How to write website copy, 12 tips to help make the process as hassle-free as possible

Writing website copy can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not a professional writer. However, with the right approach and guidance, you can create compelling content for your new website. In this blog, we will outline 12 tips to help make the process as hassle-free as possible.

Your designer will send you a content planner:

When working with a web design team like Trident, they will provide you with a content planner. This document will guide you through the content creation process, helping you organise your thoughts and structure your copy effectively.

Consider the design we have created for you when writing your content:

It’s essential to consider the design elements of your website when crafting your copy. Pay attention to the layout, visuals, and overall structure, as your content should complement and enhance the user experience.

Word count:

Different pages on your website may require different word counts. For the homepage, aim for 300-500 words to provide a concise yet engaging introduction to your business. Services pages can be more detailed, while blog posts can vary depending on the topic and purpose.

Make sure you include your focus keywords in your copy:

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is crucial for driving organic search traffic to your website. Include relevant keywords related to your business throughout your copy, ensuring it remains informative and educational for your readers.

Making sure your content is original:

Avoid copying content from Wikipedia or your competitors’ websites. Google penalises duplicate content, considering it plagiarism. Create unique and original content that reflects your brand’s voice and values.

Include headings, subheadings, and calls to action:

Organise your paragraphs with clear headings and subheadings. This helps readers navigate your content easily and improves readability. Additionally, use effective calls to action (CTAs) to guide visitors towards desired actions on your website eg. Contact us!

Clearly communicate your business’s mission and vision:

Great copywriting tells the story of your business, allowing readers to emotionally connect with your brand. Authentically communicate your mission and vision, and highlight what sets your business apart from others.

Focus on your customer, not on yourselves:

Shift the focus from your business to your customers. Your copy should highlight how you can help them and address their pain points. Limit the use of words like “we,” “ours,” and “our” in comparison to “you” and “yours” to ensure customer-centric messaging.

Grammar:

Pay attention to grammar and language usage. Ensure your language settings are appropriate for your target audience, whether it’s British English or American English. Proper grammar enhances professionalism and credibility.

Consistency:

If you have a team writing your content, establish a tone of voice document to ensure consistent language and messaging across your website. Consistency helps build brand identity and establishes trust with your audience.

Focus on the benefits, not the features:

While features and benefits are interconnected, try to emphasise the benefits your product or service provides. Customers are more likely to be driven by the emotional impact and value they will gain rather than just the technical specifications.

Provide a permanent hub of resources:

Consider creating a dedicated section on your website to provide valuable resources to your audience. This can include guides, tutorials, whitepapers, or any other content that adds value and establishes your expertise in your industry.

Writing website copy doesn’t have to be a hassle. By following these 12 tips, you can streamline the process and create compelling content that engages your audience, drives traffic, and helps your business thrive online. Remember to stay authentic, and customer-focused, and consistently deliver high-quality content throughout your website.

What Are the Signs of Good and Bad Web Design?

Are you wondering what constitutes as good or bad web design? The answer would actually be a combination of factors that can make or break (literally!) your business’ website. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the signs of good and bad web design so you can make sure your site is up to scratch.

Signs of Good Web Design.

  1. Responsive Design:

A responsive design means that your website will look great on any device, from desktop computers to mobile phones and everything in between. This ensures that all visitors have a great experience no matter what device they’re using.

  1. Easy Navigation:

Your website should be easy to navigate so visitors can find what they’re looking for quickly and easily. Make sure there are clear menus and links that lead users to the correct pages without any confusion. The easier to use the better.

  1. Quality Content:

The content on your website should be authentic to your business and engaging so visitors are interested in what you have to say. Also when writing the content for your website, keep in mind what your customer is looking for, and how your services can you help them, rather than, a long “about us” section. Quality content also helps with SEO (search engine optimisation) so your site will rank higher in search results. 

