Hitting the target: bullets in the text

Presenting information in text seems like a simple task. However, copywriters and editors do not agree with this opinion. The main problem is that the material needs to be structured and formatted correctly. This will determine the ease of study and the amount of time that needs to be spent on familiarization.

A “canvas” of letters and signs is difficult to perceive, so authors use bullets in the text. These are numbered and bulleted lists that catch the eye and help to focus the attention of readers. Rules for formatting and composing points are ways to make the material simpler and quicker to read.

Basic facts about bullets

Using lists in the text is a useful “feature”. The author can independently determine which icon will indicate the list items. Thanks to this freedom, you can choose a thematic design or a special color that matches the palette of the page, newsletter or text.

When you know why bullets are needed, their advantages become obvious. Considering that lists are universal and complement any materials, there are no problems with their use. The author only needs to define the goals that the compiled points perform and remember a few rules:

1. Text length. A point that contains several words is a sentence that begins with a lowercase letter and ends with a semicolon. If the subpoint is longer, use a period at the end. The next line begins with a capital letter.
2. Point names. When starting to write bullets, maintain the chosen writing style. If you started the first point with a verb, continue the “conversation” in the same manner. The names of the list lines should also not be changed, and the idea must be preserved until the end of the started list.
3. Choosing the design. Icons for points are chosen at your discretion, although there are a few simple rules. For example, writing algorithms requires the use of numbers. In other cases, dashes, curly dots, emoji, pluses and minuses are suitable.

The rules for writing bullets are not difficult, so you do not need a lot of time to master the method. Nevertheless, problems arise. Often, the author diligently simplifies his text and uses lists so actively that they lose their significance.

How to use bullets wisely

Recommendations for creating effective lists are simple, so everyone should take into account the developments of experienced copywriters. Authors who improve the quality of materials will find in them those moments that remained out of sight. Future customers also receive more information to evaluate the quality of the work of hired copywriters and editors. So, how to write a bullet correctly? To do this, you need to:

• use clear and concise wording, avoiding fluff and stop words;
• use homogeneous descriptions (example: starting with verbs, continue in this spirit);
• take care of the symmetry of the sizes of the points;
• avoid a complex list structure, which is no better than a solid canvas of letters;
• observe the measure when designing points, in particular – do not overdo it with the quantity.

In practice, the tasks come down to paying attention to the most important, simplifying perception and quickly studying the text with the eyes. It is enough to remember what bullets are once to learn how to manage emphasis in advertising materials. The simpler the presentation of information, the better the engagement rate.

Final thoughts on bullet lists

Good lists can describe the most complex topics, so you need to take the time to prepare them. Among the common tips on how to put a bullet in the text, we will add the following:

• Information that can be easily presented in a single sentence should not be formatted as bullets;
• If you are going to list features, use simple terminology;
• When starting to format lists, remember how bullets affect the perception of the text.

A positive assessment of materials that contain lists does not mean that they are mandatory. A text consisting of less than 1000 characters without spaces does not need listing and marking. Large articles will become simpler if the author does not overdo it with the number of added lists.