How to Write Website Copy That SELLS: Guide for Founders

Anyone can write website copy. But not everyone can craft strategic and effective copy that does more than just “be there.”

In fact, most business owners end up filling their website with words that don’t bring any results.

So, as a professional website copywriter, I’ll teach you how to write website copy that sells (step-by-step).

But first, let me show you what you’ve actually been missing out on so far.

What should your website copy do for you?

Your website copy should be your best salesperson: working in the background for you 24/7—no breaks or holidays allowed.

More specifically, it should:

• Position you as THE go-to solution in your dream client’s eyes

• Attract your audience organically on Google

• Repel the wrong-fit customers (unless you’re happy to spend hours running random discovery calls or waste money on refunds?)

• Connect with your target prospects

• Actively sell your services rather than just describing your business

• Bring you new leads regularly 

Has your current website copy not being doing all this? Or perhaps your website is new so you’re writing it for the first time and want to start with a bang?

Then, here’s how to write website copy that does aaaaaaaaaaaaall that for you.  

Step-by-step guide on how to write website copy for your business

Disclaimer: this isn’t something you’ll get to do in one go as you read this blog post.

So, bookmark it right now and come back to it as you work your way through these steps.

Done? Let’s start. 

1. Get clear on your brand messaging before writing your website copy

Brand messaging is how you talk and write about your business, what you focus on the most, and how you convey your value proposition to your dream audience.

This must be consistent across all your marketing channels.

And specifically, as soon as they land on your website, your audience should understand:

• Exactly what you do

• Whether it’s for them

• How this will benefit them / why they should care

But they won’t be able to do that if YOU are not clear on that first.

So, start here, and keep brainstorming until you get to a clear overview.  

2. Research, research, research

I know you’re here to learn how to write web copy, but take it from a professional copywriter: writing is actually the smallest part of copywriting (ironic, considering it makes up over 60% of the actual word!).

The biggest? Research, planning, and strategy.

Now, you might be thinking “Well, it’s different for you, because you write for different clients every time: I already know my business!”

But trust me: starting to write your website copy without getting clear on the following points is a risky game—even if it’s your business. Why?

Because you’d end up relying on assumptions or what you’re remembering, which isn’t the whole picture. 

So, instead:

• Get clear on your target audience – Who exactly are they? Be as specific as possible: when you try to target eVeRyOnE, you end up connecting with no one

• What are their pain points? – If they’re looking for your types of services, it’s because they’re trying to solve a problem (or two)

• How does your business fix them or help them overcome them? – This should create a strong contrast against their current situation

• What are your audience’s most common objections? – Even if they’re looking for your types of services, your audience is still coming up with reasons not to part with their own money (more or less subconsciously). For example, these might be “I could just do it myself” or “Maybe I can worry about this in a few months”

• What are the most impressive results you’ve achieved? – Anyone can say “I’m good at what I do” or keep it vague like “I’ll take your business to the next level”, but what can that look like in practice?

• Reread your testimonials and feedback – What do your clients value the most? What words do they use? This is also part of your voice of customer research: you’ll want to use terms your audience is already familiar with, not buzzwords and complicated jargon

• Remember your calls, and go through your email exchanges – This will help you identify more pain points, objections, and common patterns

• Analyse your competitors – Look at their website copy (for example, did they bring up some points you hadn’t thought of?), testimonials, and reviews (are there any negative ones you can keep in mind to set your business apart?)

• Lurk where your audience is active – From your own social media posts to shared communities and forums like Reddit: what does your audience have to say when it comes to your industry and types of services? Once again, this step is also useful for voice of customer research 

3. Find the right keywords to include in your website copy

Learning how to write website copy that sells is a game-changer for your business. But if you don’t optimise it for SEO, who’s going to read it?

Sure, you can direct your existing audience to your website. But why exactly would you want to miss out on those who’re actively looking for your types of services on Google?

If you forget about them, they’ll find your competitors instead. Harsh but true.

Now, don’t get me wrong: nobody can guarantee that you’ll show up on Google’s first page. There are too many factors that influence those rankings, and you haven’t got any control over some of them.

But when you optimise your website copy for the keywords that your audience is searching, you’re giving yourself the very best chances—and why leave them to your competitors?

So:

• Use one of the best free or affordable keyword research tools (as a beginner, you can start with Google Keyword Planner)

• Look for your type of business, services, or products to find the best keywords to describe them: what are people actually searching for? (Psst: it might not be your first guess)

For example, some of my clients found me because they were looking for a “website copywriter”, a “copywriter for female entrepreneurs”, or “website copywriting services.”

BONUS TIP: you can’t just upload your new copy, never touch your website again, and hope it magically gains traction on Google! You must blog on it regularly, too. This will also allow you to target the biggest chunk of your audience: those who’re trying to find out more about their pain points and/or your industry but aren’t ready to invest just yet. A win-win!

4. Plan your website copy structure—and keep it simple

Maybe you’re building your website from scratch. Perhaps you already have one and are looking to replace its copy. Either way, make it or keep it as simple as possible. 

• Identify your main goals – What do you want your website copy to promote the most? For example, this could be selling your premium offer and getting more newsletter subscribers

• Plan the right website pages and an intuitive menu – You don’t want to overwhelm your audience with endless menu items! Otherwise, they won’t know what they should actually click next

Now, the latter really depends on your type of business, of course. However, a popular menu structure is:

• Home page

• About

• Services (overview)
  - Pages for each individual service

• Contact

But you might benefit from additional pages like a portfolio, success stories, sustainability, etc. 

5. Write your website copy for your audience, NOT yourself

You’re here to learn how to write website copy that actually sells, right? Then, remember you’re not the one buying your offers: your audience is. 

So, you shouldn’t write your website copy in a way that strokes your ego, impresses your family, or matches your personal taste.

You must write it in a way that connects with your audience and gets them to take action. That’s all that matters! 

So, here are some mindset shifts and points to consider (and never lose sight of):

• Always write your website copy with your audience in mind – What do they need to know? Hint: NOT that “I’m passionate about what I do”

• Address them directly – In fact, try and use “you” more often than you say “I/we”

• Your audience is the hero of the story – Don’t make the mistake of positioning yourself as the hero! You’re the trusted guide who’ll help them achieve their happy ending (which is still pretty cool, isn’t it?)

• Focus on the benefits of your services, not their features – For example, Apple didn’t try to sell the first iPod by saying “5GB of storage”. They said “1,000 songs in your pocket” (I know that’s not as impressive today, but come on: this was all the way back in 2001!)

• Use the “so what?” test – When you write your website copy, put yourself in your dream client’s shoes and, after every paragraph, ask yourself: “So what? Why should I care?” If you can’t answer it, that section needs to be reworded or removed altogether

• Use your audience’s language – Refer to your voice of customer research when writing website copy for your business

• Spin your brand story – Storytelling in marketing leads to +30% conversions when used correctly! And that’s why your brand story must position your audience as the hero and show them the transformation you’ll bring about for them

Fine-tune your brand story with my FREE Storytell to Sell✨ workbook

6. Write a website copy draft for each page

What you actually include and focus on will really depend on your unique business and goals. However, here’s a website copywriting plan that tends to work for most.

How to write website copy for your Home page

Use it to provide a clear overview of your business and to then direct your visitors to the right page or next step for them.

Some key sections:

• Above the fold (everything they see before scrolling down): this should clarify exactly what you do, who for, and how it benefits them, as well as offering your main calls to action

• Connecting with your audience’s pain points and presenting your business as the obvious solution

• Clear breakdown of your services with links to the relevant pages

• Short about section linking to the About page

• Newsletter or lead magnet section

How to write website copy for your About page

This page should show your audience why they can trust you with their money—and why they should choose you.

So, you can cover:

• How your own experience and mission is relevant to your audience

• Why you’re the best possible person for it (e.g. experience, background, certifications, etc.)

