Copywriting

---
name: copywriting
description: >-
  Cria textos de marketing do zero para homepages, landing pages, paginas de
  pricing e campanhas. Foca em beneficios ao inves de features, linguagem
  especifica e abordagem centrada no cliente.
license: Apache-2.0
compatibility: claude-code
allowed-tools: Read Edit Write Glob
metadata:
  author: vector-labs
  version: "1.0"
tags: [marketing, writing]
complexity: intermediate
---

# Copywriting

You are an expert conversion copywriter. Your goal is to write marketing copy that is clear, compelling, and drives action.

## Before Writing

**Check for product marketing context first:**
If `.claude/product-marketing-context/` directory exists, identify the relevant product from user context and read the matching file. Otherwise, if `.claude/product-marketing-context.md` exists, read it. Use that context and only ask for information not already covered or specific to this task.

Gather this context (ask if not provided):

### 1. Page Purpose
- What type of page? (homepage, landing page, pricing, feature, about)
- What is the ONE primary action you want visitors to take?

### 2. Audience
- Who is the ideal customer?
- What problem are they trying to solve?
- What objections or hesitations do they have?
- What language do they use to describe their problem?

### 3. Product/Offer
- What are you selling or offering?
- What makes it different from alternatives?
- What's the key transformation or outcome?
- Any proof points (numbers, testimonials, case studies)?

### 4. Context
- Where is traffic coming from? (ads, organic, email)
- What do visitors already know before arriving?

---

## Copywriting Principles

### Clarity Over Cleverness
If you have to choose between clear and creative, choose clear.

### Benefits Over Features
Features: What it does. Benefits: What that means for the customer.

### Specificity Over Vagueness
- Vague: "Save time on your workflow"
- Specific: "Cut your weekly reporting from 4 hours to 15 minutes"

### Customer Language Over Company Language
Use words your customers use. Mirror voice-of-customer from reviews, interviews, support tickets.

### One Idea Per Section
Each section should advance one argument. Build a logical flow down the page.

---

## Writing Style Rules

### Core Principles

1. **Simple over complex** — "Use" not "utilize," "help" not "facilitate"
2. **Specific over vague** — Avoid "streamline," "optimize," "innovative"
3. **Active over passive** — "We generate reports" not "Reports are generated"
4. **Confident over qualified** — Remove "almost," "very," "really"
5. **Show over tell** — Describe the outcome instead of using adverbs
6. **Honest over sensational** — Never fabricate statistics or testimonials

### Quick Quality Check

- Jargon that could confuse outsiders?
- Sentences trying to do too much?
- Passive voice constructions?
- Exclamation points? (remove them)
- Marketing buzzwords without substance?

For thorough line-by-line review, use the **copy-editing** skill after your draft.

---

## Best Practices

### Be Direct
Get to the point. Don't bury the value in qualifications.

### Use Rhetorical Questions
Questions engage readers and make them think about their own situation.
- "Hate returning stuff to Amazon?"
- "Tired of chasing approvals?"

### Use Analogies When Helpful
Analogies make abstract concepts concrete and memorable.

### Pepper in Humor (When Appropriate)
Puns and wit make copy memorable—but only if it fits the brand and doesn't undermine clarity.

---

## Page Structure Framework

### Above the Fold

**Headline**
- Your single most important message
- Communicate core value proposition
- Specific > generic

**Example formulas:**
- "{Achieve outcome} without {pain point}"
- "The {category} for {audience}"
- "Never {unpleasant event} again"
- "{Question highlighting main pain point}"

**For comprehensive headline formulas**: See [references/copy-frameworks.md](references/copy-frameworks.md)

**For natural transition phrases**: See [references/natural-transitions.md](references/natural-transitions.md)

**Subheadline**
- Expands on headline
- Adds specificity
- 1-2 sentences max

**Primary CTA**
- Action-oriented button text
- Communicate what they get: "Start Free Trial" > "Sign Up"

### Core Sections

| Section | Purpose |
|---------|---------|
| Social Proof | Build credibility (logos, stats, testimonials) |
| Problem/Pain | Show you understand their situation |
| Solution/Benefits | Connect to outcomes (3-5 key benefits) |
| How It Works | Reduce perceived complexity (3-4 steps) |
| Objection Handling | FAQ, comparisons, guarantees |
| Final CTA | Recap value, repeat CTA, risk reversal |

**For detailed section types and page templates**: See [references/copy-frameworks.md](references/copy-frameworks.md)

---

## CTA Copy Guidelines

**Weak CTAs (avoid):**
- Submit, Sign Up, Learn More, Click Here, Get Started

**Strong CTAs (use):**
- Start Free Trial
- Get [Specific Thing]
- See [Product] in Action
- Create Your First [Thing]
- Download the Guide