  1. Attractive Visuals:

High-quality visuals such as photographs, illustrations, and videos can help draw people in and keep them engaged with your site for longer periods of time. For next-level visuals, we recommend hiring a photographer to authentically capture what your business is really about.

Signs of Bad Web Design.

  1. Poor Layout:

A poorly laid-out website can be confusing for visitors as it’s hard to find what they’re looking for quickly and easily. Make sure the layout is easy to follow so visitors don’t get lost while browsing your site. 

  1. Outdated Design:

An outdated web design can give the impression that your entire business is dated! Which could turn away potential customers before they even get a chance to learn more about your products/services. If you keep your website up to date with your brand guidelines, it should stay true to your brand but have the wiggle room to stay modern without any big changes.

  1. Slow Loading Times:

Slow loading times can be extremely frustrating for visitors as they wait for pages to load. Which could lead them to leave before they even get a chance to explore further into your site or purchase anything from you! Make sure that when you upload a new image to your website, it is optimised for web use, the biggest culprit of slow loading times is uploading huge photographs. Ask us about which sites you can use to test your site speed.

  1. Too Many Ads:

Having too many ads on your website can be distracting for visitors as they pull focus from your content! Keep ads minimal if possible or at least make sure they are relevant and not intrusive. You could try using affiliate links instead!

Conclusion.

When it comes down to it, having a good web design is essential if you want people to take notice of your business online! By keeping an eye out for these signs of good and bad web design, you can ensure that people have a great experience when visiting your site. If you would like improvements on your website (or you are worried that your website has a couple of bad signs) please feel free to contact us or take a look at our maintenance packages.

Get in touch to chat about our award-winning design, print and digital marketing services.

What Makes a Great Website in 2023?

As technology continues to evolve, so does the way we interact with websites. In 2023, the criteria for what makes a great website is shifting further into prioritising your potential users. From the user experience to the content, there are several important points that can make your website stand out from your competitors. In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes a great website in 2023. Ask yourself, how you can ensure your website is up to scratch?

User Experience.

User experience (UX) is one of the most important aspects of a website. In 2023, websites will need to be designed with the user in mind. This means creating a website that is easy to navigate, with clear and concise menus and content. When checking over your website, you are more than likely checking at work with that great business-level wifi, but is your website loading at the same speed when you are on your laptop at home? Or even on your mobile? (Check out our blog article on mobile-friendly websites here). When your business’ website is built for fast internet connections, you run the risk of alienating customers who have slow connections or older devices. If you shift your perspective, you can expect your website to be more accessible and, for your users to have an equitable digital experience.

Design.

Design is another critical element of a great website. The usual design jargon describes using clean lines, bold colours, and simple typography, but that is just industry talk for, “please don’t make your site congested”. In 2023, websites should be designed with a purpose and shorter user journeys. Prioritising your user’s true needs and designing to signpost them is much more valuable to your business.

Content.

Content has always been king when creating a great website. In 2023, websites should be made with a strong focus on quality content. This means writing content that is informative, engaging, and helpful to your users. (Sometimes having content written for you by a copywriter is best!). SEO should work alongside this, when your website is properly and consistently optimised, it makes your website easier to find on search engines by users who are looking for your company.

Security.

It seems everyone nowadays has a horror story about getting scammed online or their website being hacked. And with companies quickly adopting two-factor authentication for payments, security is absolutely essential to every website in 2023. Websites should be built with security in mind, using SSL certificates as a given and captchas on your forms to help you against unwanted spam. And most importantly, to give your website the best chance against hackers it should always be kept up to date and be regularly monitored for any potential vulnerabilities or threats. 

 

By following these points, you can ensure that your website will be efficient, easy to use, informative and safe. Trust us! Your customers will thank you for it! If you have any questions or need us to check your website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

Do I need google reviews on my website?

Do I need Google Reviews on my website? Can it really make a difference? Nowadays, because of the massive popularity of the search engine, having a Google business profile set up is as important a part of business as having a website. It lists:

  • Your address.
  • A pin on Google Maps.
  • Your phone number.
  • Business reviews.
  • And photos.

