Skip to main content

What Is Copywriting?

Copywriting refers to the task of writing persuasive text appealing to an audience that gives the reader a benefit. 

It also aims to persuade readers to complete a desired action. 

Copywriting is usually written for a blog on a business or organisation’s website. 

Why Is Copywriting Important?

Copywriting is crucial in the field of digital marketing because it persuades readers to complete a desired action such as Inquiring about a service, purchasing a product or reading more content. 

The user benefits from reading the content because it allows them to gain knowledge and expertise.

Copywriting also plays a crucial role in enhancing your SERP (Search Engine Results Page) rankings.

By reading the copy on your business blog, web crawlers gain insights into your knowledge, expertise, and professionalism. 

This, in turn, aids the crawlers in comprehending the relevance of your business and determining the position of your website on the SERP (Search Engine Results Page).

Copywriting Errors & How To Avoid Them 

The world of Copywriting is continuing to grow so it’s important to iron out any copywriting errors so your blog content stands out from other competing businesses or organisations. 

Here are 5 common errors made in the Copywriting industry and how to avoid them. 

1. Break Down Your Synonyms! 

A common mistake made in the copywriting industry is writers forgetting to break down synonyms. 

Breaking down synonyms is crucial because the reader is relying on you as the writer to give them knowledge.

Forgetting to break down a synonym limits the amount of information the reader is learning. 

Forgetting to break down the meaning behind the synonyms could affect the traffic to your business or organisation’s website as the reader may feel like your site isn’t the most effective way to improve knowledge. 

2.  Using Unclear Call to Actions 

A call to action refers to a persuasive sentence usually situated at the end of a piece of copy. 

The reason some copywriters make mistakes when writing a call to action is that many readers have become desensitised to calls to action.

 The same ones are being used repeatedly and it’s causing the audience to ignore them. 

Calls to action should be written in a specific way, for example, “Start your journey towards success today! Sign up now and unlock exclusive benefits”

The reason this is a successful call to action is that it uses words that will benefit the audience if they choose to make the desired action, including “exclusive benefits” and “success” 

These are words that sound appeal to the reader and show them the benefits of taking the desired action. 

3.  No Defined Tone Of Voice

One major issue when writing copy is that the writer lacks a tone of voice.

What does ‘Defined tone of voice’ mean? 

Defining a tone of voice for copywriting refers to establishing a consistent and distinctive style, personality, and attitude in the written content of a brand or business. 

It involves carefully selecting the words, sentence structures, and overall language to convey a specific mood, emotion, or perception to the target audience.

The tone of voice reflects the brand’s values, messaging, and desired image, helping to create a unique identity and build a stronger connection with readers. 

Whether it’s friendly and casual, professional and authoritative, or anything in between.

A well-defined tone of voice sets the tone for effective communication and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

How can you define your own tone of voice when writing copy? 

It’s important to let business culture and values shine through in your copywriting as it allows the audience to gain valuable insight and understand your business. 

Developing a brand voice requires time, creativity, and skilful writing. 

An effective brand tone of voice begins with thoughtful packaging and compelling slogans. 

Despite the necessary adherence to rules and regulations, companies mustn’t lose sight of the importance of fostering creativity.

Maintaining thorough documentation for your tone of voice strategy is indispensable. 

It enables the company to recall past progress and chart future plans. 

Tailoring the brand tone of voice to the audience’s demographic and the personas they resonate with is paramount. 

Striving for a harmonious rhythm, logical organisation, and the appropriate pace is essential.

4. Not Proof Reading Thoroughly 

One of the most avoidable but common errors in the copywriting field is the lack of proofreading. 

Once you’ve spent time writing a blog post finding the motivation to proofread can be difficult so here is what I suggest. 

Once you’ve finished writing a blog, take ten minutes away from the computer to refresh your brain. 

If that doesn’t work, try working on another piece of writing or work and then revisit to proofread at a later date if time allows. 

Proofreading is essential as it allows you to iron out any issues such as spelling, grammar or punctuation. 

Proofreading is important because poor readability can lead to issues such as a lack of traffic, a high bounce rate and poor business reviews. 

5. Unclear Formatting

It’s essential to understand that unclear formatting can cause a number of issues both short and long-term issues for your business and your SEO

These issues can include low traffic, poor reviews, bad business reputation and even lower SERP (search engine results page) 

To ensure clear formatting use numbered headings to show the importance of each segment of your blog. 

Many readers find the use of long paragraphs overwhelming and are put off by the idea of reading a blog. 

How do you avoid this? 

Using short and precious sentences that get the point across but don’t overcomplicate the points is key.

Simple formatting and useability are reasons for your audience to return to your site, over time this will have positive results. 

Why Is Fixing These Mistakes Important? 

The errors and mistakes we’ve discussed throughout this blog are easy ones to make.

But why is it important we fix these mistakes? 

These mistakes can have adverse effects on your business or organisation as a whole. 

Simple errors such as spelling mistakes, formatting and lack of tone of voice can cause a lack of traffic, and poor SERP (Search Engine Optimisation)  rankings.

Unclear formatting can confuse readers, making it difficult for them to understand the intended message. 

Proper formatting enhances readability, ensuring that information is presented in a clear and organised manner.

Second, failing to break down synonyms can lead to ambiguity and misunderstandings. Choosing the most precise and appropriate words helps convey the intended meaning accurately. 

Third, spelling and grammar errors diminish the credibility and professionalism of the content. Clean and error-free copy instils trust and demonstrates attention to detail. 

Overall, addressing these issues improves communication effectiveness, enhances the reader’s experience, and reinforces the overall quality of the written material.

Why Are These Errors Common In Copywriting? 

Fixing simple copywriting errors, such as unclear formatting, failure to break down synonyms, and spelling and grammar issues, is crucial for several reasons. 

First, unclear formatting can confuse readers, making it difficult for them to understand the intended message. 

Proper formatting enhances readability, ensuring that information is presented in a clear and organized manner. Second, failing to break down synonyms can lead to ambiguity and misunderstandings.

Choosing the most precise and appropriate words helps convey the intended meaning accurately. 

Third, spelling and grammar errors diminish the credibility and professionalism of the content. Clean and error-free copy instils trust and demonstrates attention to detail. 

Overall, addressing these issues improves communication effectiveness, enhances the reader’s experience, and reinforces the overall quality of the written material

Summary 

To summarise it’s essential to be vigilant when writing copy to avoid simple errors such as spelling and grammar.

It’s important to proofread any copy before you send it live onto the sight to avoid long-lasting issues in the future. 

It’s essential to approach each subject with the mindset that the audience doesn’t have any prior knowledge of the subject, so breaking down Synonyms is key. 

It’s encouraged that when creating copy the formatting is user-friendly and allows the audience to better understand what they are reading as well as encouraging them to be a returning user. 

Including clear and precise headings as well as short and simple sentences that allow the reader to gain information in a stress-free way.

If your looking for Copywriting services inquire at [email protected].

Beth Wright

Beth joined RedCore Digital in August 2022 as a content marketing executive. Beth works alongside our clients to design, develop & execute their content marketing strategies.