Ever read your own website or brochure with fresh eyes and think, “Wait…what??”
As your business evolves, your messaging can easily fall out of sync, and something that made sense a year ago is currently missing the mark. Maybe you’ve grown, shifted your services, or found a new niche—but your copy is still clinging to old taglines and that “fun but professional” vibe you’ve since outgrown. (No shame—growth is messy.)
The good news? You don’t need a full rebrand to clean things up. A simple messaging audit can help you get back to the core of your business, communicate more clearly, and show up with the kind of energy your audience can actually feel.
Step 1: Revisit Your ‘Why’
Start with the big picture.
- Why does your business exist (beyond making money)?
- Who do you serve, and what do you want them to feel when they interact with your brand?
- Are you still in love with your mission, or does it need a refresh?
Your “why” should be the thread that ties your messaging together. If it’s outdated or missing altogether, everything else will feel a little off.
Step 2: Check for Mixed Signals
Look at your website, social bios, email signature, and even your most recent Instagram captions.
- Are you using consistent language and tone?
- Do you sound like you everywhere?
- Or are there some places where your voice feels watered down, forced, or like a “template”?
Inconsistent messaging confuses people. And confused people don’t convert.
Step 3: Say It Like a Human
People want real. They want clear. They want to know what you do and why it matters—fast.
A few tests:
- Would your BFF understand your homepage headline?
- Could someone figure out what you offer in under 10 seconds?
- Are you speaking with your audience, not at them?
If it sounds like a corporate memo or a buzzword salad, it’s time to simplify.
Step 4: Audit Your CTAs (Calls to Action)
Your CTAs are your bread and butter. Are they actually working?
- Are you giving people something to do after reading your content?
- Are your offers clear and appealing?
- Do your buttons say “Learn More”... or could they be sharper and more specific?
A great CTA doesn’t have to be pushy—it just has to be obvious.
Step 5: Make a Keep/Tweak/Retire List
Go through your core messaging—think homepage copy, about page, your elevator pitch, and your main social bios—and categorize what’s working and what’s not.
- Keep: Anything that still feels strong, aligned, and easy to understand.
- Tweak: Things that are close but need updated language or better positioning.
- Retire: Messaging that no longer reflects your brand or business goals.