And don’t treat it as a dead page: add a call to action at the end (for example, to head to your Services page)

How to write website copy for your Services/How to work with me page

Build it as an overview of all your services to help your audience identify the right one for them at this stage:

• Have smaller sections for each of them

• Include direct calls to action

How to write website copy for your individual Service pages

The aim here is to sell that service (duh):

• Offer a clear overview of that offer (much like your above-the-fold section on your home page, but focusing on this service alone: what it is, who it’s for, how it benefits them)

• Connect with your audience’s pain points

• Offer them a solution

• Remind them of why they should trust you

• Tackle their most common objections

• Clarify everything that's included (but try and focus on the benefits rather than features alone)

• Include plenty of social proof, like previous results or client testimonials

• Wrap it all up, and paint a picture of the final outcome

• End it with a strong call to action (but scatter a few more throughout the page)

How to write website copy for your Contact page

Don’t just have a sad contact form without any kind of context!

• Remind your audience of why it’s important that they take action or give them a final nudge

• Clarify what happens next (for example, if they have to submit a form, you could mention that you’ll get back to them within 2 working days)

BONUS TIP: add social proof throughout your core pages too, starting from your Home

7. Optimise your new website copy for SEO

Remember those keywords I told you to look for? 

Whenever possible, every page should target a main one, but you can also use similar keywords to complement it and help your audience find you.

Try and use your keywords in:

• Titles and headings

• The first 100 words of your copy on that page

• A few times within the text

• Anchor text (the clickable words of a link)

• Image alt text

• Your meta description 

but only when it feels natural. Don’t force them! Nobody likes to read a robotic text.

You also need to use your headings hierarchically—which, in this case, is just a fancy way of saying “in the right order”.

Don’t skip this step, because wrong headings are one of the mistakes I encounter the most when I review website copy written by someone who isn’t a professional SEO copywriter!

• Have only one heading 1 per page (your title)

• Then, introduce the next core section with a heading 2 (e.g. “Has your graphic design been holding you back?”)

• If the following section is still very much related to that one, use a heading 3 (for example, “How your current graphic design is sabotaging your business”)

• If it covers a completely different point, then it should be a heading 2, meaning that it has same value as the previous one (e.g. “Here’s how we’ll change that”)

• And so on

Whatever you do, don’t ever use your headings to format your text and make a random sentence pop. Not to be dramatic, but that would DESTROY your SEO.

8. Edit your website copy, and make it easy to read

As they say, “kill your darlings.” Just because YOU like a specific word or sentence, it doesn’t mean you should keep it. 

So, while learning how to write website copy is key, I’d say that editing your first draft is just as important.

How to edit your website copy:

• Get straight to the point, and remove all the fluff (like “Welcome on my website”)

• Remember that the goal of each line is to get your audience to read the next 

• Still, most people will skim it (that’s where my readability tips will come into play soon)

• Clear > clever – Don’t say something vague like “I offer business solutions” just because it sounds fancy. What does that actually mean? Is it a consultancy service? Software? Be specific!

• Once again, remember the “so what?” test

• Read your website copy out loud (I promise it makes a huge difference!)

How to enhance its readability: 

• On each page, divide your website copy into sections with headings

• Use shorter paragraphs: nobody wants to read a huge block of text

• Use bullet points 

• Use bold (sparingly) to highlight your key concepts and make things even easier for anyone who’s skimming your website copy

9. Use your website copy to inform your design (NOT the other way around)

If you’re updating your existing web copy, don’t try and force your new text into your old sections.

And if you’re learning how to write website copy for a new website, plan its design around your structure and words.

This will allow you to highlight the most important sections and make the entire copy easy to read.

That’s why I always wireframe it before delivering it to my clients—to help them get the very best out of it.

Because here’s the truth: you can learn how to write copy for your website or hire the best copywriter… but if you then upload it as one block of text? Or mess up its design?

Your audience will struggle to read it—and they might easily give up.

So, make your website copy and design work together strategically.

10. Proofread your website copy again, even after you’ve uploaded it

I swear some typos only show up after you’ve hit “publish”!

So, read your website copy again and look for:

• Typos

• Repetitions (that’s why reading it out loud is key)

• Consistency in spelling and styling (e.g. whether or not you’re using the Oxford comma, ampersands or “and”, etc.)

You can also use proofreading tools like Grammarly. 

11. Refer to your website copy through the rest of your marketing and content 

Another common mistake I encounter when working with new clients?

Their website copy tells one story, their LinkedIn profile a different one, their Instagram is a separate thing altogether, and so on.

Nope, nope, NOPE. 

Your brand messaging and story should be consistent no matter where your audience is reading about your business.

Otherwise:

• They’ll get confused

• They’ll struggle to understand what your business is actually about

• They won’t remember it

• They won’t automatically think of you when they’re ready to invest

So, don’t ever lose sight of the brand messaging and story that you crafted when writing your website copy. In fact, you can (and should) even use the same wording in some cases. 

For example, the top section of your home page and your social media bios should be extremely similar.

Some website copy examples to help you write yours

It’s easier to learn how to write website copy when you see it in action.

So, here are some examples of the strategic copy that I’ve written for some clients after clarifying their brand messaging.

Key elements:

• what type of business this is (“boutique web design agency, digital consultancy, and learning platform”)

• who for (“female high-flyers”—like them)

• how it benefits them (“take off by starting your own business”, “propel it forward and higher up” and, overall,“fly their business to their dream destination”) and what they can expect, specifically (“website, tools, and resources”)

• what they should do next (“find the right flight for you” or, if they’re not ready to invest, subscribe to their newsletter to “learn from our free tips & in-flight magazines”)

And another snippet:

See? Written with an actual strategy, focused on their audience, and crystal clear.

How I can help you 1:1 and write website copy for your business

I hope my guide on how to write your website copy was useful!

But yeah, I can’t deny that it’s A LOT of work. 

So, if you’d rather leave it to a professional instead of wasting weeks on trial and error, check out the 🧲Magnetic Message & Web Copy Makeover✨

With my brand messaging and website copywriting offer, you’ll get:

🧲A clear and fine-tuned brand message positioning you as THE go-to solution in your dream client’s eyes

🧲A strategic brand story woven around your target audience and following a proven framework

🧲Powerful website copy that cuts through the noise, connects, and converts… even when you’re sleeping or enjoying some well-deserved time off

🧲All the right SEO keywords to help your audience find you organically on Google when they’re looking for your type of business

🧲Bespoke brand messaging & storytelling guide so that you can always keep them consistent and amplify them through your content

Ready to go from “just another option in your niche” to “THE go-to solution for your ideal clients” in 3 weeks and start relying on website copy that actually sells for you 24/7?

More #crafty blog posts on this topic:

How to Use the 5 Pillars of Magnetic Marketing to Attract Clients

What if, instead of struggling to get leads and wow them with what you do, you could attract them organically? And by the time they get in touch with you, they’re already sold?

That’s the power of magnetic marketing—and specifically, my 5 pillars.

I’ll show you exactly what you need to focus on to implement them in your business.

Bu let’s start with a quick definition to make sure we’re on the same page.

What is magnetic marketing?

Magnetic marketing is a promotional strategy that focuses on attracting your dream audience organically—getting them to come to you rather than the other way around.

A few clarifications:

• I didn’t “invent” magnetic marketing. As a concept, it’s been part of this industry for decades. In fact, Dan Kennedy branded it all the way back in 1993

• Magnetic marketing doesn’t have to replace cold outreach or other outbound strategies (like paid ads). You can implement it alongside them. If they work well for you and your budget, I’d never tell you to scrap them. Personally, though? I hate them, especially cold calls—and that’s why I now rely on my 🧲5 Pillars of Magnetic Marketing🧲 alone

• Why 5 pillars? You’ll find all kinds of tactics and combinations out there. But based on my experience and the results I’ve achieved for my clients, these 5 pillars are what bring the best results—when used together

And if you’re wondering, “WHAT results can I expect from magnetic marketing?”, picture this:

• As you’re sipping your favourite morning brew, you turn on your laptop and find warm leads waiting for you in your inbox 

• You’re finding it easier to sell your services because your dream clients understand exactly how working with you will benefit them

• You can confidently explain why they should choose you over your competitors

• You’re finally showing up on Google and attracting your audience organically

• You no longer have all your marketing eggs in the unreliable social media basket

• From your newsletter to your social media posts, you’re writing content more easily because you’re clear on your brand message and story

• You’ve gone from "just another option" to "THE go-to solution in your dream clients’ eyes"

This is what happens when you integrate my 5 Pillars of Magnetic Marketing in your business! Let’s look at them individually.

Giada Nizzoli’s 🧲5 Pillars of Magnetic Marketing🧲

(That’s me, by the way!)

