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Business

Ashley Shay
Ashley Shay
8,664 Points

Web Design AND Copywriting?

I'm considering offering copywriting services as well as web design to future clients ... has anyone does this before? Would you do the copywriting before you start any design work or try to fit it in the middle of your process?

I know as a web designer that getting copy from your clients can be one of the most difficult tasks... is that made easier or worse by offering to help write that copy for them?

I plan to offer it because I actually enjoy writing in all its forms as well as the design/development process... but I feel like I need some advice on how I could go about that without creating a nightmare for myself. Any ideas or insights would be greatly appreciated!

something like this for a base may help git

4 Answers

I always offered the content since it is nearly impossible to get it (or quality content at that) from clients, but this made my copy writing service look like an included feature of my basic website design proposal. I suggest outlining a basic web design project and then listing out additional features. Highly suggest project-based fees instead of hourly rate. You could even make an online form on your website that lets users click the package and add-ons they want.

Dan Gorgone
STAFF
Dan Gorgone
Treehouse Guest Teacher

Hi Ashley Shay, you're right that copywriting certainly is one of those tasks that always seems to fall on designers because many clients don't realize how important it is. It's vital for the success of SEO efforts, which in turn helps get the site found on search engines. And if that happens, the site could be seen as a greater success - and perhaps that would lead to more business, recommendations, and positive word of mouth for you from your client.

But you need to decide how much it's worth to you. Consider adding content creation as an added service to the list of tasks you'll be responsible for. If your client balks at the add-on price, you can explain why creating content needs to be done with case, SEO, and so on. But if you enjoy it or want to improve upon your copywriting, it can be a good opportunity to learn about the client, their products and services, the industry, and more. But just be clear where your efforts will end. (If you set up a blog for the client, for example, you won't be posting great articles for them every week unless you get paid to do so.)

Ashley Shay
Ashley Shay
8,664 Points

Thanks for the feedback! Definitely good points to keep in mind.

If they did pay for it as an additional service, would you recommend I tackle the content first, somewhere in the middle as the design lends itself, or once the design is mostly complete and approved?

Ashley Shay
Ashley Shay
8,664 Points

Oops. I meant to comment instead of answer. Is there a way to delete your own posts? :(

Nathan F.
Nathan F.
30,773 Points

Ashley, I know this post is a bit old, and also that the internet is full of opinions, but... It would seem as if the leading opinion on the web is that design devoid of content is empty decoration: https://twitter.com/zeldman/statuses/804159148

http://uxmyths.com/post/718187422/myth-you-dont-need-the-content-to-design-a-website