How to Write the Best Web Copy

Category: Website Design | Author: Chip Johnson | Posted: November 23, 2011

As web designers, we spend countless hours on focusing what the client’s objectives are, brand appearance, the customer’s needs, as well as all the page layouts, navigation and functionality of the website. Given all the wonderful design tools, its really the content of all of the pages that is the key to success. The website is only as good as its content. Its what conveys the message, boosts online presence and traffic. Here are some tips to writing and preparing the best web copy for your website and what you should avoid.

Creating Convincing Copy

  1. Be personable. No one wants to feel pressured when they visit a website. Keep your copy personal and relaxed throughout the site. Simply putting your photo on the About page won’t be enough to convey your company’s personality. Don’t write in 3rd person or like you’re reciting from Wikipedia. Reach your audience by speaking directly to them and find a way to connect by sharing or relating personal experiences. Be convincing by telling them what you can do for them.
  2. Enrich your Writing. Using keywords in your copy is necessary if you want to draw a crowd and the right web visitors to your site. SEO enriched copy is key. Keywords are not hard to use, just ask yourself what words would you use to find your site? Use them throughout every page but do not overuse them or you will sound spammy or too forceful.
  3. Use Different Text Lengths. Web users want information fast and usually will scan a page quickly. Your copy should include short bursts of text or headlines that stand out to the reader and will make them stop and read or go back and read the smaller text if its what they’re looking for.

Avoid Writing Offending Copy

  1. Don’t be an Ego-maniac. Self centered web copy that is full of ‘we’s’ good practice for marketing and selling your products. Web users don’t really care about the company, they only care about what you can do for them. Your company values and commitments may be important, just relate it to the customer.
  2. Don’t be a Blabbermouth. Long, drawn out web copy is just daunting & boring and it makes people want to leave. Keep it short and simple using key words and messages that get to the point. The website will be able to communicate much easier and quicker to visitors.
  3. Don’t Scream. It may seem that writing copy that is full of hype, written in bold, all-caps will get the attention of your visitors. Not true. Visitors want helpful and informative content that isn’t all in their faces.  You want to express a message that gives reasons why they should be interested and back up your claim.

Combining  good website design with good web copy on your website will prove to be a very powerful tool and result in happy customers ready to do business with you.

Chip Johnson

One Response to “How to Write the Best Web Copy”

  1. How User Friendly is Your Website? | Homebuilders.com Says:

    [...] are in a comfortable environment. Always leave a way for them to contact you at their convenience. Read an earlier article about writing great web copy for your [...]

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