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By , founder of SearchScore · · 7 min read

Website Messaging and Positioning That Convert

Key Takeaway

Messaging is what your website says; positioning is who it says it to. Sites that name their ideal customer, are clear about price, and read as though they understand one specific person convert better than vague, general ones. Trying to speak to everyone persuades no one.

Messaging is what your website says; positioning is who it says it to. Sites that name their ideal customer, are clear about what they cost, and read as though they understand one specific person convert better than vague, general ones. When a visitor feels "this is for me", they act. When the message tries to fit everyone, it persuades no one.

What is messaging and positioning?

Positioning is the decision about who you are for and what makes you the right choice for them. Messaging is how you express that in words across your site. Get positioning right and the messaging almost writes itself, because you know exactly who you are talking to and what they care about.

Speak to one customer, not everyone

A website that tries to appeal to everybody ends up sounding generic, and generic does not convert. When you write for one specific customer, "growing trades businesses in the South East", say, that person feels understood, and others who fit still recognise themselves. Naming your customer is not narrowing your market, it is making your message land.

Say what it costs, or why you can't

Hiding prices entirely makes cautious buyers assume the worst and leave to compare elsewhere. You do not always need a fixed price list, but you do need to address cost honestly: a starting-from figure, a typical range, or a clear explanation of what drives the price and how to get a quote. Transparency here removes a major reason people drop off.

Be ready for the visitors you bring in

If you run ads, send emails or post links, the page people land on should match the promise that brought them. A visitor who clicks an offer and lands on a generic homepage feels the mismatch and leaves. Make sure the message, and the action, continues from wherever the visitor came from. Where you send paid or campaign traffic, a focused landing page usually converts better than the homepage.

See if your message is costing you customers

Enter your website and get a free Conversion Score in about 60 seconds. It checks whether your site states what you do, who it's for and what it costs, clearly enough to convert. No email, no card.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between messaging and positioning?
Positioning is who you are for and why you are the right choice for them. Messaging is how you put that into words across your website. Positioning is the strategy; messaging is the expression of it.
Should I show prices on my website?
Addressing price openly helps, because hiding it entirely makes cautious buyers assume the worst and leave to compare. You do not always need a fixed price list, but a starting-from figure, a typical range, or a clear explanation of what affects the price removes a common reason people drop off.
How do I write a value proposition?
State the outcome you deliver and who it is for, in plain words. Name the customer, name the result, and avoid slogans. A specific line such as "bookkeeping for UK tradespeople, sorted in a day" works better than a vague aspiration.
What does it mean to "niche down"?
Niching down means writing for one specific kind of customer rather than everyone. It feels like narrowing your market, but it usually increases enquiries, because a clear, specific message lands far harder than a general one.
How do I know if my website's messaging is costing me customers?
Run a free Conversion Score at SearchScore. It checks whether your site clearly states what you do, who it is for and what it costs, and shows you where your messaging is vague or inconsistent.

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