The Top Copywriting Secrets for a Thriving Website
Have you ever gone to a website that felt like it was speaking a different language?
You know, the kind that bombards you with jargon and business-speak, leaving you scratching your head and breaking out the dictionary to see what the heck all the words mean?
Now think about what you did once the confusion set in. Did you frantically search for clarity? Or did you give up and bounce?
We’re willing to hedge a bet you opted for option two.
And here’s why: you want the info you want when you want it. You don’t want to have to play detective, deciphering complex language or wading through a sea of buzzwords. Your time is precious. And websites have gotta respect that.
That’s precisely where what’s called “conversion copywriting” shines. It understands that your visitors are real people with real needs, not jargon enthusiasts who walk around with a thesaurus in their back pockets.?
Imagine a website that talks to you like a friend, understands your needs and feelings and guides you effortlessly through its pages. This form of copywriting is all about putting users in the centre of the online universe, making sure the words on the screen not only make sense but actually make them feel heard and understood.
And when you’re on a mission for a website user experience that’s as smooth as butter melting on a warm pancake, copywriting counts for a lot.?
‘Cause here’s the thing: the overall user experience is key on your website, and can make the difference between a user (in other words, a potential client!) happily exploring your content or moving on to your competitors.
Here’s the trick, though: conversion copywriting isn’t just about throwing words onto a screen, all haphazardly like a toddler picking out their outfit for the day.?
It’s about crafting text that’s clear, engaging, emotive and sprinkled with a touch of personality – the kind of personality that says, “Hey, I get you!”
And we’re about to show you how it’s done.
What is Copywriting?
Am I ever glad you asked!
You see, during a Christmas party last year, someone asked what I did for a living. I confidently replied, “I’m a copywriter.” However, their interpretation led them to believe that my days were filled with eight-hour photocopying marathons.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I mean, who doesn’t appreciate a well-copied office memo, right??
But copywriting, my friend, is a different kind of magic.
It’s the art of turning bland words into captivating stories and transforming casual readers into intrigued, nodding-along enthusiasts.?
So no, while not all copywriters are going to be the office photocopier guru, they are actually a wordsmith, a storyteller and a conductor of digital charisma.?
But here’s the twist. There’s a secret ingredient that truly elevates copywriting into an art form that not only captivates but converts. It’s called conversion copywriting, and it’s the dynamic force that brings your audience right to the heart of your content and has a huge impact on the overall website user experience.
Understanding the Concept Behind Conversion Copywriting
Words aren’t just strings of characters. They’re powerful tools that weave a connection between you and your audience.?
As American executive Shirley Polykoff once said, “Copy is a direct conversation with the consumer.”?
And, folks, let us tell ya’ something: she was onto something.?
These days, when our attention spans are shorter than a TikTok video, conversion copywriting stands tall as a guiding light. It’s the art of crafting content that isn’t just read. It’s content that’s felt, understood and acted upon.?
But what exactly is conversion copywriting??
It’s not as complicated as it sounds! It’s a strategic approach to writing content that places the needs, preferences and emotions of the target audience at the forefront. Unlike traditional copywriting that might focus more on the features of a product or service, user-centric copywriting starts by understanding the audience’s pain points, desires and motivations. It then crafts content that directly speaks to those aspects, aiming to provide solutions and create a meaningful connection.
In essence, conversion copywriting aims to create a personalized experience for each user, making them feel heard, understood and valued. It’s about communicating in a way that resonates with the specific audience, using their language, addressing their concerns, and ultimately guiding them toward a desired action, such as making a purchase, signing up, or sharing content.
When copy is speaking directly to your customer, they are much more likely to purchase,” explains Reason Agency. “If they can understand exactly how your business offering will improve their life, they can easily be converted from a potential customer to a loyal customer.”
This way of doing things needs some good ol’ research, a splash of empathy, and really getting what floats the audience’s boat.?
The idea here is to make content that’s like a chat between the brand and the user, like catching up with an old friend. It’s all about creating a connection that’s not just about business.
So often – so, so often – we’ll see business after business toss out website copy that’s super focused on, well, themselves.
It’s like a monologue about them.
What they can do.
Why they’re top-notch.
All the shiny awards they’ve nabbed.
Now, we get it. Your biz rocks. And you’ve got every reason to shout it from the rooftops! But, here comes the tough part. Your customers? They’re not exactly on the same page. The truth is this: they’re all about themselves and what’s in it for them.?
Conversion copywriting is your answer. It guides them through your offerings, explaining why they should care and how you can solve their problems. It’s all about making them feel like they’re at the heart of things.