Here are the core tactics and elements to focus on to start attracting your dream clients.

1. A fine-tuned brand message

• You must always be able to summarise exactly what you do, who for, and how this benefits them (example of a brand message that I fine-tuned for a fabulous client of mine: “We’re a boutique web design agency, digital consultancy, and learning platform helping female high-flyers reach new heights online”)

• Make your brand messaging clear and specific: don’t fall for vague and fancy-sounding buzzwords that don’t actually mean much (e.g. say “premium Canva templates for your social media” if that’s what you sell. NOT “social media solutions”)

• Keep your core message consistent across all your marketing materials. Otherwise, if you keep changing your focus and wording, it’ll be harder for your dream audience to remember what your business is about

2. A strategic brand story

• Storytelling in marketing leads to a 30% increase in conversions!

• But no I’m not talking about your entire backstory. Weave your brand story around your audience by positioning them as the hero. You? You’re the helpful guide—the Fairy Godmother to their Cinderella, in other words

• Empathise with your audience’s pain point, show them why you're the best person to solve it, and make them feel the difference they'll experience once they invest in you

• Get a head-start over your competitors by grabbing my FREE Storytell to Sell✨ workbook for women entrepreneurs

3. Website copy that cuts through the noise, connects, and converts

• Your website copy shouldn’t describe your business: it should actively SELL for you 24/7!

• So, it must include all the right conversion copy elements to take your audience from prospects to paying clients

• Use it to spin your brand story and keep your message consistent: connect with your audience based on their current pain points, position yourself as the best possible solution for them, paint a picture of their happy ending, and give them a strong call to action

4. SEO

• The majority of your audience don’t know about you, but they are out there looking for a solution to their problem

• If you haven’t optimised your website copy for the right keywords, your dream clients will find your competitors instead

• For example, my clients don’t usually find me because they googled ‘Crafty Copy’ or ‘Giada Nizzoli’. They were looking for keywords like ‘copywriter for female entrepreneurs’ or ‘website copywriting services’. So, you should incorporate the most relevant keywords for your business into your website copy

Disclaimer: nobody can guarantee a 1st page ranking!

But SEO-friendly website copy does give you the best chances of showing up in front of your target audience—and why exactly would you want to leave them to your competitors?

And blogging on your website regularly? It gives you an SEO boost and helps you attract the 95% of your audience who’re not ready to buy (yet).

5. Content that amplifies your brand message and story

• Your conversion-focused website copy will do the heavy-lifting when it comes to people who were actively looking for your types of services—or who’re ready to buy, by now. But as teased before, 95% of your audience are NOT there yet! That’s where your magnetic marketing content comes into play

• Depending on your strategy, this can be the blog on your website, the social media platforms where your audience is lurking, your newsletter, and so on

• Overall, your content should help you attract your target audience, retain them (when they’re not ready to buy), and then move them down the sales funnel (until they are)

• So, you must always write it with a strategy. Instead of creating content that only gets you likes and comment from your industry peers, refer to your brand message and story to craft magnetic marketing content that speaks to your actual dream audience 

Keep in mind that some of these strategies (like SEO and content marketing) are about the long-tem game. 

The sooner you put these foundations in place, though, the sooner you’ll see the first results.

And some other pillars (like a fine-tuned brand message)? You’ll feel the difference straightaway. How cool is that?!

Shall I put the 5 Pillars of Magnetic Marketing in place for your business?

Have you not been attracting many of your dream clients organically, so far?

Do you encounter a lot of resistance when it comes to pricing, perhaps because the prospects you attract don’t actually see the value of what you do?

Then it’s beyond time to put the 🧲5 Pillars of Magnetic Marketing🧲 in place—and stop relying on the pillars of sand that are vague messaging, weak copy, and content churned out without a strategy.

After all, I’m sure you’re already incredible at what you do (otherwise, you wouldn’t have received all those glowing testimonials and feedback). So, let me repackage it in a way that makes your dream clients go, “where do I sign up?!”

As a brand messaging strategist and website copywriter, I created a signature offer to implement all the 🧲5 Pillars of Magnetic Marketing🧲 in one go:

• A fine-tuned brand message

• A strategic brand story

• New website copy that cuts through the noise, connects, and converts—even when you’re sleeping or enjoying some well-deserved time off

• On-page SEO to include all the keywords your dream clients are looking for

• Bespoke guide so that you can keep your brand messaging and story consistent when creating all your content

Basically, with the 🧲Magnetic Message & Web Copy Makeover✨, I’ll take you from “just another option in your niche” to “THE go-to solution in your dream client’s eyes in 3 weeks—and make you feel like it, too.

More #crafty blog posts on this topic:

7 Reasons Why You’re Not Getting Clients (& How to Fix Them)

As a service provider, you’re INCREDIBLE at what you do. So…why are you not getting clients? Or better: why are you attracting the wrong-fit prospects and not as many dream clients as you’d like?

Here’s the truth bomb:

at this stage, it doesn’t matter how good you are at what you do. If you can’t attract your target audience and convert them from prospects to clients, they’ll NEVER find out.

That’s where your problem is likely to be!

So, we’re going to look at 7 common reasons why you’re not getting clients and, most importantly, what you can do to fix them.

But let’s double-check something real quick.

Disclaimer: you first need to have the right foundations in place!

In some cases, there might be deeper and bigger reasons why you’re not getting clients, and they require your attention before you fix any of the ones we’ll look into in the core of the article:

• You don’t know who your dream audience is. If you’re tempted to answer “but my services are for everyone”, then hear me out: when you try and please everyone, you please no one. So, take some time to look into this properly. Conduct some research, narrow down your audience, and understand exactly who you’re selling to

• You haven’t got the right offer for your audience. Your services should solve your dream client’s pain point, offer a desirable transformation, and be priced accordingly. If your offer is something they can easily live without or it’s just too expensive for their budget (or even suspiciously cheap)… then that’s probably why you’re not getting clients. So, run a competitor analysis to see what’s already working out there, get some honest feedback from your target audience, and consider redesigning your services accordingly

Not sure if you’re targeting the right audience and with the right services? Easy:

• Do you know of any competitors who’ve got similar services for your audience—and who’re doing well?

• Have you sold your services before?

• Did you receive positive feedback?

• Do you get clients from referrals, occasionally? 

If you’ve just answered “yes” to those, then… congrats: there’s nothing wrong with your actual audience focus and services (pheeew) and the rest of this blog post is indeed right for your current situation.

7 main reasons why you’re not getting clients for your service-based business—and what to do about it

And I’m confident it’s at least one of the following because that’s what most of my clients used to struggle with.

Full disclosure? I had the same problems in the past!

So, trust me: I know how frustrating it feels. Luckily for you, I now know how to solve them, too.

1. You’re not clear on your brand messaging 

Your brand messaging is the way you write and talk about your business, the core topics you focus on, and how you convey your value proposition to your specific audience.

In other words, it’s what allows you to set yourself apart from your competitors and grab your dream client’s attention—and retain it.

Your brand messaging should also be consistent everywhere, from your website copy to your social media posts and… all your marketing materials

For example, does your website say “I’m a graphic designer on a mission” but your social media bios are “I offer graphic design services for solopreneurs” and your LinkedIn headline says “I’ve completed +100 graphic design projects and social media templates for my clients”?

Then your audience won’t be able to understand what your brand is actually about. 

And if they can’t understand it, they won’t remember it. 

And if they don’t remember it, they won’t automatically think of you when they’re finally ready to invest in a solution to their problem.

How to fix this reason why you’re not getting clients: 

You can start by brainstorming exactly:

• What you do/what type of business you are

• Who for

• How this benefits them/why they should care

and then keep this focus and precise wording consistent across all your marketing materials.

2. You’re not welcoming your dream audience into your brand story

Storytelling in marketing can get you a 30% increase in conversions. Only when done right, though!

Is your brand story all about yourself and how passionate you are about your business?

Do you post content that focuses on you and whatever you’re “excited to announce” and “delighted to share”?

Then that’s likely to be one of the main reasons why you’re not getting clients.

I’ll tell you a secret: people are selfish. We all are. And that includes your target audience. So, if you keep talking about yourself and your business, they won’t care.

But you know what they LOVE hearing and reading about?

