The exact web copy I'd write if I only had a week
If you're not a copywriter or a weirdo, the idea of writing a whole-ass website can be ... intimidating.
It's like ... You know you need to do it. You know you WANT to do it. But you can't possibly see the bridge from where you are now to having done it.
(For me, that's eating spinach.)
But I want the website-of-your-dreams to be within your reach.
So in this short and hot series, I'm giving you the exact web copy to write based on your timeline (or, honestly, your penchant for pain).
Here’s exactly what to write if you only have a week.
If I had only one week to write my website, I'd write a one-page website.
WHAT IS A ONE-PAGE WEBSITE?
Most of the websites you see have multiple pages (home, services, about, etc). A one-page website consolidates ALL of that into — you've got it — one page. Your entire website lives at a single URL.
BENEFITS OF A ONE-PAGE WEBSITE
A one-page website is the best (and easy-ish) place to start
This is what I tell everyone who wants a website and asks me where to start: write a one-pager. It is THE best way to get your website up and build from there.
A one-page website demands clarity
If you're my client, you'll know I never stop pushing for specificity.
Oh, you're a realtor?
What houses do you sell?
Why does someone need that house?
Why do they want that house?
But why do they really want that house?
What's the first thought they'll have every morning they wake up in that house?
Clarity comes from specificity. With limited space on a one-page website, you're forced to get CUH-LEAR on who you are, what you do, who you do it for, and why. Laying that foundation is the best thing you can do for your business.
Specificity = Clarity = Sales. Side note: If one of your offers is not selling right now, look at how specifically you're marketing it.
A one-page website is quick, sleek, and effective
Don’t let the simplicity fool you. There are bangin’ one-pager websites that sell really freaking well. When done right, a one-pager can be just as effective as — if not more than — a traditional multi-page website.
CONS OF A ONE-PAGE WEBSITE
A one-page website is not *as good* for SEO
In order to show you on page 1, search engines need content, as much of it as they can get their robot-y hands on. A one-pager website naturally offers them less content, so your ability to show up in search results will be tampered.
A one-pager website gives you a smaller opportunity to show your personality
Your customers and clients come to you because they like YOU. They like your coffee drink, how you present information, the jokes you tell. Consumers love brands they feel they can have a cocktail with. When you opt for a one-pager, you're restricted in the space you can use to express your full self.
STILL: A one-page website is lightyears better than no website at all. Let’s write yours.
BEFORE YOU WRITE YOUR ONE-PAGE WEBSITE
Do this pre-work.
Good copy comes from good prep. It's no different from a cooking a fancy meal or running a half-marathon. (I know that sucks.)
Before you write a single word, answer these questions and put them in writing!
What do you do?
Who do you do it for?
Why do they need your services?
How will their life/business be better after working with you?
What benefit are they missing out on if they don't work with you?
What are all of your services and how do you rank them in terms of what you want booked the most to the least?
HERE’S HOW TO WRITE A ONE-PAGE WEBSITE IN ONE WEEK
DAY 1 = SECTION 1
Straightforward Header
This is your big splashy header, the first thing a visitor will see. Don't be tempted to make it too cutesy. Clear is better than clever here. (And Google will use it to help understand what your page is about.)
Write up to 10 words of what you do and for whom. Think of something that you could slap on a business card.
EX. Website Copywriting for Rad Businesses that Need to Convert (like, yesterday)
DAY 2 = SECTION 2
Problem & How you solve it
Section 1's job is to tell your reader whether they're in the right place. By being clear, you'll repel the wrong people and keep the right ones (aka dream clients). Now we're going to use Section 2 to lock in those people by speaking directly to their problem.
Write a header that speaks to your ideal client's problem.
You'll know this from the pre-work you did before you started writing.
EX. If your website is the pretty-but-poor girl, it’s a copy issue.
Under that header, write 100 words about how you solve it for them.
[Include a CTA that links to your embedded contact form at the bottom of the page.]
DAY 2 = SECTION 3
Mini-About
Time to talk about yourself! (Spoiler alert: when you hire me as your copywriter, this is something we work on a lot.) Because we're condensing your website to a one-pager, we don't need ALL the bibs and bobs, but we DO want sparkle. Be yourself like you're three margaritas into happy hour with your best friend!
Write up to 100 words that tell your reader:
the kind of client you love working with
why you love what you do
work in one random and silly fact about you
what you're doing when you're not working
that you're really excited to work with them
EX. My mom loves my copywriting. And so do thousands of other people who *aren’t* obligated to think I’m awesome. (Maybe even you?)
I’m known for writing super fun and effective websites … and for drinking wine. (Which I will happily do with you any day of the week.)
I’m the person who writes fun, lucrative, personality-packed websites with — if you’re up for it — a bit of inappropriate flair. I’d love to work with you and make your business come to life!
[Include a CTA that links to your embedded contact form at the bottom of the page.]
DAY 4 = SECTION 4
Your Services
This is the big guy, now! From your pre-work, you have a list of your services in order of priority. Write the following for each.
Name
What it is
Main benefit
Who it's for
How to book/buy
(Don't forget to include your prices!)
[Include CTAs that link to your embedded contact form at the bottom of the page.]
DAY 5 = SECTION 5
Testimonial
A little bit of social proof can go a long way. Plus, your reader is used to seeing testimonials on websites, so they'll be expecting one or two. For this section, pick your favorite testimonial and put it in a big ol' font. There's no need to introduce it with anything fancy. Your reader will see the quotes and know what they're reading.
If you don't yet have testimonials, here's a tip: Write a cute quote you'd like your future clients to say. And attribute it to your reader with something like: "— maybe you?"
EX.
“If I wasn’t already married, I’d get down on one knee for Kelsey.”
— what my clients *actually* want to say about me
DAY 6 = SECTION 6
Contact Information
In a one-pager website, you'll embed your contact form directly on the page. This makes it even easier for your visitor to reach out to you. Make your form clear, but not overbearing. Set expectations by telling your reader the response time they can expect. Use language that is gracious and friendly — this is the last hurdle to getting them in your inbox!
DAY 7 = DON’T SHUT UP ABOUT IT
It’s up! Hooray! Now … market the heck out of your website. Put your link everywhere. Talk about it on Instagram, on Threads, on LinkedIn. Make it impossible for your followers to forget it.
BONUS PRO-TIP FOR YOUR ONE-PAGE WEBSITE
Your Navigation Menu
Your website visitors are used to navigation menus — they're expecting to find a menu after a quick scan.
But you now have ONE PAGE website, which means you don't need a navigation, right?
Technically, you're correct. But we're going to appease user behavior and put in a navigation anyway.
Your one-page website is broken up into sections that would function as their own pages in a multi-page website. Link to them just the same: About, Services, Contact
Create anchor links out of each section and link to them in a navigation that will help each user quickly get used to your one-page website.
How I Can Help You With Your One-Page Website
Already have a one-pager, but want to ditch the blah-ness and get it converting? Book a copy audit.
Want me to write the whole dang thing for you? Hire me to write your one-pager.
Ready to DIY your site, but want to brush up on your writing skills? Get the best writing course I could create.
Have a funky question about one-pager websites that Google can’t answer? DM me!