I’m on a mission to help you write great copy for your business. Great copy conveys your message clearly, communicates the value of your services, and compels the reader to book with you. And I understand that hiring a professional copywriter isn’t in everyone’s budget all of the time. So today I’m hitting you with three super common copywriting mistakes that you’ll want to avoid. 

BTW – this is a judgment-free zone. Just like Planet Fitness. So if you’re guilty of doing any of these things in your copy, trust me, you’re not alone! We all have to start somewhere.  

3 Copywriting Mistakes to Avoid

Plus a bonus one if you get to the end of this post!

Copywriting Mistake #1: Not Using “You” Language

When you’re writing copy for your business, it’s important to use what we call “you language.” This means that you’re writing in terms of the benefit to the reader, rather than the accolades of the writer. 

For example: 

Instead of writing something like, “As a professional interior designer, I have 10 years of experience designing homes that my clients love,” try:

“When you work with me as your interior designer, you will love your home’s new design.”

Or even more simply, “Let’s work together to design a home you love.” 

See the difference? 

This mistake is so common on websites, and especially on About pages. Most people assume that the About page is like your resume – your chance to tout all of your hard-earned skills. And while that’s not exactly wrong, it should actually be written in the form of how the reader will benefit from all of those hard-earned skills. It’s more of a “what’s in it for me?” moment than most people think. 

Copywriting Mistake #2: Not Using Enough CTAs

Okay, let me back up. In the marketing world, CTA stands for Call to Action. And the fact is, most people don’t use enough of them in their copy! 

CTAs tell the reader what exactly you want them to do next. Sometimes that looks like subscribing to a newsletter or downloading a freebie, and sometimes it’s more high-stakes like inquiring or booking a call. All of your copy should have a goal, and you have to clearly outline for the reader what you want them to do next. It’s a non-negotiable. 

Copywriting Mistake #3: Not Sharing Your Story 

Another non-negotiable? Telling your story. People buy from people and businesses that they connect with. So connect with your audience by sharing your story! 

People want to know about the moment when you decided to do what you do. 

• What brought you there?
• What was going on in your life before that? 
• What are the parts of your story that contribute to your purpose? 

Why? Because those moments and details are relatable.  

When you build a connection with your audience by relating to them, you are so much more likely to convert them to buyers. 

Bonus Copywriting Mistake to Avoid! 

If you’ve made it this far, here’s a bonus one for you:

This is especially true for website copy, but avoid long paragraphs at👏all👏costs👏! 

You need to write for the skimmer. Because most people skim websites nowadays, and that’s just a matter of fact. 

• Break your text up into short paragraphs
• Keep it simple + straightforward
• Use bullet points where you can
• And always utilize headings to grab attention.

Don’t take cues from the ever-wordy Rose Nylund. 

Copywriter for Creatives 

Save this post for later when you sit down to write your web copy and avoid these common copywriting mistakes. And if you’re like most busy entrepreneurs and “write website copy” has been on your to-do list for longer than you care to admit, I’d love to help you! I offer full and partial website copywriting services, as well as copywriting audits for the DIYers out there. Check out the options here!