Podcast 81: how to make B2B content readable
We debate readability algorithms, and professional jargon-buster Professor Chris Trudeau says it's high time we stopped writing to impress.
In this month’s Good Copy, Bad Copy, we’re talking about readability in B2B content with Professor Chris Trudeau. He’s a plain language expert, and a known destroyer of waffle (plus he’s marvellous on Twitter).
We all overcomplicate our writing sometimes. You might be trying to hide the fact that you don’t know the subject well, or maybe you’re a little too keen to show off your fantastic writing skills. Either way, Professor Trudeau’s studies The Public Speaks and The Public Speaks, Again prove something important: the harder you try to impress, the less anyone likes your copy.
This episode, David talks to Prof Trudeau to find out why readability is so important. They discuss the impact it has on your reader and how to stop clear content sounding ‘dumbed down’.
Meanwhile, in the studio, our founder Fiona Campbell-Howes enjoys a heated debate with consultant writer George Reith, about the merits (or otherwise) of readability algorithms. You’ll hear:
- Why clearer content works https://radix-communications.com/readability-in-b2b-content-flesch-kincaid-grade-score/
- Ways to measure readability
- How to write readable copy that isn’t simplistic
Plus, we get to introduce you to our brand-new feature…
The Anonymous Five
Nope, it’s not a new Enid Blyton spin-off.
Our content obstacles research found that too many marketers are prevented from finding out what their customers really think. And not knowing what your audience cares about can really impact your content.
So, each episode we’re going to pick a popular B2B persona and find a real decision maker with that title. Then, we’re asking them five big questions you won’t find anywhere else. And, it’s completely anonymous – so their answers can be brutally honest.
This month, we talked to a Chief People Officer at a British digital retailer. You’ll find out what they think about the ‘war for talent’, what cringeworthy marketing content looks like, and whether millennials really are changing the workplace.
Here’s what you’ll find in Episode 81…
1.26 – What our new ‘Consultant Writers’ actually do
3.45 – Why the response to our ‘Barriers to B2B Content’ research was so important
5.49 – That readability interview with Professor Chris Trudeau
22.20 – The team discuss readable copy and “B2B buffet content”
26.45 – Readability scoring systems: some that help, and some that hinder
41.39 – The Anonymous Five: Chief People Officer
Send us your thoughts, questions, junk mail and first-borns…
Contact us through @radixcom on Twitter or [email protected] (if you want extra credit, send us a voice memo).
How to listen
- You can download the episode here (right click and select “Save As” to download)
- Or you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes
- Alternatively, add our RSS to your preferred podcast player
- And don’t forget you can follow us on Spotify
Credits
Thanks, Professor Chris Trudeau, for your time and insights (not to mention all the times we’ve been able to cite your research in training and client meetings).
Podcast editing and music by Bang and Smash.
The Radix Team
Wider team
Since 2007, the Radix team has worked with B2B tech companies and agencies to create compelling content. With an average of 9+ years’ experience, our writers have the expertise and talent to communicate complex tech propositions with clarity, credibility, and creativity.