Your Startup’s Website Needs THIS to Win Online

You’ve got a game-changing product, a bunch of passionate and zealous folks on your team, and a grand vision for the future. But hold on, there’s a pivotal piece of the puzzle that you might be letting slip through the cracks.

It’s your brand messaging strategy.

(Especially when it comes to how it materializes on your website.)

Whether you’re raising capital, competing for attention, or expanding — your website isn’t just another page on the internet. It’s your 24/7 virtual HQ, the face of your business, your handshake — and guess what? It thrives on one thing, and one thing alone – potent brand messaging.

The Critical Role of Clear Brand Messaging for Startups

1. Immediate Impact

In the age of information overload, your website has a literal split second to seize someone’s attention. Clear messaging is your one-shot ticket to making them instantly get what you’re all about.

2. Trust Engine

Trust isn’t handed out like candy online. With laser-focused, hit-the-nail-on-the-head brand messaging, you can radiate differentiation, professionalism and sincerity — all must-haves for startups gunning for trust.

3. Stand Out

Let’s cut to the chase here — the startup marketplace is crowded – with 50 million (YES, 50 MILLION!) launching each year. What keeps you from getting lost in the shuffle? Crisp messaging that spotlights your one-of-a-kind value.

Get Inspired by Real Startup Messaging Superstars

Check out these real-life startups who’ve aced their brand messaging in their taglines:

Slack: “Where Work Happens”

Slack, the collaboration powerhouse, squeezes the essence of their service into just four words. It’s punchy, clear, and instantly dishes out what they’re all about. That’s succinct brand messaging with a punch!

Airbnb: “Belong Anywhere”

Airbnb’s messaging taps into our universal need for adventure and belonging. It shouts that they’re not just about beds; they’re about experiences too.

Stripe: “Internet Economy”

Stripe, the payments giant, breaks down complex concepts. Their tagline crowns them as the enablers of the whole internet economy. Bold and crisp messaging.

Crafting Turbo-Charged Brand Messaging for Your Startup

Now, it’s your turn to master the art of making your startup’s messaging stand out and convert.

1. Define Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Pinpoint what sets you apart from the crowd. What problem are you cracking, and why are you the best solution? Your USP is the nucleus of your messaging. Be able to define it in a sentence or two — max. This should be the elevator pitch your regurgitate over and over and over again.

2. Know Your People

Knowing your audience inside out is the pro tip that most people like to skip. Talk their talk, solve their pain points, and flaunt how your solution can MAKE A HUGE IMPACT in their lives. To do this well, invest in research — focus groups, customer surveys, etc. The more data, the better.

3. Keep It Snappy

Short and snappy is the name of the game. If you can’t explain your startup’s mojo in a couple of lines, it’s time for some message trimming. See #1 above.

4. Tell Tales

People remember stories, not stats. Weave together a brand narrative that unravels your startup’s mission, vision, values and USP. In the copywriting world, we like to remind people that BENEFITS beat FEATURES every time. What do we mean? Clearly communicate the BENEFIT of your startup (your product or service) to your ideal client or customer. YES — sharing the details of the FEATURES (AKA what you do) is important — but when push comes to shove — people care wayyyyyy more about how what you do impacts their life.

5. March in Formation

Your messaging should sing the same song everywhere – on your website, on social media, in your promos, and even in water cooler chats. Consistency builds the trust bridge that you can’t afford to skimp on. It should be like a Blonde Roast at Starbucks — tasting the exact same no matter where you order it.

Ready to Get Serious About Your Startup’s Messaging?

Don’t let foggy messaging be the roadblock that sends potential customers to the door. Take cues from the superstar startups, unearth your unique flair, and mold a message that’ll have your audience nodding in unison.

Ready to kick your messaging into overdrive? Contact the Carter House Copy team today, and let us fire up your startup with messaging that connects and converts.