7 Things You Must Have on Your Website to Attract Paying Clients For Your Writing Business

The Magic Seven

I created my first website in 2008; it was called Intriguecopywriting.com. It had this horrible eye logo with silver metallic text; I honestly thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. I created an About Me page, a contact us, and a services page.

I felt like the biggest boss in Welling, Kent (where I lived in the UK at the time). My life consisted of 3 am work sessions, black coffee, and buzzing computer monitors; it was an excellent time to be alive; working from home was a strange obscure thing that only soccer moms did, Avon, Bettaware, and Amway were the most famous work from home done for you business systems at the time.

My work from home goal was to make $10,000 per month writing simple articles for global clients. By December 2009, I was making $15,000 per month.

When I look back, I had no idea how to format my website, I had no clue how certain key elements aligned to create a super, high-conversion sales site, but whatever the case, I was making sales, and the money was rolling in.

This morning, I woke up at 4 am to prepare for my first prayer of the day, Fajr prayer (Islamic morning prayer). Something hit me; I write many articles about self-improvement, health, and personal life stories; however, I have never written an article about the essential elements that you must have on your website if your goal is to attract paying clients.

Anyway, here I am writing at 5 am, and I present to you:

Seven Things You Must Have on Your Website if You Want to Attract Paying Clients For Your Writing Business

1. A Goal-Oriented Home Page

A home page is essential; I am sure everybody knows that. However, there is a difference between a basic home page and a laser targeted or goal-oriented home page. They are two completely different things. A targeted home page should include the following:

-Your niche/industry (if your work is multi-niche or multi-industry, then make it clear)

-What kind of written content you create

-Information about you

When someone clicks through to your website, these should be so glaringly clear that they should never have to ask you a single question about what you do; it’s just there laid out for all to see — stripped bare.

You can put it like this, for example:

“I’m Abena D, and I am a personal development and health writer. I specialize in creating clear, concise content to boost your online presence as an individual or corporation.”

You can convey this message in written form, using video or whatever medium you prefer. Just put it out there.

2. Story

Your story is an important message, your background, your showreel, your everything. It shouldn’t be written like a boring resume. It should be written like an epic rundown of you. It is connective, vulnerable, and goosebump-inducing. For example, when I was homeless, I started my writing business, living in an Internet cafe’s back office. My first client was an Australian Amazon bookseller. I made enough money to rent a place within the first couple of weeks of launching my online writing business. I tell my authentic story, no holes barred, my potential clients like it.

Go ahead, be yourself, speak your truth, and don’t hold back.

3. Introduction Letter

If your website is a fragmented sales letter, your homepage is the first line of that letter. The lead is your introduction letter.

Your potential clients should see:

-Details about the services you offer

-Answers to frequent questions

-Proof of your competence as a writer

-A prominent call to action

-Testimonials

4. Testimonials and Experience

One of the significant issues most new writers face is not having testimonials of past clients. You don’t necessarily need testimonials; write about your experience; they don’t all have to be related to writing either. On my first website, I mentioned a past story about organizing a two-hour production in high school in two days.

My teachers turned to me because I had the loudest mouth and the most superior leadership skills.

I pulled it off and earned a front-page spot in the local newspaper; what a beautiful moment. I get goosebumps when I think about it now. This story illustrates my ability to make it happen, my ability to get it done, my competence and determination to achieve a goal despite all the odds stacked against me. A dramatic story, I know, but ahhhh well! Honesty is the best policy; clients like it.

If you have glowing testimonials, show them; if not, fill up that space with your experience and allow potential clients to connect with you.

5. Your System and Contact Details

Your system of operation should be made clear on your website. Potential clients need to know and understand how you operate. For example, I prompt new clients to send an initial email; we then get back to them within 24 hours with a short questionnaire about their needs. Followed by a quick follow up call. We make it clear, they understand the procedure.

6. Lead Magnet

A lead magnet is a clear and straightforward method that allows your potential clients to experience your offering without paying you. An ebook, a free content calendar, something valuable that will make them remember you.

7. Samples

Finally, it would help if you had samples of work on your site. This is a no brainer! If you don’t have examples, what the actual hell are you doing?

I hope you got some value out of this article; share it with your best friend, a new friend, your sister, your mama, your papa, your brother, the mom of five that lives across the street. Read it, get something out of it, spread the love.

Drop me a line if you want to have a chat right here>>>> Say hi.