5 tips for tackling small word counts!

Often in Trust Fundraising, we find ourselves up against application forms with really tight word counts. Sometimes it can feel impossible to fit everything you want to say in the small box provided, and editing can be extremely time consuming. Over the years, I have developed a number of strategies to tackle this problem. So if you are struggling, here are 5 tips to help you meet that word count!

1. Answer the question. An obvious one perhaps, but sometimes we get so distracted by the things we want to say that we lose sight of what the funder is actually asking. So always answer the question first, then use any extra word count to add in additional information.

2. Scrutinise every word. Is every word you have written absolutely, completely necessary? Take that last sentence for example – I could get the same point across in four words “Is every word necessary?”. Be ruthless! Save those words for content that really adds value.

3. Use of punctuation. If you’re up against character counts, every character matters, so think carefully about the punctuation you choose to use. For example a hyphen may count as three characters (space, hyphen, space) whereas a semi-colon would count as just one.

4. Contractions. A contraction shortens and combines two words. Words like we’re (we + are), don't (do + not), and I've (I + have) are all contractions. We usually wouldn’t use contractions in formal writing, but when you need to save word count they can be really useful.

5. Abbreviations & acronyms. Ordinarily, I don’t like using too many abbreviations or acronyms, and I would avoid this if they’re unlikely to be understood by the reader. BUT on occasions where you need to cut your word count down this can be a helpful trick to have up your sleeve.

Good luck and let me know how you get on!