategically—one or two to add emotion, not to replace actual words.

3. Writing Too Formally

Formal writing creates distance between you and your audience. If your copy sounds like it belongs in a legal document, it’s time to loosen up.

🚫 “We are excited to announce our newest offer, which has been carefully crafted for entrepreneurs seeking to expand their brand.”
✅ “You’re going to love this. Our newest offer is designed to help you grow your brand—fast.”

The fix: Write how you talk. If it sounds unnatural when you say it out loud, rewrite it.

4. Rambling and Missing the Point

If your audience has to dig to understand what you’re saying, you’ve already lost them. Every piece of content should focus on one key takeaway.

The fix: Before you publish, ask: What’s the one thing I want my audience to remember? Then, cut the fluff.

5. Using Filler Words

Filler words scream lack of confidence. They make your message weaker, not stronger.

🚫 “I actually think this might be the best option.”
✅ “This is the best option.”

The fix: Remove words that don’t add value. If a sentence still makes sense without it, cut it.

6. Being Overdramatic

Your audience doesn’t need every detail of your personal struggles. Yes, authenticity matters, but oversharing without a point can turn people away.

🚫 “I cried for six hours straight and ate an entire tub of ice cream before realizing my business was failing.”
✅ “My business wasn’t working, and I had to make a tough decision: pivot or quit.”

The fix: Process privately. Post with intention. Share your story in a way that serves your audience.

7. Too Many Facts, Not Enough Stories

People buy based on emotion, not logic. If your content is just a list of facts, it won’t stick.

🚫 “My program helps entrepreneurs increase their revenue by 50%.”
✅ “Sarah joined my program feeling stuck at $3K months. Now she’s consistently hitting $10K—and taking weekends off.”

The fix: Weave data into stories that make your audience feel the transformation.

8. Trying to Please Everyone

Not everyone will agree with your perspective—and that’s okay. Strong messaging repels the wrong people and attracts the right ones.

The fix: Write for the people who get it. The ones who don’t? They were never your audience anyway.

9. Writing for the Masses Instead of the Right People

🚫 “Hey everyone!”
✅ “To the entrepreneurs who are tired of guessing what to post…”

See the difference? When you write to everyone, you connect with no one. The best copy feels like it was written just for the person reading it.

The fix: Picture your ideal client. Speak directly to them, not the crowd.

10. Over-Editing Your Content

Are you reading your post 1,834,223,785,090 times before hitting publish? Paralysis by perfection is real.

The fix: Write it. Edit once. Post it. The faster you publish, the faster you learn what actually works.

The Bottom Line? Strong Copy = Clarity + Confidence.

Your message matters, but it needs to be clear, compelling, and direct. When you ditch the weak habits and refine your messaging, your audience will feel it—and respond.

So, which of these mistakes are you dropping today? And more importantly, what’s the first piece of bold, confident copy you’re going to write next?

The Brand is You—become it.