What Comes First: Web Design or Web Copy?

A client recently asked whether I preferred to have design work done before or after I’ve written the web copy.

You perhaps won’t be surprised to learn that I prefer to write first, and then have the designer work with what I’ve produced—even if it means adjusting the copy a little once the design is complete.

Also not surprisingly, I often end up writing the web copy after the design is finished, in spite of my preferences. Although this approach does limit my creativity to some degree, I can’t object to it. A good design is every bit as important as good copy, and a good web copywriter can write compelling copy for any web design.

Which brings me to a recent client project. Initially, my client, a Vancouver hair salon, wanted to completely redo their website, including design and copy. As the project progressed, however, they decided to keep the existing design and simply redo the copy.

As the design was very restrictive, it was a challenge to convey the main benefits and keywords in such a short space. While the end result wasn’t perfect, it was a HUGE step up from the existing web copy.

Which leads to a copywriting truism: If you want to be a successful web copywriter, you have to be flexible.

I often work with web designers and marketing agencies to develop web copy for client projects. To talk about working together, give me a call or pop me an email.