Typography System

Universal Typography Laws

Typography is not about aesthetics - it's about cognitive load reduction and visual hierarchy enforcement. These size locks are derived from readability research and platform-specific screen reading behavior.

Universal Font Size Hierarchy

The 3-Tier Text System

TIER 1: Hook / Headline

Purpose: Stop scroll, grab attention, communicate primary value

Size Range: 48-72px

Max 8-12 words, high contrast required

TIER 2: Supporting Text / Benefits

Purpose: Explain, persuade, provide context

Size Range: 28-42px

Max 20-30 words, medium contrast acceptable

TIER 3: CTA / Micro Text / Handle

Purpose: Direct action, provide attribution, footer info

Size Range: 18-28px

Short phrases, high visibility placement required

Platform-Specific Font Size Locks

LinkedIn (Professional Reading)

HEADLINE

54-62px

Professional, authoritative

BODY TEXT

32-38px

Easy desktop reading

CTA / HANDLE

22-26px

Clear but not dominant

Facebook Ads (Scroll Interruption)

HOOK

56-68px

MUST stop scroll

BENEFIT TEXT

34-42px

Clear value prop

CTA BUTTON

24-28px

Action clarity

Instagram (Visual-First Platform)

HEADLINE

48-58px

Lighter, aspirational

SUPPORTING TEXT

28-36px

Secondary to visual

MICRO TEXT

18-24px

Minimal text philosophy

WhatsApp (Mobile-First, Private)

HOOK

52-68px

Stop-scroll essential

BENEFITS

30-36px

Mobile readability

CTA

38-44px

Larger for touch

Font Weight Hierarchy Rules

DO: Clear Weight Contrast

Headline: Bold (700-900)

Body: Regular or Medium (400-500)

CTA: Semibold or Bold (600-700)

Minimum difference: 200-300 weight units between tiers

DON'T: Similar Weights

Headline: Medium (500)

Too light, won't grab attention

Body: Semibold (600)

Too bold, competes with headline

Using 3+ different weights

Creates visual chaos

Line Height (Leading) Standards

Text TypeLine HeightReason
Headlines (1-2 lines)1.0 - 1.2x font sizeTight spacing = visual impact
Body Text (3+ lines)1.4 - 1.6x font sizeReadable, reduces cognitive load
CTA Buttons1.2 - 1.3x font sizeCompact but clickable
Micro Text / Handles1.3 - 1.5x font sizeCompensate for small size

Common Typography Mistakes That Kill Conversions

1. Text Too Small for Platform

Using 24px headlines on Facebook ads where 56px+ is required = invisible

2. No Weight Contrast

Headline and body both Medium (500) = no visual hierarchy = confusion

3. Tight Line Height on Body Text

1.1x line height on 3+ lines = cognitive overload = reader fatigue

4. Too Many Font Sizes

Using 5+ different sizes in one design = visual chaos = unprofessional

5. CTA Text Too Small

18px CTA on WhatsApp = unclickable on mobile = lost conversions

6. Desktop Sizes on Mobile Platforms

Using LinkedIn sizes on Instagram Stories = platform mismatch

Quick Reference Chart

PlatformHeadlineBody/BenefitsCTA/Micro
LinkedIn54-62px Bold32-38px Regular22-26px Semibold
Facebook Ads56-68px Bold34-42px Regular24-28px Bold
Facebook Retargeting60-72px Bold36-44px Medium26-30px Bold
Instagram Feed48-58px Bold28-36px Regular18-24px Semibold
Instagram Stories52-64px Bold30-38px Medium24-28px Bold
WhatsApp Broadcast52-68px Bold30-36px Regular38-44px Bold