Copywriting has grown into a large and complex field which includes several key niches such as sales copywriting, SEO copywriting and web copywriting. Today we will focus on the latter element – a key element for any company or entrepreneur. We cannot imagine doing business at the present without a website among the key assets of the company. The purpose of the website as digital property has evolved; from a simple online presentation leaflet it has now become the most effective communication, marketing and sales tool.
And, along with its role, the rules regarding its design and content have also evolved. Writing for the web is a specific type of copywriting. Its rules refer not only to the type of content, but also to the form in which it must be presented to encourage reading and build relationships with the readers.
For small business owners who cannot afford to hire a professional copywriting agency, it is important to have access to advice, information and tutorials, helping them learn the specific and ever-changing art of web copywriting. We have done some research and identified these key resources you should definitely bookmark and use on a daily basis:
- Copy Hackers
The motto of this website is “Where startups learn to write copy” and it is true to its meaning. This website is the go-to resource both for professional writers who want to learn new skills and for entrepreneurs who want to manage their own website and marketing materials.
Copy Hackers offers lots of free eBooks, copywriting courses, work sheets and cheat sheets which will take you through the key specific elements of writing for your website and newsletters.
- The Definitive Guide to Copywriting by Neil Patel
Neil Patel is a living legend in the digital marketing world. He has advised many successful companies such as Amazon and Viacom, founded Crazy Egg and Hello Bar and built a definitive web copywriting bible which is available for free to anyone who wants to learn the most effective tips and tricks for writing content that converts. The definitive guide to copywriting tackles issues such as:
- How to write powerful headlines
- How to write for your potential customers
- Persuasion secrets of top copywriters
- How to choose between long and short copy
- The Copywriter’s Roundtable
Direct marketing copywriter John Forde has created this blog to share some of the insights and copywriting secrets he has learned over the years. Written in a simple, unpretentious style, the formatting and wording of the blog itself is a valuable resource if you are not sure what great web copy looks like.
- Write to Done
This resource-laden website is helpful for all types of writers: authors, copywriters and content marketers. The website offers helpful advice in the form of how-to articles, infographics, and actionable tips. It is worthwhile exploring all the sections (not just those dedicated to copywriting) to find inspiration on better writing and doing more with words in your content.
- Grammar Girl
Language is a living thing, evolving with people. While some grammar, spelling and punctuation rules cannot be broken, others have become more fluid and can be sacrificed in the name of creativity. Mignon Fogarty, the Grammar Girl, will show you exactly how far you can push the accurate writing barriers without turning away your audience.
Last but not least, if you need a scientific way to test the impact of your headline, the Advanced Marketing Institute offers a free online headline analyser which will help you craft more effective headlines for your web copy.