6 techniques to representing your numbers in a different way

Numeric data lends solidity and credibility to the text. But this only works under one condition: if the user paid attention to these numbers and understood them.

In conditions of information overload, it is not enough to have valuable, unique information. The most important thing is how we offer them to the client. Very often, attempts to convey information fail because they fail to attract attention. Before talking about the psychology of the perception of numbers in the text, let’s note the most important thing.

Figures and facts can turn abstract thinking into noteworthy text. Everything is simple here: in most cases, it is impossible to reveal the essence of the proposal without specific data. Who wants to buy a pig in a poke?

Numbers сreate visual anchors in text blocks.

The reader's eye is always catching numbers in a stream of words. In other words, a person pays attention to the number even BEFORE they read and understand the sentence. This means that even an inattentive reader will read a phrase containing a number. This optical effect can be used both within the text and in headings. For example, in search results, a title with a number will visually stand out from the rest of the results (in case if numbers are not used in competitors' titles).

So what are the tips in representing numbers differently?

1. Make small numbers sound more solid

 It is believed that large numbers are more impressive than small ones. For example, instead of “2 times”, you can write “200%” and replace “1 year” with “12 months”.

2. Plausibility of unrounded figures

Non-rounded and fractional numbers look more truthful. Compare phrases: "500 clients" and "477 clients", "result in 7 months" and "result in 6.5 months"

Unround figures are suggestive of accurate calculations and statistics. But their disadvantage is that they are difficult to perceive. Therefore, this technique is advised to be used in small doses. And it goes without saying that you should not go too far and write nonsense like: "Earn $22,776 in 3.5 months" or "How to get 17,789 clients."

3. The attractiveness of round numbers

This technique is in contrast to the previous one. Round numbers with zeros are eye-catching and eye-catching. Therefore, they are recommended to be used in headings, the first lines of text.

4. Visualization

 An excess of numbers in the text should also be avoided. After all, "many numbers" will tire the reader much faster than "many letters". Therefore, if you need to present statistical data or show calculations, you can visualize them in vividly memorable infographics, as well as in ordinary graphs, charts, and tables.

5. Split the price.

The "game" of numbers can influence the first impression of the cost of a product. If the price seems high, then in some cases it can be split into pieces. For example, foreign language courses cost $1200 a year, which is $100 a month.

The price tag of $100 is psychologically easier to accept, but the figure of $1200 is harder to come to terms with. Therefore, we can name the cost of training per year and make it clear that in terms of a month it is not so much as it seemed at first glance.

6. Out of round price.

This technique is already known to absolutely everyone. The seller indicates the price just below these round numbers. For example, in 1999 or 1820 instead of 2000. On the one hand, everyone understands that this is a visual deception because the difference is insignificant. And they even laugh at the technique with the number 9. But at the same time, stores continue to use it, because in certain situations it works.

That’s how you can use your numbers to make them look easy to perceive. Good luck!

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p\s: If already have an idea but need to pack it into a good-looking pitch deck to provide investors or the first customers drop me a message in DM or contact [email protected] I'll help you solve it. Also if you need any consultancy with an already existing presentation I'll also help you with it.