Themselves (told ya they’re selfish).

So, adjust your brand story accordingly.

How to fix this reason why you’re not getting clients: 

Place your dream client at the core of your brand story, connect with their pain point, position yourself as the best person to solve it, and make them feel this transformation.

Your website copy can tell the entire story, and your content can amplify it.

So, make sure most of it is about your dream clients. Less “I/we”, more “you.”

3. Your website copy isn’t optimised for conversions

One of the most common reasons why service providers don’t get clients? Because their website copy doesn’t actually sell their services. It just describes their business.

• “We offer x, y, and z.”

• “We’d love to hear from you.”

• “We are passionate about working with…”

Does this sound familiar? In most cases, it’s because you wrote your own copy or outsourced it to the cheapest copywriter you could find.

And hey, it’s ok: we’ve all gotta start somewhere! However…

Your website copy should actively be generating high-quality leads for you. If it hasn’t been doing that, then it sounds like it’s time to upgrade it.

For example, amongst the various conversion elements it must include, there’s tackling your dream client’s objections. Maybe they’re considering investing in your services but are thinking “or I could just do it myself.” If your website copy doesn’t address this objection, those prospects will leave without getting in touch—and try and do it themselves.

How to fix this reason why you’re not getting clients: 

Invest in conversion-focused website copy that’s written with an actual strategy and that actively sells for you (24/7, no breaks or holidays allowed).

4. You’re not relying on SEO

Most of your dream clients don’t know about your business or name, but they are out there looking for a solution to their problems and googling your type of services.

If you don’t show up on Google at all, that’s probably why you’re not getting many clients: they’re finding your competitors instead!

How to fix this reason why you’re not getting clients: 

• When you invest in new website copy, make sure it’s optimised for search engines as well as for conversions. This will give you the best chances of attracting your dream audience organically on Google

• Blog on your business website. Your core website pages will help you attract prospects who’re looking to invest in your types of services, but 95% of your audience are not ready to buy yet! That’s a pretty big chunk you’re forgetting about. So, write educational and relevant content for those who’re still trying to understand their current problem, what’s causing it, how it can be solved, and so on. That way, when they’re ready to invest in a solution for it, you’ll be the first name that comes to mind. Plus, blogging regularly will give a powerful SEO boost to your entire website. So, you’ll help your core website copy reach more of your audience, too

5. You haven’t been consistent with your marketing…

Do you only think about your marketing when you’re not getting clients? Do you go on a marketing spree and then disappear like that guy who ghosted me and still has my tupperware? 

Then that’s what’s been working against you.

Social media marketing, newsletters, blogging… they’re all about the long-term game. So, you must stay consistent even when you’re so busy that you wouldn’t be able to take on any more clients (it’s OK to turn down work, and you can always put those people on a waiting list). 

Otherwise, if you only send out newsletters or post on LinkedIn when you’re going through a dry spell, it’s too late—and your lead pipeline will keep on drying up.

How to fix this reason why you’re not getting clients: 

Figure out how you can be consistent with your marketing while still putting out excellent content. Basically, be realistic! 

I’m not telling you to show up on all your platforms every single day if that would cause you to have a breakdown.

But, for example, you could aim to post on your social media three times a week, email your list once a week (or even every fortnight), engage with your audience by replying to comments every day, and post one blog post a month.

Either way: consistency and quality > quantity and sporadic marketing sprees.

6. … or you’ve been putting out content without the right strategy

There’s a reason why, in the previous point, I said “excellent content” and not just “any type of content.”

Consistency is key, of course, but… churning out content just for the sake of marketing yourself regularly? That won’t get you more clients either.

For example, I noticed that some people complained about not getting any results from LinkedIn even though they were posting every day. And guess what? 

They were copywriters sharing copywriting tips for other copywriters (hint hint: fellow copywriters aren’t planning on hiring them! Most of us write our own copy).

Or graphic designers talking to other graphic designers in their posts… even though they offer services for business owners who know nothing about graphic design.

And if you’ve realised you’ve been doing the same, don’t be harsh on yourself: it’s a common pitfall. Luckily, you can choose to climb out of it right now.

How to fix this reason why you’re not getting clients: 

Always write your marketing content with your specific dream audience in mind. 

What are they struggling with right now? How would they feel if their problems were solved? What’s stopping them from investing in your services right now? What’s a valuable tip or piece of advice you can share with them?

So, refer to your brand messaging and story, and make sure your content is strategic and right for your audience.

7. You’re not actually asking for a sale

This might sound like a silly question, but let’s get real: have you been selling your services? As in, are you actively promoting them?

Because so many service providers who complain they’re not getting clients aren’t actually asking for that sale. But if you don’t ask, you don’t get!

And if you’ve been made to feel that selling is sleazy, let me reframe this for you:

if you have a service that can solve your dream client’s problem and make a positive difference in their lives, why on earth would you NOT want them to find out about it? Why would you NOT want them to invest in you and make this powerful transformation happen?

How to fix this reason why you’re not getting clients: 

Aim for an 80:20 ratio of educational/informational (80%) and promotional content (20%). 

Make sure you include a powerful and clear call to action, too: if someone reads your promotional social media post or newsletter and wants to take action, they need to know exactly how to get started right freakin’ now.

🧲How I can help you get more clients✨

As I mentioned before, most of my own clients used to struggle with some of those problems—and, in a few cases, all of them.

So, I created an offer that solves over half of them in one go and gives them the tools to fix the rest on their own.

If you’re not getting clients and you recognised some of those problems, meet the 🧲Magnetic Message & Web Copy Makeover✨.

So, how will my website copywriting & brand messaging offer help you get more clients?

• I’ll fine-tune your brand messaging and position you as the go-to solution in your dream audience’s eyes

• I’ll use strategic storytelling to welcome your target clients into your brand story

• I’ll craft new website copy that cuts through the noise, connects, and converts. The kind of website copy that actively sells your services and includes all the right conversion elements to take your audience from prospects to clients

• I’ll include all the SEO keywords your audience is googling and give you my Boost Your Business by Blogging eBook as a bonus. That way, you can start blogging in a way that brings you your first results, even as a complete beginner

• I’ll create bespoke brand messaging guidelines and a storytelling framework that you can use to inform all of your future content, from your social media posts to your newsletters and more. That way, it’ll be easier to be consistent with it and you’ll start putting out content that connects with your dream audience and actually sells your services

So, if you’re tired of not getting clients, let an expert take care of it—and you just “worry” about impressing them with your incredible services once they’ve put the money down.

🧲Are you ready to go from “just another option in your niche” to “THE go-to solution in your dream client’s eyes” in only 3 weeks?✨

More #crafty blog posts on this topic:

What’s Brand Messaging? (You Need It BEFORE Copywriting)

Forgot about brand messaging? Then your audience will forget about you. 

Or better: your business won’t pop into their minds when they’re finally ready to invest in the type of services or products you sell.

Shall we bypass this not-so-delightful scenario? 

Find out why you desperately need to work on your brand messaging (and yes, that’s before you write or invest in new copy).

Understanding brand messaging 

Let’s start with a simple definition.

What is brand messaging?

Brand messaging is the way you talk and write about your business, what you focus on the most, and how you convey your specific value proposition to your target audience in a way that resonates with THEM.

It’s how you communicate your mission, brand story, and personality across all of your marketing channels.

And, of course, in order to communicate them effectively… you first need to be crystal clear on what they actually are for your business!

Brand messaging examples

Brand messaging isn’t really something you can “see”. It’s more about how you make your audience feel about your business and what you help them focus on (and remember).

Still, I’m gonna share a couple of snippets to give you a flavour of just how big a difference this can make.

The following brand messaging examples are from the websites of two coaches for female entrepreneurs:

MG Coach uses a straight-to-the-point, matter-of-fact tone that inspires confidence. Even though her services help her clients improve their overall life too, her focus is clearly on business. More specifically, on getting results “faster, better, easier.”

Becky Stanton has an uplifting tone, which makes her clients feel empowered and sense an instant connection with her (e.g. “and the truth is, that magic is already inside of you.”). Her focus is on helping them create an abundant life overall.

See? They’re both coaches and both working with female entrepreneurs, but their brand messaging paints a completely different picture right from the start.

When you master this, you’ll start attracting and connecting with your dream clients—and repelling the wrong prospects, which is just as important.  