Conversion Copywriting in Practice
Joanna Weibe, who first pioneered the term, is perhaps the most qualified to speak on this.?
Conversion copywriting is copy that moves the reader to ‘yes’ using voice-of-customer data, frameworks, formulas and proven persuasion techniques,” she says. “It motivates people to act and make a decision.”
Yup. It’s true.?
When it comes to a solid website user experience, conversion copywriting can help take your business from a passive spectator to the centre stage of action.
Imagine this: you own a shoe store, and you’re selling some seriously sleek sneakers. With regular copy, you might describe them as comfortable, stylish and durable.?
All good things. And hey, I’ll be the first to admit I’m all for comfortable shoes. Bonus points if they look cute, too.
But with conversion copywriting, you take it a step further. You tap into the customer’s desires and pain points. You highlight how these sneakers can make them feel like a trendsetter on the street, how they provide heavenly cushioning for long walks, and how their durability means they won’t have to buy another pair for ages.
Conversion copywriting leverages principles like empathy, specificity and urgency. It understands what your customers need and crafts copy that resonates with them.
It doesn’t just tell them about your product. It shows them how it will enhance their lives. It uses persuasive techniques like compelling headlines, engaging storytelling and powerful CTAs to nudge visitors toward action.
Examples always help. So let’s say you’re trying to sell a to-go coffee mug.?
Traditional Copywriting
“Introducing our brand-new To-Go Coffee Mug! It’s made from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring durability and longevity. With a spill-proof lid and a capacity of 16 ounces, it’s perfect for your daily caffeine fix. Get yours today and enjoy your coffee on the go!”
Borrrrr-ingggg.?
It’s about as dry as a book without plot twists. Or a movie night with no popcorn and M&Ms.
Conversion-Driven Copywriting
“Imagine this: You’re rushing to work on a busy morning, but you can’t start your day without that first sip of your favourite coffee. Our coffee mug is your trusty sidekick, designed with your hectic mornings in mind. Crafted from top-grade stainless steel, it’s built to last through countless commutes. And that spill-proof lid? It’s your guardian against coffee disasters.”
Here, you can see the focus shifts to the user’s experience. It paints a vivid picture of how the mug fits into the user’s daily life, addressing the user’s needs (rush-hour mornings, ewww) and emotions (smoother mornings, which we all need more of, right?).?
The copy is designed to resonate with the user’s desires and create a connection that goes beyond product features, ultimately motivating them to make a purchase.
According to the Nielsen Norman Group, readers only consume 20 per cent of the content on a page. So if you’re going to write something, you need to make every word count.
And if this kind of copywriting can boost conversions, increase sales and turn casual visitors into loyal customers, then it’s not just “words.” It’s a game-changer.
5 Tricks to Skyrocket Business Success With Conversion Copywriting
Understanding the Connection Between Conversion Copywriting and the User Experience
When paired together, conversion copywriting and user experience (UX) can make your website more user-friendly and enjoyable.
And when folks have a good time on your website, they tend to stick around longer and poke around a bit more. That extra time gives them the chance to get to know your company better, understand what you’re all about and what you’re offering, whether it’s a service or a product.
Copywriting shapes the messages and personality of your brand and website – it is quite literally the voice of your company,” explains Crystal Wiesner, 1dea Senior Graphic Designer.?“Good copywriting makes it easier for people to understand, leading to a better user experience for them.”
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. As they get cozy with your brand, they’re more likely to become not just regular customers, but super fans. They’re the ones who not only want to buy your products or services but can’t help but tell all their friends about it, helping your business grow and thrive.
When we talk about user experience and your website, it is easy to get caught up in the site’s design and navigation options,” explains Usability Geek. “While that is important, the words you place on the page are equally essential to create a great user experience.”?
If you’re asking, ‘So, what’s the game plan?’, we suggest you keep reading. Here are three key things to keep in mind when it comes to crafting copy that converts like a boss.?
Conversion Copywriting Starts With Research
You gotta get into the mind of your customer. Yup, just hop right on up in there. And learn alllllllll their dirty little secrets. What makes them tick? What drives them, motivates them, or keeps them up at night? The more you understand your ideal customer, the more effectively you can cater to their needs and desires.
We want to know as much as we can about our ideal customer. Their demographics, their lifestyle, and relevant insight into how your product or service can make their life better and more fulfilled. Dive into the details of their daily routines, their dreams and their pain points. This isn’t just about knowing where they live or how old they are. It’s about understanding their inner world.
As Trevor Trewartha, 1dea Strategic Director and CEO, puts it, “It’s about tapping into pain points, motivations, or desires and positioning yourself as the guide that can help them transform and achieve what they want.”?
