Website copywriting is super important for your online business because it can make or break whether a visitor stays on your site or bounces. But, there are a lot of common mistakes people make when writing website copy that can hurt its effectiveness. In this tutorial, we’ll go over some of the most common website copywriting mistakes and, of course, how to avoid them.
1. Using Too Much Complex Language
Problem: Websites filled with jargon or overly technical language can leave visitors scratching their heads. The goal of your website is to explain your product or service clearly, not confuse people.
Solution: Keep your language simple and easy to understand. Imagine you’re having a casual conversation with a friend—if they don’t understand what you’re saying, then it’s time to simplify your wording.
Example:
- Wrong: “We provide solutions for operational efficiency enhancement through a data-driven, integrated approach.”
- Right: “We help businesses become more efficient by using simple, easy-to-understand data.”
2. Focusing Too Much on Yourself
Problem: Many websites talk a lot about their company or team, but what really matters to visitors is how you can help them. Visitors come to your site because they have a problem and want a solution.
Solution: Focus on the visitor and the problems they’re facing. Highlight the benefits and solutions you offer, not just what your company does.
Example:
- Wrong: “We are a company that has been around since 1998 with a highly experienced team.”
- Right: “We’ve helped over 5000 businesses grow since 1998. You can achieve success with our solutions too.”
3. Not Having a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
Problem: Visitors land on your site with a goal in mind, but if there’s no clear direction on what they should do next, they might get confused and leave.
Solution: Every page on your website should have a clear CTA. Whether it’s “Buy Now,” “Contact Us,” or “Learn More,” make sure the CTA stands out and is easy to find.
Example:
- Wrong: “You can check out our products.”
- Right: “Check out our latest products and get a 10% discount today!”
4. Ignoring Structure and Formatting
Problem: Websites with big blocks of text and no structure can overwhelm visitors. They want information quickly and easily, so don’t make them work too hard to read your copy.
Solution: Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and clear subheadings. Good formatting makes it easier for people to skim and find the info they need.
Example:
- Wrong: A long paragraph with no breaks.
- Right: Use headings (H1, H2) to separate sections, and bullet points to highlight key points.
5. Not Understanding Your Audience
Problem: Sometimes, we write copy assuming that everyone understands our product or service. But the truth is, your audience will have different levels of knowledge, and your copy needs to speak to all of them.
Solution: Get to know your audience. What do they need? What are their concerns? Tailor your writing style to match the people who will be reading your website.
Example:
- Wrong: Using technical terms that your non-expert audience might not understand.
- Right: Explaining things simply and with relatable examples.
6. Not Using Engaging Headings and Subheadings
Problem: Weak or missing headlines or subheadings can make visitors lose interest right away. Headlines are the first thing people see, so they need to grab attention and communicate the benefit.
Solution: Create compelling headlines that show visitors exactly what they’ll get from your website. Use subheadings to break up the text and guide readers through your content.
Example:
- Wrong: “Our Products”
- Right: “Easy Solutions to Save You Time and Money”
7. Neglecting SEO
Problem: A website with great copy but no SEO strategy will struggle to show up in Google search results. Without SEO, your copy might be awesome, but it won’t reach many people.
Solution: Make sure to include relevant keywords in your copy, but don’t overdo it. Your copy should still feel natural to read.
Example: Use keywords like website copywriting mistakes and how to fix website copy without making it sound forced.
Writing effective website copy isn’t just about choosing the right words; it’s about communicating your message clearly, in a way that engages visitors and encourages them to take action. Avoid common mistakes like using complex language, focusing too much on yourself, and not having a clear CTA. With the tips above, your website copy will be much more effective at converting visitors into customers!
If you’re looking to improve your website copy and make it more compelling, I can help! Get in touch to learn more about my website copywriting services. Together, we’ll create copy that captures attention and converts visitors into loyal customers.