Copywriting Checklist: 32 Essential Tips for Incredibly Effective Copywriting

Are you ready to become a master of copywriting? You’re in for a treat! Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just beginning your journey into the realm of persuasive writing, we have something extraordinary in store for you.

Prepare yourself to unveil the secrets of incredibly effective copywriting with our Copywriting Checklist. This comprehensive guide contains 32 indispensable tips that will empower you to craft captivating content capable of seizing attention, resonating with your audience, and driving action.

This checklist is designed for everyone, from those seeking to analyze existing copy and determine its quality to beginners eager to learn the best practices for writing exceptional copy. So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, sit back, and let’s embark on an exciting adventure into the enchanting world of copywriting together!

Headline + Sub-headline 

Does the headline answer the question “What is this page about?” in 8 seconds or less?  

Does the sub-headline (sentence underneath the headline) answer the question “Why should I do business with you and not the competition?” 

Hero image (the image closest to the headline copy)

Are you using an authentic image and not some cheesy stock photo?

Is the hero image relevant to the headline? Meaning, if the headline copy is positive, does the image make a positive impression too?

Explainer video

Does the video remind the visitors of the problems they may be experiencing? The problems the product/service helps to solve?

Does the video mention the benefits of the product or service?

Does the video explain why you’re an authority or expert? 

Does the video explain why the product or service is better than the competition?

Does the video include a specific call to action? 

Call to action button 

Does the CTA button copy explain what will happen or what the visitor will get if they click on it? I.e. ‘Download Free Report’ or ‘Request A Quote

Is the CTA button a bright and contrasting color to the background?  

Is the CTA button prominently positioned and obvious to the visitor? 

Benefits

Does the copy mention specific benefits of the product/service?

Does the copy focus on the benefits more than the features?

Readability

Is the copy formatted to appeal to the ‘scanners and scrollers’? Meaning, has the copy been formatted to include bullet points and sub-headings?

Are the paragraphs no longer than 4 lines deep?  

Are the sentences short and to the point? 

Is the text size too small and difficult to read?

Does the page use too many different font styles, sizes, and text colors?

Forms

Does the form tell me what the visitor gets if they fill it out? I.e. Free ebook, no obligation quote, free report, etc.

Does the form have too many fields to fill out? Shorter forms perform better than long forms. 

Design

Does the page appear to be professionally designed?

Does the page include authentic high-quality images?

Does the page include enough white space between the images, text, and sections? White has been shown to increase readability and conversions.

Target market(s)

Does the copy speak to a specific target market(s)? 

Does the copy address relatable problems of the target market(s)?

Trust elements

Does the page include visual trust elements such as client logos, associations, 

and qualifications?

Does the page include mentions of media publications the product, service or business may have been featured in? I.e. As Featured In: Business Insider.

Testimonials

Does the page include testimonials from satisfied clients, customers, or users?

Do the testimonials mention specific benefits or results?

Do the testimonials include the customer’s photo, full name, location, profession, or location? This will boost their credibility and believability. 

Urgency

Does the copy include credible and believable reasons as to why the visitor should take action now? I.e. limited time offer, limited quantity, etc.

Conclusion

And there you have it! The Copywriting Checklist is your go-to guide for crafting incredibly effective copy. We’ve covered a whopping 32 essential tips that will take your writing from good to great. Whether you’re a seasoned copywriter or just starting out, these techniques are sure to make a significant impact on your work.

Remember, copywriting is all about connecting with your audience in a meaningful way. By employing the right tone and approach, you can create a conversation that resonates with readers and sparks their interest. So, let your friendly and conversational voice shine through as you implement these tips into your writing.

FAQs

What is the checklist of copywriting?

The checklist for copywriting includes defining your target audience and their needs, crafting a compelling headline, clearly communicating the benefits of your product or service, using persuasive language, creating a strong call-to-action, proofreading and editing your copy, and optimizing it for search engines if needed.

What are the 4 C of copywriting?

The 4 C’s of copywriting are clarity, conciseness, compelling, and credibility. These principles guide effective copywriting by ensuring the copy is clear, concise, persuasive, and establishes trust.

What is a copywriting formula?

A copywriting formula is a structured approach to creating a persuasive copy. One popular formula is AIDA, which stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action. It helps you grab the reader’s attention, generate interest, create desire, and prompt action.

What are the 5 levels of copywriting?

The 5 levels of copywriting represent different stages of proficiency and expertise. They include novice, apprentice, journeyman, master, and grandmaster. Novices are beginners learning the basics, while grandmasters are industry leaders with extensive experience and contributions to the field.