Say Goodbye To Guesswork With A Website Copy Audit

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Picture this: You’re at a coffee shop, overhearing someone describe their business. They’re passionate, articulate, and downright inspiring. 

Plot twist: That someone is you – but only in your head. On your website? It’s more ‘We do stuff and it’s good, so let’s work together?’

You’re a pro at what you do. You could chat about your services all day long. But somehow, when it comes to your website copy:

• Your clever ideas evaporate the moment you face a blank page
• You’re not sure if you’re ‘speaking to your ideal client’ or just rambling to yourself
• And don’t even get you started on SEO – three letters, infinite frustration

If this sounds familiar, take a deep breath. You haven’t suddenly forgotten how to communicate – you’re just experiencing the joy (and mild panic) of DIY website copywriting.

But what if you could bridge the gap between the funny, confident, clear you in your head and the one on your website? 

That’s where a Website Copy Audit comes in handy.

What Is A Website Copy Audit?

A website copy audit is a thorough review of every word on your site by a professional (me!). We’re talking headlines, body copy, calls-to-action – if it’s made of letters, it’s getting a close look.

Why? To figure out if your words are actually doing their job or just hanging out.

So, I’m checking if your copy:

• Speaks your clients’ language (in a way that actually makes sense)
• Sells your services (without making you cringe)
• Shows off your brand personality (the one that makes you uniquely you)

A copy audit is perfect for biz owners who almost love their web copy but know it could use a little oomph. It helps you see your website through fresh eyes, catching those little quirks you might have missed and spotting opportunities to make your message even stronger.

Why A Copy Audit Beats A DIY Checklist Every Time

Let’s talk about checklists for a sec. 

They’re everywhere in the world of DIY website improvements, promising quick and easy ways to spruce up your copy. And while they’re not entirely useless (hey, we all love crossing things off a list), they’re just scratching the surface of what your website copy really needs.

But a copy audit? It goes beyond surface-level fixes to address what your website and business really need:

• It’s All About You: Your business isn’t cookie-cutter, so why should your copy advice be?
• Time Is Money, Honey: Skip the frustrating back-and-forth edits and get it right faster with clear guidance
• And Knowledge Is Power: Understand the method behind the copy madness, so you can apply what you learn to all your future content
• Your Personal Accountability Buddy: Consider me your copy coach, cheering you on and gentling nudging you to the finish line
• Fresh Off The Press Advice: Get advice that’s up-to-date with the latest best practices, not last year’s news
• Confidence On Tap: Say goodbye to second-guessing and feel sure about your copy (maybe for the first time ever)

7 Common Problems Spotted In Website Copy Audits

1. You’re trying to cram every brilliant idea ideas into your copy, making your messaging murky 

Real-Life Problem: Tasha at Form + Flow came to me with a smorgasbord of ideas about what made her design studio unique. Best friend vibes? Check. Break-the-mold approach? You bet. Sites that perfectly represent clients? Absolutely. Multi-level packages? Why not! Fun brand voice? Of course! Design skills? Duh! The result? Nothing stood out. 

Real-Life Solution: In her audit, we dialed it back to focus on a few key ideas that would make her ideal clients go, ‘OMG, where have you been all my life?’

2. You’re giving your readers way too much information when they just want the highlight reel

3. Your brand’s value is buried somewhere in your copy, but even you can’t find it

4. Your brand voice chances more often than you change your socks

Real-Life Problem: Emma Gohery knew she had a supportive, educational, and bold voice. She wasn’t afraid to sprinkle in some swearing or tell it like it is. The problem? That voice only popped up occasionally, giving her readers whiplash.

Real-Life Solution: In her audit, we set some ground rules for her brand voice – defining what ‘boldness’ sounds like, where it shows up, and how often. Now, she knows how to be consistent not just on her website but in all her marketing campaigns.

5. You’ve skipped SEO foundations and are playing hide-and-seek with Google

6. You’re so worried about coming across as pushy, you’ve forgotten to sell your services

Real-Life Problem: Danielle knew her empowered leadership workshops and coaching were game-changers for women. But after seeing one too many sleazy sales tactics, she was worried about promoting herself and coming across as pushy. 

Real-Life Solution: In her audit, we reworked her copy to do more of the selling for her and reframed selling as helping. Now she’s confidently shouting her worth from the rooftops (or at least from her homepage and LinkedIn).

7. You’ve missed all those psychological tactics that make people want to buy

Real-Life Problem: Kate, a Squarespace template designer for authors, had all the right elements on her site. But it read more like a textbook than a page-turner. 

Real-Life Solution: In her audit, we added some sales psych strategies – using compare/contrast, loss aversion, rhetorical questions, and vivid imagery to tap into her audience’s needs and aspirations.

So, What’s Included In Your Website Copy Audit?

Wondering what exactly goes into a website copy audit? Let’s break it down. Here’s what I’ll offer personalized suggestions on to turn your web copy from good to great:

• Flow and structure: Ensuring your copy guides visitors, not confuses them
• Grammar and spelling: Catching those sneaky typos that love to hide
• Brand voice: Infusing your personality and values into every line
• Audience awareness: Crafting messages that resonate with who you want to work with
• Sales psychology: Using techniques to sell without the ick, sleaze, or cheese
• SEO tips: Getting Google fall for your business almost as hard as your clients do

The Website Copy Audit Process

As for the process? Here’s how I’ll help you turn your good copy into great copy:

1. You submit your website copy and fill out a  quick questionnaire
2. I’ll do an initial review of your website to see what jumps out – the good, the bad, and the ‘needs some work’
3. Then I’ll dive deep, analyzing each page and section like it’s my job…because, well, it is
4. I’ll create tailored recommendations including feedback, suggestions, and examples
5. After you’ve had a chance to review everything, we’ll hop on a call to chat about your edits

Ready to Stop Second-Guessing Your Website?

Your website should be your 24/7 salesperson, not your 3 AM ‘did I say that right?’ worry. If you’re tired of wondering whether your words are actually working for you, it’s time for a Website Copy Audit.

Want to know what your website is really saying to potential clients? Click below and let’s find out together.