This is the key to effective marketing: becoming their trusted partner on their journey, the one who knows them better than anyone else.
By immersing yourself in your customer’s world in this way, you stand a better chance of crafting copy that resonates deeply with them and truly speaks to their needs and aspirations. Your words will become a beacon, guiding them towards the solutions and transformations they seek. This is how you turn prospects into lifelong customers, by showing them that you understand them better than anyone else and that your product or service is the key to a better, more fulfilled life.
Here are the top four ways you can dive into customer research:
Go Review Mining
You will strike gold, we promise. Take a close look at what people are saying about your product or similar products on social media platforms like Facebook, X, or Instagram.?
By doing this, you can find out what customers like or dislike about products, which can help you write better website content and make improvements.
For instance, let’s say you’re looking into a competitor’s coffee machine, and you see a comment that says the coffee gets cold too fast. You can use this knowledge to your advantage by saying something like, “Our coffee stays hot long after it’s brewed.”
Review and Analyze Demos
This involves closely examining the demonstrations or examples of your product or service that your company provides. By doing this, you can learn what parts of your product are most appealing to customers and emphasize those aspects in your website content.
For instance, if you’re demonstrating a new smartphone, you might find that people are most impressed when you showcase its long-lasting battery life or its super-clear camera. These are the ‘wow’ moments.
So, when you’re working on your website content, you can take these ‘wow’ moments and shine a spotlight on them. Make sure they’re front and centre on your website because these are the features or aspects that customers find most appealing.
Run Customer Surveys
Create simple questionnaires or surveys that you can give to your customers to fill out.
Surveys help you directly ask customers what they like and dislike, which helps you write content that appeals to them and improves their experience.
Join Online Forums and Communities
This means becoming a part of online groups or discussions related to your industry or product.
By participating in these discussions, you can learn from others and understand what questions or concerns people have. This knowledge can guide your copywriting in pretty incredible ways.?
As Martin Stellar rightly puts it, the most effective copywriters dedicate time to decipher who their ideal customer truly is, down to the tiniest details of their daily lives. They create vivid user personas that unravel the intricacies of their customers’ existence, from the type of breakfast they prefer to the number of unmatched socks in their drawer.
By immersing yourself in your customer’s world to this extent, you gain a profound understanding of their deepest desires, their most frustrating pain points, and the motivations that drive them. This level of insight becomes the fuel for crafting copy that not only resonates but also persuades on a deeply personal level.
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For Conversion Copywriting to be Successful, Use Voice-of-Customer Data?
Now that you’ve dug into all that research, you’re probably sitting on a goldmine of awesome content that can help supercharge your copywriting and really drive home your message.
Because here’s the big copywriting secret that you likely don’t know about. Ready for it? Brace yourself. It’s a game changer.?
You can take all that Voice of Customer Data you’ve collected and use it, word for word.?
It’s really that simple. You can literally Copy + Paste that content right into your working document! No more, no less. It might seem like an oversimplification, I get it. When you sit down to tackle this, you might wonder, “How on earth do I transform that into compelling copy?” You might even think, “This won’t cut it as copy.” But trust the process.
Let’s see it in action. I’m going to show you some reviews (both good and bad) for a hands-free dog leash, just because that’s what I happen to have in my Amazon shopping cart at the moment.
“Works well for walking. Not too tough dog chewed through it in less than a minute.”
“This leash and waist band work amazing and it holds my phone and dog treats while I walk. I can even clip my pup cup to it. Can hook up multiple dogs if you want.”
“The bag size is perfect for keeping a few items out of my pockets and the spring of the cord is just the right tightness. Highly recommend. Have only had for a week so can’t speak to durability but product seems well made.”
Keep in mind you can use testimonials, demo transcripts…anything you can get your hands on, really. Even book reviews on Amazon that are related to your industry can be helpful!?
Now, this is where the magic happens. You’ve got this treasure trove of authentic customer feedback, right at your fingertips. It’s like having a direct line to your target audience’s thoughts and feelings. Pretty cool, right?
So, how do you turn these raw comments into compelling copy that will resonate with your audience? It’s simpler than it seems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you transform these words into persuasive, engaging content:
Highlight the Key Insights: Start by identifying the key insights and emotions conveyed in these customer reviews. What are the recurring themes or standout points? In the examples above, you can see themes of durability, convenience and functionality.
Address Pain Points: Acknowledge any negative comments or pain points mentioned by customers. In the first review, for instance, there’s a mention of a dog chewing through the leash. This is a pain point that can be addressed in your copy.
Emphasize Benefits: Highlight the positive aspects and benefits highlighted by customers. In the second and third reviews, customers mention the convenience of carrying essentials and the quality of the product. These positive attributes should be prominently featured in your copy.