And what is a brand messaging framework?

A brand messaging framework is a document that clarifies elements like your value proposition, core focus, and tone of voice. It also includes guidelines on how to keep your communication consistent when talking about your business.

That way, it doesn’t matter if it’s just you, if you have a team, or if you’re planning on outsourcing some aspects of your business: a brand messaging framework will ensure that its focus stays consistent no matter who’s writing about it, when, and on what channel.

Why you need brand messaging—before hiring a copywriter

And for full transparency: this comes from someone who used to be known for her standalone copywriting services. One of the main reasons why I pivoted and swapped them for a brand messaging & website copy offer?

Because I told you: you really do need to fine-tune your brand messaging before hiring a copywriter.

And I had to learn that the hard way.

I’ll tell you why through some examples, but let’s first focus on those core reasons.

1. Without clear brand messaging, you’re “just another option in your niche”

… and you’d be leaving a ton of money on the table. 

Because if you:

❌ can’t communicate what sets you apart from your competitors

❌ aren’t clear on WHAT to focus on when marketing your business and HOW to say it

❌ can’t articulate the value of your services or products in a way that resonates with your audience

… why should your dream prospects choose you instead of your competitors?

Brand messaging, on the other hand, allows you to fine-tune your value proposition and communication so they connect with your specific audience.

That way, choosing you becomes a no-brainer.

2. If you’re not clear on it, you can’t expect your copywriter to convey your brand message through your copy

Newsflash: copywriters can’t read minds (yet).

That’s why, before starting a project, they’ll get you to fill in a brief. If you’ve never thought about your brand messaging, though, you won’t be able to do that. Or you’d end up giving extremely vague answers… which would then lead to extremely vague copy.

For example, before becoming a brand messaging consultant as well as a copywriter, I worked with clients who’d answer like “oh, we REALLY care.” The question? “What sets you apart from your competitors.” You can see why that wouldn’t be enough, now, can’t you?

Or a fellow copywriter told me that a client expected her to nail their personality even though all they had told her about it was “We’re like an oat milk latte.”

Instead, when you’re clear on your brand message, a copywriter will be able to clarify and amplify those core concepts through your copy, crafting words that actually SELL.

3. You’d end up confusing your audience whenever you write or talk about your business

When I used to offer standalone website copywriting services, my clients would obviously receive strategic words that positioned them as THE go-to solution for their target audience.

But then I realised there was a big problem:

sure, the website copy itself kept working in the background for them… but when my old clients wrote about their business on social media, their blog, and other channels? 

Most of them would end up muddling that core message.

They’d start focusing on different things altogether or go from “Here’s what we can do for you” to “We are so passionate about this and that and blah blah boring”.

And that’s something I see online ALL. THE. TIME.

❌ The website copy tells one story (e.g. “I’m a graphic designer on a mission”)

❌ Their Instagram bio offers a different business summary (e.g. “I offer graphic design services for solopreneurs”)

❌ So does their LinkedIn headline (“I’ve completed +100 graphic design projects and social media templates for my clients”)

❌ So do their social media posts (“I’m here to make your brand  more colourful.”)

❌ And so on

That’s why I eventually introduced a brand messaging guide as part of my signature offer: to make it a breeze for my clients to tell a consistent story and stay true to their brand messaging whenever and wherever they talk or write about their business.

Because here’s the truth: if your focus keeps changing, you can’t expect your audience to think of you when they’re finally ready to invest!

The right brand messaging helps your dream audience understand and remember exactly what you do and how it’ll benefit them. 

So, make sure you are clear on that first and can always keep it consistent.

Nail your brand messaging with the help of an expert

By now, I’m sure you understand the importance of a clear brand messaging framework, but… I get it: it’s not easy to define it when you’re so close to your business.

After all, what you’re personally excited about (“I’m so passionate about my work”) is unlikely to be what your audience needs to hear.

Well, that’s one of the reasons why I niched down as a brand messaging strategist as well as a copywriter: to unlock and fine-tune my clients’ core message and brand story.

Perfect for fellow women service providers in particular, the 🧲Magnetic Message & Web Copy Makeover✨ will give you:

• Brand messaging to position you as THE go-to solution for your ideal clients

• Entirely done-for-you website copy that actually sells for you, even when you’re sleeping

• Bespoke guide to amplify your messaging through your marketing (so that you always know WHAT to focus on and HOW to articulate the value of your services)

  Ready to attract more clients who already want to work with YOU (and you only)?

More #crafty blog posts on this topic:

How You Can Use Storytelling in Marketing to Connect & SELL

Sure, stories entertain, but did you know they could sell, too?

Yes. Using storytelling in marketing can really help you stand out from a crowd of ‘buy-this-now’ competitors.

It can make your audience think, “hey, she really gets me!” and “this brand can definitely help me.”

But here’s the problem: in most cases, you’ve either ignored storytelling altogether or… you’ve been spinning the wrong story.

Here’s why (and how to fix it so that you can actually start using storytelling as a marketing strategy).

Storytelling in marketing 1-0-OnceUponATime

Excuse the cheeky pun.

What does storytelling mean in marketing?

In marketing, storytelling means using a narrative (literally “telling a story”) to communicate a message to your audience. 

This can take all kinds of different forms.

For example, storytelling as a marketing tool could involve long-form copy on a sales page, something that paints a picture of how your life feels right now and shows you the transformation you’ll experience after investing in that offer.

It could be a snappier social media post talking about how you took someone from A to B.

And… anything in between.

Now, don’t worry: it’s not about creating all sorts of characters and plots! You’re not writing a novel, after all.

Storytelling in marketing is simply about showing some kind of progression or transformation through your copy and content. 

I’ll give you a proper storytelling marketing example later down the article, but first…

Why is storytelling important in marketing?

Storytelling is important in marketing because it helps you grab the attention of your specific target audience and make them want to invest in you. It also makes it easier for them to remember you.

And this isn’t my opinion: it’s a #fact. There’s an actual science and psychology behind marketing through storytelling!

Some quick stats to put marketing storytelling in context

• Some specific chemicals are released in our brain when we’re told a story. Cortisol helps us formulate memories, dopamine regulates our emotional response, and oxytocin creates or maintains a connection because it’s associated with empathy

• No wonder facts are 22 times more likely to be remembered when they’re part of a story! And being noticed and remembered can make all the difference for your business, especially since your audience is exposed to 6,000-10,000 marketing messages EVERY. SINGLE. DAY (yes, really)

• Storytelling in marketing leads to a 30% increase in conversions. So, you’re A LOT more likely to turn those prospects into paying clients!

Why you might have been telling the wrong story

Using storytelling in marketing isn’t enough to succeed. You also need to tell the right story.

And here’s the mistake I encounter the most whenever I review existing marketing copy and content:

most business owners make this story about themselves.

Is that the case for you?

It might be if any of these sentences sound familiar:

• “I couldn’t be more excited to announce that…”

• “I started this business ten years ago, and it taught me that…”

• “I’m passionate about what I do. That’s why I decided to turn it into my business.”

Those are some bad (but extremely common) marketing storytelling examples.

Now, don’t get me wrong: I’m NOT saying your story hasn’t got a place in your marketing. Not at all!

For example:

• Can your own story inspire your ideal client to take action?

• Is there a particular anecdote that can resonate with them based on their current situation?

• Can your background show them why they should choose you instead of your competitors?

• Does your story feed into a bigger mission that your audience is also on board with?

Then, go on, and share those stories! 

And let’s not forget that personal stories can help you grow your own personal brand (well, it’s in the name).

Just… don’t plan your entire website copy and storytelling content around them.

“Then, what type of storytelling in marketing SHOULD I use, Giada?”

Why, I’m so glad you asked!

How you can start attracting (and converting) your audience by using copywriting and content marketing storytelling ✏️

There is ONE story you should tell ALL. THE. TIME.

The core of your content and communication should be based around it, too.

And when you get this brand story right? That’s when your storytelling in marketing becomes a lead-generating machine.

1. Understand and accept that your audience is the hero of your brand story

Sorry, I don’t mean to rain on your parade, but:

“The customer is the hero of our brand’s story, not us.”

— Donald Miller

(PS: I highly recommend his book, Building A Storybrand)

So, whenever you’re using storytelling in marketing, remember that the trick is to make them the protagonist of your overall brand story.

