The top signs your small business needs an SEO copywriter

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt since 2009, running a business means I wear many hats in one day.

And I don’t mean like cool baseball caps I change into when the mood strikes.

If you’re a small business owner, you’d get this too.

You’re a CEO, a marketer, a customer service rep, the do-er and most likely the coffee fetcher!

Somewhere along the line, you probably thought, ‘Hey, I’ll just write my own copy – how hard can it be?’

Then you set and forget.

But your website sounds like it was written by a sleep-deprived robot, with no blogs to be found. Your emails are ignored like a gym membership reminder. And your social media posts are barely getting pity likes from your mum.

If this sounds familiar, you need a professional copywriter on your team.

But don’t worry.

This handy guide will explain everything, from spotting bad DIY copy to understanding what a copywriter actually does (spoiler: it’s more than writing words).

Let’s dive in.

The top 5 signs your DIY copywriting is hurting your business

Yes, you can write your own copy. You could even cut your hair. But should you? That’s the real question.

Here are my top 5 ways to tell if your copy isn’t working for you:

1. Your website has alright traffic but no to low conversions

If people visit your website, that’s a high-five moment. But if they’re not buying, booking, or signing up for your offer, you’ve missed the mark somewhere.

Mostly, this comes down to unclear messaging. If readers don’t know what you offer them within a few seconds, they’re gone. A copywriter can create a strong, engaging story or message that keeps people on your page long enough to reach your ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Contact Us’ button.

2. Your social media engagement is almost non-existent

If you post regularly, but your engagement is…well, crickets – there’s something not right.

Good copy sparks conversations, and that’s what being social is all about. Your posts should stop the scroll, make people laugh (or think) and take action. If your posts aren’t doing that, it’s time to rethink your approach.

Or do what I do and hire an impressive social media manager like Sam from Sam Says.

3. Your emails are ignored (or worse – unsubscribed from)

Email marketing is one of the best ways to stay in touch with your audience. But if your email open rates are low and your unsubscribes are high, your copy isn’t hitting the mark (or your readers’ emotions).

Excellent email copy feels personal, engaging and valuable – it’s worth reading and feels like it’s been written for ‘me’ only. It builds your relationship with people looking forward to hearing from you and eventually buying from or working with you.

If your emails sound like a late-night infomercial – it’s time for a rewrite.

4. Your brand voice sounds like you’ve got a bad cold (inconsistent or non-existent)

If you sound all professional one day, you’re cracking sad dad jokes the next, and the day after, you’re all caps and exclamation marks, your brand voice is off.

Consistency is the key to all things marketing and branding. A professional copywriter can help you define your tone and write your words to keep your brand voice consistent across all mediums.

 5. You spend hours writing and still hate what’s come out

If writing your own copy takes you hours and you want to bang your head against the keyboard, that’s a major red flag.

Copywriters do this for a living, and we know how to write fast, effectively and in a way that works.

Think of it this way – would you spend hours digging through soil to repair a broken sewage pipe or call a plumber? Sure, you could, but why put up with that sh*t when you could call a professional who’d do it in half the time and does it for a living?

Why hiring a professional SEO copywriter saves you time and makes you more money

Here’s the thing. Hiring a professional SEO copywriter isn’t just about getting fancier words. It’s about getting results. Here’s what a pro can do for your small business:

1. Increase your conversion rate

Good copy isn’t just to look pretty on your webpage, blog, email or socials. It’s designed to persuade, sell and drive action. It takes your readers on a journey from discovery to trust and makes them want to work with or buy from you. The right words make a world of difference.

2. Save you hours of madness

Spending more time trying to write copy than doing what you love is crazy. Having a copywriter on your team means you can handball the writing tasks so you can do other things (like fetch yourself a coffee!). If you don’t love writing, eliminate it from your to-do list.

3. Strengthen your brand voice and messaging

Confusing or inconsistent marketing makes it harder for customers to trust you. Your personal copywriter can help you refine your brand voice and messaging so they are clear, compelling, and always on point with who you are.

4. Make you stand out in the crowd

Honestly, there are probably so many businesses doing what you do – it’s certainly true in my world. Strong, unique copy helps you differentiate yourself and forge your own space in the market.

5. Improve your SEO so people can find you

Copywriting is a delicate balance. We don’t only write human-centric copy but also write for search engines. Using strategic SEO principles, copywriting increases your visibility on Google and social platforms, which means more customers can potentially find your business.

What to look for when hiring an SEO copywriter

Every copywriter is unique – that’s what I like to think. And not everyone would be suitable for your business. Here’s how to choose an SEO copywriter who’s right for your small business:

1. Check their copywriting portfolio

Have they worked with others in your industry, and do they have samples that show how they can adapt their tone to suit different businesses?

2. Read testimonials or reviews

Happy clients are a good sign that the copywriter knows what they’re doing (and are fun and easy to work with!).

3. See if their style matches your brand

I’m a conversational and witty copywriter and love this style. Others are more suited to formal, technical copy. Find a copywriter who can match your style or adapt their voice to suit yours.

4. Ask about their process

A good copywriter should have processes in place, from briefing, research, writing and revisions. If they’re all over the place, that’s a red flag.

DIY copywriting driving you mad?

If writing your SEO copy is making you a little bonkers, isn’t getting results and is taking up too much of your precise time, it’s time to get a professional copywriter on your team.

Great copy sells, engages, and makes life easier. It transforms your brand into something people can connect with, trust, and buy from.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level with words that actually work, you’re reading the right blog!

Want to chat about your small business SEO copywriting needs? Let’s make some magic happen.