Get More Sales By Improving Your Writing Only (Part III: The Undefeated BAR Test)

Get More Sales By Improving Your Writing Only (Part III: The Undefeated BAR Test)

In this article series, we take a look at how to improve your writing and make your customers glued to their screens while they consume your marketing. If you haven’t checked out the previous two articles, they’re here:

🔗 Article 1
🔗 Article 2

Now that your content looks appealing, it’s time to focus on something even more important—making sure people actually enjoy reading it. Because let’s be real:

Getting someone to click is just the first step. Keeping them interested? That’s where the magic happens. So, how do we do that?

Well, think about it like this: how would you talk to someone at a bar?

Use the BAR Test to Fix your Writing

Let’s say you are at a BAR with a friend. And you start talking about your business like this:

“As a business owner, your primary objective is to solve consumer problems. If someone has an electrical issue, it’s fortunate that you’re a licensed electrician capable of resolving the matter. This is the foundational principle of running a business, though many already know this. However, what happens if potential customers don’t even know your business exists? Strategic marketing is crucial to customer acquisition and business success.”

Now let’s be real. By the time you’re done, your friend looks half-asleep or possibly wondering if you’ve been possessed by a business manual.

Because no one actually talks like this. And if your writing reads like this, guess what?

You failed the BAR test.

So, What Exactly Is the BAR Test?

The BAR Test is undefeated, timeless, and foolproof. It’s worked for generations, and will still work in the distant future. As long as humans are reading, you can use it to drastically improve your copy.

Here’s how it works:

You take a look at whatever you’ve written (in the biz, we call it "copy") and ask yourself a simple question:

“Would I say this to someone in a regular conversation?”

That’s it. Easy, right? But trust me, it’s a game changer.

Look at this sentence again:

“As a business owner, your job is to solve problems. This is a fundamental principle of running a business, one most business owners are aware of. But what happens when no one even knows you exist?”

Now, let’s put that into something more human:

“Most business owners know they’re in the problem-solving game. But what’s the point if nobody even knows your business is there, right?”

See the difference? The second one sounds like you’re actually talking to someone. It flows better and it’s way easier to read.

It sounds like it’s coming from a person, not some Alien trying to blend in at a party.

Here's The Quickest And Easiest Way To Fix Your Writing

Let me give you a quick tip that works every single time. It’s going to sound a bit obvious, but once you try it, you’ll never go back.

Read your writing out loud.

That’s right. Just say it out loud, as if you’re talking to a friend. Notice any spots where you stumble, sound stiff, or feel like a robot? That’s where you need to make changes.

Would you really say that in a casual chat? If not, it’s time for a rewrite.

Here is another example from something I read recently:

"But most of the people running businesses nowadays barely even think about what problem their product is even solving, let alone whether or not their most likely buyer is male or female, what their age range is, what their interests are, or even what haircut they have.”

That’s a whopping 47 words in one sentence! If you try reading that out loud, you’ll probably run out of breath. In real life, we don’t speak in 47-word sentences. It’s unnatural.

Conversations have a rhythm. Some sentences are long, others are short.

Just like this one. Only four words.

Get into the habit of mixing it up. It’ll make your writing flow better, and your readers will thank you.

Apply this simple tip to your content, and you’ll notice people start sticking around longer and engaging with your message more often. You’ll see how much more response you get from whatever you write.

Talk soon!
Ammar

PS. Want me to check, rewrite, and improve your materials using the BAR test and other principles we’ve been discussing?

Reach out to my agency. If we’re a good fit, I’ll personally take a deep dive into your business and marketing. We’ll hop on a call, and I’ll share exactly what I’d change to make your content stronger.

No strings, no hard selling, no gimmicks. Just honest feedback.

Interested? Fill out this form:
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