Most internet users will exit a website within 10-20 seconds if it doesn’t show a clear value proposition. This means you only have a few seconds to grab your visitors’ attention and make them stay. If you don’t, your bounce rate will skyrocket.
However, capturing your user’s attention is just scratching the surface. To retain them, you also have to furnish them with valuable and engaging content. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an old hand at content writing, writing for websites is never a cakewalk.
If you want to learn how to create a compelling and engaging site copy, you’re in the right place. In today’s post, we’ll be highlighting a few tips on creating a killer homepage for your website.
Have a Clear Purpose
The most crucial part of creating web copy is defining your purpose. What do you want your copy to accomplish? Do you want to intrigue, educate, or inform your target audience?
You need to have a clear goal from the get-go to steer your content in the right direction. Here are a few questions that should help you define the purpose of your copy.
- Does the website sell a product or service?
- Does the website aim to generate new leads and attract new clients?
- Does the website aim to generate traffic for sponsorship and ad revenue?
- Is the website’s goal to attract subscribers and build a community?
Answering these questions will go a long way toward helping you find a definite goal for your copy. With a clear goal in mind, you can proceed to the actual writing.
Understand Your Target Audience
You need a firm understanding of your target audience to write a compelling piece. Put yourself in the shoes of your target audience and think about what you’d like to gain from the website. Here are a few questions to better understand your target audience.
- Who are the kinds of people visiting your website?
- What do they aim to gain from reading your copy?
- Are there any search items they would search in the search box?
Train yourself to write in the language of your audience. If it’s a niche you’re conversant with, it should be a breeze. Ensure you write content that resonates with your target audience for the greatest effect.
Hook Your Readers From the Start
Always start your copy with a proper hook that will capture the reader’s attention. You don’t have much time to do so, so make sure every word counts. Here are a couple of ways to hook your readers.
- Start it off with a relevant fact
- Capture their attention with some exciting data or statistic
- Ask a question to provoke thought
These are a few ways to hook your readers from the first line. Just remember to follow it up with proper content to ensure the readers remain on the site. Read the introduction aloud to yourself out loud and see whether it piques your interest.
Show Authority in Your Words
When you write a copy on a particular subject, ensure your words show confidence and a firm understanding of the subject. Steer clear words like “I guess” or “I think” make your writing sound unconfident.
Also, ensure you do plenty of research before writing the copy. You want to come out as an authority or the go-to platform for advice on the issue at hand. Back up your statements with relevant data and statistics to strengthen your argument.
Showing authority will get you life-long visitors who will eventually become customers. However, remember to be completely factual or you might rub your visitors the wrong way.
How to Create a Website That Attracts Visitors
Your well-written copy might go to waste if you don’t back it up with the right website. While writing a proper copy is important, it doesn’t mean you should bump website design to the backburner. That said, here are a few tips for creating the perfect website.
Find a Proper Web Hosting Service
Choose a Domain Name
The domain name is essentially your website’s name, like “www. insertnamehere.com.” You want a domain name that points directly to your business or identity. That way, visitors don’t second guess the website they’re on.
Choose a Content Management System (CMS)
A content management system, or CMS, is a platform that gives you control over your website. You can use the CMS to customize your website, change its domain, or edit web pages. Ensure you pick a CMS that’s reliable and easy to use.
If you want to edit PHP or HTML files, you might want to consider third-party options aside from the CMS. For instance, you could try this html and PHP editor that’s popular with most site owners.
Create a Brand Identity
The next step in creating a website is web design. You want a website that reflects your brand and resonates with your target audience. Find appropriate themes and colors that help convey your brand message.
Make sure you also have a clear logo and a well-laid-out website interface. You want a site that’s easy to navigate and understand.
Fill in and Market Your Website
The final step is loading your website with all sorts of valuable content and information for your visitors. You also need to market your site so it attracts the right audience. Do this correctly, and your website will be a hit in no time.
Writing for Websites Made Easy
Writing for websites should be a walk in the park if you take the above information to heart. Remember to only write well-researched and compelling pieces for the best results. Also, keep updating your content so it stays relevant with the times.
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