Your website looks great… so why is your audience bouncing within seconds of landing on it?
At Maggie Writes Copy, I know that the right webpage copy can make or break your site. Getting your messaging right is just as important as getting your design right.
So today we’re going to talk about the best website copywriting techniques to keep your audience present, engaged, and intrigued by your product or service.
Let’s jump right into what website copy is…
Website copywriting involves writing copy for your website to speak to your audience and compel them to take action.
Website copy can include:
Basically, anything that is hosted on your website can be considered website copy as long as it includes a Call to Action (CTA).1
Today we’ll mostly focus on homepage copy – But a lot of these techniques can be used throughout your site.
First, why is Website copy so important for your site?
The best website copywriting will act not only as the face of your company… but also as:
The best website copywriting isn’t just a bundle of words thrown on a page. It’s strategically written to showcase your brand to your target audience.
This means, your website won’t be for everyone – but it will be for the people who need your product or services.
That being said, there is good website copywriting… and not-so-good website copy. Let’s talk about how to separate the bad from the good.
The number one most important thing to give your website copy focus and impact is to know your audience.
Every page should revolve around your reader… whether it’s the homepage, contact page, or even the “about us” page.
7 Tips to keep your copy audience centered:2
Writing to your audience rather than at them will go a long way towards building the best website copywriting foundation for your site.
It’s also important to write website copy that your audience will find organically. We’re talking SEO.
Let’s face it, even if you write the most compelling copy possible, it’s worthless if no one finds and reads it.
While you can get people on your site other ways through your marketing funnel, you’re missing a huge opportunity if you aren’t leveraging every avenue to get people to your site.
This is why Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is so important. The best website copywriting with SEO can drive massive traffic to your site.
So how do you make sure you’re leveraging this traffic source?
SEO is a double-edged sword. If you’re stuffing keywords all over your site, you aren’t giving your reader the best experience. This can actually hurt your website’s SEO.
So putting SEO best practices into your website copy without going overboard is key.
This is actually why blogging is so important for website SEO.
It allows you to cover many topics your audience is interested in, while also sprinkling in a few keywords to give Google a better idea of how you help your audience.
Structuring your website is another thing that can affect your website copy.
Build your site to convert.
People choose to stay or go within 2 seconds of landing on your site. So the first fold of web copy is critical to your homepage’s success.
When people land on a site from a Google search and don’t know what it’s about immediately, they head to the next one.
They’re looking for a quick answer to their question, or a product that solves their problem.
Next, it’s time to dive deeper into their issues.
If they’ve made it past the first fold, they’re likely your target audience. Now it’s time to remind them why they’re on your site in the first place.
Dig deep into their problems before you roll out your solution to them.
This involves focusing on:
Once they’ve completely identified with the problems they have, it’s time to outline how your company can help them.
This section may be about your company, but it should still be fully about your audience too. Everything you say should be to further identify your audience’s needs.
Make sure you’re building connections rather than providing a company bio.
This is also a great place to include social proof:
Build your audience’s trust with your brand. Then roll out their solution.
You’ve now identified:
It’s time to give them their solution now. The product or service that will help them solve their problem.
Remember, the best website copywriting for this section should touch on the pain points from above. Keep the compelling narrative that you are going to make their daily lives better.
Then give them the CTA to buy or book. This should be a straightforward piece of copy that tells your audience exactly what to do to solve their problem.
Your CTA should be sprinkled throughout your page.
Everyone who shows up on your website is going to be on a different part of their journey with your brand.
Someone who’s never heard of your company before is probably going to want to read through the whole page to see what your company is about. They’re more likely to go for a CTA at the bottom of your page.
Vs.
Someone who has seen your brand in other places and knows your offer may just want to jump straight to the product. They’ll click higher up.
Every person in your audience needs something different to compel them to buy what you’re selling. Don’t make the mistake of not having a CTA button on the section that convinces someone you’re right for them.
There’s a lot to think about when you’re writing your website copy. Sometimes, the best thing you can do to get better results… hire it out.
It’s not always easy to know how to hire contractors for your website. Especially if it’s not something you have a lot of experience with.
Most web developers and designers are focused on the look of the site, rather than the message it gives people.
That’s where a website copywriter can really elevate your site past your competition.
Using the tips outlined in this article can help you narrow down your possible website copywriter candidates.
Ask for a few portfolio pieces they feel are relevant to your project. Then take a look and see if they:
Keep in mind, their copy will be centered around what their client wanted too. So if something doesn’t line up and you still think their writing is great, ask them why they chose to write how they did.
You should also ask them how they incorporate SEO into their writing. As touched upon above, SEO is still extremely valuable to your site. Many copywriters don’t include SEO services in their writing.
Using the best website copywriting techniques on your site doesn’t have to be hard.
Writing your own website copy can lead to very authentic connections with your audience.
But if you’re feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of getting your website copy just right, you don’t have to look far.
Website copywriting is one of my favorite projects to start with when I work with clients. Webpage copy… especially homepage copywriting… allows me to really get a great feel for your business and your audience.
Book a call today and let’s see if we’re a good fit to work together!
1 What is Website Copywriting? – Coschedule
2 Writing copy for different audiences – LocaliQ
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