“But Giada, where does that leave ME?!”

2. Position yourself/your brand as the guide

Even though you’re not the hero, you still have a pretty cool part:

you’re the wise, trusted, and helpful guide.

You’re the Fairy Godmother to their Cinderella. The Obi Wan to their Luke Skywalker. 

In other words, you are the one who can help the hero get to their happy ending (if they invest in your brand).

3. Tell their story

Now, I’m not gonna lie: I have a bespoke, proven framework for my web copy creation and storytelling content strategy.

So, I can’t reveal every single ingredient inside my secret sauce (it wouldn’t be fair on the badass clients who pay for it, would it?)

But, to give you a general idea, here are the core parts of that story:

• INITIAL SITUATION: the hero (= your dream client) has some kind of pain point that’s making their life or business more complicated, stressful, overwhelming, etc.

• INCITING INCIDENT: the hero meets a guide who offers them the tools to solve it. In fact, this guide has already helped other heroes overcome that initial struggle!

• HAPPY ENDING: if the hero decides to invest in that guide, they will replace their current pain point with a positive outcome. They’ll go through a transformation and feel confident, empowered, relaxed, etc.

That’s what you should base your brand story on.

Not how passionate you are about collaborating with your clients. Not how excited you are to send them your products. 

Successful storytelling in marketing is about how your brand can solve your hero’s problem and offer them a happy ending. 

4. Amplify your content marketing storytelling by sticking to the same story

That brand story should be extremely clear on your website in particular.

Sadly, here’s another common problem when it comes to brand messaging and copy: each channel seems to tell a different story or focus on a separate aspect of it.

If you want your audience to understand and remember your story, you need to tell a consistent one. Brand story marketing won’t work if that narrative is unclear on all over the place. 

Sure, some elements will change slightly depending on the format and campaign.

For example, if your client is experiencing three core pain points, you can tackle each of them individually in a different social media post.

But every piece of your content marketing storytelling strategy should still refer to that overall narrative. 

Basically, you want your audience to know that, if they want to solve their current problem and achieve their happy ending, YOU are the best possible brand for it.

You can’t do that effectively if your message and story get muddled whenever you write or speak about them. 

Get my free workbook to use storytelling in marketing

Fine-tune your brand story, keep it consistent, and use it to attract your dream audience and turn them into clients.

In other words, Storytell to Sell✨

Tell a brand story that SELLS with the 🧲Magnetic Message & Web Copy Makeover✨

Are you ready to unlock the power of emotional storytelling in marketing? 

I’ve designed an offer that’ll do that for you. And take you from “just another option” to “THE go-to solution for your ideal clients” in 3 weeks.

Perfect for fellow female founders and service providers, the 🧲Magnetic Message & Web Copy Makeover✨ consists of 3 core parts:

🧲 A bespoke brand messaging and storytelling guide to grab your dream audience’s attention, make you stand out against competitors, and position your brand as a no-brainer (psst: you’ll then get to use it to guide ALL your future content and keep it consistent. No risk of your brand story getting lost in translation!)

🧲 On-page SEO and all the keywords that your dream audience is googling: let’s help them find YOU organically instead of letting them go straight to your competitors!

✨ Clear website copy that cuts through the noise, connects, and converts… even when you’re sleeping, focusing on other aspects of your business, or taking some well-deserved time off

Storytelling in marketing can set you apart from all competitors… if you use it correctly.

Leave the actual copy and strategy to a professional, and simplify your content creation by following your bespoke brand messaging and storytelling guide.

More #crafty blog posts on this topic:

What Exactly Is a Website Copy Review? (& Do You Need One?)

So, you’ve heard about website copy reviews, but… what do they actually include? And, most importantly, are they the right investment for your business right now?

Let’s find out (objectively).

Website copy reviews 101

First of all, a simple definition:

What is a website copy review?

A website copy review (or website copy audit or critique) is an unbiased analysis of the written copy that’s already on your website, with feedback and actionable suggestions to show you exactly how you can improve it.

Basically, a website copy review:

• identifies what’s been holding you back

• finds untapped opportunities to reach your goals (like getting more enquiries from clients who already want to work with YOU

• tells you how to bridge that gap, step by step

That way, you can then fix your website copy on your own following that plan. Easy!

What’s included in a website copy review?

Well, this really depends on who you work with. In most cases, however, a website copy audit looks at things like:

• Is your core messaging clear and simple to understand for your specific ideal clients, or is it muddled and confusing?

• Does the top section of your homepage immediately clarify exactly what you do, who your products/services are for, and how they will benefit them?

• Does your website copy include aaaaall the conversion elements NEEDED to take someone from prospect to paying client, from their pain points to their most common concerns and much more?

• Is your tone of voice consistent?

• Is your copy easy to skim and digest, or does it compromise UX and readability?

• Have you used your SEO keywords correctly to give yourself the very best chances of showing up in front of your ideal clients’ eyes on Google?

• Does it include clear and unmissable calls to action (the kinds your audience will be ITCHING to click on), or does it expect them to figure out the next steps on their own?

Plus, I usually end up catching many more technical website copy mistakes that have secretly been working against my clients.

For example, did you know that using headings just to highlight your text visually is one of the worst things you can do for your SEO? And that you shouldn’t have the exact same clickable text more than once on the same page (like “Find out more” for every single service)?

I can’t blame you if you didn’t because… well, that’s not your area of expertise! But there are all kinds of problems that can be identified during a website copy review—and, without one, you wouldn’t get a chance to fix them.

At the same time, though, I want to be clear:

What’s NOT part of a website copy review?

Let’s make sure we’re on the same (website) page. A website copy review isn’t synonymous with any of the following.

❌ An actual rewrite or full website copywriting services

A copy review is about helping you optimise what you already have. So, a website copywriter will tell you what needs changing and how. Then, you will be the one who puts their actionable advice into practice.

That’s why a copy review is more budget-friendly than traditional website copywriting services. But if you’d rather let a copywriter do aaaaall the hard work and write new copy for you, you should consider the latter.

❌ A proofreading service

Most website copywriters will also point out obvious grammatical and punctuation mistakes. However, that’s not the point of a copy review because:

• You’ll probably be rewriting most of it anyway (with clear guidance)

• It goes BEYOND that! It’s about the actual strategy behind your words. I’m talking about psychology and marketing tactics to get your dream clients to click your “Buy/Book now” button while cheering in front of their laptop

❌ A technical/SEO audit

A website copy review isn’t a full website audit! Copy reviews are usually carried out by copywriters, so that’s what we deal with: the word side of things (not website speed, Schema markup, and stuff like that).

Plus, once again, a review is about optimising what’s already there. If you haven’t got any keywords at all, you can’t expect a copywriter to create an SEO plan from scratch during an audit.

However, if you did optimise your current copy for certain keywords, most writers will let you know how to use them to maximise your chances of ranking higher than your competitors (I sure will!)

So, is a website copy review the best option for my business?

I’ll be completely honest: it depends.

If your current copy hasn’t been bringing you (m)any clients or helping you sell your services more easily, the best option is to invest in brand new website copy written from scratch by a professional copywriter.

However, hiring an expert to review your website copy is indeed the (second) best option if you genuinely can’t afford full copywriting services just yet.

And anyway, a website copy review is DEFINITELY better than:

• Hiring the cheapest writer you can find on Upwork, only to get more directionless copy written without a strategy

• Using AI (ugh, don’t let me get started!)

What are the benefits of a website copy review?

In a nutshell:

✅ As they say, “You can’t read the label from inside the jar”. Being so close to your business makes it much harder to write about it in a way that actually speaks to your audience. Plus, because you’re not a professional copywriter, it’s totally normal that you’re not familiar with the best practices to maximise conversions (as in, compelling people to get their wallets out and be happy about it). Instead, an audit is objective and carried out by an expert who’ll read that label for you and help you rewrite it. No more guesswork!

✅ You’ll simplify your message and start talking about your services in a way that speaks to your actual audience (without jargon, overused buzzwords, and vague or generic sentences that don’t mean much)

✅ You’ll increase your conversions (= more leads, sales, and money)

✅ Your website copy will finally start working in the background for you instead of feeling like a placeholder, and you’ll finally get to direct your leads to your service pages confidently (no more being secretly ashamed of them)

✅ From social media to newsletters and more, you’ll find it much easier to talk and write about your business IN GENERAL once you put those website copy review suggestions into practice

My website copy review for women entrepreneurs: shall I take your copy from “meh” to “heck yeah”?