Google Reviews can be easily integrated into your site, where your top reviews can be displayed nearby a contact form (influencing 67.7% of purchasing decisions!) to let your potential customer know you’re worth your salt.

Google Reviews are impacted directly by your customers who review you,

It impacts your search results, so then future customers find it easier to find you. Generally, the Google Review algorithm focus’ on three pain points:

  • Quantity (how many reviews can you get?)
  • Velocity (can you consistently ask for reviews?)
  • Diversity (how many different people can review you?)

So the more customers that give you a positive review the better! It’s always a good idea to send them a Google Reviews shortcut and remember to ask!

Is this your way of getting a credibility boost?

Many consumers use Google as the first place they use to check over a business they’ve never purchased from before. Which makes your business’ Google reviews imperative to their decision. However, another key point is that the customers that bypass Google and find you on social media won’t see them unless they are displayed on your website. A surprisingly big industry secret is that you can filter your reviews to 4 star and above when displaying them on your website.

And lastly, if you can’t find the right words to ask your customers for a review, we’ll be happy to help you on your way contact us to find out more about how we can help you add Google Reviews to your website.

What’s the quickest way to build a website?

What’s the quickest way to build a website? Simple 7 hacks to make your life easier. Sometimes when that big event, new product or big marketing campaign creeps up on you and you need a new website, like yesterday. The problems with rushing your new website are infinite, from incorrect pricing, broken links and hasty design choices. But there are ways to speed up the process…

Here are a couple of tips that will help you through making your new website something to be proud of, especially if you’re in a hurry:

1. Analyse your previous website

In order for your new site to be exactly what you want, start with looking at what worked and what didn’t work on your previous site, reflect on it and ask yourself:

  • Why do I need a new design or overhaul?
  • What hasn’t been accomplished with my existing site?
  • How will a new website help my business?

The answers to these questions can help you and your designer to really understand what is needed for your business and inform goal setting for your new site.

2. Is your branding ready?

Including your brand styles on your website will mean your site will come across as credible and consistent with the rest of your business, before you start your site you’ll need a minimum of:

  • A logo
  • Fonts and colours that are in line with your identity 
  • A mission statement, values and a tagline that you use to solidify your messaging 

You’ll probably already have these for your business but, if you don’t check out our graphic design services

3. Check all of your images, and make sure you do have permission to use them

If you have purchased from a stock library you will be covered by the licence from the stock library. If you have had your photos taken professionally at your business, you need permission from the people in the photographs, especially if they include children or vulnerable adults.

4. Enlist a copywriter 

Hiring a copywriter will ensure that your tone of voice is kept consistent. They will cover all your main bases including; incorporating keywords and phrases for SEO, ‘call to actions’ to ask your customer to buy or enquire, internal links and structure. They cover so many bases most people wouldn’t even think to write, trust us, they are worth it! 

5. Proofread everything!

Proofread and check everything before you put it on your website and proofread it after you have put it on your website, especially if you have pricing and product descriptions on your website. If you struggle spotting errors, installing Grammarly on your internet browser is totally worthwhile.

6. Do you have our domain ready?

You might already have a domain from your previous website, in which case it’s time to dig out that old password earlier than later and pass it on to your designer so there are no delays after your site is completed. If you are new to the website game, your domain is as important as your brand name- which isn’t always available. Our tips for domains are:

  • Get a web address your customers are familiar with, if your customers are based in the UK stick to .co.uk
  • We recommend GoDaddy, you can buy your domain there, prices starting from 89p for your first year 
  • Make sure your domain is easy to pronounce and spell
  • Make sure it doesn’t spell something else, we know you know what we mean.

7. Finally Announce it on social media a couple of days after you go live 

Just in case! Don’t give yourself unnecessary stress, it’s okay if your website launch is delayed by a day. By all means share it with your team, your mom and your friends and see if they spot anything with fresh eyes, then after that shout it from the rooftops! 