Create a Compelling Story: Craft a narrative around these insights and benefits. Weave a story that showcases how your product or service can address the customers’ needs and desires.?
Trust us. This method works whether you’re trying to market a product or service. By paying attention to what customers are staying, you can leverage their words and make them work for you.?
Effective Conversion Copywriting Means Writing for One Reader
There’s a common misconception that your website copy needs to connect with all of your readers.?
We hate to break it to you, but doing this can dilute your message and make your content less effective. Instead, successful copywriting is all about understanding and speaking directly to your one – yup, one – reader.
Now, we hear some folks in the back shouting, “But I’ve got a boatload of customers, and I want to cater to everyone!”
Put your kangaroos back in the pouch for a sec while we hit you with this truth bomb: why you try to please everyone, you end up pleasing nobody.
Yup. You read that right.
The trick? You have to write for your “One Reader” and One Reader only.?
And no – it’s not literally one person. The concept of “one reader” encourages you to create content that feels personalized and relatable to a specific individual rather than writing for a generic or broad audience. This makes your writing more engaging and persuasive because it resonates with the unique needs, interests and pain points of your target audience.
When you write for your One Reader, your website’s overall user experience will soar, and you’ll spot noticeable (and very exciting!) differences in the way visitors engage on your website.?
Here are just a few of those ways:?
Higher Engagement: When your copy talks directly to your One Reader, it’s like having a friendly convo with them. This personal connection builds a deeper emotional bond, making visitors feel valued and heard. As a result, they’re more inclined to dive into your content, whether they’re checking out your blog posts, exploring your offerings, or subscribing to your newsletter.
Increased Conversions: Your One Reader is the embodiment of your ideal customer. By tailoring your copy to their specific needs and pain points, you can address objections and provide solutions effectively. This leads to higher conversion rates, whether it’s filling out a contact form, making a purchase, or subscribing to your services.
Reduced Bounce Rate: When website visitors come across content that interests them, they’re less likely to quickly exit your site. If your content is tailored to their preferences and provides value to your target audience, chances are pretty good that they’ll stay, browse your website a little more in-depth and explore the various offerings you provide. This tendency for visitors to stay and engage with your website rather than leaving right away is referred to as a “low bounce rate.” According to fullstory, as a general guideline, a bounce rate of 40 per cent or lower is considered good, while a bounce rate of 55 per cent or higher is considered high and may indicate that improvements are needed to engage visitors and encourage them to explore more of your website.
Enhanced SEO: Search engines reward websites that provide valuable, user-centric content. By catering to your One Reader, you naturally optimize your content for relevant keywords and phrases. This not only improves your website’s search engine ranking but also attracts more qualified organic traffic. Psst: Take a few minutes to learn more about SEO best practices to really up your website game.
Brand Loyalty: As visitors engage with your website and experience the personalized content you provide, they develop a sense of loyalty to your brand. They start to see your business as a trusted source that understands their needs, which can lead to repeat business and long-term customer relationships.
You Need to Leverage Solid Copywriting Formulas
In today’s fast-paced digital world, where people quickly skim through websites, making your words count is super important. Think of your website as a journey for your visitors. You want to grab their attention, keep them interested and encourage them to take action.
To make this happen, skilled writers often use special “blueprints” so to speak, that are really good at helping to persuade and engage visitors.
Here are two formulas we encourage you to give a try.?
The AIDA Copywriting Formula (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action)
“If you’re new to copywriting, or you’re a copywriter staring at a blank page, the AIDA marketing formula is an “old standard” that routinely produces significant results,” explains The Daily Egg. And the real beauty of it? “AIDA can be applied to any core product or service page on your website, including your home page.”?
So…how do you do it??
Let’s say you make handmade soaps as an example.
Attention Start by grabbing your reader’s attention. Or as Joanne Weibe says, “Jar the reader out of their boring ol’ lives.”?
For your soap business, this could be a captivating headline. Use something that immediately makes people stop and think, “Wow, I want to know more!”
Interest Once you’ve got their attention, keep it by sharing interesting information about your soap. Explain what makes it special. For instance, you could talk about the natural ingredients you use, the delightful scents, or the skin benefits your soap provides. The trick here is making the copy benefit-based. Remember: your customer only cares about themselves. Not about your product and what it does.?
Desire Now, create a desire for your soap. Convince your potential customers that they really want it.
Describe how using your handmade soap can make their skin feel amazing, smell fantastic, or even improve their mood. Paint a picture of the benefits they’ll experience.
