6 Questions to Ask Yourself When Revising Your Website Copy
Okay, this is realer than real—the words on your website are like a good friend who always tells it like it is. But what happens when that friend starts sharing old tea—just straight up outdated? Uh, it’s time for a little talk about staying relevant because, face it, no one cares about old news. Your website should always feel in the moment, showing who you are and what you’re doing right now.
If revising your website copy feels like ‘ugh, here we go again’, just know: a few simple questions can make all the difference. And honestly, constantly tweaking it because it’s still just not right is even more work in the long run. So, these questions will help you finally get it right.
Question 1: Are You Talking to the People You Want to Reach?
Alright, let’s talk about your audience. Are you talking to the people you actually want to work with, or are you talking to everyone and their mama? If your dream clients aren’t seeing themselves in your words, it’s time to change things up.
Think about what makes your dream clients feel stuck. What are their problems? What do they need to hear to like, get to know, and eventually trust you? What do they need and want most, and how are you the answer to those things? Your copy should give them that “This person really gets me” feeling.
If your message is more generic than personal, like it could work for anyone, it’s probs too broad. Ask yourself: does it resonate with the right people? If it’s too bland, change your copy so it’s more specific and speaks directly to your dream clients. Use specific words and examples that only your dream clients would relate to, like, “I help health coaches increase their social media engagement,” instead of something vague like, “I help businesses grow.
Question 2: Does Your Copy Speak to Who Your Dream Clients Are Right Now?
I’ll keep it a buck: people change, even your dream clients. Are you talking to where they are right now, or are you still trying to connect with who they used to be? Maybe their problems have changed, or the language they use is a little bit different now. No matter what it is, if your copy doesn’t make them feel like, “Okay, this is so me,” they’re going to scroll right by without even noticing you.
Ask yourself, “Does my copy speak to where my dream clients are right now?” Think about what they care about now, and make sure your words resonate. It should feel like you’re right there with them, not just playing catch up.
Question 3: Is Your Messaging Easy to Understand?
Get this: no one has the time (or patience) to figure out what you’re trying to say. If your website copy reads like a toaster manual or is full of dictionary language, it’s a problem. Your messaging should be clear, specific, and easy to follow. Are you giving your audience a look into who you are, what you do, and why it should even matter to them?
Ask yourself, “If I landed on this website for the first time, would I understand exactly what’s in it for me?” If the answer is a shoulder shrug “maybe,” or a straight up “hell no,” then it’s time to take out the unnecessary fluff and replace it with clear, specific messaging. Short, simple sentences with straight to the point language are your friend. Think of it like this: if you can’t explain your services in a few simple sentences, you definitely need to revise your website copy.
Question 4: Is Your Copy Backed by Proof?
Come on, we all know the saying “If you’re gonna talk about it, be about it,” because what really matters is being about what you talk about. So, do you have any proof on your website that shows you’re as downright awesome as you say? Testimonials, case studies, and actual client results go a long way in making people think, “Alright, they really know their stuff.”
Ask yourself, “Am I showing people what I can do, or just telling them?” If you’re really about what you say, show people! A few real examples give your words more weight, helping dream clients trust that you’re really about it.
Question 5: Are Your CTAs a Hit or Miss?
It’s Monday, you’re in line for coffee and the barista just shrugs and says, “You can order … if you want.” That sounds ridiculous, right? But that’s how a lot of websites with weak CTAs leave people feeling—totally confused. Your CTAs should help take people from “Okay, this is cool” to “Okay, I need this, like now!”
So, what do you want people to do? Schedule a disco call? Subscribe to your bomb newsletter. Don’t just say “sign up”—make it interesting! Use engaging language that speaks directly to your audience. Instead of “subscribe,” try “Get your weekly dose of sass!” or “Get the hot goss!” When your CTAs are clear and engaging, they land better, making people want to take action.
Pro tip: make sure your CTAs stand out visually. Use bold buttons or contrasting colors to catch attention so there’s no confusion on where to click.
Question 6: Does My Copy Actually Sound Like Me?
If a friend read your copy, would they be like, “Who the hell is this?” or would they say, “This is so you.” When your copy is generic and boring, it doesn’t have any personality, and it makes it harder for people to relate to you. Your website copy should show who you really are, so people can start to like you. Whether you’re sassy, funnier than a comedian, or straight to the point, make sure you consistently show your personality.
Ask yourself, “Does this actually sound like me?” If it feels off or doesn’t really seem on brand, change it!
The real you is who your audience really wants (and needs).
Asking yourself these questions while you revise your website copy, will make your messaging clearer, more specific, and way more relatable to your dream clients—helping them like, know, and trust you enough to take action. Remember, your website should always show who you are and what you’re about.
And if you’re all the way over the DIY stage—come over to the DFY side, and learn more about my services.