If you want to find out more about website design or speak to someone about the quickest way to build a website. Consult with Trident’s web design and development professionals and build a fantastic website with us.

2020 Graphic Design and Digital Trends

6 Influences for 2020 on Graphic Design and Digital Marketing

1. Generation Alpha

Those born during the 2010s are now known as Generation Alpha, and they are a lucrative consumer market. Collectively they are expected to be the wealthiest, most highly-educated and technologically-connected group to date. Generation Alpha are most likely to have Millennial parents and are digital natives, they know how to use your computer, tv, and mobile phone. And their selfies are cuter than yours. Tech being more meaningful in their lives than any other previous generation, this is the opportunity to create long term brand loyalty – be sure not to ignore them in 2020.

What devices are Generation Alpha most likely to use? Responsive design should be right at the top of everyone’s priority list. If your website doesn’t work properly on mobile don’t expect end-users to stick around. The best websites of 2020 will be defined by their ability to seamlessly work across all platforms.

2. Dark Mode

Used on the new iPhone update, Facebook and Instagram, these tech giants have the right idea to keep you on your device for longer; dark mode. Dark mode is a light text on a dark colour scheme which not only looks fantastically modern but helps with; readability of text reduced eye fatigue, less blue light (linked with sleeping habits!) and can save small amounts of electricity. This newly favoured dynamic design is perfect for websites which end users will want to spend a long time on, like shopping, browsing online catalogues, or even buying a house!

3. Sustainability

Consumers are smart, they don’t just care about what your brand looks like. They are looking past the facade of an earthy colour palette and expecting to see results to your business’ eco-promise. Prove that your business is making a positive contribution in areas like; cutting back on lamination on printed materials, choosing recycled packaging, what type of inks you are using and how you are distributing goods. The global issue of sustainability EVERYONE should be aware of in 2020. Take a look here at how Trident has FSC / PEFC accreditations and how this impacts our carbon footprint and that of our clients!

Responsive design should be right at the top of everyone’s priority list. If your website doesn’t work properly on mobile don’t expect end-users to stick around.

4. Isometric and 3D design

In character illustrations, 3D rendered videos for wearable tech and even on logos, we’re about to see more 3D style graphics, (take a look at the tridents Instagram page). For websites, soft shadows and floating elements are 2020s answer to parallax websites and full-width images. Using this effect with text and graphics adds fun and surprise to an otherwise 2D space. This new floaty lightweight feel to websites will mesmerise and grab attention in the same way a lava lamp will, lending itself to bright and vibrant and neon colours (bonus trend!) which if done well, will allow your website to feel youthful and optimistic. Speaking of lava lamps! Shiny fluid 3D shapes probably come from the backlash of years and years of seeing geometric triangles everywhere. Fluid designs with a liquidy feel give a creative and soft look. Used in idents, animations, websites and even in backgrounds to print work.

5. Appliance Science

But at home, we call her Alexa… Her ability to scan a website then lead an actual spoken conversation with us about it is about to evolve. We are about to see a quick rise in the “voice user interface technology” and having a conversation with the website end users are visiting is the next step. This is great news for people with disabilities enabling them to interact with websites easier. Voice search has been hailed to be “the next big thing” for a few years now and Google has evolved the way it provides search results, based on great content to allow for voice search – expect to see this grow in 2020.

6. Custom Illustrations

Custom-made illustrations are a powerful tool which all the big brands have got on board with. Having a distinctive illustration style brings brand personalities to life and offers a personal and often helpful touch. Expect to see more of this experimental, art-design hybrid especially within the corporate sector where big businesses are trying to come across friendly, banks and tech companies are at the forefront of this. A custom, eye-catching illustration can really make your brand stand out amongst the noise across end-user channels. Having a brand style which flows seamlessly from your businesses website to social links reinforces a strong brand identity.

Written By Rebecca Bowen
Designer at Trident