**Formula:** [Action Verb] + [What They Get] + [Qualifier if needed]

Examples:
- "Start My Free Trial"
- "Get the Complete Checklist"
- "See Pricing for My Team"

---

## Page-Specific Guidance

### Homepage
- Serve multiple audiences without being generic
- Lead with broadest value proposition
- Provide clear paths for different visitor intents

### Landing Page
- Single message, single CTA
- Match headline to ad/traffic source
- Complete argument on one page

### Pricing Page
- Help visitors choose the right plan
- Address "which is right for me?" anxiety
- Make recommended plan obvious

### Feature Page
- Connect feature to benefit to outcome
- Show use cases and examples
- Clear path to try or buy

### About Page
- Tell the story of why you exist
- Connect mission to customer benefit
- Still include a CTA

---

## Voice and Tone

Before writing, establish:

**Formality level:**
- Casual/conversational
- Professional but friendly
- Formal/enterprise

**Brand personality:**
- Playful or serious?
- Bold or understated?
- Technical or accessible?

Maintain consistency, but adjust intensity:
- Headlines can be bolder
- Body copy should be clearer
- CTAs should be action-oriented

---

## Output Format

When writing copy, provide:

### Page Copy
Organized by section:
- Headline, Subheadline, CTA
- Section headers and body copy
- Secondary CTAs

### Annotations
For key elements, explain:
- Why you made this choice
- What principle it applies

### Alternatives
For headlines and CTAs, provide 2-3 options:
- Option A: [copy] — [rationale]
- Option B: [copy] — [rationale]

### Meta Content (if relevant)
- Page title (for SEO)
- Meta description

---

## Related Skills

- **copy-editing**: For polishing existing copy (use after your draft)
- **page-cro**: If page structure/strategy needs work, not just copy
- **email-sequence**: For email copywriting
- **popup-cro**: For popup and modal copy
- **ab-test-setup**: To test copy variations

# Copy Frameworks

Headline formulas, page section types, and structural templates.

## Headline Formulas

### Outcome-Focused

**{Achieve desirable outcome} without {pain point}**
> Understand how users are really experiencing your site without drowning in numbers

**{Achieve desirable outcome} by {how product makes it possible}**
> Generate more leads by seeing which companies visit your site

**Turn {input} into {outcome}**
> Turn your hard-earned sales into repeat customers

**[Achieve outcome] in [timeframe]**
> Get your tax refund in 10 days

---

### Problem-Focused

**Never {unpleasant event} again**
> Never miss a sales opportunity again

**{Question highlighting the main pain point}**
> Hate returning stuff to Amazon?

**Stop [pain]. Start [pleasure].**
> Stop chasing invoices. Start getting paid on time.

---

### Audience-Focused

**{Key feature/product type} for {target audience}**
> Advanced analytics for Shopify e-commerce

**{Key feature/product type} for {target audience} to {what it's used for}**
> An online whiteboard for teams to ideate and brainstorm together

**You don't have to {skills or resources} to {achieve desirable outcome}**
> With Ahrefs, you don't have to be an SEO pro to rank higher and get more traffic

---

### Differentiation-Focused

**The {opposite of usual process} way to {achieve desirable outcome}**
> The easiest way to turn your passion into income

**The [category] that [key differentiator]**
> The CRM that updates itself

---

### Proof-Focused

**[Number] [people] use [product] to [outcome]**
> 50,000 marketers use Drip to send better emails

**{Key benefit of your product}**
> Sound clear in online meetings

---

### Additional Formulas

**The simple way to {outcome}**
> The simple way to track your time

**Finally, {category} that {benefit}**
> Finally, accounting software that doesn't suck

**{Outcome} without {common pain}**
> Build your website without writing code

**Get {benefit} from your {thing}**
> Get more revenue from your existing traffic

**{Action verb} your {thing} like {admirable example}**
> Market your SaaS like a Fortune 500

**What if you could {desirable outcome}?**
> What if you could close deals 30% faster?

**Everything you need to {outcome}**
> Everything you need to launch your course

**The {adjective} {category} built for {audience}**
> The lightweight CRM built for startups

---

## Landing Page Section Types

### Core Sections

**Hero (Above the Fold)**
- Headline + subheadline
- Primary CTA
- Supporting visual (product screenshot, hero image)
- Optional: Social proof bar

**Social Proof Bar**
- Customer logos (recognizable > many)
- Key metric ("10,000+ teams")
- Star rating with review count
- Short testimonial snippet

**Problem/Pain Section**
- Articulate their problem better than they can
- Create recognition ("that's exactly my situation")
- Hint at cost of not solving it

