What Would a Website Copy Audit Really Say About Your Site?

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Staring at your website, wondering if it’s working is a rite of passage for every business owner. You’ve rewritten your homepage 14 times. You’ve agonized over every word. And yet… something still feels off. 

Is your copy actually the problem, or are you just spiraling into a caffeine-fueled overthinking session? 

That’s the million-dollar question.

A website copy audit stops the endless second-guessing. Instead of throwing spaghetti at the wall with endless tweaks, you’ll finally get real answers:

• Is your headline grabbing your ideal client’s attention or attracting bargain hunters looking for a deal? 
• Does your about page tell your readers why you’re the one for them or recount your life story?
• Is your website guiding visitors toward taking action or assuming they’ll somehow magically know what to do next?

This quiz won’t tell you if you’re more Blair Waldorf or Rory Gilmore but it will help you look at your website the way your visitors do – and finally see where a copy audit could clean up the chaos, add some punch, and make sure your words aren’t just taking up space.

What Even Is A Website Copy Audit?

A website copy audit tells you what’s working, what’s flopping, and how to make your words even better. 

This isn’t ‘you need a new headline’ vague nonsense. You’ll get straight-up, here’s how to fix it advice, complete with specific tweaks, easy-to-follow edits, and best of all, the reasons WHY we’re making the changes in the first place. 

Emma, a brand designer, said the ‘why’ was her favourite part of the copy audit process: ‘I appreciated the feedback Isobel gave me, and how educational she was in explanations. It was never just a “do this” but always had a “here’s why” attached’

What Would A Copy Audit Really Say About Your Website?

1. What’s the first thing people see when they land on your website?
   • A. A pretty photo of the mountains, my workspace, or my team
   • B. My business’s name and logo
   • C. An on-brand statement that immediately tells readers how we help them
     
     
2. Is your voice consistent across your entire site, or does it feel like a personality rollercoaster?
   • A. It’s consistent but not very ‘me’, it could belong to anyone in my industry
   • B. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster, I’m trying to bring my voice into more of it
   • C. It’s me from start to finish, the energy and vibes are *chef’s kiss*
     
     
3. Do you talk about what your clients actually care about, or just what you think sounds impressive?
   • A. Honestly, I have no idea what my clients want or need yet
   • B. I have fresh insights from my clients but I haven’t incorporated them yet
   • C. I use phrases straight from my testimonials so my copy speaks to my audience
     
     
4. Do your clients feel seen and understood, or do they leave feeling kinda bad about themselves?
   • A. Aren’t we supposed to dig into pain points to sell…?
   • B. I’ve avoided talking about pain points but now it doesn’t feel effective
   • C. They feel like I 100% get their goals and challenges
     
     
5. Is it obvious why you are the person to hire, or are you just hoping people connect the dots?
   • A. I list my credentials, that should be enough
   • B. I talk a lot about why my industry is important, but not so much *me*
   • C. I’ve dialed into my process and connected it to their needs
     
     
6. Can you read through your site without needing a nap or an oxygen break?
   • A. I wouldn’t blame someone for skimming it 
   • B. There are definitely some clunky paragraphs that need trimming
   • C. I make use of headings and bullet points to keep it easy to read
     
     
7. Do you explain how your work helps people, or just list what you do and hope for the best?
   • A. It’s basically a list of services and deliverables
   • B. I describe what I do but kind of assume they figure out why it matters
   • C. I emphasize the benefits of my work at every opportunity
     
     
8. Is it ridiculously easy for someone to figure out how to hire you?
   • A. They have to email me to get any package information
   • B. There are so many ways to work together, it’s easier to just have a call
   • C. My services and process are laid out clearly, they just need to fill out a form!
     
     
9. Do you give all the info someone needs to feel confident working with you?
   • A. I will…when we get on a call
   • I don’t want to scare people off with too much information
   • Pricing, process, timeline – it’s all there!
     

What Your Score Says About Your Website Copy

Mostly A’s: Well, you’ve got a website! But it sounds like it’s not fully connecting with your clients, showing exactly why you’re so damn good, or bringing in the right inquiries. A copy audit would give you tailored advice on all of this but if you’re so over writing, you might want to consider done-for-you copy instead.

Mostly B’s: You’re on a roll! It’s clear you’ve downloaded some freebies, listened to a few podcasts, and put effort into your copy. You know there are areas that need tweaking, and you’re even open to learning better ways to sell. A website copy audit is perfect for this – giving you clarity, direction, and strategies that work.

Mostly C’s: You’ve put in the work, and it shows. You probably feel pretty confident sending people to your website, and you’re booking the kinds of clients you want to work with. You might still benefit from a copy audit if there are specific areas you struggle with, but overall? You’re crushing it.