Copywriting Terms Every Creative Entrepreneur Should Know

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You’re a creative entrepreneur who DIYed their website.

Up ‘till now, it’s been working pretty decently for you. Inquiries trickle in and a few new subscribers join your email list every month. And while you’re paying the bills, you’re not quite living the ‘work for myself’ dream you imagined when you ditched your 9-5. 

It feels like it’s time to, as they say, ‘uplevel’ your website. 

For you, that means investing in a custom brand and website design. When you meet with the designer you’ve been swooning over though, they suggest you hire a professional copywriter.

Makes sense, right? If you’re going full in on the look of your website, the sound of it should be top-notch as well. But then you start searching for copywriters.

‘I need a brand voice…or someone will help me figure out my brand voice?

‘Can copywriters help me with SEO? What even is SEO?’

‘Do I need a sales page or a services page?’

How are you supposed to find a copywriter that fits your needs when you’re completely overwhelmed with all these confusing terms and jargon? Let’s break all those terms down to help you know just what the heck copywriters are talking about and feel confident finding one who can write for your creative business.

General Copywriting Terms For Creative Entrepreneurs

Copywriting – writing that encourages readers to take an action like buying your product, signing up for your services, on enrolling in your program. 

Copy – the actual words written on your website, socials, brochures, or advertisements. 

Ethical Copy – copywriting grounded in compassion, clarity, and real human experiences instead of relying on manipulative or harmful sales techniques. 

Swipe File – a collection of marketing ideas, examples, or inspiration to draw on when needed. Think of a Pinterest board but for website copy. 

Content Marketing – creating relevant, informational, and entertaining blog posts, social media, videos, and emails to attract dream clients to a business. 

Organic Marketing – the process of generating traffic to your website without using paid ads. 

Blogging – regularly updated website pages that increase brand awareness, authority, and trust by providing entertaining or informational content to readers. 

SEO Copywriting Terms For Creative Entrepreneurs

Search Engine Optimization – the process of boosting your website’s visibility in online searches (like Google). 

Keywords – the words or phrases your dream clients are searching for online that describe your website content and purpose. (pst, want to find keywords for your website? Then check out my free training!)

Title Tag – the name of your website page that shows up in online searches usually in blue text. 

Meta Description – the short statement below your title tag that tells Google and your readers what your website is about. 

Image Alt Text – the words that appear instead of an image if a photo doesn’t load, the user is using a screen-reading tool, or Google bots are scanning your website. 

Headings – text that guides readers down your website page by emphasizing key pieces of content. 

Body Copy – text not in headings that provide important information, context, and data for readers.

Website Copy Terms For Creative Entrepreneurs

Above the Fold – originating from the newspaper industry, this term refers to the first visible section of a website and should immediately capture your reader’s attention.

Hero Headlines – the eye-catching statements that position your reader as the star of your website and guide them on their journey to a solution (that’s you!).

Brand Messaging – that way you communicate your business’ personality, values, differentiator, and purpose. 

Tagline – a short and memorable statement that summarizes your brand’s purpose, value, or differentiator. 

Features – the specific deliverables or pieces of your service (for example, keyword research and seo formatted website copy)

Benefits – the enjoyable outcomes your clients experience because of your features (for example, show up on Google in front of your dream clients) 

Sales Page – usually a longer website page that uses specific copy, sales, and psychological techniques to encourage sales on larger ticket services.

Call To Action – the next step you ask your readers to take in their journey through your website. 

Social Proof – evidence, like testimonials, data, and photos, that show your experience and legitimize your skills. 

Opt-In – a sign-up form your readers subscribe to if they want to receive more information from you. For example, sign up for Memorable Monday Messages to receive digital marketing tips straight to your inbox!

Freebie – a small, free ‘gift’ (like a coupon, PDF, or video training) that encourages readers to opt-in.

The Next Step In Copywriting For Creative Entrepreneurs

Now that you know just what in the world copywriters are talking about, the next step is finding a copywriter that’s right for you. Good thing I’ve got a blog post on exactly what you should look for and ask a copywriter before you hire them!

7 Questions To Ask When Hiring A Good Copywriter

Or head over to my services and take a look through to find what you need.