It’s the ideation nightmare. Your word count is 375, but your article seems done. It’s easy to add in 25 extra words somewhere, but this (more often than not) reduces value because the words do little to add to your article. Hello, filler!
Fortunately, you can increase your word count without resorting to fluff. It’s actually simple: when you’re floundering for extra words, add details. Here’s how:
Bring in Statistics
It’s easier to write an article without resorting to percentages or statistical numbers. However, including a statistic will add more words and value than a general statement. This will not only take care of your word count problem, but also it will add authority.
Consider the following example…
“Dental implants are a great option for tooth replacement after you have lost a tooth due to dental trauma. Many people find implants to be a practical option, since the surgery has a high success rate.”
Not bad. But this sentence can be easily expanded (and improved) with a quick statistic:
“Dental implants are a great option for tooth replacement after you have lost a tooth due to dental trauma. In fact, statistics show that 65% of patients prefer implants over partial dentures or bridges. Many people also find implants to be a practical option because the surgery has such a high success rate.”
Use details like this to your advantage when trying to meet word count.
Find a Recent News Story
If you can’t do a statistic for your type of article, add length and depth by using a human-interest story. Look for examples in the news or in other blog posts where someone had a personal experience with your article topic. Link this source and add a sentence detailing the content to add authority and specificity to your writing.
For example…
“When going through a divorce, it can be hard to think of your pet as property. Fortunately, courts are starting to entertain custody battles for dogs. Spend time with your lawyer gathering evidence that can prove your home is the better choice for your pet’s well-being.”
Adding relateable evidence here can create context and illustrate the point more clearly:
“When going through a divorce, it can be hard to think of your pet as property. Fortunately, courts are starting to entertain custody battles for dogs. One woman in Kansas won custody over the family dog in her divorce case after proving that she would be a better care provider for the pet, even though the dog’s license was in the name of her partner. Spend time with your lawyer gathering evidence that can prove your home is the better choice for your pet’s well-being.”
Give an Example
If statistics or news stories don’t work, take a look at your article points themselves. Can you give a better explanation? Can you add another point or give another example? A good rule of thumb is to add more to the body of the article to help the reader understand something better or more clearly.
Put yourself in your reader’s shoes and look for places in your content that might leave your audience with any lingering questions. Then include details that address those concerns. By filling those gaps with clarifying examples and explanations, you will increase your word count and the value of the article.
Avoid Word-Count Traps
As you work to add valuable length, avoid the following word-count traps:
1. Summarizing everything in the conclusion
This is a strategy that adds nothing to the use value of an article. A short conclusion with an action statement is a good idea if the article benefits from it, but restating everything that was said in the body is filler.
2. Adding words like “very”, “total”, or “absolutely” to a sentence
Writing simply and clearly is the best strategy. Read over and edit out these superfluous words instead of adding more.
3. Extending your introduction
Often, introductions meander instead of getting right to the point. More words in the intro just prevents your readers from getting to the meat and significantly reduces readability. Usually, these added statements are not needed and may just tell the reader things they already know. Some examples of these filler sentences are the following:
- A home is a significant investment.
- A roof is really important when it comes to your house. It keeps your family warm and dry.
- Your smile is the first thing people notice about you.
- A business is often expensive to run.
Although these are often the easiest places to meet word count, they are also the least useful. Make sure that any additions to your article strengthen your points and add value to the reader.
As you use the strategies above, your articles will earn more praise and fewer revision requests from clients. Keep your readers engaged when reaching your word count by making every word count.
What are some ways you add length and value to your articles? Share your ideas in the comments below!
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Comment
This is a WONDERFUL article! Thank you so much for posting it. I especially like the parts about cutting out fluff from the conclusion and introduction in favor of beefing up the content of the article.
One thing I might add is to avoid phrases that unnecessarily lengthen sentences, such as “You are going to have to be able to.” Often, ALL of the words of phrases like these can be cut out, and if doing so puts the article below 400 words, the article could use some more specifics or details instead.