Do I Need to Write the Text for My Website Before I Approach a Designer?

Thinking about building a website but not sure if you need to have your text written first? This is a question we often get and luckily there is a definitive answer. The content comes before the design. Why? Because having your copy ready is the secret to creating a site that truly works. Let’s dive into why your words should lead the way before the design magic begins.

Why Content Comes First

The text, or “copy,” is the heart of any website. It tells your story, explains your products or services, and guides visitors through your site. When a web designer starts working on your site, they need a clear understanding of not only the subject matter for each page but also how much content each section requires. This allows them to structure the site in a way that feels balanced, cohesive, and visually appealing.

Think of your website like a house. The text is the foundation, and the design is the architecture. Without a solid foundation, it’s hard for the designer to build a structure that stands tall and functions effectively.

How Designers Use Your Content

A designer’s job isn’t just about making things look pretty; it’s about balancing imagery, animations, and other visual elements with the content you provide. When designers know what your text says—and how much of it there is—they can create layouts that are engaging and informative. For example, if your homepage has three key points to convey – three key ideas that you want them to take away from a visit to your site – the designer will create space for those points to shine. Without that information up front, the design can feel incomplete or require major revisions later on.

Avoid Costly Redesigns

By delivering your content early, you’ll save time and money. Designers who receive incomplete or last-minute copy often have to go back and adjust layouts, which can delay the project and increase costs. If you have the text written ahead of time, the designer can structure the site once, leading to a more streamlined process.

Collaborate with Your Designer

Even though you should have your text ready before approaching a designer, it doesn’t mean you can’t tweak things along the way. Often, designers will have suggestions to make your content work better within their design framework. This type of collaboration is what brings a website to life, blending strong copy with effective design.

Take the First Step First

While it may be tempting to start the design process before writing your website content, doing so can lead to a disjointed and inefficient experience. Having your text prepared in advance ensures that your web designer can create a site that is not only visually stunning but also communicates your message clearly and effectively.

So, before you start dreaming up your perfect website design, take the time to craft your content—your designer will thank you, and your visitors will too.

Get in touch today to discuss your new website project with us.