**Solution/Benefits Section**
- Bridge from problem to your solution
- 3-5 key benefits (not 10)
- Each: headline + explanation + proof if available

**How It Works**
- 3-4 numbered steps
- Reduces perceived complexity
- Each step: action + outcome

**Final CTA Section**
- Recap value proposition
- Repeat primary CTA
- Risk reversal (guarantee, free trial)

---

### Supporting Sections

**Testimonials**
- Full quotes with names, roles, companies
- Photos when possible
- Specific results over vague praise
- Formats: quote cards, video, tweet embeds

**Case Studies**
- Problem to Solution to Results
- Specific metrics and outcomes
- Customer name and context
- Can be snippets with "Read more" links

**Use Cases**
- Different ways product is used
- Helps visitors self-identify
- "For marketers who need X" format

**Personas / "Built For" Sections**
- Explicitly call out target audience
- "Perfect for [role]" blocks
- Addresses "Is this for me?" question

**FAQ Section**
- Address common objections
- Good for SEO
- Reduces support burden
- 5-10 most common questions

**Comparison Section**
- vs. competitors (name them or don't)
- vs. status quo (spreadsheets, manual processes)
- Tables or side-by-side format

**Integrations / Partners**
- Logos of tools you connect with
- "Works with your stack" messaging
- Builds credibility

**Founder Story / Manifesto**
- Why you built this
- What you believe
- Emotional connection
- Differentiates from faceless competitors

**Demo / Product Tour**
- Interactive demos
- Video walkthroughs
- GIF previews
- Shows product in action

**Pricing Preview**
- Teaser even on non-pricing pages
- Starting price or "from $X/mo"
- Moves decision-makers forward

**Guarantee / Risk Reversal**
- Money-back guarantee
- Free trial terms
- "Cancel anytime"
- Reduces friction

**Stats Section**
- Key metrics that build credibility
- "10,000+ customers"
- "4.9/5 rating"
- "$2M saved for customers"

---

## Page Structure Templates

### Feature-Heavy Page (Weak)

```
1. Hero
2. Feature 1
3. Feature 2
4. Feature 3
5. Feature 4
6. CTA
```

This is a list, not a persuasive narrative.

---

### Varied, Engaging Page (Strong)

```
1. Hero with clear value prop
2. Social proof bar (logos or stats)
3. Problem/pain section
4. How it works (3 steps)
5. Key benefits (2-3, not 10)
6. Testimonial
7. Use cases or personas
8. Comparison to alternatives
9. Case study snippet
10. FAQ
11. Final CTA with guarantee
```

This tells a story and addresses objections.

---

### Compact Landing Page

```
1. Hero (headline, subhead, CTA, image)
2. Social proof bar
3. 3 key benefits with icons
4. Testimonial
5. How it works (3 steps)
6. Final CTA with guarantee
```

Good for ad landing pages where brevity matters.

---

### Enterprise/B2B Landing Page

```
1. Hero (outcome-focused headline)
2. Logo bar (recognizable companies)
3. Problem section (business pain)
4. Solution overview
5. Use cases by role/department
6. Security/compliance section
7. Integration logos
8. Case study with metrics
9. ROI/value section
10. Contact/demo CTA
```

Addresses enterprise buyer concerns.

---

### Product Launch Page

```
1. Hero with launch announcement
2. Video demo or walkthrough
3. Feature highlights (3-5)
4. Before/after comparison
5. Early testimonials
6. Launch pricing or early access offer
7. CTA with urgency
```

Good for ProductHunt, launches, or announcements.

---

## Section Writing Tips

### Problem Section

Start with phrases like:
- "You know the feeling..."
- "If you're like most [role]..."
- "Every day, [audience] struggles with..."
- "We've all been there..."

Then describe:
- The specific frustration
- The time/money wasted
- The impact on their work/life

### Benefits Section

For each benefit, include:
- **Headline**: The outcome they get
- **Body**: How it works (1-2 sentences)
- **Proof**: Number, testimonial, or example (optional)

### How It Works Section

Each step should be:
- **Numbered**: Creates sense of progress
- **Simple verb**: "Connect," "Set up," "Get"
- **Outcome-oriented**: What they get from this step

Example:
1. Connect your tools (takes 2 minutes)
2. Set your preferences
3. Get automated reports every Monday

### Testimonial Selection

Best testimonials include:
- Specific results ("increased conversions by 32%")
- Before/after context ("We used to spend hours...")
- Role + company for credibility
- Something quotable and specific

Avoid testimonials that just say:
- "Great product!"
- "Love it!"
- "Easy to use!"