Now that you know all this, does this one-off investment sound like the best option for you right now?

Then check out my website copy review package (I’m Giada, by the way).

It starts with a project planner for you to fill in so that I can learn all about your brand, audience, challenges, and goals. I’ll then review the copy of up to 5 of your current website pages (your homepage, since that’s the most important, and 4 more—chosen by you).

Within 3 working days, you’ll then receive:

• An in-depth document full of comments, feedback, and actionable suggestions (no jargon or confusing instructions!)

• A checklist to help you prioritise them and put them into practice without feeling overwhelmed. I’ve got you!

• A screenshare video recording covering the most important points so that you can easily visualise those new changes

• Optional: a 20-minute 1:1 consultation to answer your questions (should you have any)

All for a one-off investment of £500.

If the words on your website haven’t been bringing you (m)any new clients, they won’t magically begin to do that “one day”.

It’s clearly time to do something about it, don’t you think? Because the sooner you book your website copy review, the sooner you can start using those strategic pages to take someone from prospect to paying client more easily—without YOU having to do all the heavy-lifting

More #crafty blog posts on this topic:

Why I Don’t USE (& Trust) Yoast SEO as a Copywriter

I’ll tell you a secret: I’m a professional copywriter, but I don’t always get a green light on Yoast. In fact, I stopped using it years ago.

Am I crazy? An amateur? A FRAUD? 

Well, I’ll give you some context and let you judge for yourself.

What is Yoast SEO?

Yoast SEO (also known as just “Yoast”) is a Wordpress plugin that helps you optimise your web pages and blog posts for search engines.

Or, if you haven’t got a Wordpress website, you can use Yoast online.

Either way, all you have to do is:

• Write your copy

• Tell Yoast what your focus keyword is

and this plugin will analyse it for you.

Using a traffic light system (red, orange, and green), it’ll tell you exactly what you did right, what can be improved, and what’s a downright SEO disaster. 

“Not gonna lie: it actually sounds pretty helpful, Giada. Why do you not like Yoast?”

I’m glad you asked!

1. Yoast SEO comes with many limitations

This plugin means well, but its suggestions aren’t always helpful.

Let me give you an example.

Sometimes, instead of forcing the exact same focus keyword (e.g. “worst copywriting mistakes”) into your text even when it doesn’t really fit, it’s better to:

• use its singular/ plural form (e.g. “this is the worst copywriting mistake when writing emails”)

• some similar ones to avoid repetitions (e.g. “most common copywriting mistakes”).

Google actually prefers this because it’s more natural and organic. So does your human audience. 

But Yoast? Nah. 

Because you haven’t used the exact same keyword, it’ll give you feedback along the lines of:

• “The focus keyword doesn't appear in the first paragraph of the copy. Make sure the topic is clear immediately.” 

• “The keyword density is 1%, which is too low; the focus keyword was found 2 times.”

• “A meta description has been specified, but it does not contain the focus keyword.”

If you were to try and use the exact same keyword just to get a green light on Yoast, you’d probably end up with a robotic text. 

2. It relies on outdated practices

One of Yoast’s core points is keyword density (=how many times you’ve used your focus keyword in relation to the length of the text. For example, 15 times in a 1000 word document: 1.5% keyword density).

Not only is this system flawed because, as you now know, it can’t detect singular/plural forms and slight variations: keyword density is an obsolete SEO practice!

Google is now smart enough to understand what your web page or blog post is about even if you don’t hit a specific keyword density.

Don’t get me wrong: it’s still important to repeat your keyword a few times, but there are other factors that can make an even bigger difference.

For example, additional keywords to complement your primary one and semantically-related words that clarify what this topic is about.

So, if you were to rely on Yoast alone, you could end up cramming your document with one keyword just to hit a density percentage (and not actually include what Google needs to understand your text).

3. AI can’t think on a case-by-case basis

Yoast and similar plugins make recommendations based on the best SEO practices.

In reality, SEO is really about creating the best possible content for your human audience and helping Google understand what it’s about.

This means that, in some cases, some of those best practices won’t be relevant.

For example:

• It’s good practice to include a few internal (to other pages on your website) and external links (to other websites). However, if you have nothing relevant to link to, you shouldn’t add random ones just for the sake of getting that green light on Yoast!

• It’s good practice to use your keyword in at least one heading. If it doesn’t fit organically, though, it’d be counterproductive to force that exact keyword into them (e.g. your focus keyword is “Can a copywriter write in my voice” and that’s part of your main title = it’s not going to sound very natural if you try and force it into multiple headings)

4. I know more about SEO than Yoast (#SorryNotSorry)

Do I think Yoast is useless? Not at all! 

If you don’t know anything about SEO but can’t afford to work with a professional writer just yet, this plugin can be a handy starting point. Just… don’t rely on it blindly.

But if someone is a professional copywriter like yours truly? They don’t need Yoast!

Seriously. I know I probably sound big-headed right now, but I’ve actually reached Google’s first page countless times:

• Without using Yoast

• With articles that probably would not get a green light on Yoast

Because there’s a lot more to SEO than fixing those orange and red points.

In fact, sometimes, it’s much better not to get a green light at all.

Ready to choose a professional writer over a plugin? 😏

If you’re planning on hiring me and then telling me “the blog post you wrote for me doesn’t get a green light on Yoast”*, then I’m gonna save you some time:

we’re not going to be a good match.

(*But hey, if you’re reading this article because you’re an existing client and have just asked me about Yoast, that’s cool. It’s a common question!)

Are you ready to trust a professional SEO writer over an AI tool?

Then I’m your girl.

I’m Giada, and I’m the copywriter for female entrepreneurs looking to become THE go-to solution in their niche.

I specialise in website copy and blogging services that’ll help you generate more relevant traffic, convert it into sales, and establish yourself as a thought-leading expert.

More #crafty blog posts on this topic:

Why I’m NOT the Right Copywriter for You (& I DO Mean It!)

“Oh, I see! She’s trying the old reverse psychology trick to tell us that she actually IS the right copywriter for all of us. 

Kinda like when a job seeker answers ‘I care too much’ after being asked about their weaknesses.”

Nuh-uh.

No reverse psychology or other tricks in this blog post.

I’m dead serious.

8 reasons I’m NOT the copywriter for you

And, by the way, there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with these points.

We all have different processes and boundaries.

But, if even just ONE of them sounds familiar, it simply means you and I would NOT be a good fit.

And I had to learn some of these the hard way.

1. You’re not happy to respect my process

The way I run my copywriting business isn’t negotiable. I’m very clear and upfront about it, and I’ll always tell you what the next step is.

The first one?

After you get in touch to tell me about your current situation and goals (and only if I think that’s something I can help with), we’ll start with a consultation. And I do charge for that.

I don’t do free discovery calls. I no longer put hours into a free proposal. And I most definitely haven’t got the energy and capacity to let people pick my brains for free.

Instead, I start with an in-depth consultation to understand exactly what’s been holding you back from a website copywriting and/or blogging point of view and how we can solve it so that you can start working towards your goals.

To do so, I spend time reviewing your initial enquiry and website, and I ask you a lot of questions during the actual strategy session.

Then, I elaborate on them and create a #crafty blueprint. This is an action plan detailing what you need, and it’s yours to keep and use however you please.

If you decide to use it to work with me, I remove the cost of the initial consultation from the custom quote included in it. (More about how it works)

Because it’s a paid consultation and blueprint rather than a time-consuming and directionless virtual cuppa, I give a ton of value right from the start. 

In fact, a client of mine got their first enquiry EVER after applying those initial tips alone, before we even started working together!

But, if you’re not happy to follow this process (and, instead, you’re planning on scheduling several free calls with different writers to then pick the cheapest quote and ghost the others), then I’m NOT the copywriter for you.

Which takes me to the next point…

2. You’re looking for the cheapest quote possible

Now, I’m far from being one of the most expensive copywriters out there. Really.

But I’m not the cheapest either.

My quotes are a reflection of the value I provide to my clients, my expertise, and the results I’ve already achieved.

