Conversion Copywriting - Data-Driven Copy That Converts
Write copy that gets a "yes" using Joanna Wiebe's research-first, Voice of Customer methodology
When to Use This Skill
- Writing landing pages, emails, or sales pages that need measurable conversion results
- Starting a new copy project and need a systematic process to follow
- Struggling with what to write and staring at a blank page
- Wanting to prove ROI to clients with data-backed decisions
- Improving existing copy through validation and testing
- Training yourself or your team on professional copywriting methodology
Methodology Foundation
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Source | Copyhackers, Copy School |
| Expert | Joanna Wiebe - Creator of the term "conversion copywriting," founder of Copyhackers |
| Core Principle | "Conversion copywriting is data-driven copy that gets prospects to say yes. It's a science-based process that determines what to write and how to write it." |
What Claude Does vs What You Decide
| Claude Does | You Decide |
|---|---|
| Structures production workflow | Final creative direction |
| Suggests technical approaches | Equipment and tool choices |
| Creates templates and checklists | Quality standards |
| Identifies best practices | Brand/voice decisions |
| Generates script outlines | Final script approval |
What This Skill Does
This skill transforms copywriting from a guessing game into a systematic, data-driven process. Instead of staring at a blank page and hoping inspiration strikes, you'll:
- Research first - Find your messages in customer language, not your imagination
- Listen more than write - Let Voice of Customer (VOC) data do the heavy lifting
- Validate before launching - Test copy before committing fully
- Measure everything - Know what's working and why
The result: Copy that converts because it says what customers actually want to hear, in the words they already use.
How to Use
Prompt Examples
Guide me through the conversion copywriting process for my [landing page/email/sales page].
Start with research questions I should answer before writing.
Help me extract Voice of Customer data from these customer reviews for my [product].
Identify the strongest messages and organize them into a hierarchy.
I have this VOC data: [paste data]. Turn it into copy for a [page type]
using the Copyhackers methodology.
Create a wireframe outline for my [landing page] that organizes these messages:
[list messages]. Include awareness stage transitions and CTA placement.
Run the 7 Sweeps editing process on this copy: [paste copy].
Start with the Clarity Sweep and work through all seven.
Instructions
The 3-Part Process Overview
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 1. RESEARCH & DISCOVERY │ 2. WRITE, WIREFRAME, EDIT │ 3. VALIDATE & TEST │
│ (Biggest phase) │ (Synthesis phase) │ (Proof phase) │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
No phase is optional. Even if a client says "just write," you still need research.
Part 1: Research & Discovery
"If research is not the biggest part of the work, 99% of the time it means you're doing it wrong."
Goal: Find your messages in customer language—don't invent them.
Research Checklist
Internal Sources:
- Existing website copy audit
- Product pages and feature descriptions
- Sales call transcripts/recordings
- Customer support tickets
- Chat transcripts
- Email sequences currently in use
- Brochures and sales materials
Customer Sources:
- Customer surveys (existing or new)
- Thank-you page polls
- Customer interviews (transcribed)
- Review mining (Amazon, G2, Capterra, Trustpilot)
- Social media comments and discussions
- Forum posts and Reddit threads
- Testimonials and case studies
Competitive Sources:
- Competitor website audits
- Competitor reviews (especially negative ones)
- Industry forums and discussions
Analytics Sources:
- Click tracking data
- Heatmaps and scroll maps
- Conversion funnel analysis
- Exit survey data
How to Mine VOC Data
What to look for:
- Pain language - How do they describe their problem?
- Desire language - What outcome do they want?
- Objection language - What's stopping them?
- Trigger language - What made them start looking?
- Value language - What benefits matter most?
- Emotional language - How do they feel about all of the above?
How to organize:
- Tag each insight by type (pain, desire, objection, etc.)
- Note the source and frequency
- Identify patterns and repeating themes
- Rank by strength/emotion
Part 2: Writing, Wireframing & Editing
The Writing Setup
Joanna's Split-Screen Method:
- Open research/VOC data on LEFT side of screen
- Open writing document on RIGHT side
- Search VOC data for relevant keywords
- Copy-paste actual customer language
- Refine into copy (don't reinvent)
"You don't sit there and just start writing. Split your screen in two and take what people are saying and put it on the page."
The Writing Process
Step 1: Determine Awareness Stage
Where is your reader starting?
| Stage | They Know | Example Headline Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Unaware | Nothing | Lead with the problem/pain |
| Problem-Aware | They have a problem | Agitate the problem |
| Solution-Aware | Solutions exist | Differentiate your solution |
| Product-Aware | Your product exists | Prove you're the best choice |
| Most Aware | Ready to buy | Make the offer irresistible |
Step 2: Map Your Messaging Hierarchy
What messages need to appear, and in what order?
- Primary Message - The one thing they must understand
- Supporting Messages - Evidence that backs up the primary
- Objection Handlers - Address what's holding them back
- Call to Action - The specific next step
Step 3: Select Your Framework
| Framework | Best For |
|---|---|
| PAS (Problem-Agitate-Solve) | Short copy, high problem-awareness |
| AIDA (Attention-Interest-Desire-Action) | Longer sales pages |
| PPPP (Picture-Promise-Prove-Push) | Visual products |
| PASOP (Problem-Agitate-Solution-Outcome-Proof) | Complex solutions |
Step 4: Draft Using VOC
Take raw VOC and transform:
Raw VOC:
"I was so frustrated with spreadsheets. Every month I'd spend 8 hours just reconciling data and I'd still find errors."
Transformed into Copy:
"Tired of losing 8+ hours every month to spreadsheet reconciliation—only to find errors anyway?"
The 7 Sweeps Editing Process
After your first draft, run these sweeps in order:
| Sweep | Focus | Key Question |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Clarity | Is it clear? | Would a 12-year-old understand? |
| 2. Voice | Does it sound right? | Is this how the brand/customer talks? |
| 3. Proof | Is it believable? | Where's the evidence? |
| 4. Specificity | Is it specific? | Can I add numbers, names, details? |
| 5. Stickiness | Is it memorable? | Will they remember this tomorrow? |
| 6. Emotion | Does it make them feel? | Where's the emotional hook? |
| 7. Zero | What can I cut? | Does every word earn its place? |
Clarity is ALWAYS first. Above everything else, copy must be clear.
Wireframing
Create a visual layout showing:
- Where each message block goes
- Image/video placeholders with notes
- CTA placement and copy
- Mobile considerations
Tools: Figma, Balsamiq, Photoshop, or even Google Docs with boxes
Part 3: Validation & Experimentation
"We test to validate and learn."
Goal: Ensure you're putting the best version out before committing.
Validation Methods
| Method | Best For |