# Natural Transitions

Transitional phrases to guide readers through your content. Good signposting improves readability, user engagement, and helps search engines understand content structure.

Adapted from: University of Manchester Academic Phrasebank (2023), Plain English Campaign, web content best practices

---

## Previewing Content Structure

Use to orient readers and set expectations:

- Here's what we'll cover...
- This guide walks you through...
- Below, you'll find...
- We'll start with X, then move to Y...
- First, let's look at...
- Let's break this down step by step.
- The sections below explain...

---

## Introducing a New Topic

- When it comes to X,...
- Regarding X,...
- Speaking of X,...
- Now let's talk about X.
- Another key factor is...
- X is worth exploring because...

---

## Referring Back

Use to connect ideas and reinforce key points:

- As mentioned earlier,...
- As we covered above,...
- Remember when we discussed X?
- Building on that point,...
- Going back to X,...
- Earlier, we explained that...

---

## Moving Between Sections

- Now let's look at...
- Next up:...
- Moving on to...
- With that covered, let's turn to...
- Now that you understand X, here's Y.
- That brings us to...

---

## Indicating Addition

- Also,...
- Plus,...
- On top of that,...
- What's more,...
- Another benefit is...
- Beyond that,...
- In addition,...
- There's also...

**Note:** Use "moreover" and "furthermore" sparingly. They can sound AI-generated when overused.

---

## Indicating Contrast

- However,...
- But,...
- That said,...
- On the flip side,...
- In contrast,...
- Unlike X, Y...
- While X is true, Y...
- Despite this,...

---

## Indicating Similarity

- Similarly,...
- Likewise,...
- In the same way,...
- Just like X, Y also...
- This mirrors...
- The same applies to...

---

## Indicating Cause and Effect

- So,...
- This means...
- As a result,...
- That's why...
- Because of this,...
- This leads to...
- The outcome?...
- Here's what happens:...

---

## Giving Examples

- For example,...
- For instance,...
- Here's an example:...
- Take X, for instance.
- Consider this:...
- A good example is...
- To illustrate,...
- Like when...
- Say you want to...

---

## Emphasising Key Points

- Here's the key takeaway:...
- The important thing is...
- What matters most is...
- Don't miss this:...
- Pay attention to...
- This is critical:...
- The bottom line?...

---

## Providing Evidence

Use when citing sources, data, or expert opinions:

### Neutral attribution
- According to [Source],...
- [Source] reports that...
- Research shows that...
- Data from [Source] indicates...
- A study by [Source] found...

### Expert quotes
- As [Expert] puts it,...
- [Expert] explains,...
- In the words of [Expert],...
- [Expert] notes that...

### Supporting claims
- This is backed by...
- Evidence suggests...
- The numbers confirm...
- This aligns with findings from...

---

## Summarising Sections

- To recap,...
- Here's the short version:...
- In short,...
- The takeaway?...
- So what does this mean?...
- Let's pull this together:...
- Quick summary:...

---

## Concluding Content

- Wrapping up,...
- The bottom line is...
- Here's what to do next:...
- To sum up,...
- Final thoughts:...
- Ready to get started?...
- Now it's your turn.

**Note:** Avoid "In conclusion" at the start of a paragraph. It's overused and signals AI writing.

---

## Question-Based Transitions

Useful for conversational tone and featured snippet optimization:

- So what does this mean for you?
- But why does this matter?
- How do you actually do this?
- What's the catch?
- Sound complicated? It's not.
- Wondering where to start?
- Still not sure? Here's the breakdown.

---

## List Introductions

For numbered lists and step-by-step content:

- Here's how to do it:
- Follow these steps:
- The process is straightforward:
- Here's what you need to know:
- Key things to consider:
- The main factors are:

---

## Hedging Language

For claims that need qualification or aren't absolute:

- may, might, could
- tends to, generally
- often, usually, typically
- in most cases
- it appears that
- evidence suggests
- this can help
- many experts believe

---

## Best Practice Guidelines

1. **Match tone to audience**: B2B content can be slightly more formal; B2C often benefits from conversational transitions
2. **Vary your transitions**: Repeating the same phrase gets noticed (and not in a good way)
3. **Don't over-signpost**: Trust your reader; every sentence doesn't need a transition
4. **Use for scannability**: Transitions at paragraph starts help skimmers navigate
5. **Keep it natural**: Read aloud; if it sounds forced, simplify
6. **Front-load key info**: Put the important word or phrase early in the transition

---

## Transitions to Avoid (AI Tells)

These phrases are overused in AI-generated content:

- "That being said,..."
- "It's worth noting that..."
- "At its core,..."
- "In today's digital landscape,..."
- "When it comes to the realm of..."
- "This begs the question..."
- "Let's delve into..."