While I price per project, I’m very transparent about my pricing model (you can find some pricing starting points on my website), so there won’t be any surprises.

But I won’t offer you a discount just because your cousin’s neighbour’s daughter can do it for less.

3. You need this done “yesterday, LOL”

If all you want is “words to fill your website”, you can get them within a day or two through Fiverr or Upwork.

Actually, scrap that: just get an AI writing tool to generate them for you within ✨ minutes ✨.

Do you want words written with a strategy? The kind of words that bring you actual results, from more traffic to new sales? Then I need time to write them.

In fact, writing is the SMALLEST part of my job as a copywriter. We should be called copyresearchers, in my opinion.

As well as talking to you, here are some of the things I do before I type a single word:

• Having a proper conversation with you to fully understand what your brand is about and who you’re targeting

• Asking you more questions through my project planner 

• Carefully reviewing your answers

• Familiarising myself with your brand voice

• Conducting more research to analyse your target audience, what problems they’re experiencing, how your business can solve them, and what’s the best way of telling them (for example, I also look at their questions and concerns on websites like Quora and Reddit, social media comments, and reviews or testimonials)

• I look at your competitors and their reviews to set you apart from them

• If your project involves blog posts, I ask for your input as an expert in that field

• I research the actual subject

• I conduct keyword research to find the best terms to help you be found by your actual audience

• I analyse the top-ranking pages for those keywords and identify the gaps that need filling to make you stand out

Then, I write the actual copy. And edit it several times before sending you what I like to call “the first draft” (even though it’s probably the 19th).

I can’t possibly do all that within a couple of days!

Here’s an example of a previous client with unrealistic expectations: 

They got in touch to ask if I could write some website copy for them, I promptly sent them a quote, and they got back to me over 3 weeks later… telling me they needed it ASAP (and asking for a completely different service).

I no longer put up with this kind of behavior.

4. You know exactly how the copy should look like (or you think you could write it yourself, you “just haven’t got time”)

Now, don’t get me wrong: I know some clients mean well when they say this.

They think that, because nobody knows their business better than they do (and they’re right about this part), nobody else can write about it properly (and they couldn’t be more WRONG here).

• Anyone can write about their own business

• Not everyone can do it in a way that translates into relevant traffic, leads, and sales. That’s what a copywriter is for!

We don’t write pretty words. We write the right ones for your audience.

Of course, we follow your brand guinelines and tone of voice!

But, if you go into a copywriting project expecting your copy to match your own vision, you’re probably going to be disappointed.

And this isn’t just because copywriters can’t read minds (yet!): it’s because your vision is unlikely to be what your audience needs to hear in order to go, “yes, please! Take my money NOW.”

If that were the case, the copy you DIYed would have already been doing that consistently (#SorryNotSorry).

The thing is: when we’re so invested in our own business, we’d like to talk about how excited and passionate we are about it, how much we love doing what we do, and all that jazz. But that’s not what your audience wants or needs to hear.

So, if you can’t appreciate the fact that I’ll be writing your copy for them and to give you the highest chances of converting them into paying clients (NOT to stroke your ego), then I’m NOT the copywriter for you.

5. You think you know better than me, especially when it comes to SEO

This might sound cocky, but hear me out.

YOU are badass at running your business. I probably couldn’t do what you do (unless you’re a copywriter or you get paid for loving 80s music and dressing vintage more often than not).

But I’ve learnt, studied, and practiced copywriting and SEO for years. So, if you’re planning on disregarding that, I’m NOT the copywriter for you.

I had a client telling me that, because they work with ‘conscious clients’, “maybe that can be a keyword?”

But this had NOTHING to do with SEO. Someone looking for that type of business wouldn’t go on Google and type ‘conscious clients’ just because they are ‘conscious clients’, don’t you think? They’d google the type of services they’re after. 

I appreciate SEO can be confusing and overwhelming. You might not understand exactly—or at all—how it works. But that’s why I’m here. Same when it comes to copywriting tactics.

Don’t get me wrong: if you already collaborate with an actual SEO expert, we can agree that THEY will be sending the keywords, and I’ll take that into account when preparing your custom quote.

But, if you (or your VA, or someone who is NOT an SEO or copywriting expert) are planning on suggesting random keywords or replace my conversion-focused copy with vague words like “awesome”, then I’m NOT the copywriter for you.

And, if you think SEO is all about getting a green light on Yoast, you can find a cheaper copywriter who’ll do that for you.

There’s a lot more to SEO copywriting than that.

In fact, I’ve reached Google’s 1st page countless times for both myself and my clients, even (or better: “especially” 😏) with copy that wouldn’t get a green light on Yoast.

6. You’re after the hired help rather than an expert 

Once again, you can find the hired help on Fiverr.

Full disclosure? I used to be the hired help, too.

Now, I only collaborate with clients who understand that I’m not an employee or someone who’ll say yes to everything.

For example:

• You might think you need a short, 200-word website page, but I WILL tell you if you need a longer one based on your goals (and, also, I WILL explain that such short pages are classified as ‘thin content’ by Google and would penalise your website’s SEO)

• If you request an edit or tweak that wouldn’t affect the strength and potential of your copy, I’ll complete it without questions. If you ask for a change that would compromise conversions or SEO? I WILL tell you and explain why. I won’t just edit it and let you walk away with some copy that you personally like the sound of more but that isn’t as strong as it can be

Once again, you’re paying for results, not words.

7. You expect my copywriting services to automatically solve all your problems

I’m an expert when it comes to copywriting and on-page SEO, but those aren’t the only things that need to be right for your business to succeed.

So, my clients need to be aware of the fact that, as a copywriter, I’m not responsible for everything else. 

A bit like you wouldn’t expect your plumber to take care of your interior design (or get mad at them if your pink chair doesn’t go well with your blue sofa).

For example:

• Excellent copywriting can’t fix a bad offer

• Whilst copywriters do conduct plenty of additional research, you need to be clear on your USP, audience, and their pain points before you get in touch with us

• Bad design and unreadable typefaces will turn a big chunk of your website visitors away, no matter how good your copy is (in fact, they might not even stick around long enough to read it)

• If your website is poorly designed, incredibly slow, and not mobile-friendly, it doesn’t matter how well I write your copy and optimise it for SEO: it’ll be extremely unlikely you’ll rank high on Google

8. You cannot commit to answering my questions or sending me all the material in time

As you now know, a copywriter needs a ton of information to write the right copy for you.

If you’re like, “oh my god, but I wouldn’t know WHAT to give you,” relax. I don’t expect you to have a brief before you get in touch with me. That’s exactly what my project planner is for! 

What I do need from you is simply… well, that you fill it in time. Or, if we’re talking about an ongoing collaboration (like a set number of monthly blog posts), that you send me the new material before my deadlines.

For example, I always conduct plenty of research and write the actual blog posts, saving you hours every time. Still, I do ask my clients to send me some bullet points on that topic so that I can position them as experts in that field.

You know, the kind of stuff that I (or another writer) wouldn’t be able to find on Google but that you already know. Or perhaps a new spin on a topic to reflect your unique angle.

I do send a reminder through a project management software so that you can remember to do that every month or before a one-off collaboration.

However, if you can’t commit to sending me everything and won’t respect my deadlines and time, then I’m NOT the copywriter for you.

Still here? In that case, I probably AM the copywriter for you, yaknow? 😏

If, instead of feeling offended and thinking I’m the worst person on earth for having boundaries and knowing my worth as a copywriter, you thought, “this makes sense”, good news:

you have a lot more in common with the clients who’ve already trusted me with their words.

And, thanks to our mutual understanding, that’s why they’ve achieved certain results, including (but not limited to):

• Ranking for several, relevant keywords even though nobody could find them on Google before working with me

• Generating more organic traffic as a result

• Encountering less resistance when selling their services, especially when it comes to pricing

• Higher conversions

• Getting juicy backlinks from relevant publications in their industry (the kind where their target audience is also active)

So, after telling you all the reasons why I’m not the copywriter for you, here’s who I do work with.

I’m the copywriter for female entrepreneurs looking to position themselves as THE go-to solution in their dream audience’s eyes through their website copy and blog (and to trust my expertise when it comes to writing the words that’ll achieve that).

Sounds like you? 

Well, now you know exactly what to do, doncha?

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