Should You Hire a Copywriter to Work on Your Website?

Thinking about updating your website?

I’ve worked with a lot of clients who are launching a new business. I help them create their brand messaging and write the copy for their website. But that is not the only time you might be considering giving your website an update. Depending on what stage your business is in, I often see there are a few times entrepreneurs get stuck with their messaging. In those moments it might be beneficial to work with a pro to help craft your website’s words.

If you're starting from scratch...

This is the most obvious and the example I gave above. In this instance, a copywriter would be a great support in helping you write your brand messaging, which are the foundation statements you should us across all marketing channels.

You've been in business for a bit but need a refresh...

A copywriter can revisit your old copy and messaging, give it a glow-up, and write new, fresh headlines. This might look go along with a full website refresh or simply update the copy within your existing framework to make it more impactful and relevant to where the business is today.

When you've written quite a bit of content, but now you're feeling stuck (or unmotivated)...

I see this one a lot! A business owner has written a lot, often from the heart, but isn’t sure how to translate it into website-type marketing copy. A copywriter can help edit and refine! And also, make sure you're set up with catchy, action-oriented headlines for your website and that everything is SEO friendly.

Or maybe you’re still thinking of writing your own.

Regardless of if you decide to hire a pro or still DIY if you are going to be updating your website copy, these are the things I find to be the most common myths. about website copy:

1. Design needs to happen first. 👩🏻‍💻
   Design and content actually go hand in hand. For my client’s website projects, I’ll work with the web designer from the get-go as they build wireframes ~ collaborating on where content and copy will go.

2. I can just use my brand messaging.
   Brand messaging is not the same as web copy. 🙅🏻‍♀️ It is the foundation for your marketing messages, yes. But it’s not meant to be copied/pasted on the website. Rather, website copy is written to be more action-oriented and information-driven. A copywriter will take your brand messaging and use it to guide the tone and style of your web copy.

3. The homepage is what’s most important.
   Ok, this one is a half-myth. (Your homepage is definitely important.) But don’t forget about the other pages that will take a spotlight. 🔦 We hear so much about “the importance of homepage”, but what other pages will get good use and attention? I personally love a robust About page with the founder’s story. Could a rich ‘Events’ or ‘Community’ page speak to what you’re all about? Or, if you’re a product-based business, maybe your shopping page should be full of useful content.

I know many of you are starting to think about what you want to do next year. Maybe updating your website is on the list? Let me know if this is something you’ve been thinking about!