Action Finally, tell them what to do next. This is where you guide them to take action, like making a purchase. Use clear and compelling calls to action (CTAs) like “Shop Now,” “Try Our Soap Today,” or “Discover the Magic of Handmade Soap.”
The PAS Copywriting Formula (Problem, Agitation, Solution)
The PAS copywriting formula? has been called “the most reliable copywriting formula for sales ever invented.”?
And here’s why:?
It Speaks to the Reader’s Needs: PAS addresses a problem the reader is already thinking about. This grabs their attention because they’re interested in solving that problem.
It Creates Empathy: By agitating the problem just enough, you make the reader feel like you understand their struggle. This builds a connection and trust.
It Offers a Clear Solution: People like solutions, especially when they’re feeling a problem. By presenting your product as the solution, you’re giving them a clear path forward.
Here’s the formula in practice:?
Problem First, you talk about the problem your potential customers are facing. For example, if you’re selling handmade soap, you might mention how many commercial soaps can dry out and irritate the skin.
Agitate Then, you make that problem feel even worse (but not too scary!). You describe the negative effects or emotions it can cause. In our soap example, you might talk about how dry skin can be itchy and uncomfortable, and affect a person’s confidence. Or, as Weibe says, “Poke at that problem until it’s visceral.”
Solution Finally, you present your product as the solution to that problem. You explain how your handmade soap is gentle, moisturizing and perfect for soothing dry skin.
No matter which formula you use, remember that crafting compelling copy is an art that requires finesse and a deep understanding of your audience. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, your website is your gateway to connecting with potential customers, and every word on your site plays a crucial role in guiding them on their journey.
What is Direct Response Copywriting?
In this blog, we’ve delved into the world of conversion copywriting, exploring how it works and its role in guiding potential customers on a journey towards taking action. However, before we wrap things up, it’s worth turning our attention quickly to its equally fascinating counterpart: direct response copywriting.
While conversion copywriting focuses on the art of persuasion and nurturing prospects throughout their customer journey, direct response copywriting takes a different approach. It’s all about creating content that grabs immediate attention, incites curiosity and encourages swift, on-the-spot action.
Here are what they have in common:
And here are the differences:
So, while they share common goals and principles, conversion and direct response copywriting take different paths to achieve them, each with its unique flavour and charm in the world of persuasive writing.
Can Copywriting Be Done by AI?
The simple answer is yes.?
AI can indeed write copy, whether it’s for blogs, website content, ads…you name it. AI-powered tools have made significant strides in generating text that is coherent, grammatically correct, and even persuasive. It can save you time. It can save you money. And it can streamline your efforts.?
But it does get a bit more complicated. Because there’s a catch, and it’s a biggie.
These copywriting bots can only provide content based on what already exists online,” explains SEM Rush.
This means that while AI can mimic existing content styles and structures, it struggles with true originality and creativity. It relies on patterns and data from the Internet, essentially regurgitating what it has learned. This limitation can lead to content that feels formulaic, lacks a unique voice, and may not resonate with your audience on a deeper, emotional level.
And what have we learned today, class??
That you need emotion in your copy.
All. The. Time.
(not that much emotion)
While AI can generate text efficiently, it lacks the human touch you need for your copy to convert and to help make your user experience a good one.?
Good copywriting goes beyond just stringing words together. It involves understanding the nuances of human emotions, psychology and culture. It’s about crafting a message that not only informs but also resonates with the reader on a personal level.
AI lacks the ability to tap into these human elements fully. It may produce content that sounds robotic or lacks the creativity and empathy that human copywriters bring to the table.?
Additionally, AI-generated copy can be limited by the data it has been trained on – Chat GPT, for example, only has training up until September 2021 – which means you could be potentially missing out on unique and innovative ideas that a human mind can generate.
With this said, sometimes you need to hire a professional writer who knows what they’re doing and how to connect with your audience on a deep, emotional level.
Consider Taking a Conversion Copywriting Course
Want to go the DIY route? You can! But it might take some practice. Luckily, there are lots of courses out there that can help.?
Our recommendation is Copy School by Copyhackers. It’s intensive, and it takes a hella lot of time to get through some of the training. But the skills you’re going to take away are next level. You’ll even get conversion copywriting certification in the end. Double-win!
Conversion Copywriting Best Practices Can Help Contribute to an Overall Better Website Experience
Conversion copywriting is the bridge between your website and your audience, creating an exceptional user experience that keeps visitors engaged and converts them into loyal customers. It’s an art that combines empathy, strategy and creativity, ensuring your message not only makes sense but also resonates deeply.?
So, don’t just settle for words on a screen. You – and your customers – deserve better than that! Invest in conversion copywriting to unlock the full potential of your online presence.