3rd principle of badass B2B web copy: Perspective

Newsflash: your website is not about you. Even the “about us” page. In fact, especially that page. Here’s why…

Have you ever met a party bore, who talks about nothing but themselves? Who only asks you what you think about something as a pretext to tell you what they think? (If not, I hate to break it to you, but it’s probably you.)

But that’s exactly what most B2B websites are like. “Enough about me, let’s talk about you: what do you think of me?”

You arrive, and straight away you’re greeted with a bland factual statement about what they do. Or when they were founded. Or (heaven help us) what their mission is.

When actually, all you really want to know is “can you help me?”

The most important person on any web page is the reader – what they want, why they’re there, what they want to know. How do you satisfy them, help them, maybe even prompt a conversation.

Sounds obvious, right? (After all, until someone points a web browser at your page, it doesn’t even exist), but still most B2B web copy seems to be written for the sole satisfaction of the company behind the site. People seem to think “we ought to have something about that…” whether or not anyone really cares.

Any copy, content, message or information on your website is only relevant if it materially affects or interests the reader.

If it’s not adding any value for your website visitor – if it makes no difference to them – it’s not helping your page achieve its objective. So cut it.

Because your website is about them, not about you.

Write badass B2B web copy. Here’s how.

No gates, no forms, no “give us your email”. Just download our free eBook.

(We take no responsibility for your suddenly enhanced awesomeness.)


David

David served as our Creative Director for almost eight years, before establishing a standalone practice focusing on B2B creativity and copywriting training and guidance. We continue to work closely together, with David supporting our clients as an associate as and when needed.

More posts you might like…

2nd principle of badass B2B web copy: Focus

Every page on the internet succeeds or fails on its own merits. So when you’re copywriting, treat each page as if it’s the only one in the world.

RIP: the B2B infographic (2012-2016)

2016 will be remembered for a slew of celebrity deaths – and our research shows content marketing had a high-profile casualty of its own…

Create B2B tech marketing content that really works

Get regular advice and insights from our team of specialist B2B tech writers and account managers, direct to your inbox.