I love (most of) the auditing process.
I love to take people’s words and make them gleam — to make slightly technical things fun and easy to read — to reduce redundancies and increase clarity.
But if someone wants to edit MY work? Yikes. Those are my precious word babies!
It’s scary to hand over your writing to someone else.
But the more you learn about the auditing process, the less scary it’ll be. Promise.
Summary: Learning about how website copywriting feedback and website copy audits work will make it a more comfortable and productive experience. It could even be fun.
Learn to Love the Auditing Process 😘
Ready to get more results from your website copy? Grab that red pen by the cap and tell it who’s boss.
When you’re hiring an website copywriter, strategist, or consultant, you’re still in control: of your words, your message, and the process.
The goal is not to fight for your version. The goal is to make your business more money.
You can do this. And it doesn’t have to be painful.
Here’s how to make it easier on everyone.
Take comfort in working with a professional
No, you wouldn’t ask any stranger to look in your mouth to check on your plaque buildup. You ask a dental hygienist. And even that might be nerve-wracking and weird, especially when you’re seeing someone new. But if they’re nice, the next time isn’t so bad. It might even get to be pleasant.
Like other professionals, website copy consultants won’t judge you as long as you listen to us, are reasonably nice, and pay on time. Seriously. And unlike a dental hygienist, we don’t care if you’ve been stress-eating candy.
Remember: Just because you can write and edit doesn’t mean you have to. Or should.
A lot of people feel like they should be able to do all their copywriting and editing themselves. You took English in high school, after all.
Well, I took economics in high school, but I’m not doing my own taxes. We all have our talents and choose our training accordingly. (Then, if we hate taxes, we stay faaaaar far away from them.)=
And as an adult, I’ve taken 100+ hours of copywriting training, focusing on website copy. There is a lot to know.
Realize the auditing process might be hard the first time
Look: Sending your work off to get “messed with” by someone else can be a bit of an ego-crusher. Not to turn this into a therapy session, but just think through the feelings you might have, and prepare for them.
I might feel: defensive, hurt, annoyed.
What about you?
When I name these feelings, I can recognize them better when they pop up. “Oh, snap, I’m feeling pretty defensive about this suggestion. I wonder why?” is going to serve your business goals a lot better than, “What the hell does this chick know about it???!”
Work with someone who lifts you up
Can I tell you a secret? I’ve written for plenty of publications, online in and print.
Some of the editors just took my work and mangled it without asking. Some just barely communicated at all — the work equivalent of a grunting teenager. One made me cry regularly.
A few went out of their way to thank me for good work, and to discuss any needed changes in a friendly, straightforward way. Some are just downright enthusiastic.
Guess which ones I worked with the longest, and still support today?
Life is short. Hire someone who is a joy to work with.
Good editors and auditors will improve your business prospects. They might even improve your future writing, and make you feel better along the way.
That’s the goal.
Together.
Ready to Optimize Your Website Copy?
Get a taste with a mini audit. It’s like a little copywriting snack. You need that pick-me-up. Grab your juice box, and let’s go.