How to Write Social Media Captions That Convert: Tips from Copywriters Who Know What’s Up
Writing social media captions that actually get people to do something is a bit of an art—and a bit of copywriting magic. You know, the kind of magic that has people clicking, liking, and buying (instead of scrolling right past like they’re dodging an ex). So, let’s dive into what makes a caption great, and how to craft one that gets results—whether you're slinging sheet sets or selling baby clothes.
What Is Copywriting, and Why Does It Matter for Social Media?
Let’s start with the basics. What is copywriting, anyway? It’s the fine art of writing words that make people take action, whether that’s buying a product, signing up for a newsletter, or just hitting that like button. Think Don Draper, but without the heavy drinking and questionable workplace behaviour. And what is a copywriter? That’s the person behind the scenes, typing out the magic spells (or just good words) that make it happen.
When it comes to social media, good copywriting means understanding your audience and knowing how to get them to stop mid-scroll and pay attention. And the best copywriters do this while sounding human—like, actually human, not like a chatbot. No offence, GPT.
The Formula for Social Media Captions That Work
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but there are a few key ingredients you’ll want to mix into your caption potion:
Hook ‘Em In: Start with something catchy—like a question, a bold statement, or a little cheeky humour. The goal? Make them pause and think, “Okay, I need to read more.”
Keep It Short and Sweet: No one’s on Instagram to read an essay. Make your point quickly and clearly, and don’t bury the important stuff three lines down.
Include a Call-to-Action (CTA): This is copywriting 101—tell people what you want them to do next. “Shop now,” “Tag a friend,” “Marry me Chris Hemsworth”—whatever it is, make it clear and direct.
Brands That Get It Right
Want to see some great examples in action? Here are a few brands nailing their social media captions:
Movember: “Ready to change the face of men’s health? Grow a mo, save a bro.” It’s simple, impactful, and directly tied to their mission, while encouraging action. They use clever wordplay and a clear call-to-action that gets their community involved and motivated to take part.
Sheet Society: They keep it cosy but still chic. “That feeling when your bed looks this good and you know you’re about to dive in for a Netflix marathon.” It’s simple, relatable, and instantly makes you want to be a part of it (especially with their dreamy bed setups in the background).
Huxbaby: Their captions are playful and just the right amount of cheeky, fitting perfectly with their cute, minimalist baby fashion. “Just when you thought your little one couldn’t get any cuter… Enter: the new Huxbaby collection.” It’s cute, direct, and tells you exactly what you need to know.
Strike Bowling: “Ready to strike up some fun? 🎳 Tag your squad and get rolling!” They mix puns, emojis, and a clear CTA to get people planning their next bowling night.
Funnily enough, we’ve got several writers in the words not anchovies crew who’ve written for these beautiful brands and then some. Check out our portfolio for a look at just some of the word work we’ve done over the years.
Quick Tips for Crafting Your Own Winning Captions
Know Your Audience: Are they parents, young professionals, partygoers? Your tone should match their vibe. You’re talking to them, not at them.
Be Visual: Even in the caption. Throw in an emoji or two (but don’t overdo it), use spacing for clarity, and make sure it looks as good as it sounds.
Test and Learn: Try different approaches, analyse what gets the most engagement, and adjust. If one post pops off, take notes.
The Bottom Line: Be You, But Strategic
When it comes to writing social media captions that convert, it’s all about blending authenticity with a little bit of strategy (copywriting at its finest, really). You want to sound like the cool friend who’s always in the know, not a sales robot. The best copywriters can balance this perfectly, so if you’re feeling stuck, don’t be afraid to bring in some pro help. Maybe from people who don’t like anchovies. Just saying.
Need some extra tips or looking for a copywriter to give your social media the love it deserves? We’re here—with retainer